Peacedog wrote:The 5 element work is basically a Chinese take on Kabbalah.
The one advantage to a 5 element vs 4 element model is that it avoids development of a state we refer to as "equilibrium" in Hermetics and as such is safe for use by lay practitioners.
It depends on how you view it. One meaning of taiji is equilibrium or balance. The character ji 極 in taiji can mean ridgepole.
If the sun is on one side of the roof one side is bright and the other is in shade, yang and yin, and the ridgepole is where they meet. It is the balance of yin and yang.
Zhongding - central equilibrium is an important concept in taiji.
Regarding the 5 phases Zhou Dunyi wrote
Zhou Dunyi wrote: The alternation and combination of yang and yin generate water, fire, wood, metal, and earth. With these five [phases of] qi harmoniously arranged, the Four Seasons proceed through them.
Zhu Xi comments
Zhu Xi wrote: With the Supreme Polarity there is the alternation of activity and stillness, and the Two Modes are distinguished; with yin and yang the alternation and combination of the Five Phases are set. But the material of the Five Phases is set in earth, and qi is what circulates through heaven. Speaking of the sequence of their generation in terms of their material we should say, "Water, fire, wood, metal, and earth," with water and wood as yang, and fire and metal as yin. Speaking of the sequence of their circulation in terms of qi we should say, "wood, water, earth, metal, and fire," with wood and fire as yang, and metal and water as yin. In terms of their alternation, this is the active yang and still yin. Thus the alternation of the Five Phases is inexhaustible, so nothing happens that is not the Way of yin and yang. As for what makes them yin and yang, nothing happens that is not the original nature of the Supreme Polarity. How can there be any deficiency or discontinuity!
With these five [phases of] qi harmoniously arranged, the Four Seasons proceed through them.
But the material of the Five Phases is set in earth, and qi is what circulates through heaven.
So earth is put in the center. It is central equilibrium.
Note the arrangement of the 5 phases in the center of the diagram.
Regarding Kabbalah note that the taijitu resembles the Tree of Life, but it is earlier and devoid of superstition.