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 Six: Wu-Gui Combining into Fire -- The Mystery of the Heartless Combination
Wu is Old Yang Earth -- like an embankment or a mountain. Gui is Ultimate Yin Water -- like dew or a brook. Earth conquers Water. An old husband paired with a young wife. Why does it transform into Fire$15
Conjecture One: The Geothermal Theory Wu-Earth is deep and thick, with great internal pressure; Gui-Water seeps within. When water enters deep earth and encounters geothermal heat, it transforms into steam, and thermal energy erupts -- hence Fire. This closely resembles the state before a volcanic eruption, or the formation of hot springs.
Conjecture Two: The Thunder and Lightning Theory Wu represents cloud layers (Earth generates clouds); Gui represents rainwater. Summer thunderstorms (Gui), dense dark clouds (Wu) -- when the two qi clash, what is produced$16 Lightning (Fire). Wu-Gui combining into Fire depicts the natural phenomenon of yin and yang violently colliding to produce electrical sparks during thunderstorms.
Conjecture Three: The Human Physiology Theory Wu represents the stomach; Gui represents the kidneys. Earth conquers Water. But in Chinese medicine, Fire (heart) generates Earth, and Earth in turn must control Water. One view holds that Wu-Gui combining into Fire refers to kidney water ascending to nourish heart fire, or the various complex mechanisms by which the spleen and stomach's transformative function requires the "fire of the Gate of Life" (mingmen zhi huo). But the most intuitive image remains the natural phenomenon of the rainbow -- after rain meets sun, a rainbow appears. The rainbow pertains to Fire.