BaZi Concepts
What Is the Eating God (Shi Shen) in BaZi?
Also called: Shi Shen
Plain Explanation
The Eating God is the Ten God relationship in which the Day Master generates the other Stem’s element and the two have the same yin-yang polarity.
The Day Master is the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar. The Ten Gods use it as their reference point.
Example
Jia (甲) is Yang Wood, and Bing (丙) is Yang Fire. Wood generates Fire, and the two Stems have the same yin-yang polarity.
With Jia (甲) as the Day Master, Bing (丙) is called Eating God.
What It Is Used For
Eating God helps you examine the energy the Day Master expends in generating another element. Consider that expenditure when assessing Day Master strength. When examining the chart’s relationships, also consider how Eating God affects other Stems and Branches; for example, it can generate Wealth.
Favorable and Unfavorable Associations
Favorable means supporting the chart’s needs; unfavorable means hindering them. These are traditional associations to interpret in the context of the whole chart.
- When favorable
- Common associations include a gentle, unhurried manner, creativity, and enjoyment, with attention to patiently turning a skill into finished work.
- When unfavorable
- Common associations include seeking comfort and being lax in taking action, with more enjoyment than follow-through and little drive to move things forward.
Common Misunderstandings
How Does the Eating God Differ from the Hurting Officer?
In both relationships, the Day Master generates the other Stem’s element. The same yin-yang polarity gives Eating God; opposite polarities give Hurting Officer. For a Jia (甲) Wood Day Master, Bing (丙) is Eating God and Ding (丁) is Hurting Officer.
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Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial Policy