Jin Zizai's Fortune-Telling: How to Identify Your Elemental Type

There are many Five Elements systems, and within the Yin-Yang tradition they’re categorized in different ways, such as the Standard Five Elements, Double Mountain Five Elements, Six Harmonies Five Elements, and Hong Fan Five Elements, among others. In physiognomy, “Five Elements types” refers to the Standard Five Elements—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth—each further divided into Yin and Yang. For example, two people may both be Wood type: Yang Wood tends to be tall and sturdy, while Yin Wood is slender and petite. Setting aside Yin and Yang for now, here are the basic facial features of the Five Elements types so you can identify your own element.

- Metal Shape - Keywords: Square and Sturdy

Metal types are tough, opinionated, and quick to anger.

Metal hand characteristics: thick, rounded palms; rounded knuckles; and palms that appear pale and smooth.

If the hands aren’t decisive, use the following keywords to identify Metal types.

Square face; broad shoulders; thick back; a rounded, non-sagging belly; fair skin; smooth ear contours; sparse hair; and a well-proportioned build.

- Wood Shape - Keywords: Slim and Long

Wood types are kind-hearted, compassionate, and eager to help others.

Wood hand characteristics: slender, elongated palms; long knuckles; and many palm lines.

If the hands aren’t decisive, use the following keywords to identify Wood types.

Long, narrow face; thin body; upright posture; long neck; long nose; narrow waist; clear, supple skin; sparse eyebrows; sparse hair; and sparse facial hair.

- Fire Shape - Keywords: Sharp and Prominent

Fire types are impatient, courteous, and intelligent.

Fire hand characteristics: slender, tapered palms; thin fingers; and visible tendons.

If the hands aren’t decisive, use the following keywords to identify Fire types.

Narrow forehead with a wider lower face, prominent cheekbones, protruding jaw, rosy skin, sparse eyebrows, reddish facial hair, blond hair, and reddish eyes.

- Earth Shape - Keywords: Thick and Heavy

Earth types are practical and steady, with delicate emotions and a stubborn streak.

Earth hand characteristics: square, thick palms; short, thick knuckles; and substantial palm flesh.

If the hands aren’t decisive, use the following keywords to identify Earth types.

Flat, square head; rounded forehead; heavy chin; yellowish complexion; short neck; broad back and waist; large jaw; and thick lips.

- Water Shape - Keywords: Dark and Plump

Water types are exceptionally clever, resourceful, and unpredictable.

Water hand characteristics: puffy palms; short, soft fingers; and knuckles that aren’t prominent.

If the hands aren’t decisive, use the following keywords to identify Water types.

Plump body; puffy flesh; sagging belly; faint eyebrows; thick hair; protruding eyes; talkative nature; large mouth; broad hips; and dark skin.

Because pure Five Elements types are rare, most people are mixed types, combining one or two elements. According to the Iron Sword theory, if hand characteristics aren’t obvious, you can judge by body shape. In general, Earth types look solid and substantial, Metal types look square, Water types look rounded and plump, Wood types look slender, and Fire types look sharp and prominent. Once you know your element, you can choose ways to enhance your fortune based on the Five Elements. For example, a Wood type in a Metal year might grow out their hair, wear black clothing, and place a hydroponic plant on the right side of the desk. We’ll discuss Five Elements–based fortune enhancement in the next article.