In the Zi Wei Dou Shu system, the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are the foundation of the entire chart logic. Therefore, whether you want to learn the four-transformation flying stars or to read major cycles and annual cycles, you must first clarify this set of "codes."
The Ten Heavenly Stems: Jia Yi Bing Ding Wu Ji Geng Xin Ren Gui
Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches are Zi Wei Dou Shu's foundational language. Most concise intr....
In Zi Wei Dou Shu, there are ten Heavenly Stems in total, paired in groups of two according to five elements. Jia and Yi belong to Wood. Bing and Ding belong to Fire. Wu and Ji belong to Earth. Geng and Xin belong to Metal. Ren and Gui belong to Water. Among them, the odd-numbered positions (Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren) are Yang Stems, and the even-numbered positions (Yi, Ding, Ji, Xin, Gui) are Yin Stems. In chart analysis, the Heavenly Stem of the birth year determines the distribution of the four-transformation stars. Meaning the same major star will produce completely different Hua Lu, Hua Quan, Hua Ke, Hua Ji on the charts of people born in different year stems. Specifically, the Heavenly Stem is the trigger for the "dynamic changes" of the chart.
The Twelve Earthly Branches: Zi Chou Yin Mao Chen Si Wu Wei Shen You Xu Hai
The twelve Earthly Branches correspond to the twelve Chinese zodiac signs and are also the "street addresses" of the twelve palaces on the chart. From our observations, what beginners most often confuse are the interaction relationships among the Earthly Branches: six combinations (Zi-Chou, Yin-Hai, Mao-Xu, Chen-You, Si-Shen, Wu-Wei) represent affinity and attraction. Six clashes (Zi-Wu, Chou-Wei, Yin-Shen, Mao-You, Chen-Xu, Si-Hai) represent opposition and impact. However,"without clash there is no movement" is a core concept in Zi Wei Dou Shu. An auspicious star that is not clashed does not fully realize its auspiciousness. A malefic star that is not clashed does not fully realize its malevolence.
- Six combinations: Zi-Chou, Yin-Hai, Mao-Xu, Chen-You, Si-Shen, Wu-Wei — combining palaces mutually attract their stars.
- Six clashes: Zi-Wu, Chou-Wei, Yin-Shen, Mao-You, Chen-Xu, Si-Hai — opposing palaces stimulate each other.
- Three-gathering formations: Yin-Wu-Xu ; Shen-Zi-Chen ; Si-You-Chou ; Hai-Mao-Wei
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How Stems and Branches Influence Your Chart
The Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches are paired in sequence to form the Sixty Jia-Zi cycle. Your birth-year pillar (year stem + year branch) determines which stars in the chart are "activated" with four transformations, and major cycles and annual cycles each have their own stems and branches, layered one on top of another. In fact, the same chart under different major cycle Heavenly Stems will present completely different fortune rhythms. So in learning Zi Wei Dou Shu, stems and branches are always the first lesson that cannot be bypassed.
Interpretation boundary: This astrology and self-observation content is for reference only and should be checked against real conditions. It is not investment advice or financial advice. It is not medical advice or a diagnosis, nor is it legal or other professional advice. Consult qualified professionals when needed.
InstagramPublished 2025-05-05; last updated 2026-04-19
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