Wu Earth

Wu (戊) is the fifth heavenly stem. And thus, can sometimes take on the meaning of center.

In ancient times, it is a word that is used in reference to an axe or lance.

The element of Wu is yang earth (陽土), or what many people call big earth.

This is naturally represent by mountains, big boulders, huge rocks and stones.

They can be an immovable object, and a provider of refuge and protection to others.

While heavenly stems of other elements are associated with one of the 4 celestial creatures, the earth characters of Wu and Ji have no affinity with them.

This is not surprising as earth are neutral elements.

However, Taoists link it to the Yellow Phoenix.

Wu is present in all seasons. Specifically, the third month of each season. The term that describes these periods during the year is si ji (四季).

This indicates the Wu Earth is an all-season character. It’s strongest points are during certain periods during April and October.

Wu can also refer to the hours of 0700 hours to 0900 hours, and 1900 hours to 2100 hours.

Interestingly, it does not take up a place on the 24 mountains. This serves as further indication of it’s neutrality.

Because Wu is the fifth stem and known as a neutral character, many people don’t think that it is represented by any of the 8 trigrams. But like any other character it is most associated to one. And for Wu Earth, it’s the Ken trigram.

With regards to body parts, it is linked to the ribs, face and stomach area.

In Chinese numerology, it takes on the number 5.

Wu earth (H5) can be found as a hidden stem in the branches Yin (E3), Chen (E5), Si (E6), Shen (E9) and Xu (E11). It has a combination relationship with Gui (H10) to produce fire, and clashes with Ren (H9) and Jia (H1).

Wu earth self-element

People with Wu as self-element (day master) are single-minded, solid, stable, dependable, and often stubborn.

They can also be exceptionally loyal and trustworthy. Someone you can count on to not let you down and keep your secrets safe.

They are most likely the type of people who can appear to be unfazed by problems and challenges that is thrown at them.

Exuding calmness is just part and parcel of what they do. Silently confident of their own abilities and self-worth.

However, whether or not they succeed at handling crisis is another matter altogether. At least on the surface, they would appear like they know exactly what to do and being fearless in the face of adversity.

A responsible nature makes them the sort of people who other can rely on for their words and promises. If someone with a Wu day master gives you his word on something, you can be assured that he would make it happen or die trying. People respect them for their resourcefulness and empathy.

While single-mindedness is a hallmark of great men and high achievers, it can also lead to a stubbornness to change their minds or decisions even when all evidence that proves the contrary have been presented to them. Don’t depend too much on wu earth personalities to make quick decisions on their feet.

This is the main drawback of Wu personalities.

Having this trait of being immovable like a mountain, an immovable object also means that they can be resistant to change. So much so that an irresistible force might not be so irresistible after all when it runs in a Wu earth day master. Tolerance and perseverance is the name of the game.

Yet more often than not, those with Wu earth self-element might need to allow themselves to be moved in order to reach their full potential or to break through that personal growth threshold.

Comfort zones and procrastination will be a common theme in life if they don’t learn how to manage these natural habits.

For example, Wu personalities in the office can often be one of those who others avoid offending no matter their level of authority. Yet in group meetings, they can often avoid revealing their most intricate thoughts. Only preferring to provide their most valuable inputs to an inner circle.

Don’t get me wrong.

They get to the point in open meetings, but only elaborate in closed ones.

The relation of the elements to Wu Earth is as follows:

• Wood – Status
• Fire – Resources
• Earth – People
• Metal – Intelligence
• Water – Wealth

We can look further into them by identifying the 10 gods.

10 Gods

More about the 10 gods is discussed here.

Wu earth in relation to other self-element heavenly stems