Earth is the element of stability, nurture, and trust. It holds the center of the compass and governs the brief, golden transition between summer and autumn — the season when the harvest is gathered. People shaped by Earth years are the steady ones: dependable, practical, deeply loyal. They make excellent caretakers, builders, and mediators. Earth's shadow is worry and over-giving — the tendency to become so absorbed in others' needs that one's own go ignored. Earth is generated by Fire and gives rise to Metal, and is controlled by Wood. The Earth person at peace is grounded and generous; the Earth person under stress becomes anxious and possessive.