Glossary of Key Terms术语表
Explore and understand the essential terms used in Taoist and esoteric practices
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B
Ba Zi (八字)
bā zì • noun
Definition:
Literally 'Eight Characters', referring to the four pairs of characters representing the year, month, day, and hour of one's birth in Chinese astrology.
Cultural Context:
A fundamental concept in Chinese metaphysics, Ba Zi charts have been used for centuries to understand a person's destiny and life path.
Related Terms:
Branch (地支)
dì zhī • noun
Definition:
The Earthly Branches, a set of twelve symbols used in Chinese cosmology to represent various cycles, including the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac.
Cultural Context:
The Earthly Branches form an essential part of the Chinese calendar and are deeply integrated into traditional timekeeping and astrology.
Related Terms:
F
Five Elements (五行)
wǔ xíng • noun
Definition:
The five fundamental elements in Chinese philosophy: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements interact in cycles of generation and control.
Cultural Context:
The Five Elements theory is a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy, medicine, and metaphysics, describing the dynamic relationships between natural phenomena.
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Four Pillars (四柱)
sì zhù • noun
Definition:
Another name for Ba Zi, referring to the four components (year, month, day, hour) that make up one's birth chart.
Cultural Context:
The Four Pillars represent different aspects of one's life and destiny, with each pillar having its own significance in analysis.
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Q
Qi (气)
qì • noun
Definition:
The fundamental life force or energy that flows through all things in traditional Chinese philosophy and medicine.
Cultural Context:
Qi is a central concept in Chinese philosophy, medicine, and martial arts, representing the vital energy that animates and connects all things.
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S
Stem (天干)
tiān gān • noun
Definition:
The Heavenly Stems, a set of ten symbols used in Chinese cosmology, often paired with the Earthly Branches.
Cultural Context:
The Heavenly Stems are fundamental to Chinese calendrical calculations and represent various cosmic influences in astrology.
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Y
Yin Yang (阴阳)
yīn yáng • noun
Definition:
The concept of duality in Chinese philosophy, representing complementary forces that interact to maintain universal balance.
Cultural Context:
Yin Yang theory underlies much of Chinese philosophy and medicine, describing how opposing forces work together in nature and life.
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Z
Zi Wei Dou Shu (紫微斗数)
zǐ wēi dǒu shù • noun
Definition:
Purple Star Astrology, a form of Chinese astrology that maps the positions of major stars to create a detailed life chart.
Cultural Context:
This sophisticated system of astrology has been used by Chinese imperial courts and continues to provide detailed insights into various life aspects.
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Note: These definitions provide a basic understanding of key terms. The actual application of these terms may have more nuanced interpretations that are best explored with the help of a professional practitioner.