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Chapter 21 of 46
Wu Xing Jing Ji — Essential Records of the Five Elements
The four combinations of Jinshen (进神, Advancing Spirit) are highly unique. When combined with noble energy (贵气) and malefic stars (煞星), their power is enhanced. Specifically, they refer to: Jiazi (甲子), Jiawu (甲午), Jimao (己卯), and Jiyou (己酉). (From "Li Yu Ge")
The classification of Jin, Jiao, Tui, and Fu Shen (进、交、退、伏神) is based on the ten heavenly stems representing four phases, with each phase lasting 15 days as one hou (候). Among these, the first 12 days are the Jinshen hou (进神候), and the remaining 3 days are respectively Jiaoshen (交神), Tuishen (退神), and Fushen hou (伏神候). Therefore:
When encountering Jinshen, luck improves rapidly, and endeavors proceed smoothly; when encountering Jiaoshen, various affairs become difficult to coordinate; when encountering Tuishen, official positions or status may decline or be lost; when encountering Fushen, actions are obstructed, and matters are delayed. (From Yan Dongsou's writings)
Whenever Jinshen is encountered, studies progress daily 🚀, morale is high, everything goes smoothly, and efforts are efficient; if Tuishen is encountered, morale declines, laziness and procrastination set in, and everything becomes laborious and mentally draining. For example, the sequential order of stems and branches like Jia-Bing-Bing-Ding (甲乙丙丁) and Zi-Chou-Yin-Mao (子丑寅卯) represents progress, while the reverse order like Ding-Bing-Bing-Jia (丁丙乙甲) and Mao-Yin-Chou-Zi (卯寅丑子) represents regression. If both stems and branches indicate regression, although superficially satisfactory, unfavorable events will follow. For instance, the year Gengxu (庚戌) encountering Yisi (乙巳) is Tuishen (its effect is slower if not in the same xun), while Gengxu encountering Jiayin (甲寅) is Jinshen.
Encountering Jinshen signifies daily progress in learning, while encountering Tuisha (退煞) leads to increasing mental exertion with diminishing returns 📉. Moving in the direction of the Grand Duke Jupiter (太岁) is called Jinshen, while moving against it is called Tuishen. Those who encounter Jinshen are clever and sharp, while those who encounter Tuishen have obscured wisdom. (From "Hu Zhong Zi")
【Gejiao Tuishen (隔角退神, Isolated Corner Regression Spirit)】
Specific day and hour combinations trigger the Tuishen effect:
These combinations lead to the decline of family fortunes. If Tuishen appears in the Day Pillar, it may affect marriage or official position; if in the Fetal Origin (胎元, pre-birth stage), it affects ancestral property or parents; if in the Hour Pillar, it affects children. For example, a person born on a Renchen day encountering the Hai hour in their luck cycle will also experience dispersion. Dingchou day or Dingchou hour (including major cycles) is called "True Tuishen," leading to loss of spouse, property, and official position. (From "Guang Xin Ji")
The system of Jin and Tui Shen is based on the cyclical changes of the heavenly stems and earthly branches, dividing time into four phases: Jin (advance), Jiao (transition), Tui (retreat), and Fu (latency). These reflect the fluctuations of fortune. Jinshen symbolizes growth and smoothness, while Tuishen represents decline and obstruction. This reflects ancient observations of natural rhythms and life's undulations, emphasizing the wisdom of "acting in accordance with the time."
In modern society, Jin and Tui Shen can be understood as patterns of interaction between personal state and external environment:
This concept helps translate ancient time management wisdom into adjusting the rhythm of modern life, reducing stress from impulsive actions.
The system of Jin and Tui Shen is deeply rooted in the Eastern philosophical view of change, such as the "waxing and waning of Yin and Yang" in the "I Ching." It reminds us that progress and decline are part of a natural cycle. True wisdom lies in recognizing these cycles and顺应ing (conforming to) them, rather than强行对抗 (forcing opposition). This thought remains valuable in modern times, especially in fast-paced societies, encouraging people to accept fluctuations and pursue balance rather than perpetual ascent.