Ch4. The Ten Gods System — Bijep, Siksang, Jaeseong, Gwanseong, Inseong Fully Explained
What Are the Ten Gods?
The Ten Gods classify the relationship between the Day Master (the self) and the other seven characters into 10 categories. In Saju analysis, the Ten Gods are the core tool for understanding personality, talents, human relationships, and life themes.
Knowing the Ten Gods lets you interpret the numbers and characters of a chart as a meaningful story.
How the Ten Gods Are Calculated
They are determined by the Five Element generation/control relationship + whether Yin and Yang match or differ between the Day Master and the other stems/branches.
| Relationship | Same Yin/Yang | Different Yin/Yang |
|---|---|---|
| Same element as the self (比和) | Bijeon (比肩) | Geomjae (劫財) |
| Element the self generates (泄氣) | Sikshin (食神) | Sanggwan (傷官) |
| Element the self controls (財星) | Pyeonjae (偏財) | Jeongjae (正財) |
| Element that controls the self (官星) | Pyeongwan (偏官) | Jeonggwan (正官) |
| Element that generates the self (印星) | Pyeonin (偏印) | Jeongin (正印) |
Example: For a Gab-Wood (甲木) Day Master —
- Gab-Wood (甲木) = Bijeon / Eul-Wood (乙木) = Geomjae
- Byeong-Fire (丙火) = Sikshin / Jeong-Fire (丁火) = Sanggwan
- Mu-Earth (戊土) = Pyeonjae / Gi-Earth (己土) = Jeongjae
- Gyeong-Metal (庚金) = Pyeongwan / Sin-Metal (辛金) = Jeonggwan
- Im-Water (壬水) = Pyeonin / Gye-Water (癸水) = Jeongin
1. Bijep (比劫) — Same Energy as the Self
Bijeon (比肩): A Peer Shoulder to Shoulder
Bijeon is an element with the same Five Element and same Yin/Yang as the Day Master.
Psychological meaning:
- Independence, self-direction, competitiveness
- Protecting one’s own territory and self-respect
- Prefers independence over cooperation
Bijeon in life:
- As actual people: competitors or colleagues similar to oneself
- Too much Bijeon: independent but stubborn; may find it hard to cooperate with others
Geomjae (劫財): The Sibling Who Takes
Geomjae is an element with the same Five Element but different Yin/Yang as the Day Master.
Psychological meaning:
- Strong drive and competitiveness
- Willingness to use any means to achieve results
- Speculative tendencies, strong winning instinct
Geomjae in life:
- Too much Geomjae: repeated experiences of losing wealth, or conversely, the temperament of a powerful entrepreneur
2. Siksang (食傷) — Energy Generated by the Self
Sikshin (食神): Blessings Enjoyed Through Eating and Drinking
Sikshin is the element generated by the Day Master with the same Yin/Yang.
Psychological meaning:
- Creativity, desire for expression, interest in food and pleasures
- Easy-going and optimistic temperament
- Interest in art, cooking, education
- Joyfully expressing one’s talents
Strengths: Creativity, expressiveness, patience, blessings Life theme: Expressing and enjoying your talents Representative careers: Chef, artist, educator, social worker
Sanggwan (傷官): The Free Spirit Who Breaks Rules
Sanggwan is the element generated by the Day Master with different Yin/Yang.
Psychological meaning:
- Rebellious, creative, boundary-crossing temperament
- Challenges rules and authority
- Exceptional expressiveness and artistry
- Innovator who breaks existing frameworks
Strengths: Originality, exceptional expressiveness, innovation, intellectual challenge Watch out for: Rebellious temperament, relational conflict, ignoring rules Life theme: Breaking existing frameworks and creating the new
Sikshin vs Sanggwan: Where Sikshin expresses creativity within the flow, Sanggwan crosses boundaries to create innovation. In modern society, Sanggwan’s originality is often a major strength.
3. Jaeseong (財星) — Energy Controlled by the Self
Pyeonjae (偏財): Flowing Money
Pyeonjae is the element controlled by the Day Master with the same Yin/Yang.
