Ten Gods in BaZi, explained without the jargon
Learn how Ten Gods describe the element and polarity relationship between the Day Master and another stem.
Relationships, not literal gods
The Ten Gods are ten relationship labels. Start with the Day Master, then compare another stem’s element and polarity. The label changes if the reference Day Master changes, even when the other character stays the same.
Five relationships, two polarities
The five categories are: the same element; what the Day Master produces; what it controls; what controls it; and what produces it. Matching or differing polarity divides each category in two. English translations vary, so our result also shows the Chinese name.
Try the rule with Jia Wood
Relative to Jia (Yang Wood), Yi Wood is Rob Wealth (劫财); Bing Fire is Eating God (食神); Ji Earth is Direct Wealth (正财); Xin Metal is Direct Officer (正官); and Gui Water is Direct Resource (正印). These are symbolic roles, not evidence about income or conduct.
Reading the advanced table
The calculator lists visible stems and the stems traditionally contained in each branch. The day’s visible stem is marked Day Master, not given a forecast. A useful next step is to check one relationship by hand before reading elaborate interpretations.
Calculation references
- Hong Kong Observatory: stems and branches ↗
- Hong Kong Observatory: 24 solar terms ↗
- lunar-javascript calendar engine ↗