As we have emphasized in another entries, the cycle of the five phases (wuxing 五行), or five Chinese “elements,” is a continuous process, with no beginning or end. However, for practical communication purposes, Wood is usually presented first, giving way to Fire, which in turn generates Earth, from which Metal is born, which generates Water, which in turn generates Wood, continuing the cycle of the “five phases.”

To understand the functioning of Bazi, it is important to have this cycle memorized. And for this purpose, many use the following mnemonic: Wood burns to provoke Fire, which in turn generates Earth (the ashes), from which Metal is born (minerals and precious stones are found in the earth), which in turn, when melted, takes on a liquid form (Water), and finally, without the nourishment of Water, the vegetal world (Wood) would not be possible.

An “element” becomes “stronger” when in contact with the generating element or its own element. This fact is important for evaluating the degree of balance or imbalance of a Bazi chart.