The world is composed of five elemental properties: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Everything in the world has its own elemental attribute. Therefore, all things or phenomena in the world can be classified according to these five elements.
Next, I will explain the relationship between the five elements and humans, and see which element you belong to.
What are the Five Elements?
The Five Elements is a theory used by our ancient ancestors to explain the formation of all things in the world and their interrelationships. The five elements refer to Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, which interact with each other to create changes in nature and influence human destiny.
Interrelationship of the Five Elements: Wood generates Fire, Fire generates Earth, Earth generates Metal, Metal generates Water, Water generates Wood.
Conflict among the Five Elements: Wood overcomes Earth, Earth overcomes Water, Water overcomes Fire, Fire overcomes Metal, Metal overcomes Wood.
How to Determine a Person’s Elemental Attribute?
Nowadays, there are many common methods to determine a person’s elemental attribute, but to truly assess a person’s elemental attribute, one must consider their BaZi (Four Pillars of Destiny).
At birth, a person is primarily composed of four elements: year, month, day, and hour. These four elements are referred to as the “Four Pillars” in destiny analysis, and each element is composed of Heavenly Stems, forming what is commonly known as the BaZi.
Generally, when looking at the BaZi’s five elements, the focus is on the Day Stem, which represents the core of the individual and indicates their elemental attribute. Below are the elemental attributes of the Heavenly Stems for reference:
Jia, Yi: belong to Wood.
Bing, Ding: belong to Fire.
Wu, Ji: belong to Earth.
Geng, Xin: belong to Metal.
Ren, Gui: belong to Water.
For example, Year: Geng Shen, Month: Gui Wei, Day: Xin Si, Hour: Ding Chou. The Day Pillar corresponds to Xin Si, so the Day Stem is Xin, which belongs to Metal according to the table above, indicating that this person’s elemental attribute is Metal.
Characteristics of People with Different Elemental Attributes
Metal: People with a Metal elemental attribute are decisive and serious, have a clear sense of right and wrong, and possess strong organizational skills. They value loyalty and will do their utmost to help friends in need. However, they can be overly impatient and self-centered.
Wood: People with a Wood elemental attribute are gentle and friendly, possess strong empathy and a sense of justice, and can make good friends. They are diligent in their careers but may lack ambition and can be overly stubborn, inadvertently offending others.
Water: People with a Water elemental attribute are intelligent and resourceful, with a deep understanding of planning. They are well-informed and have many friends, being very loyal in relationships. However, their meticulous nature can lead to indecisiveness and a reluctance to take risks.
Fire: People with a Fire elemental attribute are enthusiastic and optimistic, always full of energy. They are humble and polite, earning respect from others. However, they can be impulsive and may act without considering the consequences, leading to conflicts.
Earth: People with an Earth elemental attribute are honest and trustworthy, keeping their promises and being generous. They are very filial to their parents and are often trusted by others. However, they can be stubborn and resistant to change.
1. If your destiny lacks Fire
1. Avoid wearing colored glasses.
2. Avoid trading stocks, as stocks belong to Metal and Water.
3. Do not take baths in the morning, especially not soak in a tub.
4. Style your hair back to expose your forehead.
5. Keep a red pen or a red handkerchief in your pocket, or wrap three red chili peppers in red paper and place them in your pocket.
6. Minimize subway travel.
7. Drape red clothing over the back of your chair and place a red carpet under your feet.
8. Work during peak Fire hours from 9 AM to 3 PM.
9. Eat more chocolate.
10. Keep a television in your bedroom.
11. Cook your own meals.
12. Drink red date tea or tomato juice regularly.
13. Use beautiful lighting in your home; the more bulbs, the better.
14. Worship the God of Wealth at home, such as Guan Gong.
15. Carry a lighter with you.
16. Use an electric shaver instead of a razor.
17. Choose red or purple ties.
18. Consider living, developing, or working in the southern regions.
1Colors associated with Fire:
Red, yellow, purple, and warm colors.
2Industries associated with Fire:
Computers, electronics, film, plastics, flammable materials, chefs, military, cigarettes, lighters, lighting, moisture absorption, and all personal decorative items.
3Lucky charms associated with Fire:
Paintings of the sun, lychee, peony, horses, cars, car models, car posters, and magazines.
4Relatives associated with Fire:
Mother, aunt, wet nurse, godmother, grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle; maintain close relationships with these individuals.
