The ten gods in Ba Zi – meaning of all ten roles
Published on October 22, 2026
The name sounds mystical, the idea is simple: the ten gods describe the role each character plays for you in the chart. It is always measured against the day master. The relation of the elements and yin and yang yield ten roles that bundle into five themes of life.
The five groups
Peers (same element): friends, colleagues, self-confidence. Expression (element you produce): ideas, creativity, speech. Wealth (element you control): money, results, execution. Order (element that controls you): rules, responsibility, status. Support (element that feeds you): knowledge, protection, rest.
Two faces of each group
Each group has a direct and an indirect form, depending on whether the character has the same polarity as you. Thus direct wealth stands for steady income and diligence, indirect wealth for opportunities and entrepreneurship. The direct officer stands for order and reputation, the “seven killings” for pressure, courage and assertiveness.
What the ten gods are for
They show which themes in your life are loud or quiet – and which are currently added by decade, year or month. A year with a lot of “expression” suits creative projects, a year with a lot of “order” suits responsibility and structures.
Frequently asked questions
Are the “seven killings” dangerous?+
No, the name is historical. The role stands for pressure and challenge – and thus often for courage, discipline and leadership.
Which god is the best?+
None. What matters is balance: what is missing does you good; what is excessive can weigh on you.
How do I see my ten gods?+
In the Ba Zi tool each character shows its role; the profile shows how strong each group is.