The 12 Earthly Branches, or “地支” (di zhi), have been foundational to timekeeping, astrology, and divination throughout Chinese history. This article will help you understand the significance of these branches, along with their Hidden Heavenly Stems, to provide a deeper understanding of their roles in human nature and the natural world.

What are the 12 Earthly Branches? 

The conceptual origins of the 12 Earthly Branches trace back to the Shang dynasty (c. 1600 to 1046 BCE). The system’s foundational theories were based on observations of Jupiter’s orbit around the sun, taking 12 years, thus naming the 12 Earthly Branches.

Over centuries, this measurement system evolved, intertwining with various aspects of Chinese metaphysics. Besides representing the 12 months in a calendar year, the 12 Earthly Branches symbolise 12 double-hour segments called Shi Chen (时辰), which accumulate to 24 hours. Additionally, each Earthly Branch aligns with a particular season and is symbolised by a specific zodiac animal.

Hidden Heavenly Stems: Unlocking Deeper Meanings

Each Earthly Branch contains hidden Heavenly Stems, which add layers of meaning and influence. These hidden elements contribute to the overall energy and characteristics associated with each branch.

Spring

Yin (寅) – Tiger

• Time of Year: February, 3 a.m. to 4:59 a.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Jia 甲 (Yang Wood) – 60%
  • Bing 丙 (Yang Fire) – 30%
  • Wu 戊 (Yang Earth) – 10%

The hidden stems in Yin (寅) primarily consist of Jia Wood, which makes up 60% of its energy, representing the strong Wood element associated with the beginning of spring. Bing Fire and Wu Earth add transitional and foundational energies, respectively.

Mao (卯) – Rabbit

• Time of Year: March, 5 a.m. to 6:59 a.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Yi 乙 (Yin Wood) – 100%

Mao (卯) is dominated entirely by Yi Wood, representing the peak of spring and the full strength of the Wood element.

Chen (辰) – Dragon

• Time of Year: April, 7 a.m. to 8:59 a.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Wu 戊 (Yang Earth) – 60%
  • Yi 乙 (Yin Wood) – 30%
  • Gui 癸 (Yin Water) – 10%

Chen (辰) has a primary energy of Wu Earth, marking the end of spring and the transition to summer. Yi Wood and Gui Water add growth and nurturing aspects.

Summer

Si (巳) – Snake

• Time of Year: May, 9 a.m. to 10:59 a.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Bing 丙 (Yang Fire) – 60%
  • Geng 庚 (Yang Metal) – 30%
  • Wu 戊 (Yang Earth) – 10%

Si (巳) is primarily influenced by Bing Fire, representing the beginning of summer’s energy. Geng Metal and Wu Earth add stability and foundational support.

Wu (午) – Horse

• Time of Year: June, 11 a.m. to 12:59 p.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Ding 丁 (Yin Fire) – 70%
  • Ji 己 (Yin Earth) – 30%

Wu (午) is dominated by Ding Fire, representing the peak of summer’s heat and energy, with Ji Earth providing a balancing and stabilising influence.

Wei (未) – Goat

• Time of Year: July, 1 p.m. to 2:59 p.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Ji 己 (Yin Earth) – 60%
  • Ding 丁 (Yin Fire) – 30%
  • Yi 乙 (Yin Wood) – 10%

Wei (未) is primarily influenced by Ji Earth, marking the transition from summer to autumn, with Ding Fire and Yi Wood providing additional energy and growth.

Autumn

Shen (申) – Monkey

• Time of Year: August, 3 p.m. to 4:59 p.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Geng 庚 (Yang Metal) – 60%
  • Ren 壬 (Yang Water) – 30%
  • Wu 戊 (Yang Earth) – 10%

Shen (申) is mainly influenced by Geng Metal, representing the beginning of autumn, with Ren Water and Wu Earth adding transitional and foundational aspects.

You (酉) – Rooster

• Time of Year: September, 5 p.m. to 6:59 p.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Xin 辛 (Yin Metal) – 100%

You (酉) is dominated entirely by Xin Metal, representing the peak of autumn and the full strength of the Metal element.

Xu (戌) – Dog

• Time of Year: October, 7 p.m. to 8:59 p.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Wu 戊 (Yang Earth) – 60%
  • Xin 辛 (Yin Metal) – 30%
  • Ding 丁 (Yin Fire) – 10%

Xu (戌) is primarily influenced by Wu Earth, marking the end of autumn and the transition to winter, with Xin Metal and Ding Fire providing additional stability and warmth.

Winter

Hai (亥) – Pig

• Time of Year: November, 9 p.m. to 10:59 p.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Ren 壬 (Yang Water) – 70%
  • Jia 甲 (Yang Wood) – 30%

Hai (亥) is primarily influenced by Ren Water, representing the beginning of winter, with Jia Wood providing the potential for growth in the coming spring.

Zi (子) – Rat

• Time of Year: December, 11 p.m. to 12:59 a.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Gui 癸 (Yin Water) – 100%

Zi (子) is dominated entirely by Gui Water, representing the peak of winter and the full strength of the Water element.

Chou (丑) – Ox

• Time of Year: January, 1 a.m. to 2:59 a.m.
• Hidden Stems and Percentages:
  • Ji 己 (Yin Earth) – 60%
  • Gui 癸 (Yin Water) – 30%
  • Xin 辛 (Yin Metal) – 10%

Chou (丑) is primarily influenced by Ji Earth, marking the end of winter and the transition to spring, with Gui Water and Xin Metal providing additional nurturing and clarity.

Simplifying the Concept

Each Earthly Branch, combined with its hidden Heavenly Stems, influences different aspects of life, such as personality, health, and relationships. Understanding these elements helps us appreciate their impact on our lives.

For example:

• Spring (Yin, Mao, Chen): Associated with the Wood element, promoting growth and new beginnings.
• Summer (Si, Wu, Wei): Linked to the Fire element, representing energy, passion, and transformation.
• Autumn (Shen, You, Xu): Connected to the Metal element, symbolising clarity, precision, and decline.
• Winter (Hai, Zi, Chou): Related to the Water element, signifying reflection, rest, and renewal.

Modern Applications

While rooted in ancient Chinese astrology, the 12 Earthly Branches and their hidden Heavenly Stems continue to influence contemporary practices. They are integral to Bazi readings, Feng Shui, and other metaphysical systems, helping individuals understand their inherent energies and navigate their life paths.

The 12 Earthly Branches and their Hidden Heavenly Stems form a complex yet fascinating system that reveals profound insights into human nature and the natural world. By understanding these elements, you can gain valuable knowledge about your personality, strengths, and life trajectory, aiding in personal growth and informed decision-making.