•
HEAVENLY STEMS AND EARTHLY BRANCHES HEAVENLY STE1VlS (HS)
ql Z, p;j T � B
El! "* 9?
Jia Yi Bing Ding Wu Ji Geng Xin Ren Gui
HI H2 H3 H4 H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 HID
EARTHLY BRANCHES (EB)
El Rat T Zi 11 Chou Ox E2 1ir Yin Tiger E3 YP Mao Rabbit E4 � Chen Dragon E5 E6 Snake B Si Lf Wu Horse E7 * Wei Ram E8 If! Shen Monkey E9 W You Rooster EIO IX; Xu Dog Ell E12 * Hai Pig
Yang Wood Yin Wood Yang Fire Yin Fire Yang Earth Yin Earth Yang l'Vletal Yin Metal Yang Water Yin Water
- Yang Water - Yin Earth Yang Wood - Yin Wood - Yang Earth - Yin Fire Yang Fire - Yin Earth Yang 1Vletal -
Yin Metal
-
Yang Earth
-
Yin Water
THE HOUR PILLAR CHART HS of Day Pillar
2300-0100 0100-0300 0300-0500 0500-0700 0700-0900 0900-1100 1100-1300 1300-1500 1500-1700 1700-1900 1900 - 2100 2100-2300
E1
E2 E3
E4
E5
E6
E7
E8
E9
E10
Ell
E12
HI H2 H3 I H4
f.'H7H6 I
I
118 119 HIO HI H2
IH3 H4 �5 I H6 H7 E1
E2
E4
E5
E6 E7
E8 E9 EIO Ell E12
H3 H8
H2 H7
H1 H6
Hour of Birth
I
I
lI8
lI9 HIO I Hl H2 H3 H4
E1 E2 E3 £4 E5
E6
E7 £8
E9 EI0 Ell
El2
H5 H6 H7 H8 H9 HIO I I HI H2 H3 i i H4 H5 H6
I
E1 E2 E3
E4
E5
E6
£7 E8 E9 EI0 Ell
EI2
H5 H10
H4 H9
IH 7 I H8 I H9 lHIO I 'H I I H2 IH3114 I H5 I H6 H7 H8 I
i I
EI E2 E3
E4 E5 E6
E7
E8
E9 E10
Ell
El2
IH 9 HIO I lHl ! H2 . H3 I H4 I I H5 H6 I H7 H8 i 119 I
!
I
I
I
I I
I
JIlO
EI
E2 E3 £4
E5
E6
-.-
E7
E8
--
E9 EIO
Ell EI2
UNVEIL
WHAT DETERMIN ES O U R DESTINY? From the viewpoint of Chinese metaphysics, everything in the Universe follows a set of rules which determine our fate. The Four Pillars of Destiny is a scientific tool used by the Chinese to reveal the cosmic components of each person. This system is used in conjunction with the ingenious Hsia Calendar (I0,OOO-year Calendar), which records the elemental influences prevailing in our own lives at any moment. year, month, day and hour of The Hsia Calendar helps us to translate our birth data birth - into our Four Pillars of Destiny (also known as Eight Characters, or Ba Zi in Chinese). Each pillar yields two elements, Heavenly Stem (HS) on top and Earthly Branches (EB) below, thereby making up our Eight Characters. A typical Year Pillar is expressed below: Year
2001
(Year of Snake)
H 8 *" ------- Heavenly Stem (HS) Yin Metal E6 B Yin Fire
-------
Earthly Branch (EB)
From the above illustration, we can see that the year 200 1 exhibits the influence of Metal ' in the Heavenly Stem and Fire in the Earthly Branch. How does destiny analysis work? It all rests on the basic premise that the complementary forces of Yin and Yang create matter and, by extension, all living things. This matter is divided into five primordial elements that make up everything in the universe: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. They influence everything, including human fortunes. Their interactions stringently follow two sets of rules known as the Cycle of Birth and the Cycle of Destruction. Understanding these relationships allows us to decipher our birth data and unveil our hidden destiny buried within. This is done by reading the Four P illars in accordance with these two sets of rules. This enables you to evaluate a person's character, appearance, behaviour, family and social relationships, potential, achievements, health and wealth, etc. It also allows you to pinpoint when your potential in a particular area of your life will peak, right down to the day! On top ofthat, auspicious dates for various social functions or events can be selected to enhance your good fortune or ward off bad luck.
As can be seen, the Four Pillars of Destiny lets us detennine the strengths and weaknesses in our destiny, and the ups and downs of our Luck Cycles. We are thus able to tweak our destiny and manipulate our fortunes to our advantage.
Luck Cycle
The years of good luck a person enjoys during his life span is expressed by another set of pillars known as the Luck Pillars. Our Luck Cycle can be revealed by analysing the interactions amongst the components of our birth data.
�fl/"1
�1!
Ta��te!
Each set of Luck Pillars comprises two elements and governs 1 0 years of a person's life. The Heavenly Stem covers the first five years of a Luck Pillar while the Earthly Branch covers the period from the sixth to the 1 0th year.
According to Chinese belief, there are five factors which purport to detennine our fate and fortune.
(i)
Destiny Destiny is the inheritance of, and influence by, conditions already determined at our birth.
(ii)
Luck Luck refers to variation in fortune during the different phases of our life . Even a person blessed with a favourable destiny is subject to ups and downs.
(iii) Feng Shui Good Feng Shui can enhance our Luck Cycle.
(iv) Philanthrophy Our virtues and meritorious deeds directed at others and the world at large can improve our fortune.
(v)
Education Learning is a long-term process which betters our life chances and contributes to our wisdom.
Destiny analysis is certainly not an easy subject. To unravel a person's fortune requires a complex study of his date of birth, astrological sign, geographical location and the Five Elements. In order to acquire a fair mastery of the requisite skills, one has to put in a great deal of effort in learning. However, as they are able to cast light on the mystery of life, the sense of achievement and satisfaction is itself a reward.
YIN AN D YANG Yin and Yang are positive and negative forces that govern the Universe. They have their own attributes and their own magnetic fields of energy. In general, Yang (represented by "+") symbolises active, strong, male and positive elements while Yin (represented by " ") symbolises passive, weak, female, fragile and negative elements. -
The purpose of dividing elements into Yin and Yang is to distinguish between the stronger and weaker characters. It is wrong to assume that Yang is better than Yin. Harmony and balance must be well-maintained between these two integral forces. For example, Yang Water is often compared to water in the sea or ocean whereas Yin Water usually refers to droplets of morning dew. Yang Wood is often compared to a tall and thick forest tree whereas Yin Wood is likened to tree branches and flower stems.
Diagram Showing Yin and Yang
Yin
Yang
The Taiji Symbol
The Taiji is actually a sphere and there is no top or bottom. Likewise, the concept of Yin and Yang illustrates the two sides of a single entity. They are relative and not absolute. The two small circles indicate that everything in the Universe contains varying degrees of Yin and Yang. Within Yin, there is a little Yang and within Yang, there is a little Yin.
FIVE ELEM ENTS The terms "Water", "Wood", "Fire", "Earth" and "Metal" refer to phases of natural energy, but they cannot be interpreted in the narrow sense of their physical characteristics. They are abstract representations of the cyclic reality of natural energy and the interwoven relationships of all phenomena. Each of these five intangible substances has its own particular characteristics. They are related to one another through the Cycle of Birth and the Cycle of Destruction. The constructive order of natural energy is expressed as the Cycle of Birth and the destructive order of natural energy is expressed as the Cycle of Destruction.
Cycle
of Birth
The Cycle of Birth shows a harmonious relationship in which each element gives birth to another. In this productive cycle, Metal enriches underground Water, which in turn nourishes vegetation to produce Wood. The burning of Wood produces Fire. Fire turns Wood into ashes to nourish Earth and the nourishing quality of the Earth produces Metal. The generative cycle of the Five Elements is in a state of harmony.
Cycle of B i rth
Metal Water
E arth
�I Fire
Wood
ERECTING YOUR FOUR PILLARS OF DESTINY Before we begin to analyse the relationships in the Four Pillars, we have to learn to erect the Four Pillars by using the Hsia Calendar. Let us try to erect the Four Pillars of a male subject, Tom, born in the Year of Dragon 2000, on 21 July at 1145 hrs. . •t Step 1: )'ear PIllar
..
•
,
In the Four Pillars of Destiny analysis, the first day of the year in the Hsia Calendar commences in Spring, usually around 4 or 5 February. For example, Year of Dragon 2000 (see sample on page 16) commences on 4 February at 2032 hrs. If a child is born before this date, he is considered to be born in the Year of Rabbit 1999. If he is born after this date, he is considered to be born in the Year of Dragon instead. Since Tom was born on 21 July 2000, he is considered to be born in the Year of Dragon.
LyR:
Refer to the Sample of Hsia Calender on page 16. At the top of the page, we see that Year [J!Z1 2000 constitutes a pair of elements, H7-E5. These are the Heavenly Stem and Earthly I ES JP Branch elements of his Year Pillar.
.' Step 2: :Month Pillar
•
.
MTH his Month Pillar, HIO-ES. Also note the S eason of Birth in the grey box at the top of the tHlO 9? I
same column, which, in this case, is Late Summer. The Earthly Branch of your Month
i
Pillar also represents your Season of Birth.
•f Step 3: Day Pillar
..
By looking at the day cell of2 1 July, we obtain a pair of elements: H7-E 5 . The element on
E8
*
Jii
fa, Step 4: Hour Pillar
To work out the components of the Hour Pillar, refer to the Hour Pillar chart on page 1 7
,..-----,
and look up the hour of birth and the HS of the Day Pillar. Given that Tom was born at: HR'f 1 1 4 5 hrs, we have to look at row 7 where the Earthly Branch is E7. Given that the Heavenly Stem of Tom' s Day Pillar is H7, we look at column 2. The intersection of row 7 and
column 2 yields H9-E7. Thus Tom' s Hour Pillar is H9-E7. Tom ' s completed Four Pillars of Destiny are as follows:
Hour
E7 + Fire
i
--
Self for short).
H9 + Water
I
l �5D:� I
the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar H7 represents your Self Element (sometimes called I
..
i
At the top of the month column beginning with 7 July, we see the H S and EB elements ofl
Day
Self H7 + Metal E5 + Earth
Month
Year
HIO - Water
H7 + Metal
Heavenly Stem
E5 + Earth
Earthly Branch
Season E8 - Earth
The Four Pillars consist of four Heavenly Stems (H) and four Earthly Branches (E), making a total of Eight Characters. Tom' s Self Element is Yang Metal H7. He was born in the Yang Year of Dragon E5. We should also take note that he was born in the month of ES, a Late S ummer season when Earth is in control.
I
i ��; I
•; Step 5: Life Cycle of the 1 0 Heavenly Stems
e•
..
By pennutating your self against the Earthly Branches, you will yield infonnation which helps to detennine your strengths and weaknesses at birth. As mentioned, Tom's Self Element is H7. By looking at the chart ofthe 1 2-stage Life Cycle of the 1 0 Heavenly Stems on page 50, look up for H7 in the first row and then look for the Year Branch E5 in the corresponding column below. Then, look at the extreme right cell of the same row - we get Nurture. The same method applies to the Month, Day and Hour Branches. The findings have been tabulated as follows: Year
H9
Self H7
E7
Bath
HIO
H7
H eavenly Stem
E5
E8
E5
E arthly Branch
Nurture
Attire
Nurture
1 2-stage Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS
By referring to the chart on the 1 2-stage Life Cycle of the 10 HS on page 50, we note that Self H7 reached the Attire stage at E8, Coming-of-Age at E9 and Prosperity Peak at E I 0. From here, we observe that at E 1 0, Metal is at the strongest stage. This will give you an idea of the strength of Metal at E8 (Attire). Although Earth E8 prospers in Late Summer season, it gives support to Self Metal H7. However, in the season ofE8, E9 and E 1 0, Metal is strongest at E 1 0. By this analysis, we can gauge the strength of Self Metal H7 at the other three Branches in this destiny.
.� Step 6: Hidden Heavenly Stems in the Earthly Branches
•
Within our Four Pillars are Hidden Heavenly Stems which must be unearthed for an accurate destiny analysis. Referring to the chart on page 73, we look up the Earthly Branch of Tom's Year Pillar, E5, and find that it constitutes three Hidden Heavenly Stems, namely H2, H5 and H lO. Next, look up the Earthly Branch of Tom's Month Pillar, ES, and we find the Hidden Heavenly Stems H2, H6 and H4. Apply the same sequence to the Day and Hour Pillars. Tom's Hidden Elements in the Earthly Branches is shown on pg 19.
