Characteristics of Yang Earth (Wu Earth 戊)

The Steadfast Mountain

A massive solid rock or mountain represents Yang Earth. They are steady and reliable people on whom you can always count to be there. Mountains are not easy to move, so their main qualities are stability and support. Given how hard it is to move Yang Earth people, they may become too complacent, which makes procrastination one of their greatest enemies, unless there is some strong external force that will make them move.

As the mountain represents them –  Yang Earth is mighty and slow in decisions – they take their time.

Confidential

Everybody likes to tell their secrets to the mountain, but they do not like sharing their own, so often, Yang Earth may seem very mystical. However, once they get to know somebody, they will open up and become rather chatty and fun. Furthermore, they often change their minds, which drives people around them crazy.

Independent and generating their own talents

They love to do things on their own and take their time laying the groundwork. As much as this is a good thing, it can backfire since Yang Earth people tend to procrastinate, and they can be very stubborn about it.

Yang Earth can achieve success on its own; they don’t need nurturing from others, and it often doesn’t offer it to others. It is the mountain – it does not go to people, people come to them.

Yang Earth doesn’t need anyone to develop their talents; they are highly capable of doing so on their own. A mountain is self-sufficient; everything it needs is already there. As long as they don’t have to rely on others, and they are emotionally stable, they will strive for whatever they decide to do.

Makes Highly Principled Choices

To the Yang Earth people, sticking to their personal moral code in their quest to do what is right is necessary for all decisions they make. Integrity makes up most of them; hence, they tend to second-guess their own choices, and at times, in their quest to do the right thing, they make mistakes.

Governed by other people’s opinions

Yang Earth people inspire trust because they put others first to the extent that they would rather change their ways when others find it challenging to adapt to what they want. This excessive sensitivity to others’ perceptions often makes them weak-willed.

Driven by Emotions

They are prone to making rash decisions because emotions drive their decision-making. They tend to be stubborn and illogical since they don’t see reason as a top priority.

Coupled with their fondness for contemplation, Yang Earth also values perceptions above all else, so they act on gut feelings. As perfectionists, they often go around in circles, which leads to more procrastination.

Gaining strength from family and relationships

A family is extremely important for Yang Earth people. If they have good support from parents and siblings, they can take on the world. Even if other parts of their lives are not doing so well, as long as they can find peace within the family, they will be fine.

Besides family, a love relationship is another thing where they find their peace and purpose. If family and love life are supportive, they will be thoroughly inspired and emotionally prepared for any challenges.

Strong vs Weak

Yang Earth is strong if born during the summer months, but weaker during all other seasons. If Yang Earth is weak, Yang Fire (sun) is needed for support.

When strong, Yang Earth will prefer Yang Wood (forest) and Yin Water (rivers) elements to balance them.

Featured Characteristics

In the featured characteristic, we highlight some key issues essential to understanding and dealing with the Yang Earth people.

Yang Earth people are like volcanoes; they hold their emotions deep down, but when those emotions become unbearable, they will explode, surprising everyone around them.

They need their space and pace, so one has to find a good way to deal with them, mainly on an emotional level, because nothing else will work.

Once they have their conditions and support, they can be highly creative and successful.