Yin and Yang are philosophical concepts and modes of thinking originating from ancient China, describing two forces that are opposite yet complementary, mutually opposing yet interdependent, and eternally enduring. Initially, Yin and Yang referred to clear and cloudy weather, sunlit and shaded positions, warm and hot versus cool and cold climates. Later, they were seen as elements that constitute all things—Qi. Ancient Chinese believed that the universe and all things were born from the undifferentiated primordial Qi, also known as Taiji, Taiyi, or Dao, which differentiated into the Qi of Yin and Yang, forming the heavens and the earth. From the Qi of Yin and Yang arise the cyclical changes of the four seasons and the generation and overcoming of the five elements, evolving into all things in the universe.
The "Zhou Yi" states: "The alternation of Yin and Yang is called Dao; what follows it is good, and what completes it is nature." In the study of Bazi (Eight Characters), the concept of Yin and Yang is indispensable, as it is the fundamental principle for understanding all things. The stems and branches in Bazi are divided into Yin and Yang. Due to the different natures of Yin and Yang, there are significant differences in the attributes of the five elements. Therefore, understanding Yin and Yang first will lead to a deeper comprehension of the five elements in future studies.
The Nature of Yin and Yang
Yang: Active in nature, masculine, possessing qualities of strength, upward movement, display, exposure, extroversion, formlessness, positivity, advancement, brightness, tangible substance, external attributes, etc.
Yin: Passive in nature, feminine, possessing qualities of gentleness, downward movement, convergence, concealment, introversion, form, negativity, retreat, darkness, spiritual and virtual, internal attributes, etc.
The Principle of Mutual Generation and Overcoming in Bazi Based on Yin and Yang
Yin generates Yin, Yang generates Yang; Yin overcomes Yin, Yang overcomes Yang; Yin generates Yang, Yang generates Yin; Yin overcomes Yang, Yang overcomes Yin. That is, the force of generation is smaller between the same gender, larger between different genders; the force of overcoming is larger between the same gender, smaller between different genders.
In geography, Yin and Yang are heaven and earth; in physics, Yin and Yang are positive and negative; in meteorology, Yin and Yang are day and night; in anthropology, Yin and Yang are women and men; and in fate analysis, Yin and Yang are weakness and strength.
In daily life, we can perceive the feelings others emit through their external appearance. Typically, people with more Yang stems and branches in their Bazi give an impression of being bold and unrestrained; those with more Yin stems and branches tend to be more reserved and gentle. This is due to the different natures of Yin and Yang, resulting in different characteristics.
Practical Application of Yin and Yang in Bazi
In terms of wealth, Yang represents making big money, taking risks to seek wealth, quick gains, but also significant losses. Yin represents making small money; earning slowly, being conservative and steady, preferring to save money. In terms of eloquence, Yang characteristics speak quickly like a machine gun, preferring to speak directly, while Yin characteristics speak hesitantly, are verbose, and tend to speak ill of others behind their backs. In terms of personality, Yang is proactive, stubborn, impatient, and optimistic, with women having more Yang displaying masculine traits, like a female boxer. Yin is passive, weak, quiet, and gentle, with men having more Yin displaying feminine traits, like being effeminate.