The Zhou Yi (Book of Changes) combines the Heavenly Stems (甲 to 癸) and Earthly Branches (子 to 亥) with the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) to form a traditional symbolic system that interprets the dynamic interconnections between nature and human affairs. By applying the symbolic interpretations of these stems and branches within the spatio-temporal dynamics of the Five Elements, I have integrated them into my creative mapping to design a personal framework of proto-animation game rules, blending ancient cosmology with experimental narrative structures.
Earthly Branches‘ relationship 生克害关系
Generation (相生) signifies supportive relationships where elements nurture each other, such as Wood fostering Fire.
Restraint (相克) represents opposing interactions that balance or conflict, like Water controlling Fire.
Harm (相害) refers to hidden clashes in the Chinese zodiac, causing subtle discord, such as Rat-Goat incompatibility.
核心逻辑说明 / Key Explanations
1.五行与方位 Five Elements and Directions:
木（Wood）主东方（春），火（Fire）主南方（夏），金（Metal）主西方（秋），水（Water）主北方（冬），土（Earth）居中协调四季。
Wood governs East (spring), Fire governs South (summer), Metal governs West (autumn), Water governs North (winter), Earth balances all seasons.
2.阴阳动态Yin-Yang Dynamics:
阳支（子、寅、辰、午、申、戌）主外显、行动；阴支（丑、卯、巳、未、酉、亥）主内敛、潜藏。
Yin-Yang Dynamics: Yang branches govern external actions; Yin branches govern internal states.
3.象义与身体对应Symbolism and Body:
地支与人体器官、自然现象紧密关联，体现“天人合一”思想（如“子”对应膀胱，“午”对应眼目）。
Branches correspond to organs and natural phenomena, reflecting the unity of heaven and humanity.
