The Ten Gods十神

A system that classifies the relationships between the Day Master and the other Stems into ten types. The central concept of chart reading.

The Ten Gods classify, from the vantage point of the Day Master, the relationships in which other Heavenly Stems and Hidden Stems stand. From the Five Elements relations (Generation, Overcoming) and Yin-Yang polarity, ten types emerge: Friend and Rob Wealth (same Element), Eating God and Hurting Officer (the Element the Day Master generates), Indirect Wealth and Direct Wealth (the Element the Day Master overcomes), Seven Killings and Direct Officer (the Element that overcomes the Day Master), Indirect Resource and Direct Resource (the Element that generates the Day Master). Five relations — same, generating, overcoming, being overcome, being generated — each divided by same or different Yin-Yang polarity, yielding ten. Also called Shifting Stars or Tonghensheng in Japanese. In Bazen Sanmei, the Ten Gods are read not as markers of fortune, but as types of inner motivation and ways of engaging with the world.

A Stem of the same Element and same Yin-Yang as the Day Master. A peer.

Friend is a Stem that shares exactly the same quality as the Day Master. Siblings, friends, colleagues, rivals — it signifies those who stand at the same level as oneself. When many Friend appears in a chart, the Day Master grows stronger. Independence, self-reliance, and strong self-assertion become prominent features. Friend is the force that lets you stand as yourself. Yet in excess, it can generate a leaning that struggles with cooperation. Friend is the star that emphasizes "being oneself."

A Stem of the same Element and opposite Yin-Yang as the Day Master. One similar yet not identical to oneself.

Rob Wealth is a Stem of the same Element as the Day Master, but of opposite polarity. Similar to Friend, yet its quality works in a more unbalanced way. Sisters and brothers-in-law, competitors — those similar to oneself but in different positions. As its name suggests — "robbing wealth" — the classics read it as an omen of losing resources. In contemporary terms, it can be read as competitive spirit, ambition, and the desire to stand out — the force of pushing oneself forward. Rob Wealth is a star of more intense self-assertion than Friend. How its force is used profoundly shapes the individuality of a chart.

A Stem of the Element the Day Master generates, with the same Yin-Yang. A gentle outward force of creation.

Eating God is a Stem of the Element generated by the Day Master, of the same polarity. It sends the Day Master's energy outward in a gentle way. Creation, expression, pleasure, food, children — all forces of bringing forth are symbolized here. The classics record Eating God as "eating the stipend of heaven" — a rich and tranquil star. The blossoming of talent, artistic expression, the pleasures of food, the power of raising children. It is one of the most wholesome forms through which the Day Master's qi flows naturally outward. Eating God is the star of creating without strain, with tranquility.

A Stem of the Element the Day Master generates, with opposite Yin-Yang. A sharp outward force of creation.

Hurting Officer is a Stem of the Element generated by the Day Master, of opposite polarity. Like Eating God, it is a force turned outward, but its quality is sharper. Exceptional talent, critical spirit, unconventional expression, rebellion against established order — it symbolizes breakthrough creativity. As its name suggests — "hurting the officer" — the classics warned of it as a star that disrupts order. In contemporary terms, it can be read as outstanding talent, originality, and transformative power. It appears often in the charts of artists, performers, and reformers. Hurting Officer is a star not of tranquility, but of the sparks of creation.

A Stem of the Element the Day Master overcomes, with the same Yin-Yang. Moving wealth, expanding connections.

Indirect Wealth is a Stem of the Element the Day Master overcomes, of the same polarity. It symbolizes what the Day Master actively handles — wealth, resources, broad human relationships. The character 偏 carries the meaning of "wide, moving." Indirect Wealth is not fixed wealth but flowing wealth, diverse relationships, and expansive networks. It is characteristic of the charts of entrepreneurs, merchants, and those with broad social reach. Indirect Wealth is the star that gathers while moving widely.

A Stem of the Element the Day Master overcomes, with opposite Yin-Yang. Steady wealth, firm bonds.

Direct Wealth is a Stem of the Element the Day Master overcomes, of opposite polarity. If Indirect Wealth is flowing wealth, Direct Wealth is fixed wealth. Salary, savings, spouse, household — it symbolizes certain and lasting relationships and assets. In the classics, Direct Wealth was said to represent the wife for men. Earnest relationships, steady accumulation, reliable progression become the features of such a chart. It lacks the expansiveness of Indirect Wealth, but holds depth and continuity. Direct Wealth is the star of building with certainty and continuity.

A Stem of the Element that overcomes the Day Master, with the same Yin-Yang. Pressure, challenge, and transformative force.

Seven Killings is a Stem of the Element that overcomes the Day Master, of the same polarity. Also called 七殺 (Seven Killings). It is the strongest overcoming force acting upon the Day Master, symbolizing external pressure, ordeal, and challenge. The classics feared this star, yet depending on the structure of a chart, it works as outstanding capacity for action, leadership, and the power to break through crisis. It appears often in the charts of soldiers, entrepreneurs, and reformers. When Seven Killings is controlled, it brings great achievement. When uncontrolled, it becomes a violent force that can wound self or others. Either way, Seven Killings is a star that gives the chart strong direction.

A Stem of the Element that overcomes the Day Master, with opposite Yin-Yang. Order, responsibility, and trust.

Direct Officer is a Stem of the Element that overcomes the Day Master, of opposite polarity. Like Seven Killings, it is an Overcoming relation, but its action is gentle and harmonious. Social order, responsibility, position, trust — it symbolizes healthy engagement with external frameworks. In the classics, it was said to represent children for men and husband for women. It appears often in the charts of civil servants, officials, and those who thrive within organizations. Direct Officer is the star that builds trust within order. It embodies the balance of freedom and responsibility, of self and society.

A Stem of the Element that generates the Day Master, with the same Yin-Yang. Distinctive learning, unusual bonds, inner springs.

Indirect Resource is a Stem of the Element that generates the Day Master, of the same polarity. Also called 梟神 (Owl Spirit). It is qi given to the Day Master, but its quality is distinctive and at times works in a slanted way. Intuitive learning, specialized knowledge, unusual talent, unconventional maternal care — it symbolizes sources that depart from the ordinary path. It is characteristic of the charts of researchers, specialists, and artists. The classics warned of it as a star that disturbs Eating God, yet it is also the source of originality. Indirect Resource is the star that draws water from one's own spring.

A Stem of the Element that generates the Day Master, with opposite Yin-Yang. Traditional learning, maternal care, protective force.

Direct Resource is a Stem of the Element that generates the Day Master, of opposite polarity. It symbolizes qi that nurtures the Day Master gently and richly. Traditional scholarship, maternal care, protection, honor — it signifies inheritance from an orthodox source. In the classics, it is the star of scholarship and honor. It appears often in the charts of scholars, teachers, and researchers. Motherly affection, inherited knowledge, cultivated refinement — all that is raised through time belongs to the domain of Direct Resource. Direct Resource is the star that nurtures deeply and gently.