Step 7: Erecting Luck Pillars Luck Pillars are derived from the Month Pillar and each Luck Pillar represents the elemental influence in a person's life for a period of 10 years. The Heavenly Stem covers the first five years whilst the Earthly Branch governs the sixth to 10th years. Let us now proceed to plot Tom's Luck Pillars. The first step is to determine whether the Heavenly Stem of the Year Pillar is Yin or Yang. Refer to the chart on the inside front cover of this book and look up H7. We get Yang Metal. Next, determine whether it is a forward or backward sequence. Look at the table below.
Subject
Year of Birth
Sequence
For a male subject born in a Yang year, like Tom, look at his Month Pillar H l O-ES and proceed in a forward sequence. Referring to the H S and EB lists on the inside front cover of this book, we look for Tom's Month Pillar, H I O-ES, and proceed in a forward sequence. His first pair of Luck Pillars will thus be H I-E9, the second pair will be H2-El O, the third pair will be H3-El l and so on. Tom's Luck Cycle has been mapped out on page 19.
For a female subject born in a Yang year, we proceed in a backward sequence. Refer to the H S and E B lists on the inside front cover. Her first pair ofLuck Pillars will thus be H9-E7, her second pair will be HS-E6, and the third pair will be H7 -E5 and so on. The complete Luck Cycle has been mapped out on page 20. Likewise, for a male subject born in a Yin year, we start counting from the Month Pillar HI O-ES and proceed in. a backward sequence. His fIrst pair of Luck Pillars will thus be H9-E7, his second pair HS-E6, his third pair H7 -E5 and so on. For a female subject born in a Yin year, we look at the Month Pillar and proceed in a forward sequence. Counting from the Month Pillar HI 0-ES, we proceed in a forward sequence. Her fIrst pair of Luck Pillars will thus be HI-E9, second pair will be H2-E10, her third pair will be
H3-E11 and so on.
Note that we read the Luck Cycle from right to left, with the early years on the right and the later years on the left. We usually map out eight Luck Pillars, which represent SO years of a person's life.
Ii' Step 8: Deriving the Commencing Age ofthe Luck Pillars
I
The method of calculating the Commencing Age of the Luck Pillars is based on the date of
birth with reference to the Hsia Calendar. The sequence of calculation depends on the subject's gender and whether they are born in a Yin or Yang year.
•
For a male subject born in a Yang year or a female subject born in a Yin year, the method of calculation is the same look up his or her b irth date in the Hsia Calendar and count in a forward sequence. By referring to Torn's date ofbirth, which is 2 1 July, and using the Sample ofHsia Calendar on page 1 6, start counting forward the number ofdays from the date ofbirth to the fIrst day ofthe following month column, which is 7 August. We get a total of 1 7 days. Divide 1 7 days by 3 and round it up to the nearest number, which is 5. Therefore, 5 is Torn's Commencing Age. The HS of the fIrst pillar rules Torn's fIrst fIve years from age 5 to 9, the EB of the fIrst pillar rules his next fIve years, from age 1 0 to 14, and so on. Likewise, for a male subject born in a Yin year or a female subject born in a Yang year, the method of calculation is nearly the same except we have to count in a backward sequence. Let us now assume that Torn was born in a Yin year. By referring to his date ofbirth, which is 2 1 July, and using the Sample ofHsia Calendar on page 1 6, start counting backwards the number of days from his date ofbirth to the fIrst day ofthe same month column, which is 7 July. We get a total of 14 days. Divide 1 4 days by 3 and round it up to the nearest number, which is 4. Therefore, 4 is his Commencing Age.
""" ..
9,
We will also use the following abbreviated terms in this book:
Take Notel
Heavenly Stern ofthe Year Pillar
Year Stern
Heavenly Stern ofthe Month Pillar
Month Stern
Heavenly Stern ofthe Day Pillar
Day Stern
Heavenly Stern oftheHour Pillar
Hour Stern
Earthly Branch ofthe Year Pillar
Year Branch
Earthly Branch ofthe Month Pillar
Month Branch
Earthly Branch ofthe Day Pillar
Day Branch
Earthly Branch oftheHour Pillar
Hour Branch
Compon ents of Hsia Calendar
YEAR OF DRAGON 2000 FS9---' G
A <4---- H7-E5
H7
E$
FS3
1!M6hrs ---II-- �--��---+--'--------MlbiDay'
--- , - -------
I
tIS
t---'--- ---
-
,H 9 IE $
4
4
..
$ ,H10iE
1-
,-------+______
EB
---
6
Kua Male:
9 6
Legend
Ref
Symbols
Description
A
H7-E5
Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch of the Year Pillar
B
H5-E3
Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch of the Month Pillar
C
1442 hrs
Starting time of the month I season
D
Mth/Day
Solar month and day
E
HS
Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch of the Day Pillar
F
FS 1
Flying Star of the month
G
FS 9
Flying Star of the year
H
Early Summer
Season of Birth
I
2 5 H I O E6
First day of Chinese Lunar New Year
EB
�mple:
�A person born on 2 1 July 2000
Year Pillar H7 E5
tR:
Heavenly Stem Earthly Branch
Month Pillar HIO � E8 =*
Heavenly Stem Earthly Branch
Day Pillar H7 E5
�
Heavenly Stem Earthly Branch
KuaNumbers Male Female
9 - 6
-
•
Date of Birth: 21
ff ..
Sample of Hsia Calendar YEAR OF DRAGON 2000
July 2000
Kua
_--1 1741 a; MIh�ts-.l�B ' +-+ t--- -1 -t -+ -- -+I ';�;I -+-_ ---+ ' 2 H1 E7 E 4 -5 5H1 7 H7 E 1. �. :1_:�.·._�, .H 2-,"t-E. I' · · 1. _ . , H6 E 11 , ' HE--+1 1 ;", : I; �" : I: I,:: : : 5 !7 !; I' " --t-3---1i-�' 'H ; EI 2 4 7 I IH 2 IE. 8 � 1� I H .4i . E 1; 7 5 ,i. H E ;-I , I _ , H7-ES
Early SprIng�_-I--___ IIid SprIng_._.-t-_lafIe SprIng -4-Early---�-----.' HI E6 FS2 ItS E3 FS5 HI E 4 fS4 H7 E5 FS3
_
Male: 9 Female: 6
_____ ...
_-4+-...._____.... FS9
...
hrs
0404hrs
HS
-t-
3
,
!
3
3
:,
.
-
3
4-�;--r;;-;:;-� ;- I,9H 5 IE11 9 EI 5 -H, ".. . ..L-. i .... , i 0! �' 12 E.. 10 4 �9!H � 1 I 3 5 5 E _�L �_�-+ � _ __ 8 _1_ t_- 7 . . .+--.---- __I _ II 6 4 5 '10,H 5 ,E11 1 1 i H 7 IE 1 .H ,11 E 5 , 3 · 1 + --+-· �-+-'E -2+--1 7 0 ;I1+ 1 t--5 -H-'2 H E-E --. - 4 6 �t-;"1 ' H ' E1 2+ � ;-·7 7 041 E 1 - " -' ' l lH E 8 .'.1':. 7 1I 2 I H 7 E 1 7 5 "8 -, i,; ! . '2 t ,l H E . . ----t. . 3 I 1 II 1 i � H 10E 4 ,16 E 1 2 H 6 1 9 H E 9 3 8 7 iH 2 5 ;0 . '1 -;- ,, ,- ' " " I� ,--:. . , I' " . ' 7 8,1H E 4 2
; �l�
3
---+-�' -t---+---
�
-
:.. .. :F ,-;-j;;-;"
....
�
l
�I
f.'
� ;-+�;i
... __ '
F'I"
-r-i
t
I"
--r--t----i-
-
E 2 2
E '
3
4
Hour Pillar
By pinpointing where the Heavenly Stern of our Day Pillar and our time of birth intersect, we yield a pair of elements that make up our Hour Pillar.
.� ofDayPiUar
. Hour of Birth
H1
H2
H3
H4
H5
H6
B7
H8
H9
H10
I
I I
, 2300-0100
El
HI
El
H3 lEI
H5
EI
H7
EI
H9
El
0100- 0300
E2
H2
E2
H4
E2
H6
E2
H8
E2
HIO
E2
0300-0500
E3
H3
E3
H5
E3
H7
E3
H9
E3
HI
E3
0500-0700
E4
H4
E4
H6
E4
H8
E4
HIO
E4
H2
E4
0700- 0900
E5
H5
E5
H7 I E5
H9
E5
HI
E5
H3
E5
0900-1100
E6
H6
E6
H8 I E6
HIO
E6
H2
E6
H4
E6
1100 - 1300
E7
H7
E7
H9
E7
HI
E7
H3
E7
H5
E7
1300- 1500
E8
H8
E8
HIO
E8
H2
E8
H4
E8
H6
E8
1500 - 1700
E9
H9
E9
HI
E9
H3
E9
H5
E9
H7
E9
1700-1900
EIO
HIO
EIO
H2
EIO
H4
EI0
H6
EIO
H8
EIO
1900 - 2100
Ell
HI
Ell
H3
Ell
H5
Ell
H7
Ell
H9
Ell
2100-2300
EI2
H2
E I2
H4
EI2
H6
Ell
H8
El2
HIO
EI2
I
.".
1 : !
I
I
I.
I
)�mple: "
Torn was born on 2 1 July 2000 at 1 145 hrs. The Heavenly Stern of his Day Pillar, H7, and his time of birth, 1 1 45 hrs, intersect at the H9-E7 cell. Thus his Hour Pillar is H9-E7 .
•...•.'•.,.
:
ERECTING HOUR PILLARS FOR THOSE BORN IN THE HOUR OF RAT (-t B1) �rmal Category \EYtmple 1: Early Rat 1f!rlt-t (2400-0100 hrs) � 16 February 1999 Date ofBirth: 0001 hrs Tnne: Hour
Day
Month
Year
HI I'fJ + Wood
H6B - Earth
H3W + Fire
H6B - Earth
El r + Water
E12� - Water
E3 lit + Wood
E 49P - Wood
If a child is born on 16 February 1999 between the morning hours 0[2400 and 0100 hrs, the Hour Pillar in this case falls under the normal category. Take the Day Stem H6 to be read against the hour of birth E l , which yields H I -E l . �ecial Category \�mple 2: Night Rat «rlt-t (2300-2359 hrs) � ( DateofBirth: 16 February 1999 Tnne: 2301 hrs Hour
Day
Month
Year
H7� H3W + Fire
H6B - Earth
H 3W + Fire
H6B - Earth
El r + Water
E12� - Water
E3 lit + Wood
E49P - Wood
If a child is born on the night ofl6 February 1999 between 2300 and 2359 hrs under the special category, the step for erecting the Hour Pillar is different. In this case, you have to pick the next Day Stem H7 to be read against the hour of birth E1, which yields H3 -E1.
lE�mple:
�Subject:
Male 21 July 2000 (Year of Dragon) 1 145 hrs
Date of Birth: Time of B irth:
Four P i l la rs of Destiny
Year
Self
H9 t +
Water
HI0�
E5 1&
Season
+
E7 lf +
H7 ll!
Fire
+
Metal Earth
H7 ll!
- Water
+
E5 1&
E8 *
+
- Earth
Attire H2 Z.
H4 T -Fire
- Wood
H6 C.
H5.1t
- Earth
+ Earth
HI0 � - Water
Heavenly Stem (HS)
Metal
Nurture
H2 Z.
Earthly Branch (EB)
Earth
12-stage Life Cycle of the 10 HS
H2
Wood
Wood
H6 C. - Earth
+ Earth
H5.1t
Hidden HS in the EB
HI0 �
H4 T -Fire
- Water
Luck Cycle
75-79 H8 $ - Metal
80-84
65-69
55-59
45-49
35-39
H7 Y\! + Metal
H6 i3 - Earth
H5 rt:. + Earth
H4T - Fire
70-74
60-64
50-54
40-44
E3 Ji
E2lL - Earth
+ Water
+ Wood
�
Spring Wood
t
t
EI -=f
Winter Water
25-29
15-19 H2 Z. - Wood
HI If! + Wood
30-34
20-24
10-14
Age
Ell J(: Ell IX; - Water + Earth
EIOW - Metal
+ Metal
E9 I¥
Earthly Branches
t
H 3W + Fire
t
Autumn Metal
t
Heavenly Stems
J�mple: Subject:
Female 2 1 July 2000 (Year of Dragon) 1 145 hrs
"
Date of Birth: Time of Birth:
Four Pillars of Desti ny Hour
Day
H9X
Self H7�
+ Water
Month
I
HIO §l
+ Metal
E 7 Lf
-
Season
E5 �
ES*
+ Earth
+ Fire
Water
-
Earth
Year
H7 �
Heavenly Stem (HS)
E5 �
Earthly Branch (EB)
+ Metal
+ Earth
12-stage Life Cycle of the 10 HS
-Fire
- Wood
- Wood
Wood
H6B -Earth
HSDt + Earth
H6B -Earth
+ Earth
H4T
HI0� - Water
-Fire
HSDt
Hidden HS in the EB
HI0� - Water
Luck Cycle
74-78 H2Z - Wood
79-83
+ Fire
69-73
E12*
El T
- Water
+ Water
!
