The Profound Principles of the Five Combinations of the Heavenly Stems and Various Scholarly Conjectures: An Age-Old Mystery from the Hetu and Luoshu to Celestial Astronomy
The Five Combinations of the Heavenly Stems (Jia-Ji combining into Earth, Yi-Geng into Metal, Bing-Xin into Water, Ding-Ren into Wood, Wu-Gui into Fire) constitute one of the most fundamental yet mysterious theories in Chinese metaphysical arts. This article delves into the profound principles behind them, analyzing various conjectures and demonstrations of 'combination and transformation of qi' from dimensions including the Hetu numerology, celestial astronomy, and the Five Phases and Six Qi system, revealing the cosmic vision underlying this ancient law.
Chapter Three: Celestial Astronomy -- The Cosmic Spectacle of Planetary Conjunctions
The most profound principle of the Five Combinations very likely originates from ancient astronomers' observations of "five planets in alignment" or the patterns of planetary motion.
Ancient Chinese astronomy divided the sky into the Twenty-Eight Lodges and observed the movements of the five major planets: Metal (Venus), Wood (Jupiter), Water (Mercury), Fire (Mars), and Earth (Saturn). A highly persuasive viewpoint holds that the Five Combinations describe the conjunction phenomena of the five planets at specific seasonal nodes.
Meeting the Dragon: The Secret of the Dragon Vein
In Four Pillars destiny analysis, there is a mnemonic for determining whether a Heavenly Stem combination successfully transforms: "Meeting the Dragon brings transformation" (feng long ze hua). That is, one examines whether the month or hour activates the transforming spirit.
- For Jia-Ji combinations, it must be in the months of Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei, or at those hours, with special emphasis on Chen (the Dragon).
- A more precise formula comes from the Five Tiger Calculation (Wuhu Dun):
- In a Jia-Ji year, Bing heads the sequence. The first month is Bing-Yin, the second Ding-Mao, the third Wu-Chen. Chen is seated upon Wu-Earth, hence Jia-Ji transforms into Earth.
- In a Yi-Geng year, Wu heads the sequence. ... The third month is Geng-Chen. Chen is seated upon Geng-Metal, hence Yi-Geng transforms into Metal.
- In a Bing-Xin year, beginning from Geng. ... The third month is Ren-Chen. Chen is seated upon Ren-Water, hence Bing-Xin transforms into Water.
- In a Ding-Ren year, Ren-Yin flows. ... The third month is Jia-Chen. Chen is seated upon Jia-Wood, hence Ding-Ren transforms into Wood.
- In a Wu-Gui year, Jia-Yin is auspicious. ... The third month is Bing-Chen. Chen is seated upon Bing-Fire, hence Wu-Gui transforms into Fire.
This pattern is so perfect it sends a shiver down the spine. The Phase of every transformed qi corresponds exactly to the Heavenly Stem seated at the Chen position for that group!
This is not merely a mathematical game -- it suggests that "Chen," this Earthly Branch (corresponding to the Azure Dragon seven lodges in celestial imagery, or a specific ecliptic position) is the critical node for the transformation of the Five Qi. Chen is the Storehouse of Water, and also marks the transition from late spring to early summer, when yang qi rises and all things undergo the most dramatic transformations.
The Five Planets Governing the Phases
Another astronomical explanation comes from Zhang Xingjian's Renyuan Weiyi (Subtle Meaning of Human Origin). He held that the Five Combinations arise from the mutual resonance of the essential qi of the five planets.
- Jia-Ji transforms into Earth: Saturn (Zhenxing) takes approximately 28 years to orbit the heavens. Ancient observers noted that in Jia years or Ji years, Saturn's influence on Earth's climate (Earth-qi) was most pronounced, or Saturn appeared in specific celestial domains.
- Yi-Geng transforms into Metal: Related to the orbital period of Venus (Taibai).
- Bing-Xin transforms into Water: Related to Mercury (Chenxing).
Though modern astronomical orbital calculations may not perfectly align with ancient observations, this mode of thinking -- "resonance between heaven and humanity" (tianren ganying), meaning earthly time (Heavenly Stems) corresponds to celestial planetary positions (the five planets) -- is central to understanding the Five Combinations. The Heavenly Stems are not mere counting symbols; they are coordinate designations projected by the five major planets onto the celestial sphere.