Fati

What are Heavenly Stems?

The 10 Heavenly Stems represent celestial energy: Gap (甲), Eul (乙), Byeong (丙), Jeong (丁), Mu (戊), Gi (己), Gyeong (庚), Sin (辛), Im (壬), Gye (癸). Each stem carries Five Elements and Yin-Yang properties. The year's Heavenly Stem determines the overall energy and atmosphere of that year. Stems cycle every 10 years, so years with the same last digit share the same stem. Each stem's Five Element also corresponds to a traditional color, giving rise to nicknames like 'Year of the Blue Dragon' or 'Year of the Red Horse.' Wood = Blue/Green, Fire = Red, Earth = Yellow, Metal = White, Water = Black.

Earthly Branches & Zodiac

The 12 Earthly Branches represent terrestrial energy. Each branch corresponds to one of the 12 zodiac animals and cycles every 12 years. The 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches combine to form the 60-year cycle (Sexagenary Cycle), repeating every 60 years.

What is the 60-Year Cycle?

The 60-year cycle (Sexagenary Cycle) is formed by combining the 10 Heavenly Stems with the 12 Earthly Branches in sequence, creating 60 unique combinations. Starting from Gap-Ja (甲子) and ending at Gye-Hae (癸亥), the cycle then repeats. The Korean tradition of celebrating one's 60th birthday ('Hwangap') originates from the significance of completing one full cycle. Each combination carries unique energy from the interaction of the stem's and branch's Five Elements, believed to influence the fundamental temperament of those born in that year.

1924-2043 Stems & Branches Reference

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