2. Foods to Supplement Water for Those Lacking Water
Fish, sashimi, milk, tofu, soy milk, fruit juice, seafood, fish oil capsules, bird’s nest, cloud ear mushrooms, beer, frozen drinks, watermelon, cucumber, winter melon, chewing gum, sesame paste, deep-sea fish oil, snow lotus, abalone, cordyceps chicken essence, pearl powder, black beans, sea cucumber, snow frog paste, jellyfish, geoduck, sashimi, steamed fish, black fungus, kelp, bitter melon, old cucumber, all types of fish, water tofu, pig kidneys, pig brains, fish belly, rice worms, sea cucumbers, duck intestines, goose intestines, pork, honey, Yakult, loofah, gourd, cuttlefish, shrimp, oysters, and snails.
1Choosing Travel or Living Locations:
Traveling north is preferable, such as to Canada or Russia, or within China to Hebei, Northeast, Inner Mongolia, etc. Engage in activities like diving, visiting water parks, or aquariums. Travel to rivers, lakes, and seas, such as visiting West Lake or taking a boat through the Three Gorges. Ideally, have water features like waterfalls, swimming pools, rivers, lakes, ponds, or reservoirs in the southwest of your residence, or place an aquarium in the southwest of your home.
2Good Habits for Supplementing Water:
Keep an aquarium in the northern part of your home, preferably with black fish, with a quantity of six, seven, or ten. Regularly swim or dive, and take baths in a bathtub, storing water when not in use. Worship the Water Moon Guanyin at home, avoid burning incense frequently, and turn off all lights at night. Place a blue carpet under your feet at your office. Regularly clean your home of clutter and garbage. Hang paintings of water scenes, such as rivers, lakes, seas, waterfalls, or marine life in your home or office.
Post auspicious phrases in your home: [Hundred Blessings Arrive], [Like Fish in Water], [Gold Generates Water], [Ten Thousand Families are Blessed], keep pure water and mineral water nearby, wear sunglasses when going out, ensure the bathroom is clean and well-decorated, and avoid open kitchen designs. Regularly consume soup and avoid hot pot and barbecues.
3Colors associated with Water:
Blue, black, gray.
4Industries associated with Water:
Navigation, bars, Western restaurants, tofu and soy milk production, cosmetics, detective work, journalism, stock trading, advertising, trade, firefighting, fish farming, and any industry involving fluidity or change.
5Lucky charms associated with Water:
Mouse, kangaroo, monkey, dragon figurines or ornaments, and items from the Crown brand, as well as paintings of blessings.
6Two Water Hexagrams:
Water Wind Well, Water Marsh Gathering; these hexagrams can be carried or hung in your office or hall.
7Relatives associated with Water:
Mother, aunt, wet nurse, godmother, grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle; maintain close relationships with these individuals.
3. Which Season’s Births Lack Wood
Chinese destiny analysis uses Yin-Yang, Five Elements, and Eight Trigrams to assess a person’s life. Generally, the year, month, day, and hour of birth have varying degrees of influence on a person. Among these, the month of birth has the greatest impact on personality. Therefore, people born in different seasons will have different elemental attributes in their destiny. Below are the elemental conditions for people born in different seasons:
1Elemental Conditions:
1. People born in spring have more Wood and lack Metal;
2. People born in summer have more Fire and lack Water;
3. People born in autumn have more Metal and lack Wood;
4. People born in winter have more Water and lack Fire.
2How to Resolve Wood Deficiency:
The theory of “supplementing the lacking element” is based on the mutual complementarity of Yin and Yang to achieve unity. Therefore, if you are born in autumn, you may lack Wood, while those born in other seasons may also lack Wood. If your destiny analysis confirms that you lack Wood, it is recommended to pay attention to the following points:
Those lacking Wood should eat more fruits, grow long hair, nails, and facial hair.
Those lacking Wood should avoid tattoos.
Maintain good dental health and avoid losing body hair.
3Foods to Supplement Wood:
Pork liver, mung bean paste, ginseng, tofu, bananas, lotus root, rabbit meat, sugarcane, papaya, oatmeal, mushrooms, reishi, green tea, apples, oranges, ginkgo, olives, cabbage, lettuce, mustard, kale, spinach, oilseed lettuce, amaranth, water spinach, watercress, goji berries, mung beans, chives, water chestnuts, seaweed, starfruit, grapefruit, pears, plums, walnuts, glutinous rice, duck, boiled crab, freshwater fish, chicken liver, pork liver, pig trotters, chicken feet, duck feet, pig feet, hairy crabs, all herbal medicines, potatoes, pistachios, tea, chicken, chicken wings, corn, and dried scallops.
