• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.49-67
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• 2017

Objective : Heavenly stems and Earthly branches is a tool used for understanding the virtue of Yin Yang and Five elements. Korean medicine understands the changes in Wuyun through the Ten Heavenly stems, and understand the changes of Liuqi through the Twelve Earthly branches. An accurate understanding of the definitions of Heavenly Stems and Earthly branches and the concept of each of the 10 stems is of vital importance. Method : The paper first reviews the origin, history, and significance of the Heavenly stems and Earthly branches before studying the definitions of the stems and branches as laid out in the works of Yu Onseo, Lee Samun, and Han Dongseok. The paper then reviewed the concept of the each of the ten stems through researching the texts of Seoulmunhaeja, the annotations of the four great Seolmuns, and the texts of Jeongyeokwonui. Result & Conclusion : Heavenly stems and Earthly branches have been in use since more than 6,000 years ago. The central numbers in the changes of Heaven and Earth are five and six. Each number functions with duality, yin and yang, meaning there are ten Heavenly numbers ($5{\times}2=10$) and 12 Earthly numbers ($6{\times}2=12$) which oversees all of the cosmic changes. Stems become the body and signifies water. Branches become the use and signifies divided fire. The meanings of the letters Gab Eul Byeong Jeong Mu Gi Gyeong Sin Im Gye originate from the one year life of a tree which grows, bears fruits, processes Yang qi, and awaits for the next spring. The reason a tree is used is because there is nothing better in studying in detail the changes of a living being through a year.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.42
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• pp.109-141
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• 2022

As many perhaps already know, in East Asian thought there are two aspects of all things such as light and darkness coexist and are called Yin-Yang (陰陽). The initial concept of Yin-Yang was just a simple expression meant to depict natural phenomena, but it gradually became the central concept in explanations of creation and the changes that undergo all things in the universe. The study of the ordering principle of nature that was known as Myeongli (命理) also examined the interrelation between the sky and the earth and divided the two into Ten Celestial Stems (天干 cheongan) and the Twelve Earth Branches (地支 jiji) based on Yin-Yang theory. This thesis analyzed contents of the relationship between Ten Celestial Stems and the Twelve Earth Branches in terms of the patterns of Mutual Aid (相助 sangjo) and Mutual Contention (相剋 sanggeuk) through a literature review and exploration of their common features and differences. Different categorized phenomena under the pattern of Mutual Aid include Tonggeun (通根 root downward) and Tugan (透干 appearance of the upward). Tonggeun means that signs in the Celestial Stems took root in their counterparts of the Earthly Branches. In the Celestial Stems, there is also Tonggeuncheo (通根處 a place to root downward) which in relation to the Earthly Branches show that the same five phases become Samhap (三合 combined three ways to gain power) and Banghap (方合 gathering in the same season). The methods of seeing Tonggeunryeok (通根力 power of a downward root) are as follows: First, it is seen by the places where Tonggeun takes hold. Ilgan (日干 the Celestial Stem of a birthday) is ordered as month (月 wol) > day (日 il) > hour (時 shi) > year (年 nyeon), and other Celestial Stems appear ordered as month > sitting > close place. Second, it can be seen by the characteristics of Earthly Branches that Tonggeun has taken hold. The Earthly Branches are ordered as Rokwangji (祿旺支 vigorous land) and Jangsaengji (長生支 newborn land) > Yeogi (餘氣 remaining energy) > Myogo (墓庫 storage and burial grounds). Tugan is the concept that the main agent was changed to Tonggeun, which means that the spirit of the Earthly Branches is manifested in the Celestial Stems. And the five phases hidden in the Earthly Branches will be able to play their roles as they are revealed. There are also the phenomena of Gaedu (蓋頭 the heavenly destroying the earthly) and Jeolgak (截脚 the earthly destroying the heavenly) which are concepts that convey that the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches can mutually destroy one another. There are different opinions on Gaedu because some adopt viewpoints of just focusing on the Celestial Stems and considering it only in terms the Celestial Stems destroying the Earthly Branches. But, the vast majority of scholars think that the Celestial Stems weakens the role of the roots by destroying the Earthly Branches. Jeolgak, the reverse concept of Gaedu, weakens the spirit of the Celestial Stems as the Earthly Branches destroy them, and this is associated with the strong possibility that one is fated to experience disharmony.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.29-50
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• 2020

