Geng (庚)
Basic Explanation
- The seventh of the Ten Heavenly Stems, associated with yang metal, represents the element of metal in the Five Elements theory, corresponds to the west in direction, and to mid-autumn in season.
- Its natural attribute is refined metal like knives and axes. In "Yuan Hai Zi Ping," it is described as "stubborn and slightly rigid," symbolizing the power of stern reform and change.
- Originating from the ultimate strength of metal in the Five Elements, it has the function of cutting through all things. Ancient texts state it "becomes clear with water, sharp with fire."
Personality
Positive Traits
✓ Integrity and incorruptibility: Like a sharp sword cutting through evil, upholding principles and boundaries
✓ Decisive and bold: Like a swift knife cutting through bamboo, acting with speed and efficiency
✓ Righteousness and candor: Standing up against injustice, valuing promises and trust
✓ Ambitious and progressive: Possesses the courage to break the old and establish the new
Negative Traits
✗ Overly sharp: Words and actions may unintentionally harm the innocent
✗ Stubbornness: Difficulty accepting different opinions
✗ Impulsive and rash: Lacks thorough planning
✗ Combative: Easily drawn into unnecessary conflicts
Symbolism and Meaning
| Category | Specific Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Nature | Autumn frost and dew, mountain rock layers, thunderstorms, metal veins |
| People | Judicial and law enforcement officers, surgeons, mechanical engineers, athletes |
| Body | Bones and joints, respiratory system, teeth and vocal cords, large intestine tissues |
| Geography | Military fortresses, transportation hubs, smelting factories, operating rooms |
| Flora and Fauna | Fierce animals like tigers and leopards, hard-shelled creatures like centipedes/beetles, spicy plants like ginger and garlic |
| Objects | Swords and weapons, clocks and machinery, sports equipment, metal currency |
| Abstract Concepts | Judicial trials, military actions, mechanical manufacturing, financial reforms |
Related Anecdotes
Essence of "Di Tian Sui"
"When the earth is moist, it gives life; when dry, it becomes brittle"
- Reveals that Geng metal requires the harmony of water and earth, as moist earth nurtures metal, while dry earth makes it brittle
- "Can overcome Jia brother, but loses to Yi sister" indicates Geng metal overcomes Jia wood (yang over yang), but is entangled by Yi wood (yin wood)
Discussion in "Yuan Hai Zi Ping"
"Fire controls and succeeds, but fears water"
- Emphasizes that Geng metal needs fire to be refined into a tool (fire controls metal), but too much water extinguishes the fire, rendering it useless
- "Excessive wood can harm me" warns that too much wood depletes metal energy (metal controls wood but harms itself)
Folk Poems
"When others face disaster, you feel their sorrow"
- Demonstrates the compassionate heart beneath Geng metal's fierce exterior
- "You treat others with a fiery passion" confirms its nature of being outwardly cold but inwardly warm and loyal