What Is Gan Lu?
Gan Lu (Stem Salary), also called the "Salary God" (Lu Shen), is the Day Master's Approaching Office position among the Earthly Branches (the Branch corresponding to the "Approaching Office" stage in the Twelve Growth Stages). "Lu" represents legitimate salary — the Day Master receives the strongest legitimate energy support at the salary position, symbolizing freedom from material want, sufficient legitimate income, and a stable life.
Calculating Gan Lu
Calculate the Salary Branch position using the Day Stem (i.e., the Day Master's Approaching Office position):
| Day Stem | Salary Branch | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Jia | Yin | Jia Wood approaches office at Yin |
| Yi | Mao | Yi Wood approaches office at Mao |
| Bing | Si | Bing Fire approaches office at Si |
| Ding | Wu | Ding Fire approaches office at Wu |
| Wu | Si | Wu Earth approaches office at Si |
| Ji | Wu | Ji Earth approaches office at Wu |
| Geng | Shen | Geng Metal approaches office at Shen |
| Xin | You | Xin Metal approaches office at You |
| Ren | Hai | Ren Water approaches office at Hai |
| Gui | Zi | Gui Water approaches office at Zi |
Symbolism of Gan Lu
When the chart contains Gan Lu (the Salary Branch appears in the Day Branch or other Branches), the chart holder:
- Has stable legitimate income and freedom from material want
- Has a solid professional foundation in their career
- Has strong self-reliance ability, not dependent on others
- Lives a relatively stable life, unlikely to fall into extreme hardship
Gan Lu and the Establishing Salary Structure
When the Month Branch is the Day Stem's Salary position, it is called the "Establishing Salary Structure" (Jian Lu Ge) — an important strong Day Master structure in the chart structure system. Gan Lu is at its strongest when in the Month Command.
Impact of Gan Lu Being Clashed
If the Branch where Gan Lu is located is subjected to Punishment or Clash, the Salary position is damaged, and legitimate income may be obstructed — one should pay attention to financial stability. In Emptiness/Void, the Salary position's power is weakened.