Chinese Zodiac Element Year Cycle Viewer
Displays the 10-year Heavenly Stems cycle to show how each consecutive year's element changes, helping users understand upcoming element tendencies for planning.
Enter a start and end year to view the element cycle
What is the Heavenly Stems Element Cycle?
The Heavenly Stems Element Cycle is a fundamental concept in Chinese astrology that shows how the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) cycle through consecutive years in a 10-year pattern.
This cycle is part of the larger 60-year Sexagenary Cycle (GanZhi), which combines 10 Heavenly Stems with 12 Earthly Branches. The 10 Heavenly Stems represent the Five Elements in both Yin and Yang forms, creating a repeating 10-year elemental pattern.
The 10-Year Cycle
The Heavenly Stems cycle repeats every 10 years. Each year is associated with one of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) in either Yin or Yang form. This creates a predictable pattern that helps in understanding yearly energies.
Five Elements
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element has unique characteristics and influences. Understanding which element governs each year helps in planning and understanding yearly tendencies.
Fun Fact
The Heavenly Stems Element Cycle has been used in Chinese culture for thousands of years for planning agricultural activities, major life decisions, and understanding natural rhythms. It's still widely used today in traditional Chinese medicine, feng shui, and personal planning.
Understanding the Five Elements
Each of the Five Elements represents different qualities and energies. Here's what each element brings:
Wood (ζ¨)
Growth, expansion, creativity, and flexibility. Wood years encourage new beginnings, personal development, and reaching toward goals. Think of planting seeds and watching them grow.
Fire (η«)
Energy, passion, enthusiasm, and transformation. Fire years bring action, inspiration, and change. These are years to pursue passions, take bold actions, and shine brightly.
Earth (ε)
Stability, grounding, practicality, and nurturing. Earth years favor building foundations, completing projects, and focusing on stability. Time to consolidate and strengthen what you have.
Metal (ι)
Precision, discipline, structure, and refinement. Metal years encourage organization, cutting away what doesn't serve, and focusing on quality over quantity. Time for refinement and precision.
Water (ζ°΄)
Wisdom, flow, adaptability, and depth. Water years bring introspection, emotional depth, and the ability to adapt. Time for reflection, learning, and going with the flow.
How Can You Use This?
- Plan important life events based on favorable element years
- Understand yearly energies and adapt your approach accordingly
- Make informed decisions about career, relationships, and personal growth
- Learn about upcoming element trends to prepare for future years