Detailed Analysis of Cang Gan (Hidden Stems)
Hidden Stems, also called "Branch Concealment" or "Human Origin in Branches," refer to the Heavenly Stems concealed within each of the Twelve Earthly Branches—one of the most fundamental concepts in BaZi.
Basic Principle
Heavenly Stems represent heavenly Qi (external, visible); Earthly Branches represent earthly Qi (internal, hidden). Each branch is not a simple single element but contains a complex combination of stems within. Hidden Stems reveal the true elemental composition inside each branch.
Hidden Stems Table
| Branch | Principal | Secondary | Residual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zi | Gui | — | — |
| Chou | Ji | Gui | Xin |
| Yin | Jia | Bing | Wu |
| Mao | Yi | — | — |
| Chen | Wu | Yi | Gui |
| Si | Bing | Geng | Wu |
| Wu (Branch) | Ding | Ji | — |
| Wei | Ji | Ding | Yi |
| Shen | Geng | Ren | Wu |
| You | Xin | — | — |
| Xu | Wu | Xin | Ding |
| Hai | Ren | Jia | — |
Three Levels of Power
- Principal Qi: Core stem of the branch, strongest (~60%). E.g., Yin's principal is Jia.
- Secondary Qi: Second stem, moderate power (~30%). E.g., Yin's secondary is Bing.
- Residual Qi: Remaining stem, weakest (~10%). E.g., Yin's residual is Wu.
Functions
- Determining Root: Whether a stem has its same-type hidden in any branch—if so, it's "rooted" and stronger.
- Emergence: When a hidden stem appears in the stem position, it "emerges," making that Ten God's power visible.
- Ten God Calculation: Hidden stems compared to Day Master yield Branch Spirits.
- Pattern Determination: Which hidden stem in the Month Branch emerges determines the chart's pattern.