Wu (戊)
Basic Explanation
- The fifth of the Ten Heavenly Stems, associated with Yang Earth, represents trust in the Five Elements, corresponds to the center in direction, and aligns with the transition of seasons.
- Its natural attribute is the thick earth of mountains, described in "Yuanhai Ziping" as "like city walls and embankments," symbolizing the foundation that supports all things.
- Originates from the essence of the center in the Five Elements, possessing the maternal characteristic of generating and transforming all things, ancient texts refer to it as "stillness gathers, movement disperses, governing the fate of all things."
Personality
Positive Traits
✓ Trustworthy and reliable: As unbreakable as city walls, promises are valued more than gold
✓ Inclusive and stable: Like the earth supporting all things, possesses strong resilience
✓ Practical and diligent: Acts methodically, excels in long-term planning
✓ Loyal and dependable: Willing to be the cornerstone of a team, with a strong sense of responsibility
Negative Traits
✗ Stubborn and conservative: Rigid thinking patterns, difficult to adapt
✗ Slow and clumsy: Reaction speed lags behind circumstances
✗ Overly suspicious: Takes a long time to build trust
✗ Indolent: Lacks initiative and pioneering spirit
Categories and Meanings
| Category | Specific Representations |
|---|---|
| Nature | Loess Plateau, mountains and hills, deserts and gobi, embankments and city walls |
| People | Construction engineers, warehouse management, agricultural experts, financial guarantors |
| Body | Digestive system, skin tissue, nasal muscles, abdominal fat |
| Geography | Government buildings, grain warehouses, religious temples, real estate developments |
| Flora and Fauna | Camels/oxen as burden animals, starch crops like melons/corn, burrowing insects like ants |
| Objects | Ceramic products, cement building materials, safes, antique collections |
| Abstract Concepts | Credit systems, real estate management, infrastructure, chronic accumulation |
Related Anecdotes
Essence of "Ditian Sui"
"Water nourishes, fire scorches"
- Reveals that Wu Earth requires water and fire for balance; water nourishes all things, while fire scorches and hardens
- "If in Gen or Kun, fear conflict and prefer stillness" emphasizes that Wu Earth should be stable and avoid turbulence (Gen represents mountains, Kun represents earth)
Discussion in "Yuanhai Ziping"
"To stabilize rivers and seas, the foundation must be deep"
- Metaphorically compares Wu Earth to a dam needing a deep foundation; stable when combined, collapses when superficial
- "Loves the southeast for vitality" indicates Wu Earth needs wood to loosen earth (southeast represents Xun Wood) to maintain vitality
Folk Poems
"Running on a single path until dark, enduring losses benefits all"
- Highlights the persistent and trustworthy nature of Wu Earth people
- "Frowns when conversations don't align" reflects their weakness in adaptability