Objectives : Objectiveness and accuracy of numbers could allow for a new way of understanding the principle of Ten Heavenly Stems(THS) and Twelve Earthly Branches(TEB) when applied. Methods : The order of the THS and TEB, the Five phases of direction and change, conversion of other, conversion of self of the Stems and Branches were examined through numbers. Results & Conclusions : The numerical combination of the Stems and Branches depends on the identification of the Three Points. Conversion of self of the Heavenly Stems are as follows: for 甲 3+5=8, for 乙 8+4=12, for 丙 7+1=8, for 丁 2+8=10, for 戊 5+7=12, for 己 10+10=20, for 庚 9+9=18, for 辛 4+6=10, for 壬 1+3=4, for 癸 6+2=8. Conversion of self of the Earthly Branches are as follows: for 子 1+2=3, for 丑 5+5=10, for 寅 3+2=5, for 卯 8+4=12, for 辰 5+1=6, for 巳 2+8=10, for 午 7+7=14, for 未 10+10=20, for 申 9+7=16, for 酉 4+9=13, for 戌 5+6=11, for 亥 6+3=9. Here the Stems and Branches could be understood intensively. Among the Stems and Branches, the Great Points are 壬, 癸, 戌, 亥, 子, Emperor Points are 甲, 戊, 丑, 午, and Empty Points are 己, 未.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.33-48
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• 2017

Objective : Ten heavenly stems and twelve earthly branches are the important means to understand the orders of changes in heaven and earth. Method : We have so far looked into detailed explanations about twelve earthly branches in Seolmunhaeja, annotations in Seolmun of four major people, and commentaries in Jeongyeokwonui. Result & Conclusion : This can be also applied to the explanations of twelve early branches, as follows. In the $11^{th}$ month of the lunar calendar, the yang energy is finally born amid full of the ying energy. In the $12^{th}$ month, the yang energy prepares to break through the knots of the ying energy and gets ready to come out of the ground. In the first month, three kinds of the yang energy start to become vigorous and active. In the second month, the yang energy gains more force, sprouting various plants on the ground. In the third month, the yang energy arouse further, strengthening and growing plants. In the fourth month, all the yang energy is released, while the ying energy is still hiding. In the fifth month, one ying energy is born amid full of the yang energy, and there are interchanges between the yang energy and the ying energy. In the sixth month, the yang energy is still strong and vigorous, ripening the fruits in the fields. In the seventh month, the yang energy starts to hurt all creation. In the eighth month, the ying energy starts to flourish, and the yang energy starts to decline, diminishing all creation and, however, still ripening grains to be harvested. In the ninth month, one yang energy starts to hide from sight, not working its duty, while five kinds of the ying energy start to annihilate all creation. Finally, in the tenth month, the small yang energy hides to be rebirthed amid the flux and reflux of the ying-yang energy. The creative and unique interpretation of Jeongyeokwonui about twelve earthly branches is worth to be referred. It is definitely beyond the other existing explanations, as it incorporates trigrams and hexagrams from I Ching (Book of Changes) and the five primary substances.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.9-20
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• 2018

