Day master: the self in the chart
The day stem is the day master, the reference point for ten gods, strength, preferences, and life themes.
Why the day master comes first
Ten gods are relational labels based on the day master. The same element may represent resources, output, wealth, authority, or peers depending on the day master.
Strength is not moral judgment
Strength describes how the day master carries and operates resources. Excess needs outlets and boundaries; deficiency needs support and supply. The goal is structural balance.