- Fire
- Metal
59-63 49-53
19-23
E2.R - Earth
E39i
ES Jfi
+ Wood
+ Earth
t t
t
!
I
E6 B
E7 If
Earthly
-_Eire
+ Fire
Branches
t
�t t
�________
Winter
Spring
Water
Wood
Summer Fire
ANALYSING YOU R DESTINY Now that we have tabulated all the necessary information on page 1 9, let's start analysing!
Self Element The Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar represents Self. In this case, Tom's Self Element is H7. According to the inside front cover of this book, H7 is Yang Metal, which means that he i s a Yang Metal person born in the Year of Dragon. The remaining seven characters in the Year, Month and Hour P illars represent his environment, the people in his life and other aspects like money, authority, status, intelligence, skills, colleagues or friends, etc.
Season of Birth Looking at the Sample of Hsia Calendar on page 1 6, we see that Tom was born in Late Summer (as indicated in the top row of the last column). The Season of Birth is determined by the Month Branch. In this case, it is Earth E8. Although this Metal H7 person is not born in season, he is born in a supportive season, as by the Cycle of Birth, Earth produces Metal. In Late Summer, Earth prospers, Metal is born, Water dies, Wood is imprisoned and Fire retreats. We can now confirm that he was born during a strong season of Earth E8, which gives good support to Metal. Such in-depth analysis will be discussed later on.
Seasonal Cycle of the Five Bas i c Eleme nts
Season
Prosper
Born
Die
Imprison
Retreat
Spring
Wood
Fire
Earth
Metal
Water
Summer
Fire
Earth
Metal
Water
Wood
Autumn
Metal
Water
Wood
Fire
Earth
Winter
Water
Wood
Fire
Earth
Metal
Earth
Metal
Water
Wood
Fire
AD
Seasons
The two most vital factors affecting a person's destiny are the Self Element and the Season of Birth. Note that before we evaluate the strength of the Self Element, we need to understand the interactions amongst the Five Elements. These have been discussed on pages 5 and 6. Another equally important aspect to note is the seasonal changes affecting the strength of each element. In fact, the Season of Birth has the greatest impact on the Four Pillars.
Strength of Elements Amongst the other elements in the Four Pillars that give Tom support are Metal H7 and Earth E5 on the Year Pillar. Self is further supported by Earth E5 sitting directly under it. There is no threat from Fire E7 due to the presence of Earth E5. Fire does not destroy Metal but, instead, nourishes Earth E5 on the Day Branch. Earth in tum nourishes Metal. We can conclude that Tom is a Strong Metal person. Strong Metal needs discharge to restore its balance. As Metal gives birth to Water, H9 and H I O in the Hour and Month Stem, will be Tom's most favourable elements as they drain off Metal's excessive strength. Preferably, favourable elements should be free from unfavourable combinations and clashes. His unfavourable elements are Earth and Metal. Fire destroys Metal but, at the same time, supports Earth. Fire is therefore neutral to Metal. Effects of Com binations and C las hes in the Heavenly Stem
+
Water
Being a strong Metal person, Water.H9 and H I O help to release the strong Metal energy. Since there is no combination or clash in the above Heavenly Stems, proceed to check if there is any combination or clash in the Earthly Branches. Combinations and Cl as h es in the Ea rthly Branches
Combination
Fire
SelfPersecuting Clash
According to the Six Combinations of the Earthly Branches on page 63, E7 and E8 will combine to form Fire. But the presence of Earth E5 between them blocks the intended combination, so the combination between E7 and E8 cannot take place. Their status remains unchanged. By the theory of Self Persecuting Clash on page 64, Earth E5 clashes with E5. This clash does not affect the status of the Earth element.
Hidden Heavenly Stems (Hidden Elements) in the Earthly Branches "'''-
(f4 r .JjJ.'
Take Note!
Hidden within the Earthly Branches are Heavenly Stems. The Hidden Elements have to be opened up and examined for an accurate destiny analysis.
In this case, there are three Wood H2 hidden in the Earthly Branches of the Year, Month and Day Pillars. Wood, which is another of Tom's favourable elements, helps to suppress the strong Earth. Although Wood is weak, it receives support from the Water elements, H9 and H I O.
Four Pillars We will attempt to analyse Tom' s Four Pillars, summarised on page 1 9, so that we can have an overview of how different bits of information fit in. Let us refer to pages 1 03 and 1 04. Metal gives birth to Water. This means that Self Metal H7 gives birth to Water, which is present on the Heavenly Stems of the Month and Hour Pillars. The element which Self produces symbolises his creativity, intelligence and aspirations.
Intelligence, Expressive ability Metal conquers Wood. This means that Self Metal H7 conquers the Wood H2 hidden in the Year, Month and Day Branches. The element that Self conquers represents his wealth and spouse. Since there are three Wood H2, hidden in the Earthly Branches, there is a possibility he may have several clandestine romantic relationships. The element Wood H2 conquered by Self Metal H7 represents his wife.
Fire destroys Metal. F ire E7 in the Hour Branch, the e lement which conquers Self Metal H7, symbolises his power and status. Fire E7, sitting below Water H9 on the Hour Pillar, is being weakened by Water. This indicates that he may be rich but living in low profile.
Offspring Earth gives birth to Metal. Here, there are three Earth elements in all, with two E5 and one E8 on the Earthly Branches. Earth, the element which gives birth to Self Metal H7, represents his resource and support. Apparently, he has an abundance of strong Earth elements in his Four Pillars, which is too much for him. Strong Metal rejects Earth. Since Earth represents his resource and support, this may indicate that he is a confident and independent person.
Mother' House of Spouse The House of Spouse refers to the Day Branch. In this case, it is Earth E5. Since Wood is his favourable element and represents his wealth and spouse, he can get very intimate with women. Unfortunately, the House of Spouse lies in Earth E5, which is his unfavourable element, indicating that he will not show much concern for his marriage. Probably this is due to the two additional Wood H2 hidden in E5 and E8 in the Year and Month Pillars, which indicate extramarital affairs. Self Metal on the Year Pillar Being a strong Metal person, Metal is one of his unfavourable elements. Metal H7 on the Year Pillar symbolises siblings and friends. Since Metal is not favourable, he will not be close to his brothers and sisters.
Luck Cycle Look at the Earthly Branches of his Luck Pillars on page 1 9 and then refer to page 57. We
see that his Luck Cycle commences in Autumn with Metal (E9, E I 0 and E l l ), and continues through Winter, with Water (E I2, E I and E2), and finally to Spring, with Wood (E3, E4 and E5). By observing his Luck Cycle, we see that his favourable run of good luck will reign during E I 2 (from age 40 to 44), E I (from age 50 to 54) and E3 (from age 70 to 74). For more information and details of his Luck Cycle, we can open up the Ruling Years within the Luck Cycle. For example, when he enters the Luck Pillar ofE 1 2 from age 40 to 44, the Ruling Elements of those five years will be as follows: R u l ing Years of E12
2043 44 H IO� - Water E 1 2* - Water
t
2040 41
2039
H7 � Metal
H6i:3 - Earth E 8*
2041 42
2042 43 H9 Water E l l IX + Earth
+
+
E9 $ + Metal
Luck Cycle of E12
40
Luck Pilla r 35-39 H4 T - Fire
40-44 E 1 2*
t
We can also check which is the best year out of the five years in a particular pillar. In this case, age 44, with both its Water elements (H l O-E 1 2), will be his most favourable year.
Symbolic Stars Another area to look at will be the Symbolic Stars. Information on F lower of Romance, Academic Stars and the like is available in chapter 6 . Look a t Tom's Four Pillars below.
Hour
E7 lf
Day
Month
Year
H l O�
H7
E5 1&
E51&
I
Star ofArts
Yt
Nobleman
+ Nobleman
Refer to page 84. Tom's Day Stem is H7, so his Nobleman Star will be E2 or E8. And indeed, there is a Nobleman Star on the Month Branch, E8. A Nobleman Star signifies a helpful star, so in the event of a crisis, Tom will be able to overcome it.
+ Star of A rts
To see if our subject has the Star of Arts in his life, we have to look at the Earthly Branch of either the Day Pillar or the Year Pillar, but n ever both . In this case, let us take his Day Branch, which is E5. Looking at page 86, we see that his Star of Arts will be E5. He has an E5 on his Year Pillar. In this case, it signifies loneliness in old age.
•
•
•
/
HOUSE OF LI FE AND HOUSE OF CON CEPTION On top of the Four Pillars of Destiny, there are two additional pillars which have to be considered. + House of Life (Up
'fr Ming Gong)
+ House of Conception (Mi J[j Tai Yuan)
These two additional pillars are usually examined under the following circumstances: + The SelfElement is extremely weak. + To detennine marriage partners. + To detennine the number of children or siblings in a family. + To help a person in a critical condition. + To assess our ancestors' influence on the Four Pillars.
These applications are usually used in fortune reading and will not be discussed in great detail here. House of Life
The House of Life is derived from the Month and Hour Pillars.
Pau l's Four Pil l ars of Destiny
FA
gp
-Wood
•...'*". .
� '� ,i
First, let us uncover the Earthly Branch of the House of Life. Refer to the chart below. Look up the Month Branch and the Hour Branch. N urn b er
House of Life
E3 jf
1
:: : +-1 ---� . I
i
�- ---
E6 B
I
4 5
6 7 8
i-t
El T E2
•
11 12
+ If the Month Branch is E4 take the number 2 + If the Hour Branch is E 1 take the number 1 1 + Adding 2 and 1 1 gives you a total of 1 3
I f the sum (x) o f the Month and Hour Branches i s less than 1 4, we use the formula: 14 - x If the sum total (x) is 1 4 and above, we use the formula: 26 - x In Paul's case, since we get a sum total of 1 3 , we use the first formula. Take: 1 4 - 1 3 1 =
Referring to the above chart, we see that 1 is E3 . Thus Paul's Earthly Branch for the House of Life is E3.
The next step is to derive the Heavenly Stem of the House of Life. Heavenly Stem of House of Life
�
HI H6
H2 H7
H3 H8
E3
H3
H5
EB
of House of Life
Pillar
-
-
-
H4 H9
H5 HIO
H7 I
H9
HI
I
I
E4
H4
H6
H8
HIO
H2
E5
H5
H7
H9
HI
H3
E6
H6
H8
HlO
H2
H4
E7
H7
H9
HI
H3
H5
E8
H8
HIO
H2
H4
H6
E9
H9
HI
H3
H5
H7
EIO
HlO
H2
H4
H6
H8
Ell
HI
H3
H5
H7
H9
E12
H2
H4
H6
H8
HlO
EI
H3
H5
H7
H9
HI
E2
H4
H6
H8
HIO
H2
By referring to Paul's Year Stem, which is H3, and his Earthly Branch of the House of Life, which is E3 , look up the chart above. Here they intersect to yield the Heavenly Stem of the House of Life. In this case, it is H7. Thus Paul's completed House of Life will be H7-E3 .
Table for Deriving the Earthly Branch of House of Ufe This chart is compiled based on the charts on pages 28 and 29 for your easy reference.
EBof Month I of Birth I
r
1
EBof Hour of Birth
: E2 �l I 2300-0100 E4 ::=:t: � : 1 :::: ====t: � -E2 I 0100 -0300 I E3
I E3 i 0300 -0500
--+-
i E2
"6 I E5 : E4 � 1 E4 : 0500-0700 8 , E7 . E6 , E5 E4 I E3 ' E2 E� I . I E5 0700-0900 E8 i E7 E6 E5 _l E��3�I � f--- � +0900-1100 1I Ell I E1� E9 E8 i E7·'1. E6 ��4l E3 I E2 I El li: E12 .. : E7 i 1100-1300 i EIO E9 E8 I E7 I E6 ' E5 I E3 i E2 I EI I E12 I E�; -1500 : E9 I E8 I E7 I E6 ! ES E4! E3 E2 �1 E�2 Ell: EIO I E8E9 I11300 1500-17;-tE8 E7 I E6 i E5 t E4 I E3 ! "2 i EI EI2, ElI EIO E9 I r I ElO 1700-1900 I E7 E6 E5 i E4 E3 ; E2 I EI i El2 : Ell�EI0 I E9 ! E8 I I·· I, +--1 I . I El l 1900��E6 E5 E4 E3 [ E2 i El :I El2 rlIi EIO I E9 E8 E 7 : I I I 2100-2300 '-I E5 --'--' E4--" E3--'-I E � ! E12 ! Ell ! EIO ; E9 E8 E7 I E60 I El2� ·
E7
I
·
·
I
•
.:,
!
