Twelve Earthly Branches

The twelve Earthly Branches, their hidden stems, and zodiac correspondences.

Articles

• The Earthly Branch Chen (辰): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi — Chen (辰) is the fifth Earthly Branch in Chinese astrology, associated with the Dragon, the element Earth, and the season of late spring, representing transition, stability, and hidden potential.
• The Earthly Branch Chou (丑): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi Analysis — Chou (丑) is the second Earthly Branch in Chinese astrology, associated with the element Earth, the Ox zodiac animal, and the hours of 1–3 AM, representing a stable, introspective, and methodical energy in BaZi analysis.
• The Twelve Earthly Branches: Elements, Zodiac, Hours, and Hidden Stems — The Twelve Earthly Branches (地支, Dìzhī) are a cycle of twelve symbolic animals, each linked to an element, a two-hour time period, and a set of hidden Heavenly Stems, forming the foundational time-keeping and energetic framework of BaZi (Four Pillars of Destiny).
• The Earthly Branch Hai (亥): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi Analysis — Hai (亥) is the twelfth Earthly Branch in Chinese metaphysics, associated with the Water element, the Pig zodiac animal, and the hours of 9–11 PM, representing a deep, receptive, and hidden reservoir of yin water.
• Hidden Stems: The Heavenly Stems Concealed Inside Each Earthly Branch — Hidden Stems are the Heavenly Stems that reside within each Earthly Branch, representing the principal, middle, and residual qi that influence a person's character and life path in BaZi analysis.
• The Earthly Branch Mao (卯): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi — Mao (卯) is the fourth Earthly Branch in Chinese metaphysics, associated with the Wood element, the Rabbit zodiac animal, and the second month of the lunar calendar.
• The Earthly Branch Shen (申): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi — Shen (申) is the ninth Earthly Branch in Chinese astrology, associated with the Metal element, the Monkey zodiac, and specific hidden stems that influence personality and destiny in BaZi analysis.
• The Earthly Branch Si (巳): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi Analysis — Si (巳) is the sixth Earthly Branch in Chinese metaphysics, associated with the Fire element, the Snake zodiac, and specific hidden stems that influence a BaZi chart's energy dynamics.
• Earthly Branch Wei (未): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal & BaZi Role — Wei (未) is the eighth Earthly Branch in Chinese astrology, associated with the element Earth, the zodiac sign of the Goat, and the season of late summer.
• The Earthly Branch Wu (午): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi — Wu (午) is the seventh Earthly Branch in the Chinese zodiac, associated with the element Fire, the zodiac animal Horse, and the month of June.
• The Earthly Branch Xu (戌): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi — Xu (戌) is the 11th Earthly Branch in Chinese astrology, associated with Yang Earth, the Dog zodiac, and the hours of 7–9 PM, serving as a transitional branch that stores Fire and Metal elements.
• The Earthly Branch Yin (寅): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi — Yin (寅) is the third Earthly Branch in Chinese astrology, associated with the Tiger, the element Wood (Yang), and the beginning of spring.
• The Earthly Branch You (酉): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi — You (酉) is the tenth Earthly Branch in Chinese metaphysics, associated with the Metal element, the Rooster zodiac, and the eighth lunar month, representing precision, discipline, and completion.
• The Earthly Branch Zi (子): Element, Hidden Stems, Zodiac Animal, and Role in BaZi — Zi (子) is the first Earthly Branch in the Chinese zodiac, associated with the Rat, the Water element, and the hour of 11 PM to 1 AM, serving as a foundational pillar in BaZi analysis.