Primary, Middle, and Residual Qi in Branches (本氣中氣餘氣)
Understand primary, middle, and residual qi labels, how they order hidden stems, where school conventions vary, and why the labels are not universal percentages.
Overview
Primary qi identifies the leading hidden stem of a branch; middle and residual qi name additional stored stems where present. These labels provide an ordering convention, not a universal numerical strength formula. A reliable page records the adopted table, month and season, root access, exposure, and relation evidence before describing how strongly any stored stem can function.
At a glance
- Primary qi
- Leading hidden stem in the adopted table
- Middle qi
- Secondary stored stem where applicable
- Residual qi
- Additional transition or stored stem where applicable
- Branch variation
- Some branches have one, two, or three hidden stems
- Model disclosure
- Ordering and weights can vary by school or engine
- Boundary
- Labels are not guaranteed percentages or outcomes
Treat the three labels as an ordered vocabulary
Primary qi names the branch’s leading stored function; middle and residual qi identify further layers when the selected table includes them.
A branch with one hidden stem should not be padded with invented middle or residual entries merely to fit a three-part layout.
- Respect the actual number of stored stems.
- Keep labels tied to the chosen source table.
Disclose differences between schools and software
Texts and modern engines can differ in naming, ordering, and numerical weights, especially for transitional branches.
If software uses weights, present them as model parameters and version them; do not claim every percentage is a universally accepted classical value.
- Name the convention and version.
- Do not merge incompatible weight systems.
Combine hierarchy with seasonal and relational evidence
Primary status can strengthen a root claim, but month command, branch condition, exposure, generation, control, and competition still matter.
A residual stem may become relevant through timing or revelation without becoming the branch’s primary identity.
- Preserve hierarchy after activation.
- Show both enabling and limiting evidence.
Do not turn storage ranks into human rankings
Primary, middle, and residual do not mean conscious, subconscious, unimportant, superior, or morally better parts of a person.
They cannot quantify health, talent, loyalty, wealth, or relationship commitment and should not support high-stakes decisions.
- Avoid psychological literalism.
- No human-value score from qi rank.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《淵海子平》 (Yuanhai Ziping)《淵海子平》月令人元用事與餘氣：地支內部氣序須按支月與根氣理解A foundational Ziping reference for branch months, hidden stems, roots, and stem-branch relationships.
- 《三命通會》 (Sanming Tonghui)《三命通會》本氣、中氣、餘氣及司權諸論：層次名稱不等於固定百分比A historical compilation covering stems and branches, Ten Gods, Nayin, Shen Sha, and multiple classical pattern systems.
- OpenFate Editorial Methodology本中餘氣頁禁止無來源權重與秘密人物敘事，逐干保留月令、透出、通根及反證OpenFate separates deterministic chart calculation, traditional interpretation, and modern editorial explanation.