Ten Heavenly Stems: Quick Reference Table
Learn the ten heavenly stems used in BaZi charts. Quick reference table with element, polarity, and associations. Understand how stems shape your Day Master.
Ten Heavenly Stems: Quick Reference Table
*Disclaimer: This content is for cultural and educational purposes only. BaZi (Four Pillars) interpretations are part of traditional Chinese metaphysics and should not replace professional advice. The table below summarises common associations to help you explore your own chart using the Free BaZi Calculator.*
If you are new to BaZi, the Ten Heavenly Stems are one of the two main components of every Pillar in a Four Pillars chart. Each stem has a fixed element, a yin or yang polarity, and directional and seasonal associations. This ten heavenly stems table gives you a quick overview.
The Quick Reference Table
| Stem (Chinese) | Pinyin | Element | Polarity | Direction | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 甲 | Jiǎ | Wood | Yang | East | Spring |
| 乙 | Yǐ | Wood | Yin | East | Spring |
| 丙 | Bǐng | Fire | Yang | South | Summer |
| 丁 | Dīng | Fire | Yin | South | Summer |
| 戊 | Wù | Earth | Yang | Centre | Transition |
| 己 | Jǐ | Earth | Yin | Centre | Transition |
| 庚 | Gēng | Metal | Yang | West | Autumn |
| 辛 | Xīn | Metal | Yin | West | Autumn |
| 壬 | Rén | Water | Yang | North | Winter |
| 癸 | Guǐ | Water | Yin | North | Winter |
Tip: The polarity of a stem affects how its element expresses itself. Yang stems are more outward and active, while yin stems are more inward and reflective.
Understanding the Elements and Polarity
Each of the Ten Heavenly Stems belongs to one of the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, or Water. The element pair (e.g., Yang Wood and Yin Wood) share the same element but differ in polarity. In a BaZi chart, the Day Master is the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar — it represents you. Knowing your Day Master’s element and polarity is the first step to understanding your natural tendencies.
- Wood stems (甲, 乙): Growth, flexibility, expansion.
- Fire stems (丙, 丁): Warmth, transformation, visibility.
- Earth stems (戊, 己): Stability, nourishment, grounding.
- Metal stems (庚, 辛): Structure, precision, strength.
- Water stems (壬, 癸): Flow, intuition, adaptability.
Remember, these are archetypal descriptions within the traditional Chinese framework — not fixed personality traits.
How the Stems Appear in Your BaZi Chart
When you use the Free BaZi Calculator, the output shows four columns: Year, Month, Day, and Hour. Each column contains a Heavenly Stem (above) and an Earthly Branch (below). The Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar is your Day Master.
Your chart also includes Hidden Stems (stem energies within branches) and Luck Pillars (stems that shift every decade). By checking the table above, you can instantly identify the element and polarity of any stem you see in your chart.
Common Questions About Heavenly Stems
What is the difference between a Heavenly Stem and an Earthly Branch?
Heavenly Stems represent celestial energy — they are more abstract, relating to elements and cycles. Earthly Branches relate to animal zodiac signs and more concrete seasonal energy. Both work together in each pillar.
How do I find my Day Master’s stem?
Your Day Master is the Heavenly Stem of your birth day. Use a BaZi calculator (like the one on Free BaZi) by entering your date, time, and birth location. The calculator will display your four pillars.
Do the ten heavenly stems repeat in a chart?
Yes. The stems cycle in 10-day and 10-year patterns. The same stem can appear in multiple pillars, especially in Luck Pillars.
Are these stems used outside of BaZi?
Yes, they are also used in Chinese calendar dating, traditional medicine, and feng shui. The names (e.g., Jia, Yi) appear in many classical texts.
Limitations and Next Steps
The associations in the table above are traditional. They offer a starting point for self-reflection, not a fixed diagnosis. Your full BaZi chart — including Earthly Branches, Hidden Stems, and luck cycles — provides a much richer picture.
Next step: Generate your free BaZi chart on Free BaZi and find your Day Master. Then use the Five Elements guide to see how your stem interacts with other elements in your chart.
Always consult with a qualified practitioner before making important life decisions based on any metaphysical interpretation.