Wood is the element of growth, vision, and beginnings. In Chinese astrology it governs the eastern direction, the season of spring, and the energy of new ideas pushing upward through resistance. People shaped by Wood years tend to be ambitious, principled, and naturally drawn to projects that benefit others — they are gardeners of opportunity, planting now for harvests they may not personally see. Wood's positive expression is generosity and visionary leadership; its shadow is rigidity and the kind of righteous anger that arrives when growth is blocked. Wood pairs harmoniously with Water (its mother) and Fire (its child), and is checked by Metal.