Understanding the Sipsin (Ten Gods) — The Code of Relationships and Talent in Your Saju
Once the eight characters of a Saju (Four Pillars) chart are set, the next gateway is the Sipsin, or Ten Gods. The Sipsin classify, into ten kinds, how the remaining characters relate to the day master that represents you — and it is here that life's themes such as wealth, career, bonds, and learning are read. Knowing the Sipsin turns a chart from a simple picture of the Five Elements into a concrete life story.
What Are the Ten Gods?
The Sipsin are ten names formed by combining the Five Element relationship between the day master (you) and another character with the sameness or difference of their yin and yang. Depending on whether the other element supports you, is supported by you, is controlled by you, controls you, or is the same as you, the relationships split into five branches; each branch then divides again according to whether the yin and yang match or differ, making ten in all. That is why they are called the Sipsin, the Ten Gods.
Bigyeop — The Energy That Is Like You
Characters of the same Five Element as you are called Bigyeon and Geopjae, together the 'Bigyeop.' The Bigyeop symbolize those who stand shoulder to shoulder with you — siblings, friends, colleagues, rivals. In moderation the Bigyeop bring out independence and cooperation, but in excess they are said to breed stubbornness and fierce competition over shared wealth. The Bigyeop are the very source of the drive to push forward on your own strength.
Siksang and Jaeseong — Expression and Wealth
The element you give birth to (that you generate) is Siksin and Sanggwan, the 'Siksang,' symbolizing expression, talent, activity, and — for a woman — children. The element you control and govern (that you check) is Pyeonjae and Jeongjae, the 'Jaeseong,' meaning wealth, practical results, and — for a man — a wife. When the flow of Siksang giving rise to Jaeseong runs smoothly, the chart reads as a favorable structure in which talent turns directly into money.
Gwanseong and Inseong — Responsibility and Learning
The element that controls and governs you is Pyeongwan and Jeonggwan, the 'Gwanseong,' symbolizing work, honor, discipline, responsibility, and — for a woman — a husband. Conversely, the element that gives birth to you is Pyeonin and Jeongin, the 'Inseong,' meaning mother, scholarship, documents, benefactors, and spiritual assets. The flow of Gwanseong giving rise to Inseong and Inseong giving rise to you reads as a stable structure in which responsibility leads on to learning and character.
What Is Strong Shapes the Character
The heart of reading the Sipsin is which of them stands out. Strong Jaeseong brings a practical sense and an orientation toward wealth; strong Gwanseong brings a sense of duty and adaptation to organizations; strong Siksang brings expression and creativity; strong Inseong brings reflection and scholarship. Yet any one in excess casts its own shadow, so a good chart is one that trims what overflows and fills what is lacking. The Sipsin are not a language of good and bad, but of how energy is put to use.
The Sipsin are the key that translates a Saju into 'the relationship between you and the world.' Once you have balanced the Five Elements, look now at which of the Ten Gods leads in your own chart, and read the grain of your innate talents and bonds.