Ji (己)
Basic Explanation
- The sixth of the Ten Heavenly Stems, associated with yin earth, primarily representing trust in the Five Elements, corresponding to the central direction and the late summer season.
- Its natural attribute is fertile farmland. In "Yuanhai Ziping," it is described as "Kun deep can be the foundation of all things," symbolizing the nurturing of life.
- Originating from the essence of the Five Elements' Kun earth, it possesses the maternal quality of creating and transforming all things. Ancient texts describe it as "central, just, and storing, not worried about the abundance of wood."
Personality
Positive Traits
✓ Inclusive and generous: Like fertile soil nurturing all things, with a broad-mindedness that embraces everything.
✓ Flexible and adaptable: Like clay with strong plasticity, adept at adapting to environmental changes.
✓ Meticulous and comprehensive: Pays attention to detail in actions, with excellent coordination skills.
✓ Patient and selfless: Willing to be a behind-the-scenes supporter, possessing a long-term mindset.
Negative Traits
✗ Indecisive: Easily influenced by multiple factors when making decisions.
✗ Suspicious and doubtful: Lack of security leads to excessive defensiveness.
✗ Passive and compromising: Tends to retreat when facing pressure.
✗ Deep and calculating: Occasionally shows tendencies of scheming and calculating.
Associations and Meanings
| Category | Specific Associations |
|---|---|
| Nature | Moist clay, hilly terraces, late summer clouds and fog, humus soil |
| People | Logistics personnel, secretarial assistants, agricultural experts, healthcare workers |
| Body | Spleen, stomach, pancreas, abdominal fat, skin tissue, muscle fascia |
| Geography | Greenhouses, storage and logistics, maternity hospitals, pottery workshops |
| Flora and Fauna | Bees/ants and other social insects, potatoes/yams and other tuber crops, pandas and other gentle animals |
| Objects | Ceramics, woven products, storage containers, fermented foods |
| Abstract Concepts | Resource integration, logistics support, education and training, chronic conditioning |
Related Anecdotes
Essence of "Di Tian Sui"
"Less fire, dim fire; more metal, bright metal"
- Reveals the characteristic of Ji earth needing fire to adjust its condition; weak fire dims the earth, strong metal enriches the earth with metal, making it noble.
- "If you want things to flourish, you should assist and support" emphasizes that Ji earth requires external forces to stimulate its nurturing function.
Discussion in "Yuanhai Ziping"
"When water and metal are abundant, the body is still weak; the combination of fire and earth is the most remarkable"
- Indicates that Ji earth dislikes excessive water and metal (too much water causes soil to flow, too much metal makes soil hollow).
- "Only when the time is right can it be used as a foundation" metaphorically suggests that Ji earth can only perform its farming function when it is in season.
Folk Poems
"Meeting creates feelings that can't be erased, kind-hearted and soft-faced, you come back"
- Demonstrates the social characteristics of Ji earth people, who are gentle on the outside but resilient inside.
- "Kind-heartedness is hidden in the heart" reflects their emotional mode of being not good at expression.