Shi Tian Gan (十天干) - Ten Heavenly Stems

What are the Ten Heavenly Stems (十天干)?

Shi Tian Gan (十天干), translated as "Ten Heavenly Stems" or "Ten Celestial Stems," are the ten fundamental elements that form the foundation of Chinese metaphysics. They represent the cyclical energy of the cosmos and are used in various divination systems including Ba Zi, Liu Yao, and Da Liu Ren.

The Ten Stems

1. Jia (甲) - First Stem

• Element: Wood (Yang)
• Symbol: Yang Wood, beginning
• Nature: Creative, growth, leadership
• Image: Strong wood, like a tall tree

2. Yi (乙) - Second Stem

• Element: Wood (Yin)
• Symbol, Yin Wood
• Nature: Flexible, gentle, artistic
• Image, flowering plants, vines

3. Bing (丙) - Third Stem

• Element: Fire (Yang)
• Symbol: Yang Fire
• Nature: Bright, expanding, authoritative
• Image: The sun, brilliant fire

4. Ding (丁) - Fourth Stem

• Element: Fire (Yin)
• Symbol: Yin Fire
• Nature: Warm, gentle, illuminating
• Image: Lamp flame, subtle light

5. Wu (戊) - Fifth Stem

• Element: Earth (Yang)
• Symbol: Yang Earth
• Nature: Stable, solid, enduring
• Image: Mountains, high ground

6. Ji (己) - Sixth Stem

• Element: Earth (Yin)
• Symbol: Yin Earth
• Nature: Nurturing, fertile, adaptable
• Image: Soil, fertile earth

7. Geng (庚) - Seventh Stem

• Element: Metal (Yang)
• Symbol: Yang Metal
• Nature: Strong, sharp, decisive
• Image: Metal tools, weapons

8. Xin (辛) - Eighth Stem

• Element: Metal (Yin)
• Symbol: Yin Metal
• Nature: Refined, delicate, valuable
• Image: Precious metals, jewelry

9. Ren (壬) - Ninth Stem

• Element: Water (Yang)
• Symbol: Yang Water
• Nature: Flowing, powerful, expansive
• Image: Ocean, large rivers

10. Gui (癸) - Tenth Stem

• Element: Water (Yin)
• Symbol: Yin Water
• Nature: Hidden, subtle, flowing
• Image: Rain, dew, streams

Yin-Yang Classification

Yang Stems

• Jia (甲): Yang Wood
• Bing (丙): Yang Fire
• Wu (戊): Yang Earth
• Geng (庚): Yang Metal
• Ren (壬): Yang Water

Yin Stems

• Yi (乙): Yin Wood
• Ding (丁): Yin Fire
• Ji (己): Yin Earth
• Xin (辛): Yin Metal
• Gui (癸): Yin Water

Generating Cycle

The stems generate each other in order:

• Jia Yi (Wood) → Bing Ding (Fire) → Wu Ji (Earth) → Geng Xin (Metal) → Ren Gui (Water)

Practical Applications

The Heavenly Stems are used in:

• Ba Zi: Four Pillars analysis
• Liu Yao: Six Lines divination
• Da Liu Ren: Great Liu Ren
• Feng Shui
• Space analysis

Conclusion

The Ten Heavenly Stems (十天干) form the essential foundation of Chinese metaphysics. Understanding their nature and relationships is crucial for any serious study of divination and Chinese metaphysics.