metal
As earth energy decreases, we come to balance, a time of no growth, a time of letting go. In nature, leaves are letting go from their trees, leaves rotting on the ground nourishes & replenishes the earth below. In order for new growth of Spring, must have death in Fall. The nourishment of the soil in the Fall, provides food for the new growth of spring. Nature is letting go of things it no longer needs, starting to get down to it’s bare essentials for the winter. In order for things to rot, they need moisture. We may still see leaves blowing around in winter when things did not get enough moisture to rot. The soil becomes rich and loamy. Fall can be a time of grief/sadness-sorry to see the summer go. However, there is still a richness in the soil as well as the colors of the Fall.
The two primary roles of the metal elements (the officials) is to connect us to an inspiration that is greater than ourselves. Also, we must let go on all levels to things we no longer need or things that no longer serve us well. When we connect to something higher than ourselves, we are connected to spirit and have a sense of purpose in our lives. It is important to have the ability to connect to and recognize there is something bigger than us (God, Spirit, Reverence) in order to have that sense of purpose in life. Man is viewed as the conduit between Heaven and Earth: “Feet on the ground and our head in the clouds.” This provides balance between Heaven & Earth. There is an invisible cord that connects us to both, we need as much of a connection to earth as we do to heaven. Function of metal is the same function we all have on earth. We all act as conduits of energy between heaven and Earth. Metal within earth is what holds it together as well as giving it quality (minerals within earth). Air is a metal. Pure metals are cold, hard and incisive.