Gui (癸)
Basic Explanation
- The tenth of the Ten Heavenly Stems, associated with Yin Water, primarily representing wisdom in the Five Elements, corresponding to the north in direction, and the late winter in season.
- Its natural attributes are rain, dew, and spring water. In "Yuan Hai Zi Ping," it is metaphorically described as "roots connecting Hai (亥) and Zi (子) like rivers," symbolizing the silent virtue of nurturing.
- Derived from the utmost softness of the Five Elements' water, it possesses hidden mysteries, with ancient texts stating "reaches Tianjin, moves with the dragon."
Personality
Positive Traits
✓ Deep and strategic: Like an undercurrent, adept at using invisible forces to resolve dilemmas
✓ Meticulous and perceptive: Like morning dew reflecting the dawn, possesses extraordinary insight
✓ Tenacious and resilient: Like water wearing through stone, has enduring focus and perseverance
✓ Poetic and romantic: Innately literary, seeks spiritual elevation
Negative Traits
✗ Overly introverted: Often trapped in one's own world, difficult to form deep connections
✗ Sentimental: Easily influenced by environmental emotional fluctuations
✗ Idealistic: Execution in reality lags behind imagination
✗ Excessive forbearance: Dissatisfaction tends to accumulate into ailments
Symbolism and Meaning
| Category | Specific Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Nature | Continuous spring rain, cold pool spring, morning dew, underground river |
| People | Metaphysics researchers, psychological counselors, literary creators, intelligence personnel |
| Body | Kidney urinary system, endocrine glands, bone marrow nerves, cochlear balance |
| Geography | Hot spring pools, underground chambers, archives, ink painting studios |
| Flora and Fauna | Penguins/otters as aquatic animals, plum blossoms/narcissus as elegant plants, tadpoles as metamorphic creatures |
| Objects | Four Treasures of the Study, encryption devices, filtration systems, perfume essential oils |
| Abstract Concepts | Metaphysical secrets, intelligence analysis, artistic creation, genetic codes |
Related Anecdotes
Essence of "Di Tian Sui"
"Not worried about fire and earth, regardless of Geng (庚) and Xin (辛)"
- Reveals Gui Water's unique attribute: not fearing depletion by fire and earth (fire and earth instead become tempering elements)
- "Combine Wu (戊) with fire, transformation becomes true" indicates Gui Wu combining fire requires Bing (丙) and Ding (丁) to guide transformation (Chen Dragon as the key pivot)
Discussion in "Yuan Hai Zi Ping"
"Without Kun (坤) and Kan (坎), the body remains weak"
- Emphasizes Gui Water needs roots connecting Hai (亥) and Zi (子) (Kan Gua) to reveal vitality
- "Northwest journey should not be excessive" indicates Gui Water in summer prefers metal and water (northwest) for adjustment and nourishment
Folk Poetry
"When others suffer, you feel sorrow; when benefactors are ungrateful, no achievements"
- Displays Gui Water people's compassionate yet easily hurt emotional pattern
- "Drawing water with a bamboo basket is futile" warns of the need to balance ideals and reality