Detailed Analysis of Zi Water
Zi is the first of the Twelve Earthly Branches. While it belongs to the Yang Water element physically, it is often treated as Yin in application. It resides in the North, representing the peak of Yin and cold, yet containing the spark of the first Yang.
Basic Attributes
- Element: Water.
- Yin/Yang: Yang Branch (Physical), Yin (Functional).
- Season: Mid-Winter (11th Lunar Month).
- Hexagram: Fu (Return) - indicating the return of Yang.
Symbolism and Characteristics
- Zodiac: Rat. Represents wit, agility, fertility, and strong survival instincts.
- Time: Zi Hour (23:00 - 01:00), the transition between days.
- Direction: North (Kan Palace).
- Body Part: Ears, Bladder, Urinary system, Blood, Kidneys.
- Representations: Rivers, ponds, wells, ditches, ink, fluid things, wisdom, secrets, metaphysics.
Interactions
- Six Harmony: Combines with Chou (Ox) to form Earth.
- Three Harmony: Combines with Shen (Monkey) and Chen (Dragon) to form a Water Frame (General Star).
- Six Clash: Clashes with Wu (Horse) (Water vs Fire).
- Punishment: Punishes Mao (Rabbit) (Uncivilized Punishment).
- Harm: Harms Wei (Goat).