How do you own the WOOD archetype within?
As we are in the midst of the Spring Season, most of us are showing our wood element that lives inside each and everyone of us. For some of us, it may appear strong and others it may not be your strength when it comes to expressing the Five Elements of Chinese Medicine – ultimately of the philosophy of Taoism. You see wood shows up in many ways. It is very action oriented essentially looking like YANG energy. It is about expansion and growth as you see all of the flowers, plants and trees blossoming, during this season.
The wood archetype can show up a few ways. I like to say here in America where I live- our culture definitely embodies the Wood Archetype for we have the PIONEER spirit who came here back in the day. Yes you got it, one of the Wood Element Archetypes is the PIONEER. IF you are an entrepreneur, you need this archetype to help you make it in your business. Yes, it can be about making the almighty dollar, but in a very YANG kind of way. Also, the wood element rules the eyes in more than one way to hold the vision….yes you got it VISIONARY types are of the Wood element. And another important archetype of the Wood Element is the one who will fight for their dream – yes The WARRIOR. You see because wood is about expansion and growth, nothing will get in the way of them expressing their opinions and views in life whether anyone agrees or disagrees with them. They really don’t care because they count and they are going to make things happen!
With these archetypes embodies different types of wood behavior. Because a Wood archetype is the visionary along comes planning and decision-making. If you have a plan, the decision-making will be easy. If you don’t have a plan then you might find yourself up late at night or the wee hours of the morning trying to work out your indecisiveness. Sleep can be disturbed. Because there is so much activity going on in the HEAD-quarters, headaches can manifest on the sides of the head and may show up as migraines. Sciatica, which is pain that runs alongside of the body may flair up and can show up on the side of the hips.
I laugh at this element because when I was in the midst of my Chinese Medicine studies many years ago…. No one wanted to claim that they were of the Wood Element type because we were of the opinion that Wood isn’t so nice. Honestly I’ve only started to own the wood inside of me as I began to realize it is the part of me that helps me be successful in life. Without action, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Wood element has a voice and a loud one because it can shout from the top of its lungs letting you know its opinion. I used to be weary of Wood Element types, but when I began to embrace the Wood element within me, I began to understand the Wood Element and own it within me.
Disharmonized wood can show up as stiff depressed as it represses it true feelings because you see in Chinese Medicine the Wood Element is responsible for the smooth flow of chi and emotions. Because the wood element rules the joints in the body, a disharmony of stiffness may appear. Hence, a harmonized wood element can ensure the flexibility of the body. Where do you sit with the Wood element as of all that I have shared with you so far? Would love to hear from you!
Very interesting, Tomasa. I am working on bringing more of the wood element into my business. I’m curious whether my headaches have come from ignoring the wood element in my life and business. I think I need to really focus on my strength and bring it into my planning and decision making and move forward in a powerful way.
Hi Ann,
Your headaches can be of the wood element being out of balance. When you bring the wood element back in balance the headaches will subside and you will find yourself owning the wood element within…speaking from experience as I used to have headaches and sciatica running down my left leg a lot. Tomorrow…I’m going to talk about the emotions of the wood element and how we hide behind them. More to come… stay tuned.
Thanks for this blog post. As a Wood Horse, this makes sense of so much for me. Awesome!
You are welcome Molly! I’m glad that the post makes sense to you because often I find that the Chinese astrology doesn’t always match what I see in people. However, if we look deep inside we can find that particular element within. I am a water rabbit and for many years I was looking for the water within…and only recently have I begun to see the depth of the water element that I display with my thinking and the levels of healing that I take myself and others…now that is water to go nowhere where no one goes! 🙂
I think I’m having a challenge with the wood element right now. I’m really focusing on taking just the right amount of inspired action without pushing anything. On the other hand, I can also feel when I slide into repressing what needs to come out! I’ve definitely been learning as I try to find balance with it. From your post it sounds like this is a fitting time of year to be mindful of it and it makes sense that it came up now.
Adee, the wood element can actually be built up by taking care of your water element. Because water feeds wood in the 5 element system. Hopefully you took some down time this winter and explored your water element. If not, it certainly is something to do. You might want to come and check out my LIVE class that I am teaching on the 5 Top Secrets to Having Sustainable Vibrant Energy in Pleasant Hill. It’s FREE if you can make it! I talk about how to bring the elements in balance within so you have VIBRANT ENERGY within and avoid burnout.