Newly Published Compass and Guide: Master Yuan Tiangang of the Imperial Bureau’s Complete Compendium of Five-Star Astrology and the Three Fates, Volume One

○ Discourse on the Origins of the Five Elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth

Respectfully we hear: Before Heaven and Earth were distinguished, the state was called "Primordial Chaos." Before the Creative and Receptive forces original: "Qian and Kun," representing the fundamental male/female or active/passive principles of the universe were divided, it was named the "Embryonic Radiance." The sun, moon, stars, and constellations had not yet been born; the forces of Yin and Yang and the seasons of cold and heat had not yet been divided.

Above, there were no rain or dew, no wind or clouds, no frost or snow, and no thunder—it was nothing but a dim and dusky gloom. Below, there were no plants or trees, no mountains or rivers, no birds or beasts, and no human people—it was nothing but a dark and hazy obscurity. At this time, a single Breath Qi: The vital energy or life force that composes all things in the universe coiled and knotted in the center. Thus:

The Supreme Easiness produced Water. The state before energy existed is called Supreme Easiness.
The Supreme Beginning produced Fire. The state where energy existed but form did not is called Supreme Beginning.
The Supreme Origin produced Wood. The state where form existed but substance did not is called Supreme Origin.
The Supreme Simplicity produced Metal. The state where substance existed but physical bodies did not is called Supreme Simplicity.
The Supreme Ultimate produced Earth. The state where substance was fully formed is called the Supreme Ultimate.