The five elements: earth, metal, water, wood and fire.
The Chinese us the five elements to describe movement and change. They believe that changes occur as a result of the influence of the elements on the balance between Yin and Yang.
Each of the 12 animals is for the most part made of one of the elements. The elements are based on the cardinal directions and correspond with the seasons.
The years also have their own natural element. The element which belongs to the year is the dominant one. Some year's elements cooperate with the element of your animal, others work in opposition to it. Every element is dominant for two years in a row (one Yang year, followed by a Yin year), and returns 10 years later.
Consequently, change occurs due to the influence of the five main elements. These five elements are responsible for harmony, as well as disharmony. Therefore it is important to deal with them carefully.
Philosophy of Yin, Yang and CHI.
Our exterior is Yang (active, masculine, aggressive, socially indifferent) and our inner selves are Yin (passive, feminine, receptive, focussed on society).
Yin and Yang are each others opposites, but they can't exist without each other. Everything is related to everything else. The principle of Yin and Yang states that everything is connected.
According to Chinese philosophy, each state of the universe is a direct consequence of a balance of energies or an imbalance between Yin and Yang.
Some animals are more Yin, others are more Yang.
Years are also either Yang or Yin. All even years are Yang, and all odd years are Yin. This says something about the best activities (either more inside or outside) to carry out in that specific year.