Meaning of the Imja (壬子) Ilju — Personality, Structure, and the 49th Pillar of the Sexagenary Cycle
The Imja (壬子) Ilju is the 49th pillar of the sexagenary cycle, where the Heavenly Stem Im (壬)—the Yang Water of the vast, deep ocean—sits upon the Earthly Branch Ja (子), the wise Rat of the midnight hour. It represents a great ocean where the horizon is invisible—a shape of unfathomable depth.
At a Glance
| Category | Content |
|---|---|
| Hanja | 壬子 |
| Composition | Heavenly Stem Im (Yang Water) + Earthly Branch Ja (Rat, Water) |
| Nabeum Five Elements | Sangjamok (桑柘木, Mulberry Wood) |
| Ilji 12 Stages of Qi | Jewang (帝旺, Emperor/Peak) |
| Ilji Ten Gods (Main Qi) | Geopjae (劫財, Rob Wealth) |
| Corresponding Years | 1972 · 2032 |
| Key Keywords | Magnanimity, Wisdom, Ocean |
Personality and Temperament
The Imja Ilju is a magnanimous, broad-minded type with wisdom as deep as the sea. With the intense energy of the Yang-blade (Yangin), once they set their mind to something, they sweep across the field like a massive wave.
- Strengths: Ocean-like magnanimity and wisdom, sweeping drive.
- Points of Caution: If the waves are too violent, they can swallow ships. The stronger the energy, the more important the rudder becomes.
Structural Reading — Myeongri Interpretation
The Im (壬) Day Master sits upon the Ja (子) Earthly Branch. Based on the main qi of the Ilji (daily branch), the Ten God is Geopjae (劫財), and the 12 Stages of Qi is Jewang (帝旺). Geopjae is the star of competition and ambition—energy thrives amidst rivalry, but it also brings fluctuations in wealth. As it sits in the position of Jewang, it is a strong, prosperous structure where energy has reached its peak.
In terms of Nabeum Five Elements, it belongs to Sangjamok (桑柘木), a classification often used in traditional Myeongri to group pillars sharing the same Nabeum.
Learn More
- Curious about your own Ilju? Saju Calculator (oiyo.net)
- View all Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, Ten Gods, and 12 Stages of Qi: Saju Encyclopedia
- View all 60 pillars of the Sexagenary Cycle at a glance: Sexagenary Cycle (60-Gapja) Ilju Dictionary
While the Ilju is the central axis of a Saju chart, it is only two of the eight characters. Its manifestation varies greatly depending on its relationship with the other characters, so please use this as a starting point for self-understanding.
OIYO Research Team
Research TeamThe OIYO research team structures material from psychometric scales, statistics, and academic literature. We name both the popular framing and its scholarly limits, so each guide works as a tool for reflection rather than a verdict.