There is a theory that interprets the features of Kanayago-kami based on inyo-gogyo-setsu (negative-positive-five-line theory), the features are because katsura tree (the Chinese character for katsura includes two Chinese characters meaning soil as its parts) and dead human bodies are soil-natured and the soil nature generates the gold nature therefore improving the yield of mines and metal forging.
金屋子神の特徴の解釈としては、陰陽五行説より、桂（土が２つ字の中にある）や死体は土性であり、土性は金性を生ずることから、鉱山・鍛冶の歩留まりが良くなるからではないか、との説がある。