The Basic Principle of Ba Zi: the Twelve Branches
Part 2

Complementing the Ten Stems are the Twelve Branches, also known as the Earthly Branches or Zi Wei. These Branches symbolize the earthly manifestations of the celestial energies and are associated with the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.

The Twelve Branches are Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, and Hai.

7. Wu (午): Horse
In Chinese astrology, Wu is also known as Horse.
Its Element is Fire, the organ is the heart, and the direction is the South 2.
The Fire Element makes Wu individuals passionate, dynamic, generous and active. Since it is a Cardinal sign, it produces people who are emotional, sentimental and occupied with romance and relationships. Wu is also very conscious about looks and appearance.
8. Wei (未): Goat
In Chinese astrology, Wei is also known as Goat.
Its Element is Earth, the organ is the spleen, and the direction is the Southwest 1. Wei is known for being peaceful, friendly, and socially active, occupied with romance, relationships and family life.
Since it belongs to the Storage Stars group of Chinese Zodiac signs, Wei produces people who are nourishing, accommodating and interested in the comfort of everyday life. They are also practical, and realistic individuals, with some special talents (they are creative and talented for nuances when it comes to colors, materials, art, style, and interior design).
9. Shen (申): Monkey
In Chinese astrology, Shen is also known as Monkey.
Its Element is Metal, the organs are the big intestines, and the direction is the Southwest 3.
Since it belongs to a group of Travelling Stars, it produces active people who like to travel and who are always busy. Shen is known for its resourcefulness, quick wit, and decisiveness. While they are clever, versatile, and street-smart, they are also impatient individuals, who like shortcuts and quick solutions.
10. You (酉): Rooster
In Chinese astrology, You is also known as Rooster.
Its Element is Metal, the organs are the lungs, and the direction is the West 2.
Since it is a Cardinal Zodiac sign and belongs to the Peach Blossom Stars, You produces emotional and sentimental individuals, occupied with romance and relationships. They are creative and talented in arts and design, as they are self-conscious about their looks and the impression they make.
11. Xu (戌): Dog
In Chinese astrology, Xu is also known as Dog.
Its Element is Earth, the organ is the Stomach (and abdomen), and the direction is the Northwest 1.
Since it belongs to the Graveyards group of Zodiac signs, Xu produces individuals who are practical and hardworking, but also ambitious, and interested in recognition, status, and material possessions. Although Xu people are known for being strong, honest, dependable, and trustworthy, they are also prone to worry, dissatisfaction, obsessions, and – moralizing.
12. Hai (亥): Pig
In Chinese astrology, Hai is also known as Pig.
Its Element is Water, the organ is the bladder, and the direction is the Northwest 3.
Hai is known for being friendly, understanding, compassionate and family-oriented.
Since Hai belongs to the Travelling Star group of Zodiac signs, it produces curious, and
busy-body people who typically have many interests, and who like movement and being active.

Each Earthly Branch carries its unique set of characteristics, and it is particular about its relationship with other Branches.
The combination of Branches in a Ba Zi chart creates specific dynamics in the life of the individual – that we recognize as a part of their destiny. The Branches that rule over the ten-year luck pillars affect certain pillars of the natal Ba Zi chart, in a positive or negative way, enabling us to anticipate future development in certain aspects of our lives.

The Basic Principle of Ba Zi: the Twelve Branches

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