4Choosing Travel or Living Locations:
Travel to the east, such as Shanghai, Suzhou, or Japan, the USA, or Taiwan. Alternatively, choose places with the character “木” in their names, such as Dongguan, Humen, or Zhangmutou.
5Lucky Charms Associated with Wood:
Paintings of plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, as well as flutes, bamboo flutes, rabbit figurines, and cat figurines.
6Good Habits for Supplementing Wood:
Wake up between 5-7 AM and exercise outdoors in areas with many trees. Work extra hard in spring and avoid taking breaks.
From 3 PM to 7 PM, Metal is strong, and those who like Wood may feel low energy; eating some fruit can help supplement Wood. The best times are from 5 AM to 7 AM and from 9 PM to 11 PM.
7Industries Associated with Wood:
Wood, landscaping, flower shops, wood carving, wooden products, fabric, paper, books, magazines, health foods, cosmetics, publishing, religious items, secretarial work, consulting, religious industries, teaching, civil service, politics, literature, cultural enterprises, stationery stores, bookstores, publishing houses, civil service, new design, plant cultivation, decoration, paper industry, bamboo industry, planting industry, flower industry, seedling industry, green fruit merchants, grass industry, and the pharmaceutical industry (pharmacies or pharmacists).
8Hobbies to Supplement Wood:
Calligraphy, painting, especially painting plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, as well as playing the flute and bamboo flute.
9Three Wood Hexagrams:
Thunder Wind Constant, Wind, Thunder Benefit; these hexagrams can be carried or hung in your office or hall.
10Relatives Associated with Wood:
Mother-in-law, mother-in-law’s siblings, grandmother, grandmother’s siblings, and apprentices; maintain close relationships with these individuals.
4. Lacking Metal Does Not Mean Lacking Money
Lacking Metal does not mean lacking money; the main manifestation of lacking Metal is:
Even if one has money, it is hard to keep it; spending is like flowing water, and one appears generous and open-handed. However, those lacking Metal tend to make more friends. Generally, those lacking Metal should be cautious in investment industries, such as stocks, real estate, or hardware, as lacking Metal may lead to problems and hinder career development.
1How to Resolve Metal Deficiency:
In the Five Elements, Metal is associated with the color white. Those with strong Metal attributes are loyal, passionate, have a clear complexion, high brows, deep-set eyes, and are healthy and clear-minded. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Metal corresponds to the respiratory system, particularly the lungs, and also governs the large intestine. If Metal is weak or lacking, the opposite traits may be observed.
Destiny analysis suggests that the best and simplest way to supplement Metal is to add elements of Metal to one’s name or wear accessories made of Metal. However, it is not just any metal that counts; only gold, platinum, and silver are considered Metal in the Five Elements, as they are yellow or white. Colorless and transparent gemstones are associated with Earth and do not relate to Metal, while white gemstones are associated with Metal.
For example, white crystal bracelets made from white crystal are the best choice for those lacking Metal. Additionally, from a Feng Shui perspective, many factors must be considered from various angles, not just one aspect. Besides wearing these accessories, attention should also be paid to home and travel arrangements to maximize the benefits of Metal accessories.
Another method is for those who are wealthy, have large homes, and are interested in music to consider purchasing a metal instrument, such as a saxophone or piano, to place in their home. When these instruments produce music, they will generate a Feng Shui effect that supplements Metal.
Knowledge Related to Metal2Foods to Supplement Metal:
All frozen items, such as frozen meat, ice cream, jelly, ice cubes, pig lungs, pig intestines, chicken intestines, chicken meat, chicken essence, milk, beef, chewing gum, Eight Immortals fruit, dried tangerine peel, monk fruit, vinegar, snow pears, bird’s nest, yogurt, eggs, goose meat, white radish, cabbage, winter melon, and water bamboo.
3Choosing Travel or Living Locations:
Travel to Western Europe, Canada, or within China to the Northwest. Wear a white watch with a metal chain.
Minimize subway travel.
Regularly visit jewelry stores to absorb Metal energy.
Keep a metal alarm clock by your bedside to wake yourself up every morning.
