In Chinese Astrology the first element is Wood. This is so given two facts. The first year in the 60-year Chinese cycle is the Year of The Wood Rat.And, Wood is the fixed element of the first month of the lunar calendar, that is, the Tiger. Furthermore, Wood is associated with Spring, the season that heralds the beginnings of new life.

Wood also corresponds to the colors Green (Yang Wood) and Blue (Yin Wood), direction East, planet Jupiter, the stars in general, and the constellation, Azure Dragon. It is the fixed sign of the Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon*. And, it  is associated with the emotions of anger and kindness and the body parts, the liver, eyes and the gallbladder.

The primary energies of Wood are creation, procreation, growth and renewal. Given the characteristics of plant life it is not surprising Wood was chosen to represent these and to rule over the first stage of life, conception, birth and the preschool years.

Wood also has a humanitarian connotation. This can be seen in Wood represented by a tree. Root, stem, branches and leaves all work for the well being of the whole. An implication of this for Chinese Astrology is that Wood is associated with health care, teaching and charitable work.

Finally, it should be said Wood can denote longevity, health and beauty, as well as changeability. It is thus a key indicator in determining a person's overall physical condition and ability to cope with change.

Note: Some Chinese Astrologers designate Earth as the Dragon's fixed element.