Glossary of Saju Terms: Essential Vocabulary
A comprehensive guide to the essential terms used in Korean Four Pillars (Saju), from Heavenly Stems to the Ten Gods.
Understanding Saju requires familiarity with several key terms rooted in East Asian philosophy. This glossary provides clear definitions for the essential vocabulary you’ll encounter on your journey.
Core Concepts
Saju (사주 / 四柱)
Literally “Four Pillars.” It refers to the four components of a birth chart: the Year, Month, Day, and Hour pillars.
BaZi (八字)
Literally “Eight Characters.” This is another name for Saju, as each of the four pillars consists of two characters (a Heavenly Stem and an Earthly Branch), totaling eight.
Yin and Yang (음양 / 陰陽)
The fundamental principle of duality in the universe. In Saju, every element and stem has a Yin or Yang polarity, representing different qualities of energy (e.g., active vs. receptive).
The Building Blocks
Heavenly Stems (천간 / 天干)
The ten celestial energies used in Saju. They represent the “ideal” or “heavenly” aspect of a person’s life and identity.
Earthly Branches (지지 / 地支)
The twelve terrestrial energies, often associated with the zodiac animals. They represent the “manifested” or “physical” aspect of life.
Five Elements (오행 / 五行)
The five phases of energy: Wood (목), Fire (화), Earth (토), Metal (금), and Water (수). Every component in a Saju chart is associated with one of these elements.
Identity & Personality
Day Master (일간 / 日干)
The Heavenly Stem of the day you were born. This is considered the single most important character in your chart, representing your core identity and “self.”
Ten Gods (십성 / 十星)
A system used to describe the relationships between the Day Master and the other characters in the chart. The Ten Gods provide insight into career, family, and social dynamics.
Manse-ryeok (만세력 / 萬歲曆)
The traditional calendar used to convert birth dates into the Four Pillars. Historically a physical book, it is now often implemented as digital software.
Analytical Terms
Clash (충 / 沖)
An interaction between pillars that suggests tension or dynamic change. While often viewed cautiously, clashes can also represent opportunities for breakthrough.
Harmony (합 / 合)
An interaction where elements or branches combine, suggesting stability, cooperation, or the emergence of new qualities.
Useful God (용신 / 用神)
The element or energy that is most beneficial for balancing a specific Saju chart. Identifying the Useful God is a key goal of traditional Saju analysis.
Need to check your own chart? Use our Saju Calculator to see these terms in action.