The OUTPUT factor corresponds to the heavenly stems (including those “hidden” in the earthly branches) that belong to the element produced by the Day Master’s element.

If your Day Master is Wood, then the heavenly stems of the Fire element correspond to the OUTPUT factor of your Bazi chart. Indeed, according to the Generation Principle, we know that Wood gives birth to Fire.

The OUTPUT is also known as the “child element,” as it is something that “is born” from the person. In practice, it represents the externalization of what the person holds within, their potential, and their talents.

Its presence in a Bazi chart is particularly desirable in cases where the Day Master is classified as “strong,” as it allows the qi 气 (energy) accumulated inside the person to flow out. Some make the analogy to doing physical exercise or playing sports to burn off excess calories…

When the Day Master and the heavenly stem (with the OUTPUT factor) have opposite polarities, we are facing one of the OUTPUT variants known as EATING GOD, a quite misleading literal translation of the Chinese technical term.

In fact, this variant has a very positive and productive meaning, which is described in the Life Pillars App under the designation of The EXPERT profile. Other titles that can be given to this Profile are “The Perfectionist” or “The Virtuoso.”

If the Day Master and the heavenly stem have the same polarity, we are facing another variant of the OUTPUT factor known as HURTING OFFICER. In our Life Pillars App, we chose the designation of The PERFORMER to describe this profile. The reason is that the literal translation “Hurting Officer” conveys a quite negative idea, which does not correspond to the reality of the factor. 

The PERFORMER is someone who “hurts” or “kills” the conventional, who challenges and breaks the rules, who innovates and revolutionizes, ultimately contributing to the advancement and improvement of society.