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[Diagram of Six Transformations]
The verse states:
The heat of Jun Fire (Ministerial Fire) is countered by the clarity and dryness of Metal; the cold of Water transforms into Wind via Wood.
Xiang Fire (Ministerial Fire) executes the command of blazing heat and summer warmth, while Earth's dampness and rain share the same efficacy.

Earthly Qi remains tranquil and maintains its position; thus, the spring warmth, summer heat, autumn coolness, and winter cold constitute the regular seasonal commands year after year. These are generated by the Six Qi (Six Atmospheric Influences) within the Four Seasons. Jueyin Wood serves as the First Qi, marking the beginning of Spring Qi. Since Wood generates Fire, Shaoyin Jun Fire (Ministerial Fire) and Shaoyang Xiang Fire (Ministerial Fire) follow subsequently. Since Fire generates Earth, Taiyin Earth follows next. Since Earth generates Metal, Yangming Metal follows next. Since Metal generates Water, Taiyang Water follows next. All proceed in accordance with the generating cycle to distribute their respective climatic commands, maintaining perfect order.

Wood as the First Qi governs for a little over sixty days before the Spring Equinox. From the time when the Big Dipper's handle points to Chou Zheng until it reaches Mao Zhong, upon reaching this celestial degree, Wind Qi begins to prevail. Jun Fire as the Second Qi governs for a little over sixty days after the Spring Equinox. From the time when the Big Dipper's handle points to Mao Zheng until it reaches Si Zhong, upon reaching this celestial degree, warm and gentle weather begins to prevail. Xiang Fire as the Third Qi governs for a little over thirty days both before and after the Summer Solstice. From the time when the Big Dipper's handle points to Si Zheng until it reaches Wei Zhong, upon reaching this celestial degree, intense heat begins to prevail. Earth as the Fourth Qi governs for a little over sixty days before the Autumn Equinox. From the time when the Big Dipper's handle points to Wei Zheng until it reaches You Zhong, upon reaching this celestial degree, clouds and rain begin to prevail, and damp steaming arises. Metal as the Fifth Qi governs for a little over sixty days after the Autumn Equinox. From the time when the Big Dipper's handle points to You Zheng until it reaches Hai Zhong, upon reaching this celestial degree, clear and crisp air begins to prevail, and all things become dry. Water as the Sixth Qi governs for a little over thirty days both before and after the Winter Solstice. From the time when the Big Dipper's handle points to Hai Zheng until it reaches Chou Zhong, upon reaching this celestial degree, cold air begins to prevail.

The Six Qi rotate sequentially to form the Main Qi (Dominant Climate) of a year. The Heavenly Six Qi act as Guest Qi (Transient Climate), shifting positions annually above the Main Qi to execute the Heavenly commands. Therefore, when these occur at their appropriate times, they represent normal variations; when they occur out of season, they represent calamitous variations. For instance, if Summer, Autumn, or Winter commands manifest in Spring, or if Spring, Summer, or Autumn commands manifest in Winter, this constitutes the variation of Guest Qi superimposed on Main Qi. Thus, there are normal manifestations of virtue, transformation, governance, and command, as well as abnormal variations such as violent storms, heavy rains, sudden thunder, and drifting lightning. There may be scorching heat in winter that melts stones, and chilling winds in summer. This is due to no other reason than the excess, deficiency, stagnation, and eruption of Heaven and Earth's Qi. These are merely signs indicating whether the Five Elements' Qi is excessive or deficient.