Dizhi "Chen" (地支「辰」)

Basic Explanation

• Yin-Yang and Five Elements: Chen belongs to Yang Earth (wet earth), warm in nature and retains water, symbolizing a reservoir
• Monthly Position: Corresponds to the third month of the lunar calendar (Qingming month), located southeast, Five Elements number 5/10
• Zodiac Correspondence: Represents the Dragon in the twelve zodiac signs
• Hidden Stems Characteristics: Contains Wu Earth (戊土)/Gui Water (癸水)/Yi Wood (乙木), with characteristics of bearing and transformation
• Special Relationships:
  • Six Conflicts: Chen and Xu (戌) conflict
  • Six Harmonies: Chen and You (酉) harmonize
  • Three Combinations: Shen-Zi-Chen (申子辰) form the Water frame
  • Three Meetings: Yin-Mao-Chen (寅卯辰) meet in the Eastern Wood

Symbolism and Meaning

Natural Symbolism

• Weather: Awakening of Insects with thunderstorms/dust storms/tornadoes
• Geography:
  • Landforms: Wetlands/marshes/alluvial plains/barrier lakes
  • Architecture: Reservoirs/dams/pharmaceutical factories/judicial institutions
• Flora and Fauna:
  • Animals: Amphibians (crocodiles)/annelids (earthworms)
  • Plants: Cereal crops (wheat/rice)/fungi

Cultural Symbolism

• Character Traits:
  • Positive: Water management experts/medical practitioners/judicial personnel
  • Negative: Gang members/prison inmates/spiritually sensitive individuals
• Occupational Symbols: Water engineering/pharmaceutical industry/judicial system/metaphysical research
• Object Symbols:
  • Storage and Transport Items: Containers/safes/logistics systems
  • Restraint Systems: Handcuffs/seals/legal documents

Physical Symbolism

• Corresponding Parts: Lymphatic system/thoracic and abdominal cavities/epidermal tissue
• Health Risks: Spleen and stomach dampness/skin allergies/endocrine disorders
• Body Characteristics:
  • Prosperous: Broad shoulders and thick chest/firm muscles
  • Weak: Edema and obesity/coarse skin

Mental Imagery

• Positive Traits: Organizational ability/medical talent/legal awareness
• Negative Traits: Paranoia/violent tendencies/spiritual sensitivity
• Metaphysical Extension: Symbolizes the cycle of cause and effect/collective energy/spiritual pathways

Special Symbols

• Colors: Earth yellow/crab green
• Seasonal Characteristics: Yin and Yang in turmoil (Qingming reveals all things)
• Hexagram Correspondence: Xun Hexagram (associated with penetration/spread/spirituality)