I
I
E4
I
!
I
.._�_
i
I
I
--T
I
J
I
__..
I
_
I
..
_
2
__
I
I
i
. I
I
.
�-
.
�"BY referring to the intersection of the Hour Branch, E l , and the Month Branch, E4, we g \Ex)tmple:
Paul's House of Life, which is E3.
House of Conception
This method of calculation is derived from the Month Pillar. Take Paul's pillar of H8-E4 as an example. Take the Heavenly Stem H8 and move forward one position and you get H9. Likewise, taking the Earthly Branch E4, move forward three positions and you get E7.
Month
General Principle
H8 *
Move forward one position
E4 9JJ
Move forward three positions
House of Conception
The completed House of Conception will be H9-E7.
This application is the same for both men and women. The completed set of pillars, together with the House of Life and House of Conception, will be as follows:
H9:E Water
+
E 7lf +
Fire
Hllf! +
Wood
El -=f +
Water
HI If! +
Wood
Ell IX;
E 7 lf
+
+
Earth
Fire
10 HEAVENLY STEMS Symbols
Heavenly Stems
lfI
Jia
I
Elements
HI
Z Yi
I
Seasons
Spring
---
H2
"-�
Spring ���-�
-
W
Bing
H3
Yang Fire
T
Ding
H4
Yin Fire
�
Wu
H5
Earth
Summer
i
I
Summer All Seasons
B Ji
H6
Yin Earth
All Seasons
Yt
Geng
H7
Yang Metal
Autumn
*
Xin
H8
Yin Metal
Autumn
:f: Ren
H9
Yang Water
�
HI0
Gui
Yin Water
:
Winter Winter
Heavenly Stems illustrate the pattern of movement of the Heaven Qi in the Universe
They are each associated with one of the Five Elements: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire ani Earth. All Five Elements are capable of dynamic interactions which form the force behin· all lives, activities and changes in the Universe. Each of the Five Elements has a dualistic nature
-�
active, representing Yang, the force c
Heaven, and receptive, representing Yin, the force of Earth - resulting in a total of elements. An element of Yin (
-
) or Yang
(
+
)
1
attached to each of the Five Elemen
signifies the relative strength and weightage of each particular element. HI, H3, H5, H7 and H9 belong to the Yang gender whereas H2, H4, H6, H8 and HIO categorised as the Yin gender.
a:
In ancient times, the Chinese used Heavenly Stems to record hours, days, months, years and space (directions) to explain things that happen in a given period. Ancient Chinese also used Heavenly Stems to explain the fundamental principles of all matters by charting the course of human life. Five Combinations of Heavenly Stems (Normal Transformation)
Resulting Elements
Five Combinations
H I fJf
+
+Wood
H2 Z
H6i3 EARTH
-Earth +
H7 Y!
+Metal
-Wood
H 3Pi'
+
+Fire
METAL
H8 - Metal
H4 T
+
WATER
H9 :f: +Water
-Fire
HSDt
+
+Earth
WOOD
HIO � -Water
FIRE
The stems combine like the River-Map theory. A Yin and a Yang Stem combine and undergo a transformation together, resulting in a new element. Combination of stems indicates unity. This is usually a good structure in a set of Four Pillars.
Fire
Water
Wood
Clash
of
the Heavenly Stems by Element
H3W
H7 »t
+ Fire
+ Metal
H4T
H8¥:
- Fire
- Metal
H7 »t
HI Jtl
+
Metal
+ Wood
H8$
H2Z
- Metal
- Wood
HI Jtl
H5It
+ Wood
+Earth
H2Z
H6i3
- Wood
- Earth
H5It
H9£
+ Earth
+ Water
H6i3
HIO�
- Earth
- Water
H9£
H3W
+ Water
+
HIO�
H4T
- Water
- Fire
Fire
Clashes are due to one element controlling the other and the elements being both Yang or both Yin. For example, Fire destroys Metal and Metal conquers Wood.
l "'/ �:I
U
C lash of the Heaven ly Stems by Opposite D i rection
H7 Yt + Metal
HI IfI + Wood
West - East
118$ - Metal
H2 Z - Wood
West - East
H9=:f + Water
H3 P3 + Fire
North - South
HIO � - Water
H4T - Fire
North - South
(H5 Jj; and H6 B are neutral 7G '*)
I
Such clashes occur because the elements involved are directly opposite each other on the Luopan. Some clashes are more powerful than others.
•
Heavenly Stem Combinations and C lashes
+ Five HS combinations + Fi ve HS clashes + Combinations take precedence over clashes
\ E9'mple:
\",'-"
Hour
Clash
�
Day
� �
Month
Combine
*
H I Ef3
Self H7 �
H2Z
+Wood
+Metal
-Wood
X
X
X
Year
X X
Day Stern H7 combines with Month Stern H2 to form a resultant Metal element. In the meantime, Day Stern H7 clashes with Hour Stern H I . As H7 and H2 combine, H I will be released from the clash with H7.
HEAVE N LY STEM COMBINATIONS Five Direct Combinations o f Heavenly Stems (Normal Transformation)
In order for the Combinations of Heavenly Stems to take place, the two stems involved must be located next to each other without interference from another stem. In addition, the resultant element must have the same element attributes as the Month Branch, or the combination will not take place even though the two stems involved sit on Earthly Branches with the same element.
\Ex)mple:
��
Hour
r
"Day
Combine to form Fire
HIO �
- Water
E6 B
- Fire
Month
1
Self HSDt + Earth
X
E3 jf
Season E7 Lf
t
t
+
Wood
+
Fire
Combine to form Fire
Year
X
Ell IX + Earth
t
Day Stem, Earth H5, combines with Hour Stem, Water H I O, to produce Fire. The resultant Fire is supported by the season Fire E7. The Fire element will be even stronger if there is another existing Fire element on the Month or Year Stems.
Hour
Day
r Combine to form Fire 1 Self HIO �
H5Dt + Earth
E7 q:
+
Fire
- Water
E4 gp
- W ood
Month
Year
,combine to form Wood
I
H 9 :f
H4T
Season E3�
EI2 -g;,
Water
+
+
Wood
- Fire
-
Water
Fire H4 and Water H9 combine, resulting in a Wood element under the Five Direct Combinations of the Heavenly Stems. In the Season of Birth, Wood E3 prospers in Early Spring and permits the combination of Fire H4 and Water H9 to form Wood. The combination of Earth H5 and Water H l O receives support from Wood E3, Fire E7 and Fire H4, hence Fire is formed.
Hour
Day
Month
Year
x
H4T
H9 :f
H4T
- Fire
t 1tt;
+
Water
tt
- Fire
t
Competing combinations
If there are two possible combinations among three Heavenly Stems which are next to
�d each other, there will be Competing Combinations and such a situation will not result in
T::Ote!
the formation of a new element.
"Hu sband Following Wife" Combination of Heavenly Stems
When one ofthe Heavenly Stems has a Yin stem that is ofthe same element as the Month Branch and, at the same time, sits on a supporting Earthly Branch, thereby forming a new element after the combination, we term this the "Husband Following Wife" Combination.
\,Ex)tmplc:
,.�
Hour
X
X
Day
Self H7m + Metal El
+ Water
M onth
Year
H2�
X
Season E49'P
X
- Wood
- Wood
Wood H2 is supported by Wood E4 on the Month Pillar. Wood E4 is the Season of Birth and hence Wood is prosperous. With Water E 1 supporting Wood E4, Metal H7 and Wood H2 combine to form Wood instead ofMetal. This is thus a "Husband Following Wife" Combination (where Metal Husband, Wood Wife). =
"Wife Following Husband" Combination of Heavenly Stems
When one of the Heavenly Stems has a Yang stem element which is the same as the Month Branch (Season) and, at the same time, sits on a supporting branch, thereby forming a new element after combination, we term this the "Wife Following Husband" category.
Hour
Day
Month
Year
X
Self H3 j7q + Fire
H8 - Metal
X
X
E7 + Fire
Season E6 B - Fire
X
Fire H3 is supported by Season of Birth, Fire E6, on the Month Branch. Fire H3 sits on Fire At the same time, Fire is the controlling element during Summer. Fire H3 (Husband) and Metal H8 (Wife) combine to form Fire instead of Water. Summary of Combinations + A man whose Four Pillars of Destiny has the Five Direct Combinations (Normal
Transformation) possesses a tough character and will not conform to his wife.
+ A man whose Four Pillars ofDestiny has the "Husband Following Wife" Combination will be
henpecked as his wife will be the domineering party.
+ A man whose Four Pillars of Destiny has the "Wife Following Husband" Combination
possesses a mind of his own and will receive support or help from his wife.
Heavenly Stem Combination Without Forming a New Element
Hour
I
Day
Combination not approved
H6 - Earth x
Month
Year
x
x
....-, Self I H l lf1
+ W ood x
Season EI2 � -
Water
Wood H 1 intends to combine with Earth H6. By Normal Transformation, the resultant element is Earth. However, the season is Water E 1 2, which does not approve of this combination. The main criterion for the combination with a resultant element to take place is that the resultant element must be "born in Season". That is, the resultant element must be of the same element as the Month Branch. In this case, the Season of Birth has to be either E2, E5, E8 or E l l . Since the combination is not approved, no resultant element would materialise and the status quo is maintained. Such a situation is considered a Near Clash by element, with Wood HI conquering Earth H6.
HEAVENLY STEM CLASHES Clashes occur for the following reasons: (i) One element is controlling the other (ii) The elements are all Yin or all Yang Near Clash Hour
x
x
Month
D ay Self
+ Metal
+ Wood
L.
x
H7 �
HI EjJ
Clash
.-J x
x
Year
x
Clashes are severe when they are near to each other. Month Stem H7 clashes with Day Stem H I this is the strongest clash by element. Wood is under attack from MetaL - �
Blocked Clash Hour
X
Self
X
X
HI EjJ
+ Wood
I
X
Year
Month
Day
•
Clash
X
H7 �
+ Metal ...
X
Year Stem H7 clashes with Day Stem H I . This clash is less severe than the Near Clash featured above. Metal is blocked by Month Stem. A Blocked Clash occurs when there is another stem hindering or acting as a "shield" for the "victim".
Distan t Clash
Hour
Day
H I Efl + Wood
x
Year
Month
x
H7 � + Metal
x
x
Clash x
x
'(ear Stem H7 dashes with Hour Stem H I - this is regarded as a Distant Clash and is the Neakest among the three clashes. In this case, there is no effect on Wood H I . The clash is ;eparated by two stems. A Distant Clash occurs when the two conflicting elements are far Ipart from each other.
fhree Clashes
When three stems are in conflict (dash), the strongest element will be in controL
K�mple: Hour
�
x
X
Year
Month
Day
Clash
+ �
Self H7 � + Metal
H3 jJg + Fire
X
X
Clash
+ H9 + Water X
[f Water H9 is the strongest among the stems, it will control Fire H3. As a result Fire H3 wil l not harm Metal H7. However, i f Fire H 3 is the strongest, Metal H7 will b e threatened Jy Fire H3 and Water H9 cannot control Metal H7. If Metal H7 is the strongest, then Fire H3 is subject to suppression by Water H9.
•. . .•.. z_
Clash of Yin and Yan g
A clash between two stems is more severe when both are Yang o r both are Yin. A clash between a Yin and a Yang Stem or a clash between a Yang and a Yin stem is less severe. We term such a clash as a Passionate Clash. Normally, the Yin and Yang clash takes place under the "married" clash or combination.
Married Clash
Hour
x x
Month
Day
Self H3 W + Fire x
+
H8
Year
Water
- Metal
x
x
Fire H3 and Metal H8 are regarded as Yang Fire and Yin Metal "getting married" and will evolve into a resultant element ofWater. (Refer to the Five Combinations of the Heavenly Stems.)
Harmonising Two Conflicting Stems
,E�mple:
.�'
A neutral element is present in between two clashing stems. Hour
Self
X
[;g]
H7 + Metal X
H3
+ Earth
�
X
Year
Month
Day
Clash
+
Fire
...
X
X
F ire H3 is supposed to clash with Metal H7. Due to the presence of Earth H5 in between the two clashing elements, the clash is neutralised. Fire gives birth to Earth H5 and Earth, in return, nourishes Metal, H7.
