Zi (子) is one of the 12 Earthly Branches in Chinese metaphysics. Represented by the Zodiac animal of the Rat, Zi is of a Yang polarity. It corresponds to the hourly time period of 11:00 PM to 12:59 AM and is associated with the Winter season. This branch plays a significant role in determining various aspects of destiny and personality traits in Chinese astrology.

Zhen (震) is one of the trigrams from the Bagua. The body part it symbolises is the lower limbs. It is linked to the familial relationship of the eldest or first son. In nature, its imagery represents thunder. The Zhen (震) trigram ☳ is described as a “face-up bowl” (仰盂). This trigram plays a significant role in understanding the dynamic and powerful forces of nature, as well as the energy associated with movement and initiation.

Youth (冠带) is the third phase of the 12 Lifecycle Phases. This phase embodies vibrancy and strength, characterised by potential and growth. It represents a time of increasing energy and capability, marking a period of development and maturation. This is known as a positive lifecycle phase, highlighting the dynamic and active aspects of life.

You (酉) is one of the 12 Earthly Branches in Chinese metaphysics. Represented by the Zodiac animal of the Rooster, You is of a Yin polarity. It corresponds to the hourly time period of 5:00 PM to 6:59 PM and is associated with the Autumn season. This branch plays a significant role in determining various aspects of destiny and personality traits in Chinese astrology.

Yin (寅) is one of the 12 Earthly Branches in Chinese metaphysics. Represented by the Zodiac animal of the Tiger, Yin is of a Yang polarity. It corresponds to the hourly time period of 3:00 AM to 4:59 AM and is associated with the Spring season. This branch plays a significant role in determining various aspects of destiny and personality traits in Chinese astrology.

In Chinese metaphysics, Yin (阴) is one of the two fundamental principles that constitute the dualistic nature of existence, with the other being Yang. Together, Yin and Yang represent the concept of dualism and the interplay of opposites in the natural world. Yin is often associated with feminine qualities and characteristics. It represents receptivity, passivity, darkness, coldness, and contraction. This principle is essential for understanding the balance and dynamic interaction of energies in various aspects of life and the universe.

Unofficially referred to as the fifth symbol in Chinese metaphysics, the Yellow Dragon (应龙) signifies the Earth element. It symbolises the central direction and the late summer season, representing stability, balance, and the nurturing aspects of the Earth. This symbol plays a crucial role in understanding the harmonizing and grounding forces within the traditional Chinese cosmological framework.

The Year Breaker, or Sui Po (岁破), is the compass sector directly opposite of Tai Sui. It is one of the annual afflictions in Feng Shui.

As opposites, the Year Breaker clashes with Tai Sui and should be treated with similar caution. Offending the Year Breaker could lead to adverse outcomes such as household loss of wealth, increased obstacles, or illnesses. Understanding and respecting the position of Sui Po is essential for maintaining harmony and avoiding negative influences in Feng Shui practice.

A Yao (爻) refers to a line or broken line used in the construction of trigrams or hexagrams in the I Ching. These lines represent the fundamental components of trigrams (three lines) and hexagrams (six lines), forming the basis for the symbolic interpretations in the I Ching. Each Yao can be either solid (representing Yang) or broken (representing Yin), and their arrangement provides insights into various aspects of life and natural phenomena.

In Chinese metaphysics, Yang (阳) is one of the two fundamental principles that constitute the dualistic nature of existence, with the other being Yin. Together, Yin and Yang represent the concept of dualism and the interplay of opposites in the natural world. Yang is often associated with masculine qualities and characteristics. It represents activity, assertiveness, light, heat, expansion, and movement. This principle is essential for understanding the balance and dynamic interaction of energies in various aspects of life and the universe.

Xun (巽) is one of the trigrams from the Bagua. The body part it symbolises is the buttocks or rear. It is linked to the familial relationship of the eldest or first daughter. In nature, its imagery represents wind. The Xun (巽) trigram ☴ is described as “broken bottom” (下断). This trigram plays a significant role in understanding the dynamic and pervasive qualities of wind, as well as its influence on movement and communication in various aspects of life.

Xu (戌) is one of the 12 Earthly Branches in Chinese metaphysics. Represented by the Zodiac animal of the Dog, Xu is of a Yang polarity. It corresponds to the hourly time period of 7:00 PM to 8:59 PM and is associated with the Autumn season. This branch plays a significant role in determining various aspects of destiny and personality traits in Chinese astrology.

Wuji (无极) is a foundational concept in Chinese philosophy and cosmology. The term “Wuji” can be translated as “limitless,” “boundless,” or “without extremes.” It represents a state of primordial and undifferentiated potentiality, often described as the state preceding the creation of the universe. Wuji is the state from which Taiji (the Supreme Ultimate) emerges, symbolising the infinite potential and the origin of all existence.

Wu (戊), the fifth Heavenly Stem, symbolises “Yang Earth” (阳土). It represents mountains and expansive lands, embodying qualities of stability, solidity, and endurance. This stem plays a crucial role in understanding the grounded and resilient aspects of an individual’s character and destiny in Chinese metaphysics.

The White Tiger (白虎) is one of the four mythical creatures known as the Four Symbols. It represents the West direction, the season of Autumn, and the Metal element. This symbol plays a significant role in Chinese metaphysics, embodying qualities of strength, courage, and protection.