Earthly Branches (Dì Zhī / 地支)
The Twelve Earthly Branches represent the earthly, or hidden, energy in each pillar of your Ba Zi chart. Unlike the Heavenly Stems which show your outward expression, the Branches reveal the deeper, more instinctual layers of your personality. Each Branch is also associated with a Chinese zodiac animal.
Zi
Rat 🐀Element: Water · Time: Midnight / North
Ambition, intelligence, adaptability. The Zi branch carries the energy of deep winter — still, potent, and full of hidden potential.
Chou
Ox 🐂Element: Earth · Time: 1 AM / NNE
Steadfastness, diligence, strength. The Chou branch represents the last days of winter — cold but already preparing for spring.
Yin
Tiger 🐅Element: Wood · Time: 3 AM / ENE
Courage, initiative, authority. The Yin branch is the energy of dawn — explosive, exciting, and full of possibilities.
Mao
Rabbit 🐇Element: Wood · Time: 5 AM / East
Grace, diplomacy, sensitivity. The Mao branch is spring equinox — perfectly balanced, gentle, and harmonious.
Chen
Dragon 🐉Element: Earth · Time: 7 AM / ESE
Power, transformation, charisma. The Chen branch is late spring — full of growth, vitality, and dramatic change.
Si
Snake 🐍Element: Fire · Time: 9 AM / SSE
Wisdom, mystery, elegance. The Si branch is early summer — the energy is rising, intense, and full of hidden knowledge.
Wu
Horse 🐎Element: Fire · Time: Noon / South
Freedom, passion, adventure. The Wu branch is summer solstice — the peak of Yang energy, hot, bright, and unrestrained.
Wei
Goat 🐐Element: Earth · Time: 1 PM / SSW
Creativity, calm, nurturing. The Wei branch is late summer — abundant, gentle, and reflective.
Shen
Monkey 🐒Element: Metal · Time: 3 PM / WSW
Innovation, playfulness, intelligence. The Shen branch is early autumn — the energy begins to contract, sharpening the mind.
You
Rooster 🐓Element: Metal · Time: 5 PM / West
Precision, discipline, honesty. The You branch is autumn equinox — balanced but leaning inward, the time of harvest and judgment.
Xu
Dog 🐕Element: Earth · Time: 7 PM / WNW
Loyalty, justice, vigilance. The Xu branch is late autumn — the energy is sinking, preparing for the stillness of winter.
Hai
Pig 🐖Element: Water · Time: 9 PM / NNW
Generosity, contentment, intuition. The Hai branch is early winter — the energy is deep, receptive, and rich with inner wisdom.
The Hidden Stems
Each Earthly Branch contains one or more hidden Heavenly Stems inside it. This is why the Branches are considered the "womb" of the Stems — they carry energies beneath the surface. In a Ba Zi reading, these hidden stems reveal talents and traits that are not immediately obvious.