LESSON P05 / 08 OF 20
The ten stems and polarity
Ten stems are five forces split by polarity — two temperaments per force.
Original app lesson · freely available here
+ Yang − Yin. These are categories, not good or bad.
What polarity changes
Yang goes outward, direct, in large amounts. Yin goes inward, fine, sustained. Neither is stronger.
Jia Wood is a tree pushing straight up; Yi Wood is a vine that goes around. Both are Wood.
The ten stems at a glance
Jia/Yi Wood, Bing/Ding Fire, Wu/Ji Earth, Geng/Xin Metal, Ren/Gui Water — yang first, yin second.
Bing is sunlight: far-reaching. Ding is candlelight: close and lasting. Geng is an axe, Xin a blade.
Applying it
Check whether your Day Master is yang or yin. Yang tends to act then adjust; yin tends to settle then act.
Not better or worse — a default to recognise, so you know which side to practise.
Polarity is temperament, not strength. Start by identifying your own.
CHECK YOURSELF
Try the lesson questions
No score. An incorrect first answer enters your review book.
What mainly separates Jia and Yi Wood?
Both Wood: Jia yang, Yi yin. Direct versus roundabout, not stronger versus weaker.
What is the usual default for a yang Day Master?
Yang acts then adjusts; yin settles then acts. Knowing your default tells you what to practise.
Sources and further reading
- San Ming Tong Hui · Volume 2Chapters on polarity, combinations and clashes. Facsimile collation remains an editorial task.
- San Ming Tong Hui · Volume 5The day-stem relationship framework. The adopted calculation table is recorded separately.
- lunar-javascript · Adopted calculation dataVersion 1.7.7 used for replayed cases and correspondence-table checks. Algorithm agreement is not textual collation.
YOUR STUDY / P05
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