Library

5. The six stages of the Primary Qi (Zhu Qi, dominant seasonal climate) jointly govern the circulation of the Five Movements (Wu Yun). To the right of Xianming (the position corresponding to due South), lies the station of Sovereign Fire (Jun Huo). Moving backward one step, Minister Fire (Xiang Huo) takes charge; moving forward one step again, Earth Qi takes charge; moving forward one step again, Metal Qi takes charge; moving forward one step again, Water Qi takes charge; moving forward one step again, Wood Qi takes charge; and moving forward one step again, Sovereign Fire takes charge.

[Annotation] The Primary Qi refers to Jueyin Wind-Wood (Jueyin Fengmu), which governs the First Qi (early spring climate); Shaoyin Sovereign Fire (Shaoyin Junhuo), which governs the Second Qi (second phase of summer); Shaoyang Minister Fire (Shaoyang Xianghuo), which governs the Third Qi (midsummer climate); Taiyin Damp-Earth (Taiyin Shitu), which governs the Fourth Qi (late summer/long summer climate); Yangming Dry-Metal (Yangming Zaojin), which governs the Fifth Qi (autumn climate); and Taiyang Cold-Water (Taiyang Hanshui), which governs the Sixth Qi (winter climate). This reflects the earth's rhythm based on the number "six," dividing the cycle into six stations to govern the climate. The generation among the Six Qi parallels the generation among the Five Movements (Wu Yun), representing the constant law of the four seasons. "Xianming" refers to the position of due South, corresponding to the station of Sovereign Fire. However, Sovereign Fire does not govern from this specific station but instead retreats to a secondary position, allowing Minister Fire to act on its behalf. This should be understood in terms of qi transformation, consistent with the principle stated in the Classics: "Shaoyin does not govern qi transformation." The Secondary Qi (Ke Qi) at due South is the station of Si Tian (Heavenly Command, governing the first half of the year). To the right of Si Tian is the Right Interstitial Station of Heaven (Tian Zhi You Jian); in the Primary Qi system, this corresponds to the station of the Second Qi, which is the station of Shaoyin Sovereign Fire, governing the climate of summer. Hence it is said: "To the right of Xianming is the station of Sovereign Fire." To the right of Sovereign Fire, moving backward one step, is the station of Si Tian for the Secondary Qi; yet in the Primary Qi system, this is the station of the Third Qi, which is the station of Shaoyang Minister Fire, governing the climate of midsummer. It is described as "moving backward" rather than "moving forward" because, as subjects facing the sovereign, they receive orders and govern without turning their backs; thus, "moving backward one step" is equivalent to "moving forward one step" in the cyclical sequence. Moving forward one step again, Earth Qi takes charge, corresponding to the Left Interstitial Station of Heaven (Tian Zhi Zuo Jian) for the Secondary Qi; in the Primary Qi system, this is the station of the Fourth Qi, which is the station of Taiyin Damp-Earth, governing the climate of late summer. Moving forward one step again, Metal Qi takes charge, corresponding to the Right Interstitial Station of Earth (Di Zhi You Jian) for the Secondary Qi; in the Primary Qi system, this is the station of the Fifth Qi, which is the station of Yangming Dry-Metal, governing the climate of autumn. Moving forward one step again, Water Qi takes charge, corresponding to the station of Zai Quan (Earthly Command, governing the second half of the year) for the Secondary Qi; in the Primary Qi system, this is the station of the Sixth Qi, which is the station of Taiyang Cold-Water, governing the climate of winter. Moving forward one step again, Wood Qi takes charge, corresponding to the Left Interstitial Station of Earth (Di Zhi Zuo Jian) for the Secondary Qi; in the Primary Qi system, this is the station of the First Qi, which is the station of Jueyin Wind-Wood, governing the climate of spring. Moving forward one step again, Sovereign Fire takes charge, returning to the previously mentioned station of Sovereign Fire (see Figure 8).