Yin and Yang (陰陽) in Bazi
Learn how Yin and Yang classify Bazi stems and branches, what polarity changes in a relationship, and why it is not a gender or personality verdict.
Overview
Yin and Yang (陰陽) is the polarity framework used to distinguish paired expressions within the same Five Phase. In OpenFate, every Heavenly Stem has a yin or yang value; branches also retain polarity while carrying seasonal, phase and hidden-stem data. Polarity helps determine Ten Gods and some stem–branch rules, but it never operates without the referenced Day Stem and the rest of the chart. Yin does not mean female, passive, weak or bad, and yang does not mean male, active, strong or good.
At a glance
- Framework
- Two relational modes, not two substances
- Stem split
- Five yang stems and five yin stems
- Branch field
- Every branch retains a polarity value
- Product use
- Ten-God mapping and rule qualification
- Required context
- Referenced stem, phase and chart layer
- Boundary
- Not sex, gender, virtue or strength
Yin and Yang describe a relation, not a permanent value judgment
Classical cosmology uses yin and yang for paired, alternating modes. Bazi applies that distinction inside each phase: 甲 and 乙 are both Wood, for example, while carrying opposite polarities.
Neither pole is complete by itself or universally preferable. A label only becomes useful when the compared symbol, rule and chart layer are named.
- Read polarity as relational classification.
- Do not translate yin and yang into good and bad.
Polarity qualifies stems, branches and Ten-God relations
The Day Stem’s phase relation to another stem first identifies a Ten-God family; matching or opposing polarity then selects the direct or indirect form. Other rules also preserve the polarity of their participating symbols.
Branches cannot be reduced to polarity because they also encode season, phase, hidden stems and interactions. A yin branch is not automatically quiet or weak.
- Name the reference Day Stem for Ten-God mapping.
- Keep polarity separate from season and rooting.
OpenFate stores polarity as deterministic input, not personality copy
The calculation layer assigns polarity from fixed stem and branch tables. The same value is reused consistently by chart, report and Wiki terminology instead of being inferred from a narrative.
Interpretive text must not turn that field into a gender role, temperament score or dominance claim. Any later school-specific association needs its own conditions and source.
- Preserve one canonical polarity table.
- Separate calculation fields from interpretive claims.
Polarity cannot determine identity, behavior or compatibility
Yin and yang do not prove biological sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, introversion, leadership, aggression, obedience, morality or relationship compatibility.
Identity and relationship decisions require the people involved, their conduct and consent. A traditional classification must never be used to stereotype, screen or rank them.
- No identity or personality inference.
- No relationship verdict from polarity alone.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《五行大義》 (Essential Meanings of the Five Phases)《五行大義》陰陽與五行諸篇：陰陽作相對運行分類，五行各分陰陽而非人身性別或價值等級A systematic historical synthesis of Five Phases correspondences and relationships.
- 《御定星曆考原》卷一《御定星曆考原》卷一：十干十二支陰陽、五行與曆法配屬，提供可重現的干支極性表A historical source for stem and branch Yin-Yang, Five Phase, direction, seasonal, and calendrical correspondences.
- OpenFate Editorial Methodology產品以固定干支極性支援十神正偏與規則條件，計算欄位不延伸為性別、人格、道德、關係或身體強弱判定OpenFate separates deterministic chart calculation, traditional interpretation, and modern editorial explanation.