The ten Day Masters: traditional images of Jia, Yi, Bing and more
The Day Master is the Heavenly Stem representing you in a BaZi chart. Each of the ten stems has a traditional image, such as a tree for Jia, the sun for Bing or rain and dew for Gui. These images offer an accessible introduction.
First, identify your Day Master
After calculating a chart, look at the upper character of the Day Pillar, shown as the third pillar here. In Ji-Mao, Bing-Zi, Wu-Wu, Wu-Wu (己卯、丙子、戊午、戊午), the Day Master is Wu (戊), Yang Earth.
The ten Day Masters at a glance
| Day Master | Five Elements | Traditional image | Common symbolic descriptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jia | Yang Wood | A tall tree or structural timber | Upright, self-directed and reluctant to bend |
| Yi | Yin Wood | Flowers, plants, and vines | Gentle, adaptable and able to draw on support |
| Bing | Yang fire | The sun | Warm, generous and open |
| Ding | Yin Fire | Candlelight or a hearth fire | Attentive, focused and warming those nearby |
| Wu | Yang Earth | Mountains or city walls | Steady, dependable and resistant to change |
| Ji | Yin Earth | Farmland or fertile soil | Accepting, attentive and nurturing |
| Geng | Yang Metal | Mineral ore or an axe | Decisive, direct and loyal |
| Xin | Yin Metal | Jewelry and precious stones | Refined, particular and self-respecting |
| Ren | Yang Water | Rivers and seas | Broad-minded, flexible and full of ideas |
| Gui | Yin Water | Rain, dew and streams | Sensitive, introverted, subtle influence |
Compare the stems in pairs
- Jia and Yi are both Wood. Jia is pictured as an upright tree reluctant to bend; Yi as vines, flowers and grasses that adapt and climb.
- Bing and Ding are both Fire. Bing is the sun shining broadly; Ding is a smaller but focused and warming candle flame.
- Wu and Ji are both Earth. Wu is a substantial mountain or wall; Ji is farmland that nurtures growth.
- Geng and Xin are both Metal. Geng is pictured as raw ore or an axe, direct and decisive; Xin as carefully worked jewelry.
- Ren and Gui are both Water. Ren evokes wide, moving rivers and seas; Gui evokes small drops of rain or dew that penetrate and nourish.
Images are only a starting point
Two Xin Metal Day Masters may be very different—one outspoken, another reserved. The other seven characters and the Day Master's strength change the interpretation. These images introduce a traditional theme; they cannot determine personality on their own.
This page introduces traditional culture knowledge for reference only; it makes no predictions or guarantees about fate, health, relationships or wealth.