Choose appropriate lucky charms.
4Colors Associated with Metal:
White, gold, silver-gray.
5Lucky Charms Associated with Metal:
Copper chickens, paintings of chickens, monkey figurines, Sun Wukong toys, iceberg patterns, mirrors, metal tableware, ice cream, metal musical instruments, swans, lions, and elephants.
6Industries Associated with Metal:
Hardware industry, gold and silver jewelry, copperware, aluminum alloy windows, eyeglasses, mirrors, Western restaurants, brokers, salespeople, teachers, speakers, sword shops, doctors, hairstylists, and all professions related to decisiveness and active engagement.
7Three Metal Hexagrams:
Earth Heaven Peace, Earth Marsh Approaching, Thunder Heaven Great Strength; these hexagrams can be carried or hung in your office or hall.
8Relatives Associated with Metal:
Father, father’s siblings, and maternal uncles; maintain close relationships with these individuals.
5. Lacking Earth Does Not Necessarily Mean Supplementing Earth
Similarly, lacking Water does not necessarily mean supplementing Water; this requires systematic analysis to see how your destiny is structured. It involves examining the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches of your BaZi and the final composition to determine how to supplement. Generally, one supplements what is lacking, but sometimes the lacking element may differ.
If it is indeed necessary to supplement Earth, one can include characters related to “Earth” in their name, indicating a preference for Earth. When seeking partners, look for those with strong Earth attributes, and in terms of direction, focus on the center, with yellow as the preferred color.
If your child lacks Earth, you can supplement it through naming. However, the method you use should be the Five Grids Naming Method, which is generally not recognized by traditional schools of I Ching. You may want to further research the I Ching’s Five Elements Naming Method, considering various factors such as phonetics, meaning, form, numerology, and the Five Grids. When naming friends, I usually adopt the strengths of various schools and use their essence.
Of course, if you are determined to use the Five Grids Naming Method, you can use characters with five or six strokes in the Earth and Personality grids. It is best to place the child’s bed in the center of the house, with boys’ beds in the southwest and girls’ beds in the northeast. Children can wear yellow square ornaments.
1Favorable Directions:
Local, southwest, northeast.
Favorable Colors: Yellow series.
Lucky Numbers: 5, 0.
2Occupations Associated with Earth:
Earth products or real estate, agriculture, animal husbandry, natural resources, talent development, waterproofing, soil researchers, vegetable industry, selling agricultural products (grains, rice, wheat, etc.), livestock (such as cattle, sheep, or poultry), selling feed, and all agricultural and livestock industries. Selling natural resources (including stones, lime, and land) and the construction industry, real estate sales, pawn shops, antique dealers, appraisers, all intermediaries, and introduction industries, as well as notaries, lawyers, lobbyists, judges, and management roles.
3Characteristics of Jia Wood:
Astronomical phenomena: Mars, thunder, sunrise, and warm climates.
Geographical structures: forests, highways, bridges, and the left dragon of Feng Shui.
Human relationships: leaders, heads of families, main characters, role models, leaders, older brothers, chairpersons, mentors, doctors, military personnel, and gentlemen.
Temperament: strong, upright, positive, naive, and not very flexible.
Health issues: gallbladder, head and face, feet, facial hair, voice, nails, upper limbs, brain nerve center, meridians, spasms, convulsions, paralysis, and nausea.
Affairs: founding, politics, general affairs, agriculture, timber industry, construction, and supervision.
Plants: pine trees, cypress, fir, coconut trees, lychee, hawthorn, bamboo, pasture, and reeds.
Animals: cranes, cuckoos, larks, thrushes, lions, tigers, and felines.
Items: musical instruments such as flutes, drums, and guitars, as well as transportation tools and vehicles.
Numbers: ordinal number 1, pre-heaven number 9, six lines number 7, five elements number 3, 8.
Others: cyan green, representing the “Azure Dragon” and “Direct Symbol” amber, and seeds. The hexagram is “Zhen Hexagram?”
4Characteristics of Yi Wood:
Wood resides in the Xun position, which represents wind; thus, Yi Wood is associated with wind and is a type of living wood found in mountains. Yi Wood represents flowers and grasses, produced in the summer months, thriving in sunlight, and is most vulnerable when born in the months of Hai and Zi, as leaves fall and roots wither, losing vitality.
Yi Wood is a day of wonder and heavenly virtue.
