The 3 Cycles and the Zodiac

There are three types of cycles in 6 element theory instead of just the two found in 5 element theory. In addition to the generating, and destroying cycles found in 5 element theory, there is also the third one called the preserving cycle in 6 element theory.

There are a couple of visual patterns that validate the 6 element arrangement of the zodiac elements. The patterns also signify the existence of the third type of cycle, the preserving cycle, to go with the generating and the destroying cycle.

First of all, a yang sign always opposes a yang sign. A yin sign always opposes a yin sign. A yang sign always trines a yang sign. A yin sign always trines a yin sign. To have both of these patterns occurring at the same time brings order to the seemingly random placement of the elements with the signs. If one element were out of place, it would break the pattern. It brings authenticity to the theory as a whole.

 

Next, if you look at all the trines between the signs' cusps on the circle, you will find one of the cycles represented in each aspect. 

 

For the yang signs:

They all trine each other. Only the destruction cycle is demonstrated.

Yang Air (aries) trines Yang Water (sagittarius). Yang Air destroys Yang Water.

Yang Water (Sagittarius) trines Yang Fire (Leo). Yang Water destroys Yang Fire.

Yang Fire (Leo) trines Yang Air (Aries). Yang Fire destroys Yang Air.

Yang Earth (Gemini) trines Yang Metal (Libra). Yang Earth destroys Yang Metal.

Yang Metal (Libra) trines Yang Wood (Aquarius). Yang Metal destroys Yang Wood.

Yang Wood (Aquarius) trines Yang Earth (Gemini). Yang Wood destroys Yang Earth.

For the yin signs:

They all trine each other. One example of each of the three types of cycles is demonstrated in each aspect found in the two yin grand trines.

In the grand trine with Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn:

One of the aspects between the cusps is destroying, one is generating, and one is preserving.

Yin Metal (Taurus) trines Yin Wood (Virgo). Yin Metal destroys Yin Wood.

Yin Wood (Virgo) trines Yin Air (Capricorn). Yin Wood preserves Yin Air.

Yin Air (Capricorn) trines Yin Metal (Taurus). Yin Air generates Yin Metal.

Similarly, in the grand trine with Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces:

One of the aspects between the cusps is destroying, one is generating and one is preserving.

Yin Water (Pisces) trines Yin Fire (Scorpio). Yin Water destroys Yin Fire.

Yin Fire (Scorpio) trines Yin Earth (Cancer). Yin fire generates Yin Earth.

Yin Earth (cancer) trines Yin Water (Pisces). Yin earth preserves Yin Water.