The five elements can be considered as a refinement of the principle of Yin and Yang. Each of the five elements belonging to a type of chi energy. The idea behind the five elements is difficult to explain, because just like yin and yang, not one but many thoughts are hidden behind these five elements.

They are like the seasons (autumn being divided into two seasons): spring, summer, early autumn, late autumn and winter. But they are also compared to the time of the day, or the direction of the sun (rising from east to south, falling, and wracked night).

The best way to sense of the elements is by the warmth of the sun reflecting (whether at a particular time of the  day, or the location in the season).