,E�mple:
Th e presence of a third stem combines with one of the conflicting stems and ends up resolving the clash. Hour
Day
Year
M onth
Clash
X X
1
Self
H7 JJi! + Metal X
+
H8
Combine
- Metal
X
+
1
H3 W + Fire X
Due to the presence of Metal H8, the clash between F ire H3 and Metal H7 is released.
\Ex)lmple: � ' The presence of another conflicting stem resolves the clash between two stems.
Hour
Day
Year
Month Clash
+
+
Self H7 �
X
+
X
H3 N
Metal
Fire
+
X
X
I i
H 9£ + Water
I
I
X
Fire H3 is supposed to clash with Metal H7 but due to the presence of Water H9 on the Year Stem, Fire H3 is subdued by Water H9. Thus the clash of Fire H3 and Metal H7 is not effective.
�
Clash
�
H7 � +
:p.':p;
(l.,A!'
T=�te!
HI q:t
Metal
+
Wood
I n the event of a clash, the attacking stem itself will be weakened. For example, Yang Metal H7 attacks Yang Wood H 1 . Although Wood is weakened by Metal, Metal itself is also partially "injured" in the clash with Wood .
Adverse Effect of a Clash In a situation when Wood is pitted against Earth, Wood will control Earth. However, if Earth is strong while Wood is weak, Wood will be injured during a clash with strong Earth.
�
Clash
---.
-
H2Z
H6 B
- Wood
- Earth
F'avourable and Unfavourable Clash Clashes are not always negative. For example, Water can control and suppress Fire. If Fire is your unfavourable element, the clash is said to be beneficial and auspicious. On the other hand, ifFire is favourable in your Four Pillars, then the clash ofWater and Fire is regarded as inauspicious. Clash
H9£ +
Water
�------,�
H3W +
Fire
1 0 H EAVENLY STEMS AN D THE H U MAN BODY Every organ in the body can be classified under the Five Elements. A person would be in good health if all his internal organs associated with the Five E lements are in a balanced and harmonious state and interact with one another according to the productive and destructive order. If an element is excessively strong or weak, it will upset the balance and sickness will set in. Heavenly
Elements
Stems
Internal Organs
HI
If'
+Wood
Gall Bladder
H2
Z
- Wood
Liver
H3
W
+ Fire
Small Intestines
H4
T
- Fire
Heart
H5
Dt
+ Earth
Stomach
H6
B
- Earth
Spleen
H7
JJt
+ Metal
Large Intestines
H8
-!F
- Metal
Lungs
H9
£
+ Water
Bladder
HIO
�
- Water
Kidneys
-L.
1 2-STAGE LIFE CYCLE OF THE 1 0 HEAVENLY STEMS + -=- * 1. �� YIN
�
( I9Ff)
YANG
*
HIO
+ Z
T
*
�
H2
H4
H8
+
H9
:E
H7
JJt
,
� HI
H3
Self Element
lfI
W ,
H5
H6
B
i
UIFf)
El h:w�� 1 E9 1I E6 I E3 I El2 tI ;:- -=�==7 � 1 � I � I i :� \:. E;2 II !:-t--i -=:B:C-=6---j---::E::�-;:-: O --t�Ell"$. I. E8Ifl ' E5 ElW E8q: ' E59Il I' E2r TI Ii
E4
,
B Irth
B ath
!
ihE�O 1: E�2 : Ell T E8 . Jt * 1<:
I
$
I :, I. : I 'f · 9n
E�2 ! : I � {. E� � I i7
I
,
I
W
!
______
, ,
I---
,@:
,
31 I Jt
I
*
I i
� I : -I
' gp I E2 EI I , E8 I I I EX; :* · ,@: · E3 TE'TI+E9 I E6B I· � + ! f;,- I $ -1-
IDf
q:
Jl 31 EIO E7 E4 El r q: W 9P i--=E9 �-+-=--:E3 1--I--=-El2�-r--=E4� , El I EIO E6 -+--=-=-B W Ifl 9Il L r -= I E2 I Ell E5 E2 i E l � l �8 ES I :* ,@: Jl 31 I Jt fX '@: E3 E12 E6 · ElO E4 El I I E7 I W B 9r I 1<: q: gp ,I E6 El E3 I ��2 I E9 E7 ' � $ r q: B 9r E5 E2 I E�l I E8 E8
I
12 Life Stages
Dt
,
:*
E5
I
E7 q: E8 * E9
I'
E10
W
'
fX
'
$
El l
-:
* 51:
-
tt;: m
-------1
Attire
,U
Com ing-of-Age
\It
Prosperity Peak
Wi
Ageing
:ff
S ickness Death
1iit
1r�
lIE ) I
JE
I ,' Grave . Repose
�
C onception ''' nt"t• • rp
JIti
*
TIlls table is used for reading the relative strength ofHeavenly Stems in relation to Selfagainst the Earthly Branches.
1 2-Stage Life Cycle of the 1 0 Heavenly Stems in Relation to Destiny Analysis
The chart shows the different effects of permutations of the Heavenly Stems against the 1 2 Life Stages. By permutating the Day Stem against the Earthly Branches ofthe Year, Month, Day and Hour Pillars, the 1 2 Life Stages will reveal the weightage of the strength and weakness of the elements in your Four Pillars. Tom's Four Pil lars
Year H7
Metal
Heavenly Stem
Earth
E5
Earthly Branch
Nurture
1 2-Stage Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS
+
Season
Attire
+
For example, Tom's Self Element is H7 and his Year Branch is E5. Referring to page 50, go down the H7 column till you see E5, which is the intersection point of H7 and the Life Stage is Nurture. The Year Pillar is thus in the stage of Nurture. The same method applies to the Month, Day and Hour Pillars. Like living beings, the 1 0 Heavenly Sterns are also subj ect to life and death. For example, when a child reaches adulthood, his mother gradually grows old and dies. Likewise, the cycle of change of the 1 0 Heavenly Stems triggers off and perpetuates a chain of ever changing events over time. The growth and prosperity of the Five Elements are the same as those of all living things on Earth. When the sun rises, it shines brightly. Its shine intensifies as noon approaches. When the moon comes out at night, it is as pure as a young maiden. It gets brighter and clearer on the 1 5th and 1 6th days of the lunar calendar. The life cycle ofthe Heavenly Sterns has to be read in conjunction with Earthly Branches. It can forecast what will happen when the Heavenly Sterns meet the Earthly Branches. The ever-changing events on Earth are the results ofthe lives and deaths arising from the combinations ofthe Heavenly Stems, the Earthly Branches and the Cycles of Birth and Destruction ofthe Five Elements.
1 2 Life Stages: Sequence and Significance
� � -� ; . -1-1
1 . Birth
e Wb
�-----m' y a ve s
�--:
-�
-
.-. � -----.
r----
'
2 . Bath
1 3.
'
:.
'1> •
•
!
I r
14. r
I
Attire
-----�---�
c ml·n - f.g g O A e o
k s 5 . Pro perity Pea -
lr
n g g 6. A ei
I
i .--�-:-.�\-. I
Newborn baby is bathed to remove impurities
Growing child develops a proper image
Growing child reaches adulthood
-r- -
I
"U ' � � . rl:J i
�
�
Adult re ches the peak of his life When something reaches its p i nnac le, i t goes
downh i l l thereafter -; -�------------� . ----------�------�-- --- -�-------�:--n After ag e ing C ome s s ic k e ss it app e n s w h e n the 7 SiCk ess body is weak
8. Death
9. Grave s O. Repo e
1 2 . Nurture
t �
After sickness, death is inevitable �-
--- -----I ---
Burial site of the dead
Waiting for a new lease of life after death
Development in the womb, waiting to be reborn
Appl i cation of the L ife Cycle C h a rt
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H4 T
H7
Self
H3 �
EI Sickness
H2 z:.
....
�'"
�
�� �
/ ��>-� E4 9P
Comingof-Age
E12*
El l JX
Death
Grave
This chart demonstrates the relative strength of Self H2 against the Earthly Branches. For example, the strength of H2 against E4 is stronger compared to E 1 2, E l l and E 1 .
Determining the Strength The Five Phases are said to undergo 1 2 Life Stages over 1 2 months. The following shows the strength of Self born in the 1 2 Life Stages. Statu s of a Meta l , Water, Wood, F i re or Earth Person D u ri n g the Life Cycle
Born in Stage 4 5 1
Coming-of-Age Prosperity Peak Birth
Born in Stage 6 9
Ageing Grave
Born in Stage 2 3 7 8 10 11 12
Bath Attire Sickness Death Repose Conception Nurture
-
Strong
Average
Weak
1 2 EARTHLY BRANCHES The Earthly Branches show the pattern of movement of Earth Qi. According to the Chinese
horoscope, a person is represented by a particular animal symbol already predetermined at birth. Each animal represents a year, and has an element attached to it. For example, Year 2(0) is ruled by Snake (E6).
Animal Signs
Elements
Rat
Yang Water
Tiger
Yang Wood
Rabbit
Yin Wood
Ox
-- If B
-----I---
-;;--
I¥ --==-----c::--
--
W �
---r
E7 E8
*
--
�--E9
EIO
----Snake
Horse
El2
�
Yin Fire --_+_--� ----Yang Fire
-------+Ram Yin
--'-
Monkey
I
Earth
Yang Metal
----,------------
Yin Metal Rooster : ---- -t- -----Yang Earth Dog ; ----P ig Yin Water
--------l. -- ----- �--
Ell
Yang Earth
Dragon
-+__0___--_-+-----
_ _ _
Yin Earth
----rl-
The 12 Earthly Branches can be divided into Yin and Yang. Thus E2 Ox, E4 Rabbit, E6 Snake, E8 Ram, E l O Rooster and E l 2 Pig belong to the Yin gender. E I Rat, E3 Tiger, E5 Dragon, E7 Horse, E9 Monkey and E l l Dog belong to the Yang gender .
Yang Gender
E2 E4 E6
'0
A ... t)
E8 EIO El2
f
Y
9
EI E3 ES
�
�
�
E7 E9 Ell
� • "
THE 1 2 EARTHLY B RAN C H ES I N T H E DIVISION OF MONTHS AN D SEASONS
Earthly Branch E3 Jir E4 gp E5 �
E6 B £7 Lf
E8 E9 EIO Ell E12 El E2
*=
$
1m ,IX � r .R
Season
Lunar Month 1 st 2nd 3rd 4th 5 th 6th 7th 8th 9th 1 0th l I th 1 2th
Spring (Wood) Summer (Fire) Autumn (Metal) Winter (Water)
The 1 2 Earthly Branches also form the various seasons in a year. As nature on Earth changes according to the four seasons, the life cycle ofthe elements also changes with this natural cycle.
o
:> o
o - . •
• • 0
Co
The Four Major Seasons
The dotted lines in the ring mark out the four maj or seasons.
Distribution of Earth Element i n Each Season Seasons
lst Month
2nd Month
3rd Month
Spring
E3 + Wood
E4 - Wood
E5 + Earth
Summer
E6 - Fire
E7 + Fire
E8 - Earth
E9 + Metal
E I O - Metal
E l l + Earth
E 12 - Water
E l + Water
E2 - Earth
Autumn winter
I
The third and last month of each season is ruled by the Earth element, which is particularly strong in that month. Since Earth is considered a neutral element, its presence and influence will prevail throughout the year.
Seasonal Cyc le of the F ive Elements
S eason
Prosper Iff
spBaj.
Wood
Fire
Earth
Metal
S�lIlDler
F ire
Earth
Metal
Wat
Metal
Water
Wood
F ire
arth
Water
Wood
Fire
Earth
Metal
Earth
Metal
Water
Wood
Fire
Water ood
..
Aata_ wmtet· ·
AD·S�sO.
Before we can put the Five Elements into operation to predict destiny, there is one vital factor which readers should be familiar with. As mentioned, we need to understand the seasonal aspect of the Five Elements. As nature on Earth changes according to the four seasons, the prosperity and strength of these basic elements also change with this natural cycle. A phase is timely when it is in its season ofpredominance. According to the Hsia Calendar by Vincent Koh, the first day of spring is the first day of the year and usually falls on 4 or 5 February on the Western Calendar. The last day of Winter, when Earth completes its cycle, is the last day of the year. During the months of E3 and E4 in spring, the Wood clement, which signifies growth, is most prosperous. Most plants thrive during this season. The months of E6 and E7 in summer are associated with the Fire element and are deemed to be the period of growth. During the months ofE9 and E l O in autumn, when leaves start dropping, the Metal element thrives. Metal conquers Wood and, as a result, Wood is weakened during this stage. In the winter months of E 1 2 and E 1 , with ice and snow everywhere, the Water element is regarded as the strongest element during this period. Earth is a special case. It is a transitional phase. Take note that the Earth phase separates each of the other phase elements. This is because the Qi represented by Fire, Metal, Water and Wood returns to Earth before transforming into another phase.
