A specified traditional convention
The cycle begins at Hai for Jia, Wu for Yi, Yin for Bing/Wu, You for Ding/Ji, Si for Geng, Zi for Xin, Shen for Ren and Mao for Gui. Yang moves forward through branches; yin moves backward. Earth follows Fire here; schools differ.
Cycle language
Death, Tomb and Illness are traditional stage names. They describe a conceptual cycle and do not predict lifespan, funerals or medical conditions. Compare any branch to see the stage and your place in the whole ring.