Astronomical phenomena: the second month of spring, the proximity of the moon, gentle winds and sunny days, mountain winds, and Pluto.
Geographical structures: grassy parks, valleys, scenic orchards, flower shops, the left dragon of Feng Shui, entrances, printing factories, and small bridges.
Human relationships: wise and virtuous individuals, scholars, monks, mothers, wives, younger sisters, deputy generals, and assistants.
Temperament: soft yet resilient, adaptable, and peaceful.
Health issues: liver, tear glands, hair, fingers, thighs, sense of smell, soul, neck, and nervous system, dizziness, and allergies.
Plants: orchids, reishi mushrooms, tea, willows, vines, floating plants, and fragrant plants.
Animals: mandarin ducks, spotted deer, storks, butterflies, dragonflies, silkworms, moths, snakes, and giraffes.
Items: handicrafts, houses, boxes, beds, and products made from rattan, wigs, perfumes, air fresheners, silk, stationery, and spices.
Numbers: ordinal number 2, pre-heaven number 8, six lines number 6, five elements number 3, 8.
Others: emerald green, yellow-green, and the “Six Harmonies” in the six gods, which occupy the marriage of the female family in the “Day Wonder”.
5Characteristics of Bing Fire:
Bing represents the sun shining on the earth; in the sky, it is sunlight and lightning, while underground, it is the fire of the furnace, symbolizing civilization. People born under Bing prefer to be born in spring and autumn, as spring sunlight melts and warms all things, while autumn sunlight dries and matures everything. Winter sunlight is dim, and summer sunlight is hot, which is not very favorable.
Astronomical phenomena: sunlight, hot days, new moon to full moon, lightning, and Jupiter.
Geographical structures: scenic areas, amusement parks, theaters, grassy fields, palaces, cities, temples, libraries, kilns, beauty salons, cinemas, telecommunications offices, and airports.
Human relationships: inspectors, plaintiffs, appraisers, makeup artists, beauticians, ophthalmologists, poets, and medical workers.
Temperament: strong on the outside, gentle on the inside, fair, tolerant, and sometimes fierce; when angry, they can be stubborn and self-willed, enjoying flattery and vanity, and are prone to mood swings.
Health issues: small intestine, eyes, shoulders, spots, blood pressure, inflammation, fever, bleeding, burns, sunburn, infertility, and miscarriage.
Affairs: beauty industry, entertainment industry, gift industry, aviation industry, clothing industry, cultural examinations, and legal disputes.
Plants: chili peppers, pepper, perilla, angelica, peony, cockscomb, lotus, Christmas red, and maple leaves.
Animals: peacocks, golden pheasants, magpies, sparrows, red parrots, turtles, crabs, snails, and shellfish.
Items: luminous objects, electrical appliances, optical instruments, televisions, computers, generators, fax machines, projectors, trophies, formal wear, and containers.
Numbers: ordinal number 3, pre-heaven number 7, six lines number 9, five elements number 2, 7.
Others: red, purple, and the “Vermilion Bird” in the six gods, and the “Moon Wonder” in the six gates.
6Characteristics of Ding Fire:
Ding Fire is the essence of all things, representing civilization; in the sky, it is the twinkling stars, while on the ground, it is the flickering lights. The function of Ding Fire becomes apparent after the sun sets. Therefore, Ding born in the You hour has a high status, especially when born in the winter or autumn nights, as Ding Fire is not afraid of being weak.
Astronomical phenomena: auspicious clouds, moonlight, stars, heat, Venus, and the star of the elderly.
Geographical structures: kitchens, back doors, small doors, boundaries, stables, and the Feng Shui altar.
Human relationships: women, artists, widows, young girls, performers, historians, examinees, lobbyists, and teachers.
Health issues: body temperature, eyes, face, teeth, internal organs, heart, and blood.
Temperament: gentle when auspicious, loyal, cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and unwilling to lose.
Health issues: heart, breast, eyeball, appendicitis, blood cells, mental health, consciousness, pulse, lip diseases, styes, and sores.
Affairs: cooking, beauty and makeup, ceramics, hot pot restaurants, barbecue restaurants, flower arrangement, and surprising events.
Plants: hemp, roses, and peonies.
Animals: flying insects, crawling insects, and poisonous insects, such as fireflies, ladybugs, mosquitoes, earthworms, areca nuts, and fleas.
