The 10 Day Masters (Ilgan) in Saju
In saju (Four Pillars of Destiny), the heavenly stem of the day you were born — the ilgan (일간), or Day Master — represents you. There are ten stems, so there are ten Day Masters, from Gap (甲) Wood to Gye (癸) Water.
Each page sketches the traditional image of that stem — a tall tree, a candle, a mountain, a jewel — and what it suggests about personality, love and work. One character can’t describe a whole person, so enjoy it as a starting point.
🌲Gap Wood (甲)甲 · Yang Wood · Day MasterGap Wood is the tall tree reaching straight for the sky. As the first of the ten Heavenly Stems, it is read as the energy that starts things and leads, with an upright pride and a deep urge to grow.🌿Eul Wood (乙)乙 · Yin Wood · Day MasterEul Wood is the grass and flowers that sway in the wind without snapping, and the vine that climbs a garden wall. It is read as gentle adaptability paired with a stubborn will to live.☀️Byeong Fire (丙)丙 · Yang Fire · Day MasterByeong Fire is the noon sun that shines evenly on the whole world. It is read as bright, open-hearted energy: passion that hides nothing and a strong sense of fairness.🕯️Jeong Fire (丁)丁 · Yin Fire · Day MasterJeong Fire is the candle and lantern that light a dark night, and the forge fire that melts iron. It is read as caring warmth, fine-grained focus and a passion that burns quietly but long.🏔️Mu Earth (戊)戊 · Yang Earth · Day MasterMu Earth is the broad, high mountain and the embankment that holds back a river. It is read as steady weight that does not waver, generous acceptance of others and dependable trustworthiness.🌾Gi Earth (己)己 · Yin Earth · Day MasterGi Earth is soft, fertile field soil: the ground that takes in seeds and quietly grows a harvest. In saju it stands for care, practicality and a remarkable capacity to nurture.🪨Gyeong Metal (庚)庚 · Yang Metal · Day MasterGyeong Metal is raw ore, solid rock and unforged iron. Saju reads it as unbending loyalty, quick decisions and a toughness that shines brighter the more it is tempered by fire.💎Sin Metal (辛)辛 · Yin Metal · Day MasterSin Metal is a cut and polished jewel, fine precious metal and a keen blade. Saju reads it as sharp perception, a love of neatness bordering on perfectionism, and a quiet, high-standard pride.🌊Im Water (壬)壬 · Yang Water · Day MasterIm Water is a great river that never stops and a deep, open sea. Saju reads it as broad tolerance and wisdom, unstoppable momentum and a free, roaming spirit.🌧️Gye Water (癸)癸 · Yin Water · Day MasterGye Water is the rain and dew that quietly soak the earth, the mist in a valley and the mountain spring. Saju reads it as fine sensitivity, intuition and a care that works unseen.