Objectives : Ten heavenly stems(10天干) and Twelve earthly branches(12地支) are symbols exposing change order in heaven and earth, and are a very important sign in studying oriental philosophy and oriental medicine. Especially, 10 heavenly stems(10天干) and 12 earthly branches(12地支) are indispensable for the study of Five Circuits And Six Qi(오운육기), and a deep study is needed. Methods : I have examined Yin Yang combination(음양배합), Five elements combination(오행배합), Six Qi 3Yin 3Yang combination(육기삼음삼양배합), viscera combination(장부배합), Mutual collision(상충), Six combination(육합), Three combination(삼합), etc. of 12 earthly branches(12지지) by referring to books such as "Yellow Emperor Internal Classic" ("黃帝內經") and "Principle of universe change" ("우주변화의 원리"). Results & Conclusions : Zi Yin Chen Wu Shen Xu(子 寅 辰 午 申 戌) become Yang(陽), Chou Mao Si Wei You Hai(丑 卯 巳 未 酉 亥) become Yin(陰), Zi Si Yin Mao Chen Si(子 丑 寅 卯 辰 巳) become Yang, and Wu Wei Shen You Xu Hai(午 未 申 酉 戌 亥) become Yin. Twelve earthly branches can be divided into five movements by its original meaning, where YinMao(인묘) is tree, SiWu(사오) is a fire, ShenYou(신유) is a gold, HaiZi(해자) is water, and ChenXuChouWei(진술축미) mediate in the middle of four movements So they become soil(土). SiHai(巳亥) is JueYin Wind Tree(궐음 풍목), ZiWu(子午) is ShaoYin Monarch Fire(소음 군화), ChouWei(丑未) is TaiYin Humid Soil(태음 습토), YinShen(寅申) is ShaoYang Ministerial Fire(소양 상화), MaoYou(卯酉) is YangMing Dry Gold(양명 조금), and ChenXu(辰戌) is TaiYang Cold Water(태양 한수). Viscera combination(장부배합) combines Zi(子) and Bile(膽), Chou(丑) and Liver(肝), Yin(寅) and Lung(肺), Mao(卯) and Large intestine(大腸), Chen(辰) and Stomach(胃), Si(巳) and Spleen(脾), Wu(午) and Heart(心), Wei(未) and Small intestine(小腸), Shen(申) and Bladder(膀胱), You(酉) and Kidney(腎), Xu(戌) and Pericardium(心包), Hai(亥) and Tri-energizer(三焦), Which means that the function of the viscera and channels is the most active at that time. Twelve earthly branches mutual collisions collide with Zi(子) and Wu(午), Chou(丑) and Wei(未), Yin(寅) and Shen(申), Mao(卯) and You(酉), Chen(辰) and Xu(戌), and Si(巳) and Hai(亥). The two colliding earthly branches are on opposite sides, facing each other and restricting each other by the relation of Yin-Yin and Yang-Yang it rejects each other so a collision occurs. Six Correspondences(六合) coincide with Zi(子) and Chou(丑), Yin(寅) and Hai (亥), Mao(卯) and Xu(戌), Chen(辰) and You(酉) and Si(巳) and Shen(申) Wu(午) and Wei(未). Three combination(三合) is composed of ShenZiChen(申子辰), SiYouChou(巳酉丑), YinWuXu(寅午戌), and HaiMaoWei(亥卯未). Three combination(三合) is composed of ShenZiChen(申子辰), SiYouChou(巳酉丑), YinWuXu(寅午戌), and HaiMaoWei(亥卯未). This is because the time Six Qi(六氣) shifts in these three years are the same.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.88-105
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• 2020

This study examined existing theories of the characteristics of the abandoned tumulus site located at the east side of the Silla era Hwang Bok Sa (皇福寺) site and attempted an archaeological approach based on the derived facts, combining both the results of this study and those of a recently conducted excavation survey. The results of this investigation exhibited the following outcomes. First, the excavation survey revealed that the huge rounded stones discovered on the surface of a rice paddy field located at the east side of the Silla era Hwang Bok Sa were all protecting stones, processed on the front side in the form of a bow, designating a royal tomb. Most of these protecting stones had deviated from their original positions due to subsequent farming practices and some had been re-cycled for construction purposes as fences or foundations for structures built in the Silla era. Considering the prevailing belief in the concept of reincarnation, the bone rank system, and royal authority in the Silla era at that time, it would seem likely that the royal tombs were not intentionally destroyed. Therefore, it is speculated that the stones in this royal tomb were abandoned during construction of the tomb of the King at that time and then naturally re-cycled as building components used in construction sites in later years. Second, this study comparatively analyzed the scale and quality of the supporting stones at the royal tomb site in Guhwang-dong. The analysis results verified that those supporting stones were the same stones from the royal tomb used as supporting stones for statues symbolizing the twelve earthly branch spirits that were restored at the site of the tower at the royal tomb. This confirmed that the statues of the twelve earthly branches spirits sitting at the Hwang Bok Sa site were the protecting stones from a different royal tomb. Accordingly, the conclusion that has been generally accepted to date-that the protecting stones of the statues of twelve earthly branches spirits sitting at Hwang Bok Sa site were probably moved from the royal tomb site in Guhwang-dong-must inevitably be modified. Third, based on the structure of the protecting stones and type of the royal tomb, it is speculated that the individual buried in the royal tomb at Guhwang-dong is one of the kings who followed King Heungdeok and similar times of the buried person of the tomb that was considered as King Gyeongdeok, and who was before the buried person of the tomb that was considered as Kim Yu-sin. In addition, when considering the historical art patterns on the supporting stones of the statues that symbolize the twelve earthly branches spirits, which were moved to the site of the tower at the royal tomb, it is reasonable to believe that the person buried at the royal tomb at Guhwang-dong is likely one of the Kings of the late Silla era of the 9^th century.