1 2 EARTHLY BRANCHES IN THE DIVISION OF H OU RS 1 100 hrs
to
1300 hrs
2300 hrs to 0100 hrs Besides the year, month and day, the Hsia Calendar also expresses the 24 hours of the day in terms of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Each Earthly Branch represents two
hours, making a total of 24 hours a day.
D istribution of H o u r in the Earthly Bra n c h
Earthly Branches
E1
-T
Rat
+
E2
31
Ox
- Earth
E3
j[
Tiger
E4
9P
E5
Water
2300 - 0100 0100 - 0300
Wood
0300 - 0500
Rabbit
- Wood
0500 - 0700
*
Dragon
+
Earth
0700 - 0900
E6
B
Snake
- Fire
- 1100
E7
Lf
Horse
+
Fire
1100 - 1300
E8
*
Ram
- Earth
1300 - 1500
E9
$
Monkey
+
Metal
1500 - 1700
E10
1m
Rooster
- Metal
1700 - 1900
Ell
IX
Dog
Earth
1900 - 2100
E12
�
Pig
- Water
2100 - 2300
+
+
COMBINATIONS AN D CLASH ES Combinations between Earthly Branches also require certain prerequisites. For the Earthly
combinations to be effective, the resultant element must be present in any ofthe Heavenly In the absence ofthis condition, a combination would not materialise, but the intention to
remains.
Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches by Season (Seasonal Combination) � �
By
E3
jf
TIger E6 B Snake E9 $ Monkey E12 �
Pig
+
E 4 YP
+
E7
Rabbit
q::
Horse
+
ElO W
+
E l -:f
Rooster
Rat
+
Spring
E5 *
Wood
Dragon
+
=
+
Ell
+
E2
Dog
---,
Season
tX;
Summer
Fire
Autumn Metal
=
Ox
Winter Water
Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches by Element = ft By Element
E9 $ Monkey E12 � Pig E6 B Snake E3 I
jf
TIger
+
E l -:f
+
E 4 YP
+
ElO W
+
E7
Rat
Rabbit
Rooster
q::
Horse
+
Water
E 5 )& Dragon
+
=
+
E2 11
+
E ll
=
Wood
Metal
Ox
tX;
=
Fire
Dog
A full combination involving three Earthly Branches is referred to as a "full" frame. A partial combination involving two Earthly Branches is considered a "partial" frame. For a partial
combination to be most effective, the key players, E 1 , E4, E7 and E l 0, must be present.
Six Combinations of the Earthly Branches
+
+
E3 Jr
+
E4 9P
+
E5 �
+
E6 B
+
El
Rat
=
E12 "*
=
Ox
Tiger
Pig
E11 tl.
Rabbit
EIO W
=
Rooster
Snake
Wood
Metal
E9 lf1
Water
E8 *
Fire
Monkey +
Earth
Fire
Dog
Dragon
E7 q:.
E2 li
/\ f;
Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches
/\
flP
...
II>
E7 q:.
E2 li
...
II>
E8 *
E3 Jr
...
II>
E9 lfI
E4 9J1
...
II>
E5 �
...
II>
E11 tl.
E6 B
...
II>
E12 "*
El
Rat
+
Ox
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake
Horse
Ram
Monkey
EIO W
Rooster Dog
Pig
Three Persecuting Clashes of the Earthly Branches �.
E3 jiI Tiger
E6 B Snake
E9
tit
Monkey
\III
...
\III
...
..
...
E3 jiI
E6 B
Tiger
Snake
fflJ
E6 B Snake
E9
tit
Monkey
Half clash
E3 jiI Tiger
E9
Full clash
E l l IX
E2 .R Ox
Dog
E l l IX Dog
...
...
E2 .R E8 *Ox Ram
El -=f Rat
E l l lX
I
E2 .R Ox
DO�
Ingratitude Clash 7G .II Z
JtlJ
Full clash
E4 gp Rabbit
* *****************************************
E5 � Dragon E7 t:p Horse
E5 Dragon
Self Persecuting Clash
§ JtlJ
E7 t:p Horse
EIO W Rooster
EIO W Rooster
E 12 � Pig
E 12 � Pig
Conflicting Clashes in the Earthly Branches
lH �
ElT
Rat
AlII
...
ES *
Ram
E 2 1l
Ox
lflii
...
E 7 If
Horse
E3�
Tiger
AlII
...
E6 B
Snake
4 911
Rabbit
AlII
...
E 5 JOC
Dragon
9 Jtl
Monkey
AlII
...
E 1 2 *"
Pig
lO W
Rooster
AlII
...
E l l JX
Dog
�mple: ---
jI}Rat (E 1
T) and Ox (E2 31) are good friends. Ox and Ram (E8 *) are enemies. On the arrival ofRam, Ox leaves Rat.
r
Combine
E l
1r
Clash
E8
E2
...
Clash
1
...
Related Clashes in the Earthly B ranches
lH �
ElT
Rat
AlII
...
E IO W
Rooster
E3 �
Tiger
AlII
...
E 12 *-
Pig
E 2 1l
Ox
AlII
...
E 5 JOC
Dragon
E 4 911
Rabbit
AlII
...
E 7 If
Horse
E6B
Snake
AlII
...
E 9 Jtl
Monkey
E S*
Ram
AlII
...
E l l JX
Dog
H I ERARCHY OF COMBINATIONS & CLASHES OF THE EARTHLY BRANCHES At first sight, there seems to be many clashes and combinations. In reality, things are that complicated. As a rule, combinations take precedence over clashes and major princip
will override minor ones. These principles have been listed below, in descending with the major ones on top and minor ones below.
Examples 1 . :::.::. �
2.
I
-
it
Seasonal Combination Three Combinations
3. � jflJ
Three Persecuting Clashes
4. j'�ltft
Six Clashes
s.
-*:::.::. it Half Combination
E 4 9fJ
ES 1&
TIger
Rabbit
Dragon
E3 Jr E9 JtI
El .y
ES 1&
Monkey
Rat
Dragon
E3 Jr
E6 B
E9 JtI
Tiger
Snake Monkey
El .y
E 7 Lf
Rat
Horse
El .y
E9 JtI Monkey
6 . F=I jflJ
Self Persecuting Clash
7. /\it
Six Combinations
8. :fH � 9 . :fHiP!
Conflicted Clashes Related Clashes
Rat
El .y ES 1& Rat
Dragon
E7 Lf
E7 Lf
Horse
Horse
El .y
E2 31
Rat
Ox
El .y
E8 *
Rat
Ram
El .y
EI0 ]I
Rat
0
Seasonal Combi nation
Hour
Day
Month
Yea r
x
X
X
X
E 5 IN
E4 gp
E3 j[
E10 W
+ Earth
t
- Wood
!
+Wood
Seasonal Combination Wood frame
- Metal
j Six Clashes
+ For Seasonal Combinations, the sequence or placement ofthe Earthly Branches involved does not play a crucial role in determining the success of the combinations. + E 3 , E 4 and E 5 comb i n e to form a Wood frame b y the pri n c ip l e o f S e asonal Combination. Due to the combination, the season of Wood thus becomes stronger. + In accordance with the principle of Six Clashes, E l 0 clashes with E4. Since E4 has been absorbed into the Wood frame, the clash ofE l O is thwarted and has no effect on E4.
Three Combinati ons
Hour
Day
Month
X
Self
X
H9 Water
+
E4 gp - Wood
EI +
Ingratitude Clash
X
Season
E9 1¥
Water
Yea r
+
X
Metal
Half Combination (Water)
+ By the theory of the Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches by Element, E9, E 1 and E5 combine into a resultant element of Water. Since E5 is not present here, E l and E9 form a partial combination of Water. In this case, E 1 is the key player of this combination. + Combinations between Earthly Branches also require certain prerequisites. For an Earthly Branch Combination to be successful, the resultant element must be present in any of the Heavenly Stems. + By the theory of Ingratitude Clash between El and E4, the clash is not valid because the former take precedence as dictated by the hierarchy of combinations and clashes.
�ample:
�
Th ree Persecuting C l ashes
Hour
Day
M onth
Yea r
x
X
X
X
E6 B - Fire
4�
El
+
Water
t
Season E9 $ +
Metal
4� Half Combination by Element
E3 9r
+
Wood .4�
"
Three Persecuting Clashes
.. In accordance with the Three Combinations ofthe Earthly Branches, E9, E l and E5 combine to form a resultant element of Water. But in this case, E5 is not present.
.. E9 and E 1 form a partial combination of Water essence. Meanwhile, E9, E3, and E6 meet to form Three Persecuting Clashes, which is the most severe of all clashes. We regard such configurations as "punishment or torture". .. According to the hierarchy ofcombinations and clashes, the three Persecuting Clashes override the HalfCombination ofE9 and E 1 .
Six C l ashes
Hour
Day
Month
Yea r
x
x
x
x
E 7 lf
El T
x
E9 $
+ Fire
+Water
Six Clashes
t
+
Half Combination
Metal
t
+ There is only one prerequisite for clashes, that is, the pair of contributing stems must be next to each other to be effective. Otherwise the clash is deemed unsuccessfuL According to the Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches by Element, E9, E l and E5 combine to form Water. S ince E5 is not present, E l and E9 only form a partial combination. + According to the Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches, E l also clashes with E7. By the hierarchy of combinations and clashes, a conflict between E7 and E l will deter the intended Half Combination betweenE l and E9. + In this scenario, we only take into consideration the clash between E l and E7.
Half Combination Hour
Day
Month
Year
X
Self H7 �
X
X
+ Metal
X
E9 $
Season E8 *
+ Metal
- Earth
r
EI -=f + Water
Conflicted Clash
Half Combination + In accordance with the theory ofConfiicting Clashes in the Earthly Branches, E 1 clashes with
E8. As compared to the Three Persecuting Clashes, such a clash is considered a minor clash.
+ By the principle of Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches, E l , E5 and E9 form a
resultant substance ofWater.
+ In the absence ofE5, E 1 together with E9 are considered to have formed a partial combination.
The prerequisites for a partial combination to be successful is that the key player is the essence ofthe combination. In this case, the key player is E 1 .
+ By the hierarchy of combinations and clashes, the intended conflict between E 8 and E 1
cannot materialise. Since E8 does not clash with E 1 , E8 in return supports E9 and, E9 supports E 1 .
•
li:::
••
• •
Six Combinations
Hour
Day
Month
Year
x
x
x
x
x
E7 Cf
E2 li
+ Fire
-
Earth
El -"f-
+ Water
y
Six Combinations
Six Clashes + According to the rules ofSix Combinations, E 1 intends to combine with E2 to form the Earth element. For the Six Combinations to be successful, the two Earthly Branches involved must
reside next to each other.
+ By the theory of Six Clashes, E 1 clashes with E7. Clashes are more severe when they are near to each other. Apparently, the clash between E l and E7 is being blocked by E2. For the clash to be effective, the two Earthly Branches involved must reside next to each other, and if there is an Earthly Branch hindering the clash, the clash is ineffective.
+ According to the hierarchy ofcombinations and clashes, combinations take precedence over clashes, thus the clash between E7 and E l is no longer effective.
HI D DEN HEAVEN LY STEMS I N EARTHLY BRANCHES H3 W + Fire
H5 IX: + Earth
H2 z:. - Wood
H5 IX: + Earth
HIO � - Water
H7 JJt + Metal
+
H3 -113 Fire
H5 IX: + Earth
Horse
H4 - Fire
H6 B - Earth
E8 * Ram
H2 z:. - Wood
H6 B - Earth
H4 - Fire
E9 $
H5 IX: + Earth
H7 JJt + Metal
H9 + Water
E IO W
Rooster
H8 $ - Metal
Ell Et Do g
H8 $ - Metal
H4 T - Fire
H5 IX: + Earth
E12 � Pig
H9 ::f + Water
H l lfI + Wood
El r Rat
HlO � - Water
E2 .R Ox
H6 B - Earth
E3 �
Tiger E4 9P
Rabbit E5 �
Dragon E6 B
Snake E7 4=-
Monkey
H l lfI + Wood H2 z:. - Wood
H8 - Metal
HlO � - Water
.;\ cr
c-
24 S U B-S EASONS (J ie Qi) ..::. -t- l!9 -;t �
E3
Spring
Spring Begins Germination Hibernation Spring Equinox Qing Ming Spring Showers
;� m fi. %
E6
Summer Begins Grain Buds
iL Jl IJ\ m
E7
Summer Harvest Summer Solstice Mild Summer Blazing Summer
t� Jl �
fi.
