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Dizhi "Shen" (地支「申」)​

Basic Explanation​

  • Yin Yang and Five Elements: Shen belongs to Yang Metal (Geng Metal as the main Qi), contains Wu Earth, Ren Water, characterized by severity and transformation
  • Monthly Order and Direction: Corresponds to the seventh lunar month (Beginning of Autumn), direction is southwest, Five Elements number 4/9
  • Zodiac Correspondence: Represents the Monkey in the twelve zodiac animals
  • Hidden Stems Characteristics: Contains Wu Earth/Geng Metal/Ren Water, an "energy transformation" system akin to mineral refinement
  • Special Relationships:
    • Six Conflicts: Yin and Shen conflict
    • Six Harmonies: Si and Shen harmonize
    • Three Harmonies: Shen-Zi-Chen form the Water frame
    • Three Meetings: Shen-You-Xu meet in the Western Metal

Symbolism and Meaning​

Natural Symbolism​

  • Weather: Autumn thunder startling the sky/metallic luster/mineral magnetic field
  • Geography:
    • Landform: Mineral veins/cliffs/high-voltage power stations
    • Architecture: Stock exchanges/court buildings/precision laboratories
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Animals: Primates (monkeys)/birds of prey (vultures)
    • Plants: Silicon-containing plants (bamboo)/hard-shelled fruits (chestnuts)

Cultural Symbolism​

  • Character Traits:
    • Positive: Financial analysts/surgeons/judicial personnel
    • Negative: Financial fraudsters/violent criminals
  • Occupational Symbolism: Mineral development/precision manufacturing/legal consulting/financial regulation
  • Item Symbolism:
    • Sharp objects: Surgical knives/laser cutters
    • Value systems: Digital currency/legal documents/mineral specimens

Physical Symbolism​

  • Corresponding Parts: Skeletal framework/respiratory system/tooth enamel
  • Health Risks: Osteoporosis/bronchitis/periodontal disease
  • Body Characteristics:
    • Prosperous: Prominent bone structure/high nose bridge
    • Weak: Stooped posture/scattered teeth

Mental Imagery​

  • Positive Traits: Logical rigor/decisive courage/risk control
  • Negative Traits: Cold calculation/mechanical thinking/litigation addiction
  • Metaphysical Extension: Symbolizes rules and order/value systems/energy segmentation

Special Symbolism​

  • Colors: Cool white/titanium gray
  • Seasonal Characteristics: Yin and Yang transition (cool breeze of Beginning of Autumn)
  • Hexagram Correspondence: Kun Hexagram (symbolizing both bearing and destruction)