Root Connection in Bazi (通根)
Learn how a visible Heavenly Stem connects to matching qi inside an Earthly Branch and how root layer, season, location, and branch condition affect support.
Overview
Root Connection (通根) means a visible Heavenly Stem finds same-phase support among the hidden stems of one or more Earthly Branches. The exact rule may distinguish same stem, same phase, and yin-yang correspondence. A root is evidence of support, not a complete strength verdict: qi layer, month command, distance, branch damage, and competing relations still matter.
At a glance
- Subject
- A visible Heavenly Stem
- Root location
- Matching qi inside an Earthly Branch
- Evidence
- Branch, hidden stem, and qi layer
- Strength factors
- Season, location, repetition, and support
- Damage checks
- Clashes, combinations, and competing pathways
- Limit
- A root does not decide total chart strength
Trace the stem into branch contents
Choose a visible stem, expand all branches, and locate matching same-phase hidden stems under the declared rule. Record the exact branch and whether the match is primary, middle, or residual qi.
A root belongs to a specific stem-to-branch relationship. Saying the chart “has roots” without naming the participant is incomplete.
- Name the visible stem.
- Name every supporting branch and layer.
Distinguish root presence from root strength
A month-command primary root is not equivalent to a residual root in an unsupported branch. Multiple roots can reinforce continuity, but their condition still matters.
Season, generation, distance, exposure, dryness or dampness, and branch relations should be documented before calling a root strong or weak.
- Grade each root with disclosed criteria.
- Do not use binary presence as a total score.
Read roots inside the complete support network
A rooted stem may also receive generation from another phase, face control, combine away, or participate in a competing structure. These pathways can coexist.
Root evidence contributes to Day Master strength, Ten God usability, and pattern analysis, but none should be concluded from the root alone.
- Keep support and restraint together.
- Reassess within the chart’s actual question.
Do not translate roots into guaranteed stability
Rooted does not automatically mean psychologically grounded, healthy, wealthy, secure, or successful. It is a technical term for chart support.
Use it to explain the calculation and preserve professional boundaries for real-world decisions.
- No personality diagnosis from roots.
- No guaranteed outcome from support.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《淵海子平》 (Yuanhai Ziping)日主與各干旺衰須察地支根氣、得令及生扶，支持由明干回查支中同類藏氣的通根關係A foundational Ziping reference for branch months, hidden stems, roots, and stem-branch relationships.
- 《三命通會》 (Sanming Tonghui)卷二、卷六以有根無根、得地失地配合月令與制化判強弱，通根不是單一吉凶結論A historical compilation covering stems and branches, Ten Gods, Nayin, Shen Sha, and multiple classical pattern systems.
- OpenFate Editorial Methodology每一通根記錄目標天干、來源地支、藏干與匹配規則，並將結構證據和人物評價分離OpenFate separates deterministic chart calculation, traditional interpretation, and modern editorial explanation.