Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches - TianGan DiZhi

Book excerpt: TianGan (Heavenly Stems) and DiZhi (Earthly Branches), commonly abbreviated to GanZhi, originated in the ancient Chinese cosmological sciences and is a complex calendrical system which was created to codify the patterns of life and of the universe itself. The ten symbols of Gan express the Yin or Yang perspective of Five Elements and embody the Way of Heaven. The 12 symbols of Zhi, made manifest in the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, hold the root of each Element and embrace the Way of Earth. This set of study cards beautifully presents the key characteristics of each of the 22 GanZhi symbols, making it a unique learning tool and reference guide. The Chinese character of each Stem or Branch is shown, and for calligraphers and those who want to draw the characters correctly the stroke order is clearly illustrated on separate cards. This accessible learning tool offers essential information on the fundamental building blocks upon which Chinese classical texts, classical Chinese medicine, Fengshui, Chinese astrology, traditional Chinese cosmology, Qigong, Neigong, Taiji, and other inner cultivation practices are built. These cards provide a key starting point for the beginning student and offer invaluable information for the seasoned practitioner to deepen their practice. A companion book (9781848191518), also published by Singing Dragon, is available.