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Earthly Branch "Xu (戌)"​

Basic Explanation​

  • Yin-Yang and Five Elements: Xu belongs to Yang Earth (dry earth), serving as the fire repository containing the energy of Yang
  • Monthly Position: Corresponds to the ninth month of the lunar calendar (Cold Dew month), position is west by north, Five Elements number 5/10
  • Zodiac Correspondence: Represents the dog in the Chinese zodiac
  • Hidden Stems Characteristics: Contains Wu Earth/Ding Fire/Xin Metal, with functions of smelting and transformation
  • Special Relationships:
    • Six Conflicts: Chen and Xu conflict
    • Six Harmonies: Mao and Xu harmonize
    • Three Combinations: Yin, Wu, and Xu form the Fire frame
    • Three Meetings: Shen, You, and Xu meet in the western metal

Symbolism and Meaning​

Natural Symbolism​

  • Weather: Late autumn dryness/sandstorm/dry monsoon
  • Geography:
    • Landform: Volcanic lava zone/military base/desert Gobi
    • Architecture: Nuclear power plant/armory/data center/ancient temple
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Animals: Canines (wolves)/birds of prey (vultures)
    • Plants: Succulents (cacti)/drought-resistant herbs (licorice)

Cultural Symbolism​

  • Character Traits:
    • Positive: Energy engineer/archaeologist/cybersecurity specialist
    • Negative: Arms dealer/hacker/tomb raider
  • Occupational Symbolism: Energy industry/military manufacturing/cultural heritage protection/mathematical research
  • Object Symbolism:
    • Energy Containers: Nuclear reactor/cloud server
    • Defense Systems: Firewall/bulletproof armor/encryption algorithm

Physical Symbolism​

  • Corresponding Parts: Gastric mucosa/skin keratin layer/bone joints
  • Health Risks: Stomach ulcer/psoriasis/joint calcification
  • Body Features:
    • Prosperous: Firm muscles/high nose bridge
    • Weak: Cracked skin/swollen joints

Mental Imagery​

  • Positive Traits: Logical rigor/crisis awareness/historical responsibility
  • Negative Traits: Paranoia/suspicion/violent tendencies/data hoarding
  • Metaphysical Extension: Symbolizes the spark of civilization/energy conservation/space-time nodes

Special Symbolism​

  • Colors: Earth yellow/lava red
  • Seasonal Characteristics: Transition of Yin and Yang (Cold Dew turns into frost)
  • Hexagram Correspondence: Qian Hexagram (represents strength/creativity/termination)