12 Life Stages (Qi Phase) Calculator
Determines the energy level (Qi Phase) of the Day Master or other stems as they sit on specific Earthly Branches (e.g., Birth, Bath, Grave).
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What are the 12 Life Stages (Qi Phases)?
The 12 Life Stages (also known as Qi Phases or Chang Sheng) represent the energy cycle of a Heavenly Stem as it moves through the 12 Earthly Branches. Think of it as a journey from birth to death, showing how energy evolves and transforms.
Each of the 10 Heavenly Stems has a unique relationship with each of the 12 Earthly Branches, creating a specific energy stage. These stages tell you whether your Day Master (or any stem) is in a state of growth, peak power, decline, or rest.
The Energy Cycle
The 12 Life Stages represent a complete cycle of energy from birth to death. Each stage has a specific meaning: Birth (Chang Sheng) is like a seed sprouting, Imperial Prosperous (Di Wang) is peak power, Death (Si) is decline, and Grave (Mu) is rest. Understanding where your Day Master sits in this cycle reveals your natural energy state.
The 10 Stems × 12 Branches Matrix
Each of the 10 Heavenly Stems (Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui) has a different relationship with each of the 12 Earthly Branches (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig). This creates a 120-cell matrix that maps every possible combination to its corresponding Qi Phase.
Fun Fact
The 12 Life Stages are also called "Chang Sheng" (长生), which means "Long Life" or "Eternal Life" in Chinese. This system helps BaZi practitioners understand the strength and vitality of any Heavenly Stem in a chart, not just the Day Master. It's one of the most important techniques for analyzing element strength.
Understanding the 12 Life Stages
Each of the 12 Life Stages represents a different phase in the energy cycle. Here's what they mean:
Birth (Chang Sheng)
Like a seed sprouting, this is the beginning of energy. It represents growth, potential, and new beginnings. Your Day Master is fresh and full of promise.
Bath (Mu Yu)
Like a baby being bathed, this stage represents cleansing and preparation. Energy is still growing but needs care and nurturing.
Crown (Guan Dai)
Like a child receiving their first crown, this stage represents early achievement and recognition. Energy is developing and gaining strength.
Imperial Prosperous (Di Wang)
This is the peak of power and energy. Like an emperor at the height of their reign, your Day Master is at maximum strength and influence.
Decline (Shuai)
Energy begins to decline after reaching its peak. Like a person past their prime, strength is diminishing but still present.
Death (Si)
Energy has reached its lowest point. Like death, this stage represents the end of a cycle, but it's also the beginning of transformation.
Grave (Mu)
Energy is at rest, like a body in a grave. This is the deepest point of the cycle, representing complete rest and potential for rebirth.
The Complete Cycle
The cycle continues through 12 stages total, each representing a different phase of energy. Understanding where your Day Master sits helps you understand your natural energy state and life patterns.
How Can You Use This?
- Understand your natural energy level and vitality
- See if your Day Master is in a strong or weak phase
- Learn about your life patterns and cycles
- Gain insight into your personality and character traits