What Are the Storages / Tombs?
The Storages / Tombs (Muku), also known as the "Four Storages" or "Four Tombs," refer to the four Earth branches among the Earthly Branches: Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei. In the tripartite classification of the twelve Earthly Branches, the Four Storages stand alongside the Four Cardinal Directions (Zi, Wu, Mao, You) and the Four Corners (Yin, Shen, Si, Hai), each with distinct Hidden Stem structures and energy characteristics. Within the Twelve Growth Stages (Shi'er Changsheng), these four branches occupy the "Grave" (Mu) stage — corresponding to the entombment phase of their respective elements — while simultaneously serving as repositories for the collection and storage of elemental qi. Thus they carry the dual meaning of "Tomb" (consumption and ending) and "Storage" (accumulation and preservation).
Correspondence Between the Four Storages and the Five Elements
| Branch | Primary Qi | Main Contents | Corresponding Element Tomb |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chen | Wu Earth | Yi Wood, Gui Water | Water Storage (Ren Water and Xin Metal enter Chen tomb) |
| Xu | Wu Earth | Ding Fire, Xin Metal | Fire Storage (Bing Fire, Wu Earth, Yi Wood enter Xu tomb) |
| Chou | Ji Earth | Gui Water, Xin Metal | Metal Storage (Geng Metal, Ding Fire, Ji Earth enter Chou tomb) |
| Wei | Ji Earth | Yi Wood, Ding Fire | Wood Storage (Jia Wood and Gui Water enter Wei tomb) |
The Dual Nature of Storages / Tombs
As a "Storage" (Ku)
Storage implies collection and accumulation. Large quantities of the same elemental qi gather within the storage and can be released under specific conditions (known as "opening the storage"). If a particular element is excessively strong in the chart, entering storage allows for temporary containment, providing a regulatory effect on the chart. If elements accumulate within a storage, when an Annual Luck or Luck Cycle clashes the storage open, a massive release of energy can bring about significant events.
As a "Tomb" (Mu)
Tomb implies enclosure and consumption. When a Heavenly Stem or Earthly Branch enters a tomb, its elemental energy is suppressed and cannot operate freely. If a Useful God or a Ten God in the chart enters a tomb, its expression is obstructed; when a Luck Cycle or Annual Luck draws a natal chart Stem-Branch into a tomb, this often signifies loss or the phased conclusion of matters governed by that Ten God.
Clashing Open the Storage
The Four Storages open when clashed, releasing the stored energy:
- Chen clashed by Xu (Chen-Xu clash) → Water Storage opens
- Chou clashed by Wei (Chou-Wei clash) → Metal Storage opens
- Xu clashed by Chen → Fire Storage opens
- Wei clashed by Chou → Wood Storage opens
When a Luck Cycle or Annual Luck brings a storage clash, it is often accompanied by major changes in wealth, career, or relationships, making these critical temporal nodes in destiny analysis.
Points of Caution
The Four Storages are Earth branches, and inherently represent the force of Wu and Ji Earth. If the chart already has abundant Earth, excessive Four Storage branches may cause Earth to become overly strong, controlling Water and burying Wood — requiring a comprehensive assessment of the overall Five Elements balance.