The Five Elements which are an essential component of Acupuncture, Traditional Asian Medicine and many martial arts are also a foundation of Four Pillars dynamics. A lot can be learned about the energy trends of the year by studying the elements in the Year Pillar and how they combine.

This year we are dealing with Yang Water sitting over Yang Earth. These two are viewed as conflicting elements. The combining of these two does not yield as dramatic a scenario as the combining of Metal and Wood of last year. Metal and wood represents armed conflict. We saw this happen in Africa and the middle east.

Yang Water is also referred to as Ocean or big Water. The movement takes form as Yang Water is expanding to its full potential, or Ocean, and Yang Earth attempts to contain Yang water. If you can imagine the repetitive movement of squeezing in as Earth succeeds at containing and expansion out as Water regains its advantage you can get a better sense of the tactile aspect of the energy of the year as a pumping motion.

Energy is energy and it can be applied for productive or destructive uses. For example the destructive aspects of Water element can be characterized as flooding, ocean storms or tsunamis; and it is possible that we may see such occurrences. In its positive form Yang Water represents social reform and we can expect such activity as well.

The destructive aspects of Earth such as mudslides and earthquakes are also possible. Dragon years are notorious for their high frequency of Earthquakes. So this is also a possibility. The most beneficial aspect of Earth is in its power for transformation. This will promote healing and transformation where ever it is needed; whether globally or in our personal lives.

It is important to note, however, that we may not be able to control global forces or forces of nature but that the influence of these elements can be managed in our own lives. As an example: If Yang water is a beneficial element for you, as determined by your Four Pillars natal chart, you can reduce the influence of Earth by using Metal and you can maximize the beneficial influence of Water. Conversely if Water is detrimental than it can be reduced using Wood or more Earth. The same can be done with the Earth element appearing in the year pillar. Augment Earth with Fire element or reduce it using Metal or Wood element.

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