BaZi Quick Reference
Foundational concepts of Four Pillars of Destiny: Five Elements, Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, and the Ten Gods.
Five Elements
The Five Elements (Wǔ Xíng) form the foundation of Chinese metaphysics, describing cycles of generation and control.
Wood represents growth, expansion, and vitality. Like a tree pushing through soil, it symbolizes upward movement and the force of life emerging.
Fire represents passion, illumination, and transformation. It is the energy of peak activity, radiance, and the power to refine and transform.
Earth represents stability, nourishment, and grounding. It is the center that holds all other elements together, the foundation of balance.
Metal represents precision, structure, and determination. Like refined ore, it symbolizes clarity, decisiveness, and the power of contraction.
Water represents wisdom, adaptability, and depth. It flows around obstacles and always finds a way, symbolizing intelligence and the power of persistence.
Ten Heavenly Stems
The Ten Heavenly Stems represent celestial forces. Each carries a specific elemental energy and yin-yang polarity.
Yang Wood — the towering tree. Represents leadership, ambition, and straightforward character.
Yin Wood — the flexible vine. Represents adaptability, gentleness, and artistic sensibility.
Yang Fire — the blazing sun. Represents warmth, generosity, and radiant charisma.
Yin Fire — the candlelight. Represents insight, refinement, and quiet inner brilliance.
Yang Earth — the great mountain. Represents reliability, steadfastness, and strong foundation.
Yin Earth — the fertile field. Represents nurturing, patience, and receptive nature.
Yang Metal — the sharp sword. Represents decisiveness, justice, and unwavering resolve.
Yin Metal — the polished jewel. Represents elegance, sensitivity, and attention to detail.
Yang Water — the mighty ocean. Represents wisdom, resourcefulness, and vast potential.
Yin Water — the gentle rain. Represents intuition, empathy, and nourishing support.
Twelve Earthly Branches
The Twelve Earthly Branches represent terrestrial forces. Each corresponds to a zodiac animal, a time period, and hidden stems.
The Rat hour marks the transition from old to new day. Quick-witted, resourceful, and full of ideas.
The Ox represents diligence and perseverance. Hardworking, dependable, and methodical.
The Tiger represents courage and authority. Bold, confident, and natural leaders.
The Rabbit represents grace and diplomacy. Elegant, artistic, and peace-loving.
The Dragon represents power and good fortune. Ambitious, energetic, and charismatic.
The Snake represents wisdom and intuition. Deep thinkers, strategic, and perceptive.
The Horse represents freedom and enthusiasm. Adventurous, energetic, and freedom-loving.
The Goat represents creativity and compassion. Gentle, artistic, and deeply empathetic.
The Monkey represents cleverness and versatility. Quick learners, innovative, and entertaining.
The Rooster represents precision and honesty. Detail-oriented, observant, and hardworking.
The Dog represents loyalty and justice. Faithful, protective, and morally upright.
The Pig represents abundance and sincerity. Generous, honest, and enjoy the good things in life.
Ten Gods
The Ten Gods describe relationships between the Day Master and other elements, revealing personality and life themes.
Same element, same polarity as the Day Master. Represents self-reliance, equal competition, and parallel relationships.
Same element, opposite polarity. More aggressive than Companion. Represents strong will, boldness, and competing for resources.
Element produced by Day Master, same polarity. Represents creative output, enjoyment, and natural talent expressed harmoniously.
Element produced by Day Master, opposite polarity. Represents challenging authority, unconventional thinking, and sharp intelligence.
Element controlled by Day Master, same polarity. Represents unexpected income, strong social skills, and generosity with wealth.
Element controlled by Day Master, opposite polarity. Represents earned income, financial responsibility, and practical management.
Element that controls Day Master, same polarity. Represents intense pressure that drives achievement, authority, and decisive action.
Element that controls Day Master, opposite polarity. Represents structured authority, career achievement, and social reputation.
Element that produces Day Master, same polarity. Represents unconventional learning, spiritual insight, and independent thinking.
Element that produces Day Master, opposite polarity. Represents formal education, maternal support, and traditional wisdom.