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Meaning and Context
The Heavenly Stems are a set of ten symbols that cycle through Chinese calendars. Each stem combines a Five Element with a Yin or Yang polarity, creating distinct characteristics.
- 甲 (Jia) - Yang Wood: Towering tree, leadership, upright
- 乙 (Yi) - Yin Wood: Flexible vine, adaptable, gentle
- 丙 (Bing) - Yang Fire: Blazing sun, bright, expansive
- 丁 (Ding) - Yin Fire: Candlelight, warm, focused
- 戊 (Wu) - Yang Earth: Mountain, stable, immovable
- 己 (Ji) - Yin Earth: Fertile soil, nurturing, productive
- 庚 (Geng) - Yang Metal: Sword, decisive, reforming
- 辛 (Xin) - Yin Metal: Jewelry, refined, aesthetic
- 壬 (Ren) - Yang Water: Ocean, vast, flowing
- 癸 (Gui) - Yin Water: Rain/dew, nourishing, subtle
Classical Roots
From Yuanhai Ziping
「天干者，甲乙丙丁戊己庚辛壬癸是也，配合阴阳五行。」
Plain translation
"The Heavenly Stems are Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui — combined with Yin-Yang and Five Elements." Each stem carries both elemental and polarity attributes.
Structure and Relationships
Heavenly Stems interact through combinations and clashes:
- Combinations (合): 甲己合土, 乙庚合金, 丙辛合水, 丁壬合木, 戊癸合火
- Clashes: Opposite elements clash (Wood-Metal, Fire-Water)
- Each pair of consecutive stems shares the same element but opposite polarity
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's Bazi tool, your Day Stem (Day Master) is prominently displayed and forms the basis of all interpretation. Other stems in your chart relate to the Day Master through the Ten Gods system.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking stems only matter for their element, ignoring polarity differences
- Not recognizing that Yang and Yin versions of the same element behave differently
- Overlooking stem combinations that can transform chart dynamics
FAQ
What is my Day Master?
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Your Day Master is the Heavenly Stem of your Day Pillar — it represents "you" in the Bazi chart. All other elements are interpreted in relation to your Day Master. You can find it by generating your Bazi chart with your birth date and time.