Theory & Image
Theory & Image
The principle of the five elements and the imagery of the ten gods — the language foundation of the derivation, from "principle" (element definitions) to "image" (ten-god definitions).
Five Elements (Principle)
The five elements are the basic energies of heaven, earth and person: wood, fire, earth, metal, water — each with its nature, virtue and use.
Wood
TraitGrowth, expansion, upward movement. Associated with benevolence.
CharacterResilient like a tree; plans well and perseveres, but when excessive tends to indecision.
HealthGoverns liver, gallbladder and tendons. Keep it unblocked; avoid repression and anger.
Fire
TraitRising, warm, bright. Associated with propriety.
CharacterPassionate, action-oriented, charismatic, but excessive fire turns impulsive.
HealthGoverns heart and small intestine. Rest and calm the spirit; avoid overwork.
Earth
TraitCarrying, generating, stable. Associated with trustworthiness.
CharacterGrounded, reliable, good at coordinating, but excessive earth turns stubborn.
HealthGoverns spleen, stomach and muscles. Strengthen digestion; avoid overthinking.
Metal
TraitDescending, contracting, sharp. Associated with righteousness.
CharacterDecisive, principled, executes well, but excessive metal turns rigid.
HealthGoverns lungs and large intestine. Keep clear and moist; avoid dryness.
Water
TraitFlowing downward, cool, hidden. Associated with wisdom.
CharacterIntelligent, flexible, adaptable, but excessive water turns adrift.
HealthGoverns kidneys and bladder. Warm and conserve essence; avoid cold.
Ten Gods (Image)
The ten gods are ten relational images derived from the elements’ generation and control, read against the Day Master, mirroring the many facets of life.
Zheng Guan
MeaningWhat controls day master, opposite polarity. Rules, career.
PositiveSelf-disciplined, accountable, orderly.
NegativeExcess → repressed, timid.
Qi Sha
MeaningWhat controls day master, same polarity. Pressure, drive.
PositiveDecisive, forceful, ambitious.
NegativeExcess → aggressive, pressured.
Zheng Yin
MeaningWhat generates day master, opposite polarity. Learning, care.
PositiveNurturing, steady, studious.
NegativeExcess → dependent, conservative.
Pian Yin
MeaningWhat generates day master, same polarity. Unconventional skill.
PositiveDeep, unique, intuitive.
NegativeExcess → eccentric, suspicious.
Zheng Cai
MeaningWhat day master controls, opposite polarity. Steady income.
PositivePrudent, responsible, practical.
NegativeExcess → stingy, conservative.
Pian Cai
MeaningWhat day master controls, same polarity. Windfall, opportunity.
PositiveFlexible, sociable, venturesome.
NegativeExcess → flashy, speculative.
Shi Shen
MeaningWhat day master produces, same polarity. Talent, enjoyment.
PositiveCreative, gentle, expressive.
NegativeExcess → idle, indulgent.
Shang Guan
MeaningWhat day master produces, opposite polarity. Talent, rebellion.
PositiveBrilliant, artistic, breakthrough.
NegativeExcess → arrogant, defiant.
Bi Jian
MeaningSame element & polarity as day master. Siblings, peers, self.
PositiveIndependence, teamwork, drive.
NegativeExcess → stubborn, competitive.
Jie Cai
MeaningSame element, opposite polarity. Brothers, help, also contest.
PositiveGenerous, active, supportive.
NegativeExcess → loss of wealth, impulsive.