Common Concepts
What Are Generation and Control (Sheng Ke)?
Also called: Sheng Ke, Shengke
Plain Explanation
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.
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Both generation and control have a direction.
Example
For example, Wood generates Fire, meaning that Wood supports Fire. Wood controls Earth, meaning that Wood restrains Earth. The table below lists what each element generates and controls.
Five Elements generation and control reference
| Element | Generates | Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Fire | Earth |
| Fire | Earth | Metal |
| Earth | Metal | Water |
| Metal | Water | Wood |
| Water | Wood | Fire |
What It Is Used For
Generation and control describe which elements support or restrain others. In BaZi, they help identify the effects of Stems and Branches on the Day Master, classify the Ten Gods, and examine how different forces work together.
Common Misunderstandings
Generation and control do not directly mean good and bad
Generation is not necessarily favorable, and control is not necessarily harmful. The names describe relationships; their actual effects depend on the combination being examined.
Related Concepts
Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial Policy