THE TWELVE EARTHLY BRANCHES

Yin · 寅 (yín)

Yin is the third branch and pairs with Tiger.

Go deeper: the full reference

The idea in context

In the wider cycle, Yin is associated with the approach of spring. Its position can mark a transition from preparation to action without telling anyone how they must behave.

An example to picture

Yin can frame the moment when a prepared idea receives its first test.

A question to sit with

What is ready for a first step?

Native app reference

The original examples describe Synastry’s date-only native year reader. This web guide does not calculate a placement or a Four Pillars chart.

Keep the calendar convention in view

The website offers these educational readings. Synastry’s native year reader uses a civil date and Lunar New Year; it is separate from a full Four Pillars or BaZi chart. Begin with the convention before comparing year labels.

Sources and conventions

These references identify the calendar or historical method used in this guide. Keep the named convention in view when comparing other traditions.

Hong Kong Observatory — Gregorian–Lunar Calendar Conversion Tables ↗ · Calendar reference covering 1901–2100, including leap months and cautions near midnight boundaries. The Synastry native reader uses its separately disclosed date-only Lunar New Year convention; this website provides the educational guide.

Connect the ideas

Zi · 子 (zǐ)

Zi begins the twelve-branch sequence and pairs with Rat.

1 min read

Chou · 丑 (chǒu)

Chou is the second branch and pairs with Ox.

1 min read

Mao · 卯 (mǎo)

Mao is the fourth branch and pairs with Rabbit.

1 min read

Chen · 辰 (chén)

Chen is the fifth branch and pairs with Dragon.

1 min read