Fire
Fire is the second element of Wu Xing. Years ending in 6 and 7: 1976, 1977, 1986, 1987, 1996, 1997, 2006, 2007, 2016, 2017, 2026, 2027.
Personality of the Element
Fire stands for expression and brilliance. A Fire person is noticeable, emotional and quick to inspire others. They live in bursts: working hard, playing hard, fighting hard.
Strengths: enthusiasm, charm, the ability to fire up a team and carry a project through to a public result.
Weak spot: burnout and lack of restraint. Fire spends itself faster than it recovers and says things in the heat of the moment that it later regrets.
The Snake and the Horse belong to the Fire element; in Fire years their traits are especially strong, which explains the reputation of the Fire Horse year.
Colors, Directions, Time
Colors: red, orange, crimson. Direction: south. Season: summer; time of day: noon. Planet: Mars. Organ in Chinese medicine: the heart.
In feng shui fire governs the south sector, which is responsible for reputation: it is strengthened with candles, lamps and red, while water is best kept out of it.
Relationships with Other Elements
Produces Earth (ash becomes soil). Is produced by Wood.
Controls Metal (melts it). Is controlled by Water (water puts out fire).
Practical conclusion: Wood years and Wood people are good for a Fire person, while Water ones impose limits, sometimes useful ones, since they dampen Fire's lack of restraint.