BaZi · Tools

Ten Gods Relationship Diagram

Quick reference: definitions, career, and relationship correspondences.

Ten GodRelation to Day MasterCore TraitCareer DomainRelationship Meaning
Peer (比肩)Same element, same polarityCompetition, independence, collaborationEntrepreneurship, independent consultingFriends, equal partnerships
Rob Wealth (劫财)Same element, opposite polarityRivalry, expenditure, allianceBusiness partnershipsDraining relationships
Eating God (食神)Produced by me, same polarityExpression, talent, enjoymentArts, culinary, education, craftChildren (firstborn, female chart)
Hurting Officer (伤官)Produced by me, opposite polarityGenius, rebellion, breakthroughTechnical, consulting, freelanceRomantic turbulence
Indirect Wealth (偏财)Controlled by me, same polarityWindfall, opportunity, fatherInvestment, trading, diversified incomeRomantic interest (male chart)
Direct Wealth (正财)Controlled by me, opposite polaritySteady income, diligence, wifeFinance, industry, stable enterpriseSpouse (male chart)
Seven Killings (七杀)Controls me, same polarityPressure, competition, authorityMilitary, competitive fields, investmentUnofficial partner (female chart)
Direct Officer (正官)Controls me, opposite polarityOrder, status, reputationGovernment, management, lawHusband (female chart)
Indirect Resource (偏印)Produces me, same polarityUnconventional talent, solitude, special skillsResearch, spirituality, esoteric studiesUnconventional connections
Direct Resource (正印)Produces me, opposite polarityKnowledge, protection, motherCulture, academia, writingMother, elder patronage

What Are the Ten Gods (Shi Shen)?

The Ten Gods (十神) are the core classification system in BaZi for describing how every character relates to the Day Master (日主). Using the Day Master as the reference point, every other Heavenly Stem — including Hidden Stems — is categorized into one of ten "Gods" based on its Five Element relationship and Yin-Yang polarity.

These ten relationships fall into five categories: Same-as-me (比劫), I-produce (食伤), I-control (财), Controls-me (官杀), and Produces-me (印). Each governs a distinct sphere — Peers are competition and selfhood, Output is creative talent, Wealth is fortune and attraction, Authority is pressure and power, Resource is protection and knowledge.

How to Derive the Ten Gods

Taking Jia Wood (甲, Yang Wood) as the Day Master: Jia seeing Jia = Peer; Jia seeing Yi (乙) = Rob Wealth. Jia produces Bing Fire, so Jia seeing Bing = Eating God, Ding = Hurting Officer. Jia controls Wu Earth: Wu = Indirect Wealth, Ji = Direct Wealth. Geng Metal controls Jia: Geng = Seven Killings, Xin = Direct Officer. Ren Water produces Jia: Ren = Indirect Resource, Gui = Direct Resource.

The pattern: same element + same polarity = Peer; opposite = Rob Wealth. Produced + same = Eating God; opposite = Hurting Officer. Controlled + same = Indirect Wealth; opposite = Direct Wealth. Controlling + same = Seven Killings; opposite = Direct Officer. Producing + same = Indirect Resource; opposite = Direct Resource.

Ten Gods, Strength, and Chart Patterns

The Ten God emerging from the Month Branch's dominant energy determines the chart pattern (格局) — Direct Officer, Eating God, Seven Killings, and so on — the central axis of the analysis. Ten Gods in other pillars support or constrain it. The core question is whether the Month Branch's primary Ten God functions effectively: when the Useful God flows unobstructed the pattern is clear; when the Unfavorable God interferes it is muddled.

Di Tian Sui (滴天髓) states the ten Stems each have distinct natures and achieve merit only when employed at the right time. Whether a Ten God is useful or unfavorable depends on the chart's needs — the same Direct Officer that is a Useful God in a strong chart may be oppressive pressure in a weak one. There is no "Eating God is always good" or "Seven Killings is always bad"; everything is relative to the pattern.

Free chart generation with the Ten Gods annotated automatically.

View your Ten Gods distribution
Ten Gods Relationship Diagram — BaZi Reference | DEEP ORACLE