E4
2
E5
3
Summer
4
B
5
6
Autumn
*
E8 i
E9
7
i
tic
8
9
Winter
!
10
*
E12
/f
1
Et
12
E2
1
Autumn Begins Limited Heat White Dew Autumn Equinox Cold Dew Frost Winter Begins Mild Snow Heavy Snow Winter Solstice Slight Cold Severe Cold
fi. NIT ;k
� ��
:?t NIT
i
i
!
IJ\ !I -}:;. iL tIc 9� !I a lii tic % iii m'� iL /f IJ\ -}:;. �� IJ\ 11£
-}:;' 11£
!
!
•
•
Feb 4, 5 Feb 18, 19 Mar 5, 6 Mar 20, 2 1 Apr 4, 5 Apr 20, 21 May 5, 6 May 21, 22
5, 6 I Jun Jun •
2 1 , 22
•
July 7, 8 July 22, 23
I
Aug 7, 8 Aug 23, 24 Sept 7, 8 Sept 23, 24 Oct 8, 9 Oct 23, 24
•
!
i
i
Nov 7, 8 Nov 22, 23 Dec 7, 8 Dec 21, 22 Jan 5, 6 Jan 20, 21
There are 2 4 seasonal points in a year. Twelve of these mark the beginning of the 1 2 Sol months and they are called Jie (11). The other 1 2 are found in the mid months and th<; are called Qi (�). The Lunar year begins on the day called Spring Begins (.:lz:..¥'f). usually falls on 4 or 5 February .
•
S EASON O F BIRTH
l!9
at /\. -;t
The table below lists down the various Seasons of Birth and their corresponding Hidden HS as well as the significance. Life Cycle of H i dden H eavenly Stems in the Earth ly Bra n ches
Hidden Heavenly Stems Spring
E3 lii
1i
E4 9P
E5
Summer
E6 B
J[
E7
ES *
H5 JJt + Earth H3 p;j + Fire H l l¥ + Wood H l l¥ + Wood H2 Z - Wood H2 Z - Wood HIO � - Water H5 JJt + Earth H5 JJt + Earth H7 + Metal H4 T - Fire H6 B - Earth H4 T - Fire H4 T - Fire H2 Z - Wood
5 Days
The first 5 days of the start of Spring, +Earth (HS) dominates
10 Days
During the next 1 0 days, a burst of +Fire (H3) is experienced
15 Days
For the next 1 5 days, +Wood (H 1 ) starts t o grow
15 Days
The first 1 5 days of Awakening is dominated by +Wood ( H I )
15 Days
The I S days of Spring Equinox is dominated by -Wood (H2)
7 Days
The first 7 days of Qing Ming see -Wood (H2) prospering
S Days
Over the next 8 days, -Water (HI O) rules, turning into a Water Pot Storage
15 Days
The remaining 1 5 days see +Earth (HS) dominating
5 Days
+Earth (HS) dominates the first 5 days of Summer
10 Days
For the next 1 0 days +Metal (H7) experiences growth
15 Days
During the next 1 5 days, -Fire (H4) prospers
15 Days
-Earth (H6) prospers during the first 1 5 days of the Summer Harvest
15 Days
-Fire (H4) prospers during the next 1 5 days of the Summer Solstice
7 Days
For 7 days, starting of Mild Summer, -Fire (H4) experiences growth
S Days
next dominates, formmg a Wood Pot
H6 B - Earth
15 Days
The last 15 days of Blazing Summer are dominated by -Earth (H6)
•
��<
,y'\
Autumn
fk
E9 Ffl
HS m + Earth H9
Winter
E12 �
�
El E2 .R
At the beginning of Autumn, +Earth (H5) dominates for 5 days.
• 10 Days
Over the subsequent 1 0 days, +Water ( H9) experiences a growth spurt
15 Days
The remaining 1 5 days of Fading Summer see +Metal ( H 7) dominating
1 5 Days
E I0 1I
Ell IX
5 Days
+ Metal H8 - Metal H8 - Metal H3 f,Rj + Fire HS m + Earth H l lfl + Wood H9 3: + Water H9 3: + Water H I O 3% - Water H8 - Metal H6 B - Earth
days of Harvest are entirely +Metal (H7)
15 Days
The next 1 5 days of Autumn Equinox are entirely dominated by -Metal (HS)
7 Days
-Metal (HS) experiences a growth spurt during the first 7 days of hibernation
S Days
During the subsequent S days, +Fire (H3 rules, resulting in a Fire Pot storage
15 Days
The 1 5 days of approaching Winter see +Earth (H5) dominating
1 5 Days
The 1 5 days of the Dawn of Winter are dominated by +Wood ( H I )
15
remaining 1 5 days o f Mild Winter ominated by +Water (H9)
30 Days
+Water (H9) continues to dominate throughout the Winter Solstice
7 Days
-Water ( H I O) experiences 7 days of growth spurt during the Thawing Snow
S Days
-Metal (HS) dominates the next S days, resulting in a Metal Pot storage
1 5 Days
-Earth (H6) takes 1 5 days to experience a growth spurt
"" ..
�r.. j',
�ilkl!
Take Note!
This chart is only applicable to the Season of Birth, which is the Month Branch.
Hidden H eavenly Stems in Relation to t h e Month and Season
The chart on pages 77 and 78 is applied in relation to the Season of B irth. Based on the average of 30 days in a month, the Hidden Elements within the Earthly Branches rule for a specific number of days as shown.
lE;pmple:
�Aperson is born in the month of E8, which is in Late Summer, when Earth prospers. By referring to the table on the Season of Birth, the three elements ofE8 are: Fire H4, followed by Wood H2 and Earth H6, the main element of Earth E8.
From the chart, by referring to the Season of B irth E8, the first seven days of the month are ruled by F ire H4, followed by Wood H2 from the eighth to the 1 5th days. Finally Earth H6, the main element of E8, will take over from the 1 6th day to the last day.
H4 T -Fire
H2 Z -Wood
H6 B -Earth
7 Days
S Days
15 Days
So, if a Wood H I person is born on the 1 1 th day of the month of E8, Wood H2 carries subsides after the first seven weight while Fire carried over from Mid Summer season days. In this case, if Wood appears on the stem, H2, the sub-element of E8, will be the root and we deduce that Wood on the stem has support from the root H2.
Hour
Day
Month
Year
X
Self H I '¥ +Wood
X
X
Heavenly Stem
X
Earthly Branch
Season
X
X
E8 * - Earth
H4 T
- Fire
(7 Days)
Sub-element
H2 G
- Wood (8 Days)
Sub-element
H6 B
- Earth (lS Days)
Main element of E8 *
.� ""
I South j
YEAR OF THE G RA N D D U KE ( k 9 )
Grand Duke refers to the ruling year. Many people are fearful of the Grand Duke and believe that it will be disastrous if they are in conflict with it. This is not always true.
�
�*mple:
1 996 (H3-E 1 ) is the Year of the Rat. According to the Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches, . Horse E7 is in conflict with Rat E 1 . Those born in the Year of Horse are said to be in . I conflict with the Grand Duke in 1 996 and it is believed that this will bring bad luck.
However, this is not totally correct. In destiny analysis, we must look at an individual's Four Pillars and not just one aspect of it. In this case, analysis is done based on the Year Pillar alone and this is insufficient.
:�mple: Hour H3 W +Fire
E5 JOC
+ Earth
Day
Self
H5 Jj;
+Earth
E7 lf +Fire
Month
Year
H9
H3 Vi
+Water
Season
E5 JOC
+Earth
+Fire
E7 lf +Fire
This is a Yang Earth H5 person born in the month of E5 when Earth is in season. There is another Earth E5 on the Hour Branch and four additional Fire to strengthen the Earth. As a result, this is a strong Earth person. Strong Earth should avoid Fire and additional Earth.
Since there is a surplus of Fire and Earth elements in this destiny, Water is being weakened. Fortunately, Metal gives birth to Water and thus contributes to the continuity of the Water supply. Therefore, Water and Metal will be his favourable elements. In 1 996, which is the Year of Rat E l , the Grand Duke clashes with E7 on the Year Branch. In this case, Water E l is also his favourable element. Water is good for releasing the strong Earth energy in this set of Four Pillars. Moreover, by the Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches, E l forms a Half Combination with E5, resulting in a transformation of the Water element. You may also notice that by the Six Clashes theory, E 1 clashes out E7, his unfavourable element which, in the end, turns out to be in his favour. [t is clear that being in conflict with the Grand Duke is not necessarily bad.
YR
pg El ::r t
H3
conflict
D U +
SYM BOLIC STARS # �
Names of good and bad stars are only terminology used by destiny analysts to illustra the importance of and implications arising from the different combinations in the FOI
Pillars of Destiny. They are not related to any spirit.
There are countless such terms used. Illustrated below are some of the more important ar reliable stars commonly used in destiny analysis.
E7 q� E3 � , E5 Jti{
E4 gp
E7 q:
E7 q:
E6 S
E3 �
EIO W
E6 S, E8 :*:
E7 q:
E8 :*:
E9 $
E7 q:
E6 S
E5 Jti{
ElO W
E6 S, E8 :*:
E7 q:
E12 *
EIO W
E9 $
E9 $ , E l l EX;
EIO W
E l -T
E12 �
E9 $
ru z H3 W
E l 2 *' E I O
H4 T
E l 2 *, E l O W
H5 Jt
E2 31,
E8 :*:
H6 0
E l -T,
E9 $
H7 �
E2 .R,
E8 :*:
H8 *
E7 q:,
E3 �
H9 x
E6 S,
E4 9P
�-T
Hl0 �
E6 S,
E4 9P
E4
i
E3 �
gp
E I 2 �, E2 li
le
l -T
I
E5 Jti{ E l l Et
i
ElO W E l -T E9 $
These Stars will also be activated when they appear in the Luck Pillar or Year Pillar. this category, the key character is the Day Stem.
\E�mple:
'�Aperson with Day Stem H I and E6 on any of his Earthly Branches will have an Acader: Star. Alternatively, a H3 person will meet a Nobleman Star in the years E l O and E 1 2 .
. •
1 '.'.'. ..
',·. :
Interpretation
1. Nobleman Star �Z:JtA
A person with this star is intelligent. He is able to turn an adverse situation into a favourable one and gets a lot of assistance from the people around him.
2. Academic Star )( �
A person with this star is intelligent. He will enjoy tremendous achievements in his academic studies and will be able to turn an adverse situation into a favourable one.
3.
Sword Star .$ JJ
This is a strong-willed person who helps the weak and fights the powerful.
4. Prosperity Star +::P;f:J
A person with this star has a strong will too.
5. Peach Blossom Star h�1!t
This person enjoys good social status. He is attractive, sexy, seductive and exhibits strong sexual desires.
•
�i
.. . • .• ...
In this chart, the key element can be either the Day or the Year Branch.
E5 }]X
E3
Ji[
Ji[
E2 .R
E I O "@
E2
E12
E3
E7 q::
E l l .t\(;
E9
E4 �P
E4 !lP
E8 *
E6 B
E9
E 5 }]X
EI
r
E5 }]X
E3
E6 B
E2 .R
E12
E l l .t\(;
E9
E4 !lP
E8 *
E6 B
EI
E 5 }]X
E3
E I O "@
E l O "@
E2
E12
E l l .t\(;
E7
E l l .t\(;
E9
E8 *
E6 B
E6 E7
q::
E8 * E9
$
�
E12
q::
E7
q::
E 4 !lP
El2
E6 B E3
$
E12
ti.
E3
$ Ji[
ti.
$
$
E9
ti.
$
E9
E4 !lP
Ji[
El E l O "@
$
E7
E6 B E3
E9
ti.
$
Ji[
EI
r
ElO
$
E7
E6 E3
q::
E4 �P
E 1 2 ti.
Ji[
El2
E7 q::
$
E 1 2 ti.
E6 B E3
ElO
E6 E3
Ji[
El2 E9
E9
ti.
q::
E4 !lP
Ji[
\E �mple:
,�jfthe Day or Year Branch is EI and there is an E3 on the Hour Branch, it implies there i a Travelling Horse Star on the Hour Pillar.
· Hour I I
X
I
· ·
E3 Jir I
I
I
I
•
Day . Month Year X X
Travelling Horse
•
I I
X X
Meet
X
l EI
...--J
!
Hour X
Day Month Year X
X
El r
E3 Jir
4. Meet .-J
X
---
----
Travellin: Horse
Interpretation 1 . General Star
ltf�
A person with this star is courageous and will have wealth and authority. There is a possibility of a good political career. 2. Star of Arts
$iM.
Star of Arts implies intelligence, but this person might be a loner, a monk or a hermit. It also indicates an inclination to be an artist or philosopher.