Items: luminous objects in nature, red items, rare materials, energy sources, lighting, lighters, microwaves, cooking utensils, ovens, and vermilion.
Numbers: ordinal number 4, pre-heaven number 6, six lines number 4, five elements number 2, 7.
Others: in the six gods, it is the Vermilion Bird, and in the six gates, it is the “Star Wonder”.
7Characteristics of Wu Earth:
Astronomical phenomena: Saturn, sunset, fog, frost, miasma, and seasonal transitions.
Geographical structures: mountains, dikes, walls, Feng Shui’s critical points, wheat fields, autumn wilderness, temples, gravel pits, department stores, warehouses, and parking lots.
Human relationships: officials, wealthy individuals, prison guards, team leaders, buyers, children, elderly women, mothers, cowherds, butchers, and mediators.
Temperament: straightforward, stubborn, determined, simple, bold when the time is right, but cowardly and foolish when the time is wrong, conservative, and isolated.
Health issues: stomach, abdomen, digestion, eyelids, nose, gums, ribs, back, joints, cholesterol, skin, cheeks, and spine. Epidemics.
Affairs: insurance, trust, national defense, construction, storage, security, real estate transactions, contracts, and central groups. Refer to the Kun and Gen hexagrams for the characteristics of all things.
Plants: melons, fruits, and grain crops.
Animals: donkeys, cattle, dogs, camels, badgers, bears, rodents, and wasps.
Items: handbags, packaging, rain gear, parts, accessories, ceramics, leather goods, capital, and meat products. Sweaters, furniture, flour products, and dry food.
Concrete, all earthen products in nature, electric poles, and residential buildings.
Others: yellow, five numbers, pre-heaven number 5, six lines number 5, five elements number 5, 10.
Representing the “Grave Chen”, the sky, residing in the center, and the Kun hexagram representing the God of Wealth.
8Characteristics of Ji Earth:
Heavenly phenomena: moon, clouds, fog, and humidity.
Environment: farmland, graveyards, low-dust areas, plains, slopes, courtyards, bedrooms, delivery rooms, and Feng Shui critical points.
Human relationships: wives, women, mothers, farmers, earthworkers, folklore, typists, and service personnel.
Salespeople, secretaries, and waitstaff.
Health issues: major body parts, nose, face, spleen, and stomach, back, and muscles.
Affairs: military supplies, urban planning, grain crops, real estate, early childhood education, and obstetrics.
Plants: autumn crops such as potatoes, yams, cotton, and earthworms.
Animals: cows, donkeys, mares, ducks, pandas, bees, ants, spiders, and toads.
Items: daily necessities, towels, soap, underwear, socks, shoes, toilet paper, stationery, and seasonings.
Numbers: ordinal number 6, pre-heaven number 9, six lines number 8, five elements number 5, 10.
Others: earth yellow, the six gates are in the center, residing in the center, and the Kun hexagram represents the Earth Door.
9Characteristics of Geng Metal:
Heavenly phenomena: Mercury, lunar gravity, and frost.
Geographical structures: tides, corridors, passages, highways, Feng Shui’s right (Tiger) sand, temples, lakes, cities, and shrines.
Human relationships: soldiers, grandfathers, fierce rivals, prosecutors, surgeons, sculptors, directors, martial artists, butchers, executioners, and defendants.
Temperament: strong, brave, aggressive, and rough, able to bend others but not bend to others.
Health issues: large intestine, bones, menstruation, thyroid, pores, fractures, dislocations, navel, and menopause, and tissue hardening.
Affairs: inspection, change, death, traffic accidents, military, automotive, steel, mining, logging, fleeing, and factories.
Plants: ginger, garlic, scallions, leeks, chives, onions, barley, elm pods, chrysanthemums, wood fruits, curry, radishes, and celery.
Animals: tigers, leopards, lions, sharks, white ants, locusts, grasshoppers, beetles, monkeys, gorillas, woodpeckers, pupae, crickets, and mole crickets.
Items: swords, bells, gongs, cymbals, arrows, axes, saws, scriptures, feather products, cars, and sports equipment.
Numbers: ordinal number 9, pre-heaven number 8, six lines number 7, five elements number 9.
Others: white, nine numbers, pre-heaven number 8, six lines number 7, and the White Tiger represents the male in marriage.
10Characteristics of Xin Metal:
Heavenly phenomena: autumn frost, hail, and fog.
