Terminology Core Bazi terminology explained with context and examples. Tonggen and Tougan: How Heavenly Stems Root in Earthly Branches Tonggen (通根) and Tougan (透干) are paired terms — a stem's power comes from its branch root; a branch's expression comes through its stem emergence. Think tree canopy and root system. Tonggen, Tougan, Xu Fu, Wu Gen: Rooted vs. Rootless Ten Gods Tonggen (root access) and tougan (stem emergence) are foundational concepts. What's xu fu (insubstantial)? What happens when a Ten God has no root? Straight breakdown of four high-frequency terms. Wealth Star Destroying Resource — Good or Bad? Wealth counter-controlling Resource is called 'destroying the seal' — but destroying Resource isn't always bad. When Resource is Useful God, it's disaster. When Resource is Annoyance God, it's liberation. Two-sided judgment explained. What Does 'Wealth Qi Flows Through the Gate' Mean? When the Wealth star connects directly to the Day Pillar without obstruction, wealth flows straight to your doorstep. Learn the three channels, blockage patterns, and how luck cycles affect the flow. Wu Xing Cheng Shi (五行成势): When an Element Forms a Dominant Bloc Cheng shi isn't just being strong — it's when force gathers into an uncontestable mainstream. Here's the three-condition test and how shi relates to pattern transformation. Wu Xing Liu Tong (五行流通): How to Judge Element Circulation Energy Wu xing liu tong isn't about having all five elements — it's about force flowing from source to endpoint without interruption. Here's how to check the circulation chain and fix breaks. Wu Xing Pian Ku (五行偏枯): Extreme Five Element Tilt Pian ku is worse than missing an element — it's when force tilts so extremely toward one side that the entire chart loses balance. Here's the judgment standard and Luck Cycle trajectory. Xian Shen (闲神): The Idle Gods — What They Actually Do Xian shen are the low-force, non-dominant Ten Gods that look like filler. They aren't. They mediate, fill gaps, buffer, and can suddenly transform when Luck Cycles hit. Here are their four roles. Xiao Shen Duo Shi (枭神夺食) vs. Duo Shang (夺伤): The Real Difference Xiao shen duo shi is a classic凶格 (unfavorable pattern), but can the枭神 (xiao shen) also 'seize' the Hurting Officer (伤官)? The conditions, force, and manifestation are completely different. Let's break it down from Ten God principles. Yang Ren (羊刃): How to Find It, Use It, and Control It Yang Ren is the Day Master's帝旺 (di wang, peak prosperity) position — maximum power, maximum danger. Here's the lookup method, its three roles, and how to keep a blade under control. Yang Stems vs. Yin Stems: How the Same Element Acts Differently Jia and Yi are both Wood — but worlds apart. Yang stems burst outward; yin stems draw inward. Same Five Element, completely different operating style. Full breakdown of the ten stems by yin-yang character. Yin Hua Sha (印化杀) vs. Shi Zhi Sha (食制杀) vs. Bi Jie Kang Sha (比劫扛杀) Three ways to handle Seven Killings attacking the Day Master. Resource transforms it (highest wisdom). Eating God controls it (most direct). Companion shares the load (last resort). Full comparison and priority logic. Zheng He (争合) vs. Du He (妒合): Competing and Jealous Combines Two stems fighting for one target = zheng he. One stem pulled by two targets = du he. Here's how Heavenly Stem competing and jealous combines work, with classic configurations and judgment methods. Annual Pillar 'Greedy for Combination, Forgets Clash': How It Works When the annual branch has both a clash and a combination with your chart, combination takes priority. The year that should've hit you gets distracted — and the clash fizzles. Combining Wealth (He Cai) vs. Controlling Wealth (Ke Cai) — Two Ways to Make Money Combining wealth is slow but effortless. Controlling wealth is fast but exhausting. These two wealth-access mechanisms produce completely different income styles. Learn which one your chart uses. Five Types of Seven Killings by Element: Wood Kill, Fire Kill, Earth Kill, Metal Kill, Water Kill Wood Kill chops. Fire Kill burns urgent. Earth Kill crushes slow. Metal Kill pierces sharp. Water Kill seeps cold. Each element's Seven Killings hits differently and needs different control. Hurting Officer Combines Seven Killings (Shang Guan He Sha): Soft Control That's Smarter Than Hard Control When Hurting Officer combines Seven Killings via Heavenly Stem Five-Combination, it's a soft entanglement that neutralizes the threat without triggering backlash. Mechanisms and conditions. Lu Shen (Salary/Emolument Star): What It Represents and How to Read It Lu isn't money — it's your original foundation. The Day Master's Lin-Guan position, your home base. Different pillars, different meanings. What happens when lu gets clashed or combined. Luck Cycle, Annual, Monthly, Daily: How the Four Time Layers Interact Four time layers press on the natal chart simultaneously — which one calls the shots? Priority order, same-direction reinforcement, and opposite-direction conflict rules. Output (Shi-Shang) Bleeding-Off Brilliance — Turning Excess Into Talent, What Makes It a Real Pattern? Output Bleeding-Off Brilliance (食伤泄秀 xiè xiù) is the most elegant way for an over-strong Day Master to release surplus energy — through creativity and skill, not fighting. This guide breaks down the three conditions that make it real.