Another way - of natural order - is instead of basing the elemental abilities of each aspect off of the Chinese Astrological Calendar. Why not base it on the elemental abilities off of what seem natural for the creatures of each aspect.

For example - Serpents in winter(cold weather) doesn't make sense. Serpents(snakes) would be an animal found in warmer weather, such as in Spring, or Summer.

While the Phoenix - is a creature of heat, fire & light. And generally summer is the hottest of all seasons. Dragons & tigers can be any season.

So the seasonal - based on the beasts - should be something like - Serpents(Spring), Phoenix (Summer), Dragons (Fall/Autumn), Tigers (Winter).

And the elemental abilities for each season - would be as follows - Spring (wind/air), Summer (heat/light), Fall/Autumn (Electricity/energy), Winter (Cold/dark)