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Heavenly Stems & Earthly Branches
What is Heavenly Stems?
Heavenly Stems (天干) are a set of 10 symbolic characters that represent elemental forces and cosmic rhythms. They’re used to mark time, define personality traits, and interpret destiny when combined with the Earthly Branches.
CN Stem | PinYin | Element | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
甲 | Jia | Yang Wood | Growth driven, Upright strength |
乙 | Yi | Yin Wood | Vines, Flexibility, Charming |
丙 | Bing | Yang Fire | Bold, Expressive, Radiant |
丁 | Ding | Yin Fire | Warm, Intuitive, Quietly powerful |
戊 | Wu | Yang Earth | Stable, Loyal, Protective |
己 | Ji | Yin Earth | Nurturing, Adaptable, Resourceful |
庚 | Geng | Yang Metal | Decisive, Tough, Justice-oriented |
辛 | Xin | Yin Metal | Refine, Elegant, Detailed focused |
壬 | Ren | Yang Water | Ambitious, Deep, Dynamic |
癸 | Gui | Yin Water | Sensitive, Wise, Emotionally rich |
What is Earthly Branches?
Earthly Branches (地支) are a set of 12 symbolic characters that represent cyclical patterns of time, nature, and energy. They’re paired with the Heavenly Stems to form the 60-year sexagenary cycle, which is used to chart destiny, personality, and life phases.
Zodiac | Cn Branch | PinYin | Element | Symbolic Meaning | Hidden Stem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ox | 丑 | Chou | Yin Earth | Diligence, endurance | 己 (Yin Earth), 癸 (Yin Water), 辛 (Yin Metal) |
Tiger | 寅 | Yin | Yang Wood | Courage, leadership | 甲 (Yang Wood), 丙 (Yang Fire), 戊 (Yang Earth) |
Rabbit | 卯 | Mao | Yin Wood | Gentleness, growth | 乙 (Yin Wood) |
Dragon | 辰 | Chen | Yang Earth | Power, transformation | 戊 (Yang Earth), 乙 (Yin Wood), 癸 (Yin Water) |
Snake | 巳 | Si | Yin Fire | Wisdom, depth | 丙 (Yang Fire), 庚 (Yang Metal), 戊 (Yang Earth) |
Horse | 午 | Wu | Yang Fire | Vitality, freedom | 丁 (Yin Fire), 己 (Yin Earth) |
Goat | 未 | Wei | Yin Earth | Harmony, kindness | 己 (Yin Earth), 丁 (Yin Fire), 乙 (Yin Wood) |
Monkey | 申 | Shen | Yang Metal | Intelligence, adaptability | 庚 (Yang Metal), 壬 (Yang Water), 戊 (Yang Earth) |
Rooster | 酉 | You | Yin Metal | Precision, discipline | 辛 (Yin Metal) |
Dog | 戌 | Xu | Yang Earth | Loyalty, protection | 戊 (Yang Earth), 辛 (Yin Metal), 丁 (Yin Fire) |
Pig | 亥 | Hai | Yin Water | Abundance, ease | 壬 (Yang Water), 甲 (Yang Wood) |
Rat | 子 | Zi | Yang Water | New beginnings, agility | 癸 (Yin Water) |
The Heavenly Stem of your Day Pillar holds your Day Master, the elemental signature that shapes your personality, rhythms, and energetic balance. Explore the Day Master and begin decoding your elemental self.
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