What Is the "Entering the Tomb" Dynamic (Ru Mo)?
The "Entering the Tomb" dynamic (Ru Mo) describes the phenomenon in Bazi where **a Stem or Branch's force enters one of the four Storage/Tomb (Mu Ku) Branches -- Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei **. These four Storages are the "Graves" of the Five Elements. When the energy of a particular Heavenly Stem or Earthly Branch flows into one of the four Storages, it is termed "Entering the Tomb" -- signifying that the matters represented by that Stem-Branch enter a state of storage, dormancy, or even conclusion.
Basic Concept of Entering the Tomb
In the Twelve Growth Stages (Shi Er Chang Sheng), "Grave" (Mu) is the storage stage of Five Element energy:
| Five Element | Storage/Tomb Branch |
|---|---|
| Wood (Jia, Yi) | Wei |
| Fire (Bing, Ding) | Xu |
| Metal (Geng, Xin) | Chou |
| Water (Ren, Gui) | Chen |
| Earth (Wu, Ji) | Chen or Xu (varies by school) |
The Dynamics of Entering the Tomb
When a Five Element Stem or Branch in the natal chart encounters its corresponding Storage/Tomb Branch in the Luck Cycle or Annual Luck, Entering the Tomb is triggered:
- A natal chart Stem-Branch enters the tomb: The force of that Five Element is stored away; corresponding life events trend toward dormancy
- Annual Luck combines with the natal chart to enter the tomb: A Stem-Branch is merged by the Annual Luck into its Storage/Tomb, and its force is stored
Symbolic Meanings of Entering the Tomb
Entering the Tomb is not necessarily negative; it must be evaluated contextually:
Unfavorable God enters the tomb: An Unfavorable God being stored away is actually favorable -- obstacles are temporarily removed and difficulties conclude.
Useful God enters the tomb: The Useful God's energy weakens -- a Following the Flow period ends, and career or wealth enters an adjustment phase.
Entering the tomb and people (Six Relations): If the Palace Position Stem-Branch representing a certain Six Relation enters the tomb, attention should be paid to that relation's health and changes.
Entering the Tomb and "Clashing the Tomb"
If the tomb is clashed after entry (e.g., Wei clashed by Chou, or Xu clashed by Chen), this is called "Clashing the Tomb" (Chong Mu) -- the Storage is forced open, and the previously stored energy erupts, often accompanied by sudden events.
Application of the Entering the Tomb Dynamic
- Identify which Earthly Branch or Heavenly Stem in the natal chart belongs to which Five Element
- Determine when the Luck Cycle or Annual Luck presents that Five Element's Storage/Tomb Branch
- Analyze the corresponding life changes during the tomb entry (storage, conclusion, dormancy)
- If the Storage/Tomb is subsequently clashed, the event concludes or transforms in an eruptive manner