I have two general questions about elements I was hoping for answers to.
First off, there are two primary elemental systems. There is the Wuxing of 5: Metal, Wood, Earth, Fire, and Water.
Then, there is the western model of 4: Air, Fire, Earth, Water.
Question 1: Which element of the wuxing would Air correspond to? Would it be Metal or Fire? Or are the systems incapable?
Question 2: Has anyone explored the elements on a political basis?
For example, in Ancient China, the Zhou corresponded to the element of “Fire”. The next dynasty, Qin, was “Water” and as a result, this dynasty was fond of black in everything from flags to uniforms.
Water (Qin) overcame Fire (Zhou) during the Warring States.
I was wondering what element the United States would correspond to? It seems to me to be wood, but was wondering if anyone had of any different interpretations? It may be air in the western model, though I’m not certain.
China seems like Fire. Fire burns wood.
Classical liberalism seems like water. Water feeds wood.
Social liberalism/Socialism seems like fire. Fire burns wood.
Capitalism would be metal. Metal chops wood. Metal is melted by fire.
Or am I overanalyzing things here?