There are two main cycles in interactions of primary 5 elements – generating cycle and controlling (overcoming) cycle.

While elements in the generating cycle have the power to "create" each other, the elements in the controlling cycle show us which elements control and defeat other primary elements. According to Chinese tradition, there is no superior and no inferior element(s) among Five Elements of the Mother Nature. All Five Elements are equally important and should form a balance, while being in constant move and cyclical change. For example, Water begets Wood and Wood begets a Fire (generating cycle). But at the same time Fire can melt the Metal which in turn can cut a Wood (controlling cycle).

Water gives boldItrth to Wood

Wood gives birth to Fire

Fire gives birth Earth

Earth gives birth to Metal

Metal gives birth to Water

So, as we can see here, each element creates some other element and it happens in a circular manner – Water creates Wood but eventually gets itself created by other element - Metal. There is no beginning neither the end in this creation loop and no element is more important than others.

Water defeats Fire (water can extinguish a fire).

Fire defeats Metal (fire can melt a metal).

Metal defeats Wood (metal can cut a wood).

Wood defeats Earth (tree roots can penetrate soil).

Earth defeats Water (earth can adsorb water).

And we can see the same circular manner again – Water defeats Fire, but in turn gets eventually defeated by Earth.

In a more detailed level, each of two main interaction cycles - generating and controlling respectively - can be divided into 5 additional interaction types.

It is being said, for example, that Wood fuels (creates) Fire and Fire melts (distructs) Metal.