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.
You (酉) is a Yin Metal branch that governs the autumn season, specifically the month of October in the solar calendar. Its hidden stem is Xin (辛), pure Yin Metal, and its zodiac animal is the Rooster. In BaZi analysis, You influences personality traits like meticulousness and reliability, and its interactions with other branches reveal dynamics of conflict, harmony, or transformation.
The Earthly Branch You (酉) is the tenth of the twelve Earthly Branches (地支, dìzhī) in Chinese metaphysics. It corresponds to the Rooster (鸡, jī) in the Chinese zodiac, the eighth lunar month (around September–October), and the hour of 5:00–7:00 PM. In the cycle of the Five Elements (五行, wǔxíng), You is associated with Yin Metal (阴金, yīn jīn), representing refined, sharp, and structured energy.
You is pure Yin Metal. Unlike its Yang counterpart Shen (申), which is raw and forceful, You embodies the qualities of finished metal—polished, precise, and valuable. In nature, this is like a crafted blade, a bell, or jewelry. The energy of You is cool, clear, and decisive. It governs the season of autumn, a time of harvest and consolidation, when energy contracts and prepares for winter storage.
Hidden stems (藏干, cáng gān) are the Heavenly Stems stored within an Earthly Branch. You contains only one hidden stem: Xin (辛), which is also Yin Metal. This makes You a "pure" branch—its energy is singular and focused. In BaZi analysis, this purity means that the influence of You is direct and undiluted, often manifesting as strong, specialized traits in a person's chart.
The Rooster is the tenth animal in the Chinese zodiac. People born in a Rooster year (e.g., 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017) have You as their year branch. Roosters are traditionally described as observant, punctual, confident, and hardworking. They value order and are often outspoken. In BaZi, the Rooster's traits are amplified if You appears in the year or day pillar, but the specific expression depends on the entire chart.
In a BaZi chart, You can appear in the year, month, day, or hour pillar. Its meaning shifts based on its position:
You forms several important combinations and clashes:
When analyzing a BaZi chart, note the strength of You based on its season. You is strongest in autumn (its own season) and weakest in spring (when Wood dominates). Also consider the surrounding stems and branches—a You with supportive Earth or Metal elements will be more influential, while one with destructive Water or Fire may be tempered. Remember that BaZi is a tool for self-awareness, not fortune-telling. The presence of You suggests potential tendencies, but free will and environment play significant roles.
The You branch is a concentrated expression of Yin Metal—precise, structured, and valuable. Its hidden stem Xin reinforces this purity. As the Rooster, it symbolizes punctuality and observation. In BaZi, You contributes to analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a preference for order. Understanding its interactions helps readers see how this energy can manifest in personality and life events.
It suggests you may have a strong sense of order, punctuality, and attention to detail. You might excel in careers requiring precision, like accounting or editing. However, its effect depends on the pillar it appears in and the overall chart balance.
You combines with Chen to strengthen Metal, clashes with Mao (indicating potential conflict), and forms a Metal bureau with Si and Chou. It also harms with Xu, which can create subtle friction. These interactions modify how You's energy expresses in your life.
Yes, the Rooster is the animal associated with the You branch. In Chinese astrology, your zodiac animal is determined by the Earthly Branch of your birth year, so a Rooster year means your year branch is You.