Xin (辛)

Basic Explanation

• The eighth position in the Ten Heavenly Stems, associated with Yin Metal, representing the Five Elements theory, corresponding to the western direction, and the mid-autumn season.
• Its natural attribute is precious jade and refined metal. In "Yuan Hai Zi Ping," it is likened to "the spiritual nature of jewels," symbolizing the beauty of intricate craftsmanship.
• Originating from the ultimate softness of the Metal element, it possesses the ability to transform and renew, as ancient texts describe it as "gentle and clear, fearing the accumulation of earth."

Personality

Positive Traits
✓ Gentle and graceful: Like the luster of jewels, it is courteous and appropriate in interactions
✓ Resilient and reserved: Like the flexibility of gold threads, it harbors a tenacious spirit
✓ Keen insight: Possesses meticulous observational skills akin to a microscope
✓ Innovative and adaptable: Skillfully uses creativity to advance and refine developments

Negative Traits
✗ Vanity and superficiality: Excessive pursuit of external perfection
✗ Indecisiveness: Hesitant in making significant decisions
✗ Sensitive and suspicious: Easily influenced by external evaluations
✗ Excessive restraint: Tends to retreat when faced with setbacks

Symbols and Meanings

Category	Specific Symbols
Nature	Cold autumn nights, jade veins, new moon's glow, morning mist
People	Jewelry appraisers, legal consultants, artistic creators, cosmetic surgeons
Body	Respiratory system, teeth and bones, throat and vocal cords, skin keratin
Geography	Jewelry workshops, legal institutions, concert halls, precision labs
Flora and Fauna	Cuckoos/nightingales, centipedes/woodworms, ginkgo/wheat grains
Objects	Surgical instruments, precision devices, gold and silver jewelry, coins and seals
Abstract Concepts	Legal litigation, artistic creation, financial investment, precision medicine

Related Anecdotes

Essence of "Di Tian Sui"
"Can support the nation, can save lives"

• Reveals the world-saving power of Xin Metal, requiring the harmony of water and fire (water moistens metal, fire refines metal)
• "In heat, it favors the mother; in cold, it favors Ding (丁)" indicates that summer metal needs moist earth (Ji Earth) for support, while winter metal needs Ding Fire for warmth

Discussion in "Yuan Hai Zi Ping"
"Prefers moist earth to nurture"

• Emphasizes that Xin Metal favors moist earth (Chou and Chen) for growth, avoiding dry earth (Wei and Xu) that buries metal
• "Cold water and metal require Bing and Ding" explains that winter Xin Metal needs fire to adjust its temperament to shine

Folk Poem
"Associate with gentlemen, thick and thick, associate and repay your kindness"

• Demonstrates the social wisdom of Xin Metal individuals, who are cold outside but warm inside
• "Associate with petty people without loyalty" warns of the need for cautious friendship selection in their philosophy of life