Day Pillar Dictionary (Ilju)
12 Earthly Branches — Complete Four Pillars Terminology Guide

Zi (子) is the first of the 12 Earthly Branches, carrying Yin Water energy. Like the still, deep waters of midwinter, it symbolizes profound wisdom and sharp intuition. Zi Water excels at gathering information, and its quick judgment and nimble agility are its defining traits. An acute eye for detail that misses nothing is one of its greatest strengths.

Chou (丑) is Earth energy at the tail of winter, quietly waiting for spring to arrive. Like an ox, it moves steadily forward with quiet endurance — patience and diligence are its greatest strengths. Chou Earth is a cold variety of Earth that carries Water energy, giving it a tendency to keep emotions stored within.

Yin (寅) is Yang Wood that heralds the start of spring — bold and pioneering energy like a tiger at dawn. It symbolizes the vibrant beginning of the 12 Earthly Branches cycle, and carries strong leadership and a pioneering spirit. Yin Wood has the nature of a great tree growing straight upward, embodying ambition and unstoppable drive.

Mao (卯) is Yin Wood that symbolizes the peak of spring — the energy of the first light spreading at dawn. Like a rabbit, it is clever, nimble, and rich in artistic sensibility. Mao Wood has the nature of grass and flowers spreading gently outward, giving it exceptional flexibility in communication and natural rapport with others.

Chen (辰) is Yang Earth at the transition from spring to summer. Chen Earth is a moist Earth (濕土) saturated with water, overflowing with creativity and idealism, and a lover of change and challenge. With a mysterious, charismatic temperament like a dragon, it is a versatile generalist with talent across many fields.

Si (巳) is Yin Fire, symbolizing the flame of wisdom burning deep within. Like a snake, it possesses razor-sharp intuition and penetrating insight, along with a quiet, understated charisma that does not surface easily. Si Fire has exceptional concentration and expertise, making it the archetype of the deep specialist who masters one field completely.

Wu (午) is Yang Fire blazing at its most intense at high noon. Like a horse, it symbolizes passionate, active energy that loves freedom. Wu Fire overflows with expressiveness and passion, possessing an outstanding ability to transmit energy and vitality to those around it. Its leadership and drive are formidable.

Wei (未) is Yin Earth that holds the intense heat of summer within it. Wei Earth is a warm Earth containing Fire energy, rich in sensitivity and artistry, with a deep capacity for care and empathy toward others. Like a goat, it has a gentle and warm-hearted nature and the gift of creating harmony around it.

Shen (申) is Yang Metal that announces the arrival of autumn. Like a monkey, it symbolizes clever, fast, and versatile energy. Shen Metal is characterized by a quick-witted mind, flexible thinking, and outstanding verbal ability. It excels at adapting swiftly to any situation and seizing opportunities as they arise.

You (酉) is Yin Metal that symbolizes the harvest of autumn — precise and beautiful energy like a jewel. You Metal possesses a perfectionist temperament and a refined aesthetic, excelling in meticulous and detailed work. Just as a rooster heralds the dawn with precision, it is a highly reliable energy that is accurate and punctual.

Xu (戌) is Yang Earth at the transition from autumn to winter. Xu Earth is a dry Earth that carries Fire energy, and it radiates strong loyalty and a deep sense of honor that inspires trust. Like a dog, it is the archetypal loyal companion who treasures every bond formed and protects them to the end.

Hai (亥) is the last of the 12 Earthly Branches — Yang Water that heralds the start of winter. Hai Water is as vast and generous as the ocean, symbolizing pure and abundant good fortune (福德). Like a pig, it has a benevolent and unselfish nature that earns love and support from those around it.