Dictionary

Classical Chinese metaphysics terms, in plain contemporary language. Each entry signed by Finn Tang.

• Bi Jian · Shoulder-to-Shoulderbǐ jiānSame element and same polarity as the Day Master. Stands for siblings, peers, the force that walks beside you.
• Jie Cai · Rob-Wealthjié cáiSame element, opposite polarity. Both an ally and the hand that splits the purse.
• Shi Shen · Eating Godshí shénThe element the Day Master produces, same polarity. Talent, expression, quiet refinement, the nourishing voice.
• Shang Guan · Hurting Officershāng guānOutput star of opposite polarity. Sharp-edged talent — breaks old forms, can also wound the Officer.
• Zheng Cai · Direct Wealthzhèng cáiWhat the Day Master controls, opposite polarity. Steady earned wealth; for a man, the principal spouse.
• Pian Cai · Side Wealthpiān cáiWealth of same polarity. Side income, opportunistic gains, the wealth that arrives from outside the door.
• Zheng Guan · Direct Officerzhèng guānThe opposite-polarity element that controls the Day Master. Lawful authority, station, husband for a woman's chart.
• Qi Sha · Seven Killingsqī shāSame-polarity controller. Pressure that can become command — restrained, a general; unchecked, a wound.
• Wu Xing · Five Phaseswǔ xíngWood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water — not five substances but five phases of moving qi. The root of generation and control.
• San He · Triple Harmonysān héThree branches forming a directional bureau (e.g. Hai-Mao-Wei for Wood). Qi concentrates in one phase.
• Da Yun · Decade Cycledà yùnTen-year pillars derived from the month pillar — the weather the chart walks through across life.
• Tian Yi · Heavenly Nobletiān yǐ guì rénThe most honoured of auspicious spirits. Where it sits, helpers appear; misfortune is turned aside.