Elemental Momentum Cycle
We are born of the five elements; the ten stems split into yin and yang. Each energy follows its own twelve-stage rise and fall — yang is energy, yin is form. The ten curves mirror each other by yin-yang reversal, so birth, peak, death and extinction become a visible wave of life-energy rather than abstractions.
From Yin to Chou — the ten stems’ twelve-stage cycle
The ten heavenly stems plotted across the twelve branches (Yin→Chou). Grouped by element: Wood (Jia/Yi), Metal (Geng/Xin), Fire (Bing/Ding), Water (Ren/Gui), Earth (Wu/Ji).
Jia Yi · Wood甲 阳乙 阴
Geng Xin · Metal庚 阳辛 阴
Bing Ding · Fire丙 阳丁 阴
Ren Gui · Water壬 阳癸 阴
Wu Ji · Earth戊 阳己 阴
On the stages of energy
A reading of the ten stems’ twelve-life-stages
Chang Sheng
The first stirring of life; potential at its source, like spring awakening.
Mu Yu
Shedding and renewal, like an infant at bath — full of vitality, not yet formed.
Guan Dai
Coming of age; ability begins to show, poised to act.
Lin Guan
Peak of worldly standing; strength at full command, the right moment.
Di Wang
The summit; energy at its zenith. At extreme height, decline begins.
Shuai
Turning downward; energy recedes. Hold, don’t push.
Bing
Vitality impaired, blocked within; time to recuperate.
Si
Energy spent; an old pattern ends, wait for the turn.
Mu
Gathered and stored, awaiting rebirth; accumulating power.
Jue
Life from the brink; the old breaks, new possibility forms. The valley is the turn.
Tai
A new life taking shape, awaiting its moment. The start of hope.
Yang
Gathering strength in reserve, preparing to grow. About to break ground.