The Five Phases are not an inventory
Counting wood, fire, earth, metal, and water is only a first view. Season, position, visible stems, and hidden stems change how the same phase participates, so a smaller count does not automatically mean a harmful deficiency.
The Ten Gods begin with the Day Master
The Ten Gods name how each stem relates to the Day Master through generation, control, and yin-yang polarity. They are best read as interaction roles: support, expression, resources, responsibility, pressure, and peers. The same name can matter differently by pillar and combination.
Read relations before labels
Locate the Day Master, check the month branch and the strongest visible relations, then use the Ten-God labels. A meaningful claim should return to more than one chart feature; one Wealth or Officer marker cannot settle a career or relationship story.
- Day Master and month relationship
- Repeated visible and hidden phases
- Where Ten-God roles gather
- Structures pulling in opposite directions
Turn terms into real questions
A prominent Resource pattern can prompt a question about preparation, knowledge, or familiar settings. Strong Output can prompt observation of expression and pace. Keep the reading only when actual situations give it something concrete to explain.