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Shen (Monkey)

Earthly Branches
申、猴

Definition

Shen is the ninth Earthly Branch, belonging to Yang Metal, associated with the Monkey zodiac sign, and corresponds to the Shen hour (3:00–5:00 PM). Shen Metal represents early-autumn metal, internally containing Geng Metal, Ren Water, and Wu Earth; it is characterized by firmness, sharpness, and agility, symbolizing intelligence, adaptability, and dynamic action. Shen Metal embodies the imagery of the Monkey—clever, nimble, and highly responsive to change.

How to Find

Shen Metal is identified from the Earthly Branches of the Four Pillars in a Bazi chart. If Shen appears in the Year Branch, the native belongs to the Monkey zodiac; if Shen appears in the Day Branch, the Spouse Palace is governed by Shen Metal. Shen Metal is strongest during the Shen month (the seventh lunar month), when it is in season.

Attributes

elementMetal
yinYangYang
zodiacMonkey
seasonAutumn
time3:00–5:00 PM

Chart Meanings

Year Pillar：When Shen Metal appears in the Year Branch, ancestors or elders may have worked in finance or technical fields; the native tends to be intelligent and energetic during childhood.
Month Pillar：When Shen Metal appears in the Month Branch, the native possesses strong adaptability in career matters and is well-suited for professions in finance or technology.
Day Pillar：When Shen Metal appears in the Day Branch, the spouse is intelligent and adaptable, yet possibly overly shrewd.
Hour Pillar：When Shen Metal appears in the Hour Branch, offspring are bright and agile, and the native excels at financial management in later life.

Combinations

Si-Shen Harmonious Combination into Water— The harmonious combination of Si and Shen transforms into Water, indicating frequent changes and pivotal turning points in one’s career.
Yin-Shen Clash— The clash between Yin and Shen signifies conflict between Metal and Wood, leading to occupational instability and necessitating caution regarding traffic safety.
Shen-Zi-Chen Three-Branch Water Combination— The three-branch combination of Shen, Zi, and Chen forms a powerful Water configuration, bestowing exceptional wisdom and intellectual capacity.

Examples

A person born on a Geng-Shen day has Shen Metal as the Day Branch Friend; their spouse possesses a resolute character and shares common goals and values.

Related Terms

si-fireyin-woodzi-waterchen-earth