Three Wonders and Six Protocols
The Nine Heavenly Stems used in Qimen Dunjia (excluding 甲, which is "hidden") are divided into two groups: the Three Wonders and the Six Protocols.
Three Wonders (三奇)
The Three Wonders are considered the most auspicious symbols in the Heaven Plate:
| Symbol | Stem | Name | Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 乙 (Yǐ) | Wood Yin | Sun Wonder | Gentle advancement, literary achievement |
| 丙 (Bǐng) | Fire Yang | Moon Wonder | Brilliance, visibility, strategic opportunity |
| 丁 (Dīng) | Fire Yin | Star Wonder | Subtle advantage, precision, hidden strength |
When a Three Wonder lands in a favorable palace with supportive Gates, it amplifies the quality of that direction or timing.
Six Protocols (六仪)
The Six Protocols represent the hidden 甲 (Jiǎ) — the primary Heavenly Stem — concealed within six different Stems:
| Protocol | Stem | Associated Quality |
|---|---|---|
| 戊 (Wù) | Earth Yang | Strength, resolve |
| 己 (Jǐ) | Earth Yin | Resources, caution |
| 庚 (Gēng) | Metal Yang | Conflict, obstacles |
| 辛 (Xīn) | Metal Yin | Hidden danger, also hidden opportunities |
| 壬 (Rén) | Water Yang | Movement, change, travel |
| 癸 (Guǐ) | Water Yin | Concealment, secrecy, research |
Practical Reading
In analysis, the relationship between the Heaven Plate symbol (Three Wonder or Protocol) and the Earth Plate position it occupies determines whether a palace is activated positively or under tension.