Earth — 土
Tǔ
Key Facts
- Element
- Earth (土, Tǔ)
- Direction
- Centre
- Season
- Late Summer / Transitions
- Colour
- Yellow / Brown
- Yin Organ
- Spleen (脾)
- Generates
- Metal
- Zodiac Animals
- Ox, Dragon, Goat, Dog
Earth represents stability, nourishment, and the pivot of all transformations. In classical cosmology, Earth occupies the centre and governs the transitional periods between seasons. The Lüshi Chunqiu assigns Earth the role of harmonising the other four elements. Earth generates Metal (minerals form within it) and overcomes Water (dams contain floods).
Classical Correspondences
| Attribute | Correspondence |
|---|---|
| Yin Organ | Spleen (脾) |
| Yang Organ | Stomach (胃) |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Emotion | Pensiveness (思) |
| Planet | Saturn (鎮星) |
Generating & Overcoming Cycles
Associated Zodiac Animals
The following zodiac animals have Earth as their fixed element:
Frequently Asked Questions
In classical five-element cosmology, Earth (土) is associated with the Centre direction and the Late Summer / Transitions season.
The zodiac animals with Earth as their fixed element are: Ox, Dragon, Goat, Dog. These animals share Earth's core qualities in their fundamental nature.
Earth generates Metal in the sheng (生) or generating cycle. Earth is itself generated by Fire.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Earth governs the Spleen (脾) (yin organ) and the Stomach (胃) (yang organ). The associated emotion is Pensiveness (思) and the taste is Sweet.
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