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 Four: Various Conjectures and Theoretical Models
Beyond the mainstream views above, many schools throughout history have proposed brilliant conjectures regarding the principles of the Five Combinations.
1. The Conjugal Pairing Theory (Yin-Yang Complementarity)
This is the most accessible explanation. Jia is Yang Wood, firm and upright in nature; Ji is Yin Earth, gentle and yielding. Wood conquers Earth -- like a man governing a woman (in the ancient context of male supremacy, "conquest" often carried connotations of management and possession). Yang Wood conquering Yin Earth represents firmness tempered by gentleness; though conquering, they yet combine. It is like a gentleman (Jia) courting a virtuous maiden (Ji). Ji-Earth embraces Jia-Wood's root system; Wood gains Earth to take root, Earth gains Wood to be loosened. Their union produces a new state -- the stable image of "Earth" (because Jia-Wood here relinquishes upward growth, turning instead downward to take root, depending upon Earth).
Similarly, Yi-Geng combine. Geng is Yang Metal, sharp and keen; Yi is Yin Wood, supple and delicate. Yi-Wood entwines around Geng-Metal like wisteria climbing armor, or a beauty embracing a hero. Geng-Metal, moved by Yi-Wood's gentle affection, restrains its killing qi; Yi-Wood, supported by Geng-Metal's strength, gains something to cling to -- transforming into Metal-qi (Yi follows Geng).
This interpretation emphasizes social ethics and temperament analysis. Though not sufficiently "physical," it is extremely useful in destiny reading for analyzing human character.
2. The Displaced Generation-Completion Numbers Theory
This is a purely numerical conjecture. Hetu numbers: 1 = Water, 2 = Fire, 3 = Wood, 4 = Metal, 5 = Earth. Heavenly Stem order: Jia = 1, Yi = 2, Bing = 3, Ding = 4, Wu = 5, Ji = 6, Geng = 7, Xin = 8, Ren = 9, Gui = 10.
Some scholars propose that the Five Combinations are actually the process of prior-heaven Five Phases transforming into post-heaven Five Phases. Jia (1) and Ji (6): 1 is the prior-heaven Water generation number, 6 is the prior-heaven Water completion number. Yet in the Five Combinations, they leap beyond their original Phase attributes into a dynamic cycle. One theory states "combination occurs at the sixth position." Counting six from Jia reaches Ji; counting six from Yi reaches Geng. Six is the number of Old Yin, representing endings and new beginnings.
3. The Naying (Tonal) Principles Theory
Yet another school attempts to find clues from the Naying (tonal correspondence) Five Phases. However, this is generally considered to be putting the cart before the horse, since the derivation of the Naying system itself depends upon the Five Combinations.
4. The Meteorological Conjecture: Five Phases and Six Qi
Returning to the Huangdi Neijing. The Five Phases and Six Qi theory holds that the Five Combinations are the basis for calculating the overall climatic keynote (Grand Phase) of each year.
- In Jia-Ji years, the Earth Phase governs. Jia represents Earth Phase in excess (pervasive rain and dampness), Ji represents Earth Phase in deficiency (great winds prevail).
- In Yi-Geng years, the Metal Phase governs. Yi represents Metal Phase in deficiency (blazing fire prevails), Geng represents Metal Phase in excess (dryness pervades).
This theory directly maps the Five Combinations to cyclical changes in Earth's climate. The ancients discovered that in years ending in 4 (Jia years) and 9 (Ji years), climatic features share similarities -- more dampness, more clouds, more rain -- displaying the moist heaviness characteristic of "Earth." In years ending in 5 (Yi years) and 0 (Geng years), the climate tends toward dryness and wind, displaying the austere aridity characteristic of "Metal."
This is the most "scientific" of the conjectures. It suggests that the Five Combinations may represent the ancients' long-term statistical summary of solar activity cycles or Earth's climatic cycles. Modern meteorological statistics have to some extent supported the view of "periodic climatic variations."