Geographical structures: silver shops, lock shops, salt fields, mills, courtyards, white towers, peninsulas, Feng Shui’s right (Tiger) sand, and doors.
Human relationships: councilors, judges, lawyers, priests, mediums, female police officers, criminals, guerrillas, young girls, and transgender individuals.
Temperament: cold, sharp, decisive, soft on the outside but strong on the inside, gentle, and intelligent.
Health issues: lungs, teeth, throat, femur, chest cavity, knife wounds, aging, deformities, stiffness, and metabolism.
Affairs: innovation, development, intermediary work, destiny analysis, women’s affairs, secrecy, and execution.
Plants: wheat, tianma, fritillaria, ginkgo, almonds, mustard, scallions, and garlic.
Animals: eagles, hunting dogs, centipedes, geckos, antelopes, rhinoceroses, white tigers, and insects.
Items: jewelry, rings, buttons, bells, keys, hardware tools, needles, plaster, leather products, and ivory products.
Numbers: ordinal number 4, pre-heaven number 6, six lines number 4, five elements number 2, 7.
Others: white, four numbers, the moon, pre-heaven number 7, six lines number 6.
11Characteristics of Ren Water:
Heavenly phenomena: lunar eclipses, the Milky Way, autumn dew, strong winds, heavy rain, and Uranus.
Geographical structures: rivers, lakes, ditches, waterfalls, Feng Shui’s dragon (vein), springs, paths, subways, doors, prisons.
Human relationships: sailors, boatmen, cavalry, aunts, pregnant women, wet nurses, mothers, white-clad individuals, and thieves.
Temperament: realistic, smooth, clever, indulgent, superficial, straightforward, tolerant, and soft on the outside but strong on the inside.
Health issues: bladder, fallopian tubes, vas deferens, blood vessels, lymphatic system, shins, mammary glands, pregnancy, fetal movement, and back pain.
Affairs: transportation, shipbuilding, water conservancy projects, firefighting, environmental protection, freezing industry, integrity, and sexual behavior.
Plants: soybeans, black beans, ginseng, astragalus, aloe, rubber trees, and thorny plants.
Animals: swallows, bats, foxes, rats, owls, flying foxes, walruses, hippos, dolphins, sea urchins, and hedgehogs.
Items: refrigerators, air conditioners, boats, water dispensers, water pipes, straws, face creams, hair oils, lubricants, lime, dairy products, and beverages.
Others: black, one number, the queen, pre-heaven number 6, six lines number 9.
12Characteristics of Gui Water:
Heavenly phenomena: solar eclipses, spring rain, spring dew, freezing, black holes, and Neptune.
Geographical structures: oceans, islands, Feng Shui’s dragon (vein), water gathering places, wells, bathrooms, basements, back doors, back roads, and warehouses.
Human relationships: doctors, hermits, psychologists, surveyors, divers, detectives, spies, drunkards, children, beggars, and fishermen.
Temperament: honest, sentimental, nostalgic, sensitive, silent, and with potential.
Health issues: kidneys, reproductive system, endocrine system, ears, brain, bone marrow, balance, memory, and saliva.
Affairs: consulting, scheduling, designing, planning, measuring, plotting, fleeing, losing, collecting, and marriage dates.
Plants: plum blossoms, water lilies, camellias, snow lotus, wheat, and algae.
Animals: penguins, otters, polar bears, ferrets, pigs, oysters, abalone, seagulls, and tadpoles.
Items: levels, water filters, umbrellas, hats, pens, ink, cleaning agents, and pickled items.
Others: light colors, six numbers, Xuanwu, ghosts, the underworld, codes, and passwords, pre-heaven number 5, six lines number 4.
(II) Twelve Earthly Branches and Their Associations1Geographical Associations of the Branches:
Zi: lakes, seas, and ponds; Chou: gardens, fields, and graves; Yin: mountains and forests; Mao: trees and vehicles;
Chen: tombs and mountains; Si: furnaces and kilns; Wu: markets and flags; Wei: villages and wells;
Shen: post stations and stone scriptures; You: hills and streets; Xu: fields and hills; Hai: rivers and ports.
2Human Associations of the Branches:
Zi: maids and women; Chou: shepherds and farmers; Yin: woodcutters and historians;
Mao: boatmen and car drivers; Chen: fishermen and officials; Si: stove workers and kiln workers;
Wu: horsemen and silkworm farmers; Wei: maids and entertainers; Shen: soldiers and postmen;
You: concubines and prostitutes; Xu: soldiers and servants; Hai: Taoists and medical practitioners.
