Saju Glossary
Five Elements, Ten Gods, Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches
Five Elements (五行)
- Wood (木)
- Symbol of growth and benevolence; governs spring.
- Fire (火)
- Symbol of passion and propriety; governs summer.
- Earth (土)
- Symbol of trust; governs transitional seasons.
- Metal (金)
- Symbol of righteousness; governs autumn.
- Water (水)
- Symbol of wisdom; governs winter.
Heavenly Stems (天干 10)
- Jia (甲)
- Yang Wood — the great tree. Steadfast and resolute.
- Yi (乙)
- Yin Wood — grass and flowers. Gentle and refined.
- Bing (丙)
- Yang Fire — the sun. Warm and radiant.
- Ding (丁)
- Yin Fire — the candle flame. Honest and devoted.
- Wu (戊)
- Yang Earth — the great mountain. Unshakable.
- Ji (己)
- Yin Earth — fertile soil. Nurturing.
- Geng (庚)
- Yang Metal — polished steel. Decisive.
- Xin (辛)
- Yin Metal — fine jewels. Refined and brilliant.
- Ren (壬)
- Yang Water — the great river. Deep and free-flowing.
- Gui (癸)
- Yin Water — morning dew. Soft and wise.
Ten Gods (十神)
- Friend (比肩)
- Same element, same polarity. Siblings, peers.
- Rob Wealth (劫財)
- Same element, opposite polarity. Wealth challenges.
- Eating God (食神)
- Element you produce, same polarity. Creativity.
- Hurting Officer (傷官)
- Element you produce, opposite polarity. Talent.
- Indirect Wealth (偏財)
- Element you control, same polarity. Big wealth.
- Direct Wealth (正財)
- Element you control, opposite polarity. Stable wealth, spouse.
- Seven Killings (偏官)
- Element that controls you, same polarity. Authority.
- Direct Officer (正官)
- Element that controls you, opposite polarity. Honor.
- Indirect Resource (偏印)
- Element that produces you, same polarity. Learning.
- Direct Resource (正印)
- Element that produces you, opposite polarity. Mother, protection.