Psychological meaning:
- Desire for big money, investment, and business
- Free flow of money
- Generosity in interpersonal relationships
- Symbolizes father, and women (for men)
Strengths: Business acumen, interpersonal skills, generosity Life theme: Large-scale wealth; dealing with many people Representative careers: Entrepreneur, investor, financial professional
Jeongjae (正財): Stable Income
Jeongjae is the element controlled by the Day Master with different Yin/Yang.
Psychological meaning:
- Stable and consistent income
- Realistic and steady wealth management
- Accumulates wealth through principled, honest methods
- Symbolizes spouse (wife for men)
Strengths: Diligence, steadiness, wealth management ability Life theme: Steadily building stable assets Representative careers: Accountant, financial professional, civil servant, stable employee
4. Gwanseong (官星) — Energy That Controls the Self
Pyeongwan (偏官): Chilsal (七殺), Intense Stimulation
Pyeongwan is the element that controls the Day Master with the same Yin/Yang. Also called Chilsal (Seven Killings, 七殺).
Psychological meaning:
- Intense pressure, challenge, competition
- Strict self-control and discipline
- Intense charisma
- An obstacle that must be overcome
Strengths: Toughness, charisma, crisis response, commanding ability Watch out for: Excessive pressure, impulsiveness, explosive temperament Life theme: Growth through trials; leadership that leads through strength
Jeonggwan (正官): Proper Discipline and Honor
Jeonggwan is the element that controls the Day Master with different Yin/Yang.
Psychological meaning:
- Emphasizes social norms and order
- Honor, face, social recognition
- Attains status through proper means
- Symbolizes husband (for women)
Strengths: Morality, honor, social recognition, leadership Life theme: Stability through social standing and honor Representative careers: Civil servant, legal professional, politician, manager
Too much Gwanseong: Tendency to be bound by rules and obligations. Too little: may develop a tendency to disregard norms. The right amount of Gwanseong supports social success.
5. Inseong (印星) — Energy That Generates the Self
Pyeonin (偏印): Original Thinking
Pyeonin is the element that generates the Day Master with the same Yin/Yang.
Psychological meaning:
- Original and unusual interests
- Drawn to religion, philosophy, and the mysterious
- Outstanding intuition and inspiration
- Tends to start well but struggle to finish
Strengths: Originality, intuition, versatility, philosophical thinking Watch out for: Lack of persistence, fickleness, detachment from reality Life theme: Living through original knowledge and inspiration
Jeongin (正印): A Mother’s Love
Jeongin is the element that generates the Day Master with different Yin/Yang. Symbolizes mother and orthodox learning.
Psychological meaning:
- Interest in academic study, knowledge, and formal education
- Conservative and stable temperament
- Desire for learning and growth
- The warmth of a mother’s care
Strengths: Academic ability, stability, deep thinking, reliability Life theme: Growth through knowledge and study Representative careers: Professor, researcher, doctor, professional
Effects of Excess or Deficiency in Each God
| Ten God | When in Excess | When Deficient |
|---|---|---|
| Bijep | Stubborn; clashes with others | Lack of confidence; dependent |
| Siksang | Talks too much; over-expressive | Poor expressiveness; feels stifled |
| Jaeseong | Obsessed with money or scattered | Difficulty managing wealth |
| Gwanseong | Stress, suppression | Indulgence, disregard for rules |
| Inseong | Laziness, over-protection | Refusing to learn; impulsive behavior |
Career Aptitude by Ten Gods
| Career | Key Ten Gods Needed |
|---|---|
| Entrepreneur / Executive | Strong Pyeonjae, Bijep |
| Artist / Creator | Strong Sikshin / Sanggwan |
| Civil servant / Professional | Strong Jeonggwan / Jeongin |
| Researcher / Scholar | Strong Inseong |
| Leader / Military / Police | Strong Pyeongwan |
| Finance professional | Balanced Jeongjae / Pyeonjae |
Practical tip: Choosing a career that leverages the strong Ten Gods in your chart lets you naturally express your ability. Use a partner or team to compensate for the areas where your Ten Gods are weak.
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