The so-called “Five Factors” (which in technical language in Chinese are known as the “Ten Gods” shishen 十神) are the direct consequence of applying the principles of Generation and Control to the relationship between the Chinese “elements.”

For example, if we consider the Wood element as defining the basic energy of a person (because it is the Day Master of the Bazi birth chart), Wood then represents, for that same Day Master, the COMPANION factor, that is, all people in the same condition, including siblings, friends, colleagues, etc. In other words, when the Companion factor is present in the birth chart, it means that the person is not isolated and can be assisted and helped.

As for Fire, it is the element generated by the Wood Personal Element. Traditional Chinese literature calls it the “child element,” since Wood generates Fire, that is, this latter element “is born” from Wood. Fire represents the OUTPUT factor of Wood. It externalizes what the person has within themselves, that is, their talents, etc.

Earth is the element that Wood controls. It represents everything that the Wood Personal Element wants to control and conquer, their specific objectives, including financial ones, and all the efforts and focus that entails. This factor is generally known as WEALTH, although it does not necessarily imply financial gains.

The Wood Personal Element, in turn, is conquered by Metal. In this case, Metal corresponds to the element that controls (or tries to control) Wood. This relationship between the elements is somewhat ambiguous, as it can mean both an attitude or strategy of “submission” and, at the same time, a process of empowerment resulting from a special ability to deal with hierarchies and powers. This is the POWER factor.

Finally, the Wood Day Master is generated by Water, which is its mother element, meaning support and protection and corresponding to the RESOURCE factor.