The Five arise from the Four Directions plus the Center. In creation, the Five spawn from the Three to give rise to all physical reality. The Five correspond to the Five Elements of creation: Aether, Fire, Wind, Water, and Earth. These are fundamental to virtually every discipline of martial, healing, and energy arts. Therefore, it is important that we gain a functional understanding of them.
The Five Elements (Wu Xing) are an oft misunderstood science. It's not at all uncommon to do a Google search of the Five Elements and come up with multiple different listings of elements and directional placements. This is due in large part to the fact that many of the modern understandings come from the "New Age" movement which is largely a collection of arbitrary opinions loosely based on ancient practices. When working with any true practices, however, we must keep in mind that these are sciences with laws just like anything else we might be familiar with. When we look at the most ancient pure and unbroken traditions we have available, we see that there is a harmony in the Elements and their corresponding directions.
Let us take a brief look at the Five Elements:
First, there is Aether (called Wood in the Chinese tradition.) It is the energy of the East. Aether is the expansive force of the universe. It is inhalation, growth, and creates strong boundaries. Aether is the least dense element, and is the source of manifestation. Aether is associated with lightning and the electro-magnetic force.
Second, there is Fire. It is the energy of the South. Fire is the rising energy. Fire purifies and refines, just as a wildfire clears the old forest so that new life can arise healthier and stronger than before. Fire is active and assertive.
Third, there is Wind (called Metal in the Chinese tradition.) It is the energy of the West. Wind is the energy of contraction, balancing the expansion of the East. As East fills the body with breath, West expels the breath and spreads wisdom abroad.
Fourth, there is Water. It is the energy of the North. Water is the descending energy. It balances the rising Fire of the South. Water is receptive, flowing, and nourishing. It is deep emotion and the meditative mind.
Fifth, there is Earth. It is the energy of the Center. Earth is the most dense element, as it contains all others. Being placed at Center, it is at the crossroads of the Four Directions. Earth is steadfast and immovable.
The Five Elements and their interrelation is a vast and profound science. Each Element counters or complements each other Element in various ways depending on the usage. Together, they are the building blocks of the physical world.
Beyond the Five Elements, the Five serve as the Directions which are used in martial practice. The Five Directions should be practiced in order to gain a knowledge of proper movement in battle. Using the Elements and Directions, the practitioner becomes more aware and capable of choosing the right methods for any situation.
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