Chinese zodiac
Metal element
Metal gives your animal strength, clarity and determination. You know what you value, and you hold to it.
Strengths
- You are determined and disciplined.
- You think clearly and make decisive choices.
- You hold strong principles and high standards.
Next level
- Soften your edges with warmth and flexibility.
- Let go of what is no longer useful, including old grudges.
How Metal colours your animal
Metal is the element of autumn, the west and the colour white. It is associated with strength, clarity, precision and letting go.
When Metal colours your animal, it adds focus and resolve. Whatever your animal's nature, you tend to be more determined, disciplined and principled. You set high standards, make clear decisions and see things through.
Metal brings integrity and courage. People respect your strength and your sense of right and wrong. A Metal Pig is a more determined Pig. A Metal Goat is a stronger, more decisive Goat.
The shadow of Metal is rigidity. You may become inflexible, overly critical or slow to forgive.
Living in balance as a Metal person
To stay balanced, Metal needs softness alongside its strength. Practise warmth: a kind word, a gentle approach, a moment of flexibility. You lose none of your power by bending.
Clean, uncluttered spaces restore you. Clearing out old things, organising your home and keeping your environment simple help you think clearly.
Metal is also the element of autumn, the season of letting go. Release what no longer serves you, whether that is a habit, a belief or an old hurt.
Finally, breathe. Deep, slow breathing calms your mind and helps you meet challenges with clarity rather than tension. The finest blade is sharp because it has been tempered, not because it is hard.