The ten
Heavenly Stems (
天干 pinyin: tian1 gan1) was the numeration of discrete entity as in years and dates often employed in
Chinese astrology. Heavenly Stems are associated with
Yin Yang (ÒõÑô) and the
five elements (ÎåÐÐ). They are matched with the twelve
Earthly Branches[?] to form the 60 years cycles of Stem and Branch (干支) in
Chinese calendar.