3Organ Associations of the Branches:
Zi: bladder, life gate, and urethra; Chou: stomach; Yin: gallbladder; Mao: liver; Chen: spleen; Si: triple burner and small intestine;
Wu: heart and spirit; Wei: stomach and middle burner; Shen: large intestine and anus; You: lungs; Xu: spleen; Hai: internal and external yin, and kidneys.
4Dietary Associations of the Branches:
Yin and Mao: green foods, produced in spring.
Si and Wu: red foods, produced in summer.
Shen and You: white foods, produced in autumn.
Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei: yellow foods, produced in all seasons.
5Item Associations of the Branches:
Zi: rouge and hairpins; Chou: hats and headwear; Yin: tables and chairs;
Mao: furniture and wooden items; Chen: measuring tools, rice measures, and sieves; Si: stoves, fans, and bows;
Wu: books and flags; Wei: tableware and fabrics; Shen: grinding tools and stone statues;
You: gold and silver jewelry; Xu: armor and seals; Hai: paintings and rain gear.
6Animal and Plant Associations of the Branches:
Zi: rats, swallows, and bats; Chou: cows and elephants; Yin: lions, tigers, and leopards;
Mao: rabbits, foxes, donkeys, and mules; Chen: dragons, fish, shrimp, and turtles; Si: snakes, pythons, cicadas, and crickets;
Wu: horses and deer; Wei: sheep; Yan: monkeys and gorillas; Shen: chickens, ducks, geese, and quails;
Xu: dogs, wolves, and badgers; Hai: pigs and bears; Yin and Mao combined represent flowers, grasses, and trees.
7House Associations of the Branches:
Zi: rear palace, rear hall, inner room, and inner chamber; Chou: holy temples, shrines, official residences, and bureaucratic areas;
Yin: guest houses, mountain houses, grass houses, and thatched cottages; Mao: living quarters, thunder temples, shipyards, and wood factories;
Chen: dragon temples, star palaces, heavenly prisons, and command offices; Si: shops, stove shops, kang rooms, and kitchens;
Wu: large halls, stables, life halls, and studies; Wei: hotels, tea houses, pawn shops, and warehouses;
Shen: grinding houses, milling houses, delivery shops, and inns; You: gold and silver jewelry, copper, tin, and iron shops;
Xu: Buddhist halls, Zen rooms, barracks, and prisons; Hai: Taoist temples, fairy palaces, theaters, and pavilions.
8Indoor Associations of the Branches:
Yin represents cabinets, Mao represents beds, Chen represents basins, jars, and bags. Si represents stoves and fireplaces, Wu represents clothing racks and cages.
Wei represents the main hall, while the outside represents the courtyard; Shen represents shrines for offering Buddha. You represents stools or swords, while Xu represents food and grain.
Hai represents stages and curtains, while jars and bottles represent the Zi box. Chou represents cabinets and measures below, while all household items are auspicious.
9Outdoor Grave Associations of the Branches:
(This is used in the Six Lines, while the Four Pillars are governed by the year of death.)
Yin represents flowering trees, Mao represents bridges and boats, Si represents high graves, and Chen represents dark springs. Wu represents horizontal ridges, Wei represents embankments, Shen represents river stones, and Xu represents hemp mountains.
10Indoor Grave Associations of the Branches:
(This is used to observe the correct and biased prints.)
Yin and Mao roots twist like dragon whiskers, while Shen and You iron tools walk through pear trees. Si and Wu heat and steam, while Hai and Zi snakes and rats migrate.
Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei represent earth sealing graves; this is the wonderful method of Sun Bin, which is used for practical observation.
11Health Associations of the Branches:
Zi corresponds to the bladder, waterway, and ears; Chou corresponds to the abdomen and spleen; Yin corresponds to the gallbladder and pulse, while Mao corresponds to the liver and fingers.
Chen corresponds to the spleen, shoulders, and chest; Si corresponds to the teeth, throat, intestines, and anus; Wu corresponds to the heart and spirit, while Wei corresponds to the stomach and diaphragm.
Shen corresponds to the large intestine and anus, while You corresponds to the lungs; Xu corresponds to the spleen, and Hai corresponds to the internal and external yin and kidneys.