Concept Dictionary
Chinese Metaphysics Dictionary
Explore Yin-Yang, the Five Elements, Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, Solar Terms, generating and controlling relations, and the Sexagenary Cycle.
Foundations and Chart
01 · Common Concepts
Yin and Yang
Yin Yang, Yin-Yang
Yin and Yang are traditional names for two relative aspects, such as movement and stillness. Before calling one aspect yin and the other yang, first make clear what is being compared.
02 · Common Concepts
Five Elements
Wu Xing, Wuxing, Five Phases
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, used in traditional Chinese thought to classify qualities and describe relationships of change.
03 · Common Concepts
Heavenly Stems
Tian Gan, Tiangan, Ten Heavenly Stems
The Heavenly Stems are ten characters traditionally used to mark sequence and time: Jia (甲), Yi (乙), Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Wu (戊), Ji (己), Geng (庚), Xin (辛), Ren (壬), and Gui (癸). In the Four Pillars of BaZi, a Stem is written in the upper position of each pillar.
04 · Common Concepts
Earthly Branches
Di Zhi, Dizhi, Twelve Earthly Branches
The Earthly Branches are twelve characters traditionally used to mark sequence and time: Zi (子), Chou (丑), Yin (寅), Mao (卯), Chen (辰), Si (巳), Wu (午), Wei (未), Shen (申), You (酉), Xu (戌), and Hai (亥). In the Four Pillars of BaZi, a Branch is written in the lower position of each pillar.
05 · Common Concepts
Generation and Control
Sheng Ke, Shengke
Generation and Control are two kinds of relationship between the Five Elements. Generation means that one element supports another; control means that one element restrains another.
06 · Common Concepts
Sexagenary Cycle
Liu Shi Jia Zi, Gan-Zhi Cycle
The Sexagenary Cycle is the sequence of sixty Stem–Branch pairs formed by advancing the ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches together. It begins with Jia–Zi (甲–子), ends with Gui–Hai (癸–亥), and then repeats.
07 · Common Concepts
Solar Terms
Jie Qi, Jieqi, 24 Solar Terms
Solar Terms are twenty-four points in the year defined by the Sun’s position. They mark the progress of the seasons, with examples including Spring Commences (Li Chun), Vernal Equinox (Chun Fen), Summer Solstice (Xia Zhi), and Winter Solstice (Dong Zhi).