Meaning of the Earthly Branch Mi (未) — Sheep Sign · Earth (土) Comprehensive Guide

Mi (未) represents the dry earth at the end of midsummer and the afternoon hour when a flock of sheep grazes. It is a Yin Earth (陰土) character that harbors a firm, stubborn core beneath a soft and gentle exterior.

At a Glance

Category	Content
Hanja	未
Zodiac Animal	Sheep
Five Elements · Yin/Yang	Earth (土) · Yin (陰)
Season (Solar Terms)	6th Lunar Month (from Soseo)
Time	13:00 – 15:00
Hidden Stems (支藏干)	Ding (丁) · Yi (乙) · Ji (己)
Key Keywords	Gentle, Devotion, Taste, Inner Stubbornness

Personality Traits

Individuals with a strong Mi (Earth) influence are gentle, family-oriented, and deeply devoted to those close to them. They have a strong affinity for food and a refined sense of taste. While they are as docile as sheep in daily life, they become more resolute than anyone else when their core convictions are challenged.

Samhap and Chong

It forms the Wood Bureau (木局) through the Hae-Mao-Mi (亥卯未) Samhap (Triple Harmony). It clashes with Chou (丑) in the Chou-Mi Chong (丑未沖) — a collision between two gentle Earth elements, often associated with changes in the home or internal personal spheres.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does the ‘stubbornness’ of Mi (Earth) manifest?

A. They typically accommodate others, but if their core values (family, beliefs, or self-esteem) are crossed, they become quiet yet absolutely unyielding. Because it is a form of stubbornness that persists without outward fighting, those around them often do not realize it until much later.

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In Saju, Earthly Branches represent ‘time and environment.’ The manifestation of the same character varies depending on its position in the Year, Month, Day, or Hour pillars, and its interactions (harmonies and clashes) with surrounding characters.