[[Characters]] #Characters \ #Abstract-Concepts \ #Sequence # 癸 guǐ last of the ten Heavenly Stems ## Components [[天 tiān]] [[癶 (bō)]] ## Meaning Nowadays, the character "癸" (guǐ) is primarily used to represent the tenth position in the Chinese Heavenly Stems (天干). It plays a role in the traditional Chinese calendar and is used in conjunction with the Earthly Branches (地支) to denote years, months, directions, and elements in cycles. While its original meaning of "to measure" is no longer in common use, "癸" is still significant in Chinese metaphysics, astrology, and traditional timekeeping systems. ## History The character "癸" (guǐ) is a compound ideogram. In ancient script, it resembled two crossed arrows, symbolizing measurement. In later forms, it combined "癶" (representing two feet) and a simplified version of "矢" (arrow), signifying measurement by footsteps or arrows. Its original meaning was "to measure," a sense now written as "揆" (kuí). "癸" later came to represent the tenth position in the Chinese Heavenly Stems, which is used to mark sequences in the calendar, such as seasons, directions, the Five Elements, and cycles of years and months. ## Evolution ### Oracular Script ![[癸 ora.svg]] ### Bronze Script ![[癸 bronce.svg]] ### Seal Script ![[癸 sello.svg]] ### Clerical Script ![[癸 cle.svg]] ### Regular Script ![[癸 reg.svg]]