BaZi Concepts
What Is Rooting (Tong Gen) in BaZi?
Also called: Tong Gen, Tonggen
Plain Explanation
Rooting means that a Heavenly Stem finds qi of the same element within an Earthly Branch. The Stem is then said to have a root.
The Stems contained in an Earthly Branch are called Hidden Stems. For example, Yin (寅) contains Jia (甲), Bing (丙), and Wu (戊). Jia belongs to Wood and can provide a root for Jia Wood.
Example
To see whether Jia (甲) Wood has a root, look for Wood among the Branches’ hidden Stems. Yin (寅) contains Jia (甲), Bing (丙), and Wu (戊). Its hidden Jia belongs to Wood, so Jia has a root in Yin.
Heavenly Stem · Wood
Jia (甲) belongs to Wood; look for the same element in a Branch
Look for the same element in the Branch
Earthly Branch · Hidden Stems
Yin (寅) contains hidden Wood, so Jia (甲) has a root in Yin
How to Check
- 1
Choose a Heavenly Stem first
When examining the Day Master, first find the Heavenly Stem in the upper position of the Day Pillar, then identify its element. Jia (甲) in this example belongs to Wood.
- 2
Check the hidden Stems of all four Branches
Look for a Stem of the same element; it does not have to be in the same pillar. For example, Yin (寅) in the Year Branch can also provide a root for a Jia (甲) Day Stem.
- 3
Find the same element, then assess its strength
This is an introductory way to recognize rooting through hidden Stems. After finding a root, consider the strength of its qi and the Month Command to assess the actual strength.
What It Is Used For
Rooting shows whether a Stem’s strength has a foundation within the Earthly Branches. It is one consideration when assessing actual strength; counting same-element Heavenly Stems alone is not enough.
Common Misunderstandings
Another Stem of the same element is not the same as a root in a Branch
Another Jia (甲) provides support from the same category. In this example, the root is the Jia hidden within the Earthly Branch Yin (寅).
Having a root does not mean the Day Master is strong
Jia (甲) with Yin (寅) confirms this particular root. Whether it can withstand the effects of other Stems and Branches still depends on the season, the strength of the root, and the chart’s overall combination.
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Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial Policy