(continuation)
The entire universe is composed of these five elements. They are interdependent and each is controlled by another:
Metal is controlled by Fire. Metal can only be melted and forged with great heat.
Fire is controlled by Water. Nothing will put out a fire as fast as water.
Water is controlled by Earth. We dig canals in the earth to irrigate fields or build dikes to keep out water.
Earth is controlled by Wood. Trees and their roots hold the soil together and get their nourishment from the earth.
Wood is controlled by Metal. Even the largest tree can be felled by the blade of an ax.
Under this philosophy, no element can be called the strongest or weakest. They are forever dependent on one another and are equal. They are linked by the chain of life that brings about their existence, and there is no power struggle. Each has its own place and function.
The website where I copied this from states that the ancient Chinese method is never dogmatic or fatalistic. Chinese horoscopes are a method of learning how to circumvent the circumstances of birth and other barriers and to reach your goals by taking new routes.