Rain Water — Born Hour
Rain Water deepens Yin month: thaw and moisture return, and wood finally gets the water it needs.
Overview
Yu Shui (雨水) is the Zhong Qi of Yin month at 330°. It does not switch the month branch; it thickens the climate already set by Li Chun.
Pentads: 獭祭鱼、候雁北、草木萌动. The image is water returning to soil so sprouting can proceed — structural reading: wood strength still depends on moisture and earth, not the label 'spring'.
In farming lore this is when southern China prepares early rice nurseries. Northern gardens still wait; phenology is regional.
If your birthday falls here, the Month Pillar is the same as after Li Chun (Yin). Only the climate nuance inside that month differs.
Phenology (three pentads)
Three pentads: otters present fish; wild geese fly north; plants bud.
Classical citation
Classical: rain is earth-qi transformed — moisture returns to soil.
Month command contrast
Month command: Yin mid-point (Zhong Qi); moisture deepens the same month.
Related entries
How to read it on a chart
Find Rain Water in the almanac or chart engine output for your birth year and compare the instant with true solar time.
Jie nodes can move the Month Pillar; Zhong Qi deepen the same month without switching branch.
Limits
Rain Water is a calendrical node and cultural festival, not a weather guarantee or personal luck verdict.