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Earthly Branch "Wu (午)"​

Basic Explanation​

  • Yin-Yang and Five Elements: Wu belongs to Yang Fire (contains Ding Fire as the main Qi), internally includes Ji Earth, characterized by extreme Yang and intense heat.
  • Monthly Position: Corresponds to the fifth lunar month (Grain in Ear month), position is due south, Five Elements number 2/7.
  • Zodiac Correspondence: Represents the Horse in the twelve zodiac animals.
  • Hidden Stems Characteristics: Contains Ding Fire/Ji Earth, known as the "Beacon Tower" where energy gathers and disperses.
  • Special Relationships:
    • Six Conflicts: Zi and Wu conflict
    • Six Harmonies: Wu and Wei harmonize
    • Three Harmonies: Yin, Wu, and Xu form the Fire trine
    • Three Meetings: Si, Wu, and Wei meet in the southern Fire

Imagery and Meaning​

Natural Imagery​

  • Weather: Blazing sun/fire of summer/dry thunder startling the sky/polar day phenomenon
  • Geography:
    • Landforms: Volcano craters/Gobi deserts/equatorial regions
    • Architecture: Film studios/power stations/arenas/observatories
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Animals: Zebras/flamingos/bioluminescent jellyfish
    • Plants: Sunflowers/red maples/fire orchids

Cultural Imagery​

  • Character Traits:
    • Positive: Film stars/Olympic athletes/energy experts
    • Negative: Arsonists/manic individuals/war fanatics
  • Career Symbolism: Entertainment industry/energy development/competitive sports/cardiac medicine
  • Object Symbolism:
    • Thermal Devices: Rocket engines/laser equipment
    • Communication Media: Live streaming platforms/satellite signals/holographic advertisements

Physical Imagery​

  • Corresponding Body Parts: Cardiovascular network/retina/tongue root nerves
  • Health Risks: Angina/retinal detachment/speech disorders
  • Body Characteristics:
    • Prosperous: Bright pupils/well-defined muscles
    • Weak: Flushed complexion/varicose veins

Spiritual Imagery​

  • Positive Traits: Charismatic leadership/improvisational creativity/competitive spirit
  • Negative Traits: Self-immolation/verbal violence/destructive tendencies
  • Metaphysical Extension: Symbolizes the pinnacle of civilization/mass fervor/belief in light

Special Symbolism​

  • Colors: Bright red/molten gold
  • Seasonal Characteristics: Peak of Yang (longest day at the summer solstice)
  • Hexagram Correspondence: Li Hexagram (symbolizes attachment/brightness/emptiness)