• Journal for History of Mathematics
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.183-195
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• 2014

In mathematics a prime number is the natural number that has no positive factors other than 1 and itself. As natural numbers greater than 1 can be factored characterized by prime numbers, identities of a culture could be understood if its cultural phenomena are analyzed through cultural prime numbers(CPN). It is not easy to resolve cultural phenomena into CPN and analyze them through CPN due to complexities of culture. Though it is difficult, however, it is not impossible. For CPN keeps relative independence in the context of history and thought. We call 2, 3 and 5 as CPN: 2 is representative of Yin and Yang theory, 3 of Three Principles theory, and 5 of Five Elements theory. We argue that the Ten Celestial Stems and the Twelve Earthly Branches, the core principles in the oriental tradition, could be factored by the CPN. Analyzing Sil-Hah Woo's arguments, we discuss that the CNP 3 achieved more qualitative valuation than the others in Korean culture.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.85-100
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• 2021

Objectives : The OunyukgiUihakbogam authored by Cho, Wonhee, despite its relevance to application of the five circuit theory today, has been under-researched. Methods : Contents on the unique treatment approach through the 'visiting circuit and visiting qi(客運客氣)' of the date of conception was studied. Results & Conclusions : The theory of calculating the date of conception with the date of birth applies the theory of the various combinations of the ten heavenly stems. The gestation period for those born on the day of the rabbit and chicken are either 246 or 306 days, while for those born on the day of the tiger and monkey, 256 days. For those born on the day of the cow or the lamb, 266; for those born on the day of the rat or horse, 276; for those born on the day of the snake or the pig, 286; for those born on the day of the dragon or the dog, 296 days. Once the date of conception is fixed, the visiting circuit and qi is estimated, and a matching formula is chosen and applied.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.74-90
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• 1999

There are many chapters in "The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classics(黃帝內經)" regarding systemizing months, seasons, meridians, the internal organs(藏府), and parts of body, However it is very confusing because in every chapter, they have different standards. In "Maek'ae(脈解)" of "Plain Questions(素問)", months are related to three $\breve{U}$m and three Yang(三陰三陽). In "Kuoh'imnon(九鍼論)" of "Miraculous Pivot(靈樞)", parts of body are related to seasons and days. In "$\breve{U}$myanggyeirwol(陰陽繫日月)" of "Miraculous Pivot(靈樞)", 12 meridians are related to the Heavenly Streams & Earthly Branches(干支). In "Chinyogy$\breve{o}$ngjongnon(診要經終論)" of "Plain Questions(素問)", the internal organs(藏府) and the head are related to months. In "K$\breve{u}$mgwejin$\breve{o}$llon(金匱眞言論)" of "Plain Questions(素問)", parts of body are related to four seasons. Following statements can be concluded when analyzed with the theory of y$\breve{o}$k(易). 1. Both in "The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classics(黃帝內經)" and "Chuyok(周易)", $\breve{U}$m and Yang are thought as the basis of everything and every change that occur in this universe is by the fluctuation of Yin and Yang. This rule is also applied to our body. 2. "Maek'ae(脈解)" of "Plain Questions(素問)" is related to the theory of twelve principal divinatory symbols and "Kuoh'imnon(九鍼論)" of "Miraculous Pivot(靈樞)" is closely related to the theory of eight divinatory saymbols-direction.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.113-123
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• 2007

The astronomical understanding of the heavens in "Hwangje-Naegyeong" can be divided into three main fields: the theory of cosmos, astronomy and calender. "Hwangie-Naegyeong" comprised the theory of cosmos, astronomy and calender established in the Han period. Astronomy was to describe the heavenly world and to interpret its phenomena. Calendar was to make numerical representations of the observations of all kinds of celestial bodies and to give them number-mystical meanings. Theory of cosmos treated what ancient Chinese speculated on the structure of the heavens including the earth. These three fields developed independently. However, they can also be be combined into one tradition, the astronomical knowledge. In the Han period that the astronomical knowledge grew from the mere accumulation of primitive knowledge to the established form. Throughout the Chinese history, the essential contents of astronomical knowledge including the theory of calendar, did not change much from what they were in Han period. "Hwangje-Naegyeong" use the lunisolar calendar(太陰太陽曆) and the Calendar in the late Han period(後漢四分曆). The use of the subdivisions of the seasons(24節氣) and the leap month(閏月) in "Hwangje-Naegyeong" means that it adopted the lunisolar calendar. Also "Hwangje-Naegyeong" adopted the Calendar in the late Han period by the four points: "Hwangje-Naegveong" ruled the circulation of the universe(周天度數) at 365, 1/4 terms, use the The Twenty Eight Constellations in astronomical observation, view the heavenly body by the ecliptic(黃道) and mark down year by the Heavenly Streams & Earthly Branches(干支紀年), The 24 solar terms is made by amount of Yang-Gi(陽氣) and samyum and samyang(三陰三陽) represent the amount of Yang-Gi in the earth.