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Di Zhi "Yin" (地支「寅」)​

Basic Explanation​

  • Yin-Yang and Five Elements: Yin belongs to yang wood (藏甲木主气), containing Bing fire (丙火) and Wu earth (戊土), representing the place of growth and transformation for fire and earth.
  • Monthly Order and Position: Corresponds to the first lunar month (Li Chun month), position northeast, Five Elements number 3/8.
  • Zodiac Correspondence: Represents the tiger in the twelve zodiac signs.
  • Hidden Stem Characteristics: Contains Jia wood (甲木), Bing fire (丙火), Wu earth (戊土), with energy for growth and transformation.
  • Special Relationships:
    • Six Conflicts: Yin and Shen (寅申) conflict
    • Six Harmonies: Yin and Hai (寅亥) harmonize
    • Three Harmonies: Yin, Wu, and Xu (寅午戌) form the fire frame
    • Three Meetings: Yin, Mao, and Chen (寅卯辰) meet in the eastern wood

Imagery and Meaning​

Natural Imagery​

  • Weather: Early spring cold wave/morning fog/mountain mist
  • Geography:
    • Landforms: Primitive forest/valley/pathway
    • Architecture: Government buildings/academic institutions/ancient temples
  • Flora and Fauna:
    • Animals: Tigers and leopards/birds of prey/tree-dwelling creatures
    • Plants: Pines and cypresses/nanmu/bamboo sea/vines

Cultural Imagery​

  • Personal Traits:
    • Positive: Pioneer of reform/academic authority/industry leader
    • Negative: Bureaucracy/academic plagiarist
  • Occupational Symbolism: Forestry/education/judiciary/military and police/traditional Chinese medicine
  • Item Symbolism:
    • Structural Items: Beams/flagpoles/ancient zithers
    • Document Systems: Legal codes/seals/academic works

Physical Imagery​

  • Corresponding Parts: Gallbladder/nerve plexus/finger joints
  • Health Risks: Migraines/tendon strain/liver qi stagnation
  • Body Features:
    • Flourishing: Broad shoulders and long legs/prominent brow bones
    • Weak: Stooped posture/curved fingers

Spiritual Imagery​

  • Positive Traits: Pioneering spirit/decisive courage/academic talent
  • Negative Traits: Obstinacy/arrogance/formalism
  • Metaphysical Extension: Symbolizes yang energy/civilization enlightenment/document contracts

Special Symbolism​

  • Colors: Azure/verdant
  • Seasonal Characteristics: Rising yang energy (Li Chun three yang prosperity)
  • Hexagram Correspondence: Gen hexagram (艮卦) representing duality of stagnation and breakthrough