Wood embodies the qualities of Spring. In winter, Nature’s energy was quietly gathered, stored and concentrated and now bursts forth with new growth. Baby animals are born, and trees are covered in new buds and leaves. There is a tremendous vitality. All of Nature is following its inner blueprint for growth. The fresh, young plants are very flexible and they bend and twist as they grow towards the light. 
In the cycle of our lives, we experience spring in our birth and growth to adulthood. We experience spring when we start something new: a new job, a new business, a new relationship, a new home. If we have taken the time to stop and reflect and gather our energy, then the seeds we plant for our lives will grow and flourish.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Wood element represents the liver and the gall bladder. The Liver official is like an architect with a blueprint for our body, mind and spirit. He is the general who holds it all together. If we live by our internal plan then we know what to do and are in the right place at the right time. Life has a smooth flow. But we also need contingency plans, and the need to be flexible and relaxed. This ability gives us the confidence that we can adapt to any challenge. Mentally, the liver official gives us reasoning, logic and planning. Spiritually, the liver gives us vision and purpose and hope. The Gallbladder is the decision-maker. We need clear thinking and judgment to make wise decisions. We need to be able to evaluate and coordinate, like Solomon the Wise. Otherwise we get indecision and dithering.
When our growth or our vision is obstructed, then we feel anger and frustration. We may become resentful that we can’t make manifest our dreams and desires. At these times we need to be flexible and consider contingency plans. And then sometimes, we need to recognize that there is another, greater plan at work and that there are lessons to be learned. Because with growth can come growing pains. Children experience physical growing pains. On the emotional and mental level, it can be painful to experience setbacks, receive feedback, and be forced to reevaluate ourselves. We may need the help of different and perhaps clearer eyes. We can temper our pangs by self-love and acceptance and the recognition that change is a part of life.
When we have hope for our future and take action to manifest our dreams, we are manifesting the energy of the Wood element.
How’s your wood?