3.
Travelling Horse Star � Q,
The Travelling Horse is a good star. It could mean overseas working stints, travel and migration. However, when in confrontation with another good star, it would destroy the other star's good influence. I f it enc ounters a bad star, it would aggravate the damage.
4.
Robbing Star ��
The presence of a Robbing Star implies that this person is sharp and smart if the Robbing Star is a favourable star. However, if it is unfavourable, it implies being robbed (though not necessarily literally).
5.
Death Star t:MJ
A person with this star displays courage and ability in planning. However, when it becomes an unfavourable star, it implies lawsuit and misfortune to one's spouse. 6. Flower of Romance m:m
If this star appears on the Year or Month Branch, it is regarded as "Internal Romance" I*J :fjEft:, indicating a loving relationship between husband and wife. If it appears in the Hour or Day Branch, it is known as "External Romance" )1r:fjE:f.t; , indicating extra marital affairs.
Activating You r Flower of Ronlance
Every house has a sector where the Flower of Romance lies. The Flower of Romance Ii· in the following directions in the house: + North (E I -=f) + South (E7 q:) + East (E4 gP) + West (EI O W) We can identify our Flower of Romance from our year of birth.
Location of Flower of Romance
Year of Birth E I -=f Rat
E5 � Dragon
E9 $ Monkey
West E I O W
E2 31 Ox
E6 B Snake
E l O W Rooster
South E7 q:
E3 jf Tiger
E7 q: Horse
E l l BG Dog
East
E4 gp Rabbit
E8 *= Ram
E l 2 � Pig
North E I -=f
\E �mple:
E4 glJ
'�ifyou are born in the Year of Rooster, the favourable direction for activating your Flow of Romance is in the south.
Heavenlv Virtue Star �
X� and�l o n t h lv Virtue Star J1 � .
�
These are fortunate stars. A person with a Heavenly Virtue Star will meet benefactors who come to his help when he is in danger. In this chart, the key character is the Month Branch.
E I -=f
E6
H9 -:f
E2 11
H7 �
H7 �
E3
H4 T
H3 pg
$
H l lfl
E9 E5 J&:
H9 -:f
H9 -
E6
H8 ::'F
H7 �
E7 Cf
E12 *
H3 W
E8 *
H l lfl
H l lfl
HIO
H 9 -:f
EIO W
E3 W
H7
E l l JX
H3 pg
H3 pg
E12 *
H2 z:,
H l lfl
E9
Ej3
/ ,
��mple:
�ifa person is born in the month (season) ofE3 and H4 appears either on the Year, Month, Day or Hour Stem, he is said to have a Heavenly Virtue Star.
Solitary Star and Lonesome Star
A person with these stars look solemn and unfriendly. It may spell doom for his famil} members. Having a Solitary Star may bring misfortune to his parents whereas a Lonesome Star may bring misfortune to his spouse. In this chart, the key element is the Day or Year Branch. Day or Year Branch
E 1 2 -p;;
Solitary Star
fJIi �
E3
Jlr
EI T E2
Lonesome Star
�m
E l l £It E l l £It
E3
E l l £It
•
E6 B
E2 .R
E4 9P
E6 B
E2 .R
E5
E6
E2 .R
E6 B
E9
$
E5
Lf
E9
$
E5 �
E8 *
E9
$
E5 �
E3
E7
E9
$
E I 2 -p;;
ElO
E l 2 ¥.
E l l EX;
E I 2 ¥.
E8 *
\E�a mple: .. If you have an E I on your Day Branch and an E3 on your Month Branch, you are deemel to have a Solitary Star. ��
Three Extraordinary N oblemen
�
�jltA
There are altogether three categories of noblemen, namely: 1 . Heavenly Nobleman xx.=1t A 2. Earthly Nobleman :l:t!rf-=- 1tA 3 . Human Nobleman A r:p=1tA The arrangement of these stars must be present in the following order, starting from the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar as tabulated below:
Typ es
Hour
Heaven
X
Earth Human
I
i
Day
Month
Year
H I if'
H5 J.t
H7 �
X
H2 Z
H3 W
X
H9
HI0 �
I
I
H4 T H8 $
A person with any of the Three Extraordinary Noblemen is extremely intelligent, gifted in all areas, knowledgeable, learned and generous. He will have great achievements in life. No adverse forces can harm him. lfthe three HS are not in their respective positions and order, this star is deemed to be less effective.
UNVEIL
SO-YEAR CYCLE OF THE H EAVENLY STEMS A N D EART H LY B RAN C H ES /', -t 'P -r $<.
The combinations of Heavenly Sterns and Earthly Branches are based on the pattern ( movement ofQi in our natural surroundings. H I marks the beginning of Heaven Qi, whH E 1 is the beginning of Earth Qi. Together they form a repetitive and infinite cycle whic produces 60 different permutations that make up the flow of the Chinese calendar.
HI Ifl
EI
H3
El
HS
H7
EI
EI
H2 Z
E2
E2
H6
E2
H3 W
E3
HI
H4 T
E4
H8
E4
E4
H2
HS Lt
ES
E5
H9
E5
H6 a
E6
H7
E7
'-f
HI
E7
E7
T
E6
H3
B
H4
E7
�
E6
H9
B
HIO
E6
W
ES
H2
*
H3
E6
±
ES
H8
*
HI
Z
E4
H7
911
HIO
Ifl
E3
E4
Jjt
E3
H6
�
H7
E3
H9
�
E2
E3
.R
HIO
H5
a
E2
H8
�
H9
H4
Lt
EI
E8
E8
DC;
E7
H4
'-f
HS
H3
W
E9
E9
a
E8
H5
*
H6
$
H7 Jjt
E9
Jjt
Jl Jr
911
JOC B
'-f
W T
Dt a
*
Jl
Ifl H2 Z
-=f
Jl Jr
911
JOC B
'-f
�
±
Ifl
Z
W
-=f
Jl Jr
911
JOC B
'-f
H8 *
E8
HIO
E8
H9 ±
E9
HI
E9
HIO �
EIO
H2
EIO
H4
H6
EIO
HI Ifl
Ell
H2
E12
�
H6
El2
El2
±
Ell
H8
JX
H9
E12
Lt
Ell
H4
JX
HS
Ell
*
EIO
H7
l!!f
H8
El l
T
EIO
H3
l!!f
�
HIO
El2
Z
* tfJ
W IX; �
9? Ifl
Z
W
T
* $
a
* tfJ
W
IX;
�
T
Dt a
�
�
* tfJ
W
IX; �
The chart featured above represents all 60 possible combinations of the 1 0 Heavenly Sterr: and 1 2 Earthly Branches.
H EAVE N VOI D ?t i: Group
One
HI JP H2
EI fE2
HI
El l
JP
JX
HI JP
H2
El2
H3 W H4
II
Z
E3 Jir E4
H3
fo:
H5 rX; H6
E5 � E6
H5
H7 �
E7 Lf
Z
T
C.
.!1\1
EI
pg
f-
H4
E2
T
II E3
Jj(;
HI
E7
if!
Lf
HI JP
H2
E9 Jft EIO
H2
E8
Ell Et EI2
*
H2
H3 W H4
Z H3
E9
H5 rX;
EI fE2
T
W
H5
El l
E3 Jir E4
Z
T
Ii
fo:
II
B
H8
E6
9\l
E5 � E6
HIO
B
�
pg
$
H4
EIO
Jj(;
JX
H6
EI2
C.
fo:
H7
EI
�
f-
H8
E2
*
H9
:£
II E3
Z
H3 W H4
T
E5 � E6
B
Group
Six
HI JP H2
E3 Jir E4
Z
9\l
E5 � E6
B
H5 rX; H6
E9 Jft EIO
H6
E7 Lf E8
H7 � H8
Ell Et E12
H7 � H8
E9 Jft EIO
H9
EI
H9
Ell Et
C.
Ii
�
C.
'*
*
Ii
HIO
�
EU X
Et
Ell X
t
X
X
From the table above, we see that the 60-year Heaven Void Cycle is divided into six groupings: H I -E I , H I -E l l , H I -E9, H I -E7, H I -E5 and H I -E3 . Each group of Heavenly Stems begins with H I and ends with H lO. The last two Earthly Branches without the Heavenly Stems fall under the Heaven Void category.
Implications of Heaven Void
The Heaven Void acts like a catalyst. When an inauspicious star or situation meets tl Heaven Void, the situation may be reversed. Similarly, if an auspicious star like tl Academic Star meets the Heaven Void, then the good qualities of the benign star is taint( by the Heaven Void. It works both ways.
To check for Heaven Void (HV), look at the Year or Day P illar and check with the Earth Branch on the other pillars.
Hour
Day
H4 T - Fire
H9 :f + Water
E8 * - Earth
Self
E3
Month
Year
H4 T - Fire
H6 B - Earth
Season
+ Wood
E4 9P - Wood
(HV)
(HV)
E I O "@ - Metal
By looking at the Year Pillar H6-E l O, Heaven Void falls on E3 and E4. Therefore, tI Heaven Void is located on the Month and Day Pillars as shown.
By looking at the Day P illar H9-E3 , Heaven Void falls on E5 and E6. Since E5 and E6 a not present on the Pillars, the Day Pillar does not generate any Heaven Void .
•
1 20 YEARS' BASIC COMPON ENTS TABLE Animal
Earthl�'
Signs
Branches
Rat Jl Ox
Tiger
911
Rabbit
�
Dragon
Water
Earth
Metal 1961
Water 1 973
Metal 1950
Water 1 962
Wood 1974
Wood 1915
Metal 195 1
Water 1963
fJI
P3
:E
Fire 1906
Earth 1918
Metal 1 930
Water 1942
Wood 1954
Metal . Earth 1908
Metal 1 920
Water 1 932
Wood 1944
Fire 1956
Earth 1909
Metal 1921
Water 1933
Wood 1945
�
:E
lfl
P3
Metal 191 1
Water 1923
Wood 1935
Fire 1947
Metal 1901
Water 1913
Wood 1925
Fire 1937
Wood
Water 1902
Wood 1914
Fire 1926
Earth 1938
Wood
Water 1903
Earth
B Snake
Fire
q::
Fire
*
Earth
Horse
Ram
If!
Monkey
W Rooster
IX;
2009
Fire 1 986
Earth 1998
Metal 2010
Wood 1975
Fire 1987
Earth 1999
Metal 201 1
Fire 1966
Earth 1978
Metal 1990
Water 2002
Wood 201 4
Earth 1968
Metal 1980
Water 1992
Wood 2004
Fire 2016
Earth 1969
Metal 1981
Water 1 993
Wood 2005
Fire 2017
Metal 1971
Water 1983
Wood 1995
Fire 2007
Earth 2019
Z
B Metal
Fire 1997
Dog
�
Pig
Water
Earth 1959
At birth, every individual is assigned an animal sign which Chinese Astrology calls Sheng Xiao (:':t � O. A�
\� mple:
J"If a
child is born in 1 972, he is a Water Rat (£.::f) .
• �<,�
CYCLIC I NTERACTION OF T H E FIVE ELEM ENTS The Beginning of the Energy Calendar
The beginning of the generating phase of the upper universal energy system is H I . 1 beginning of the phases of the lower universal energy system is E ] . Therefore the enel of H l -E l marks the beginning of the first year of the Yellow Emperor' s Calendar arOl 2698 BC.
The 2 4 Sub-Seasons
The names of the 24 periods within the four seasons in relation to the Western Calen. are shown on page 76. There are 1 2 months in a year and their length varies from yeaJ year. Each month is divided into two sub-periods and are referred to as the periods betw� climatic changes or changes in natural phenomena. The 24 sub-season periods are used ancient farmers in planning for the cultivation of their crops.
Utilisation of the 60 Cyclic Universal Energy Phases In ancient China, the 60 phases are used as follows: To mark the 1 2 bi-hourly division of energy in a day (i) (ii) To mark the days within different 60-day cycles (iii) To mark the 1 2 months in a year (iv) To mark years in different 60-year cycles (v) To know the daily energy variations
Within a 6O-year cycle, each year is assigned a name comprising the Heavenly Stem c the Earthly Branch. Each of these two components is used sequentially. The 60-year cy begins with HI -E1 and ends with H I O-E 1 2, thus completing one 60-year cycle. Toget: they create a repetitive and infinite cycle.
Eastern and Western Hemispheres
The original observations of these cyclic forces took place in China (Eastern Hemisphel The daily natural energy emitted was also determined there. Thus it is appropriate to 1 that geographical location as a standard for determining when these forces came into em If one agrees then the Western Hemisphere is about one day late.
Eastern Hemisphere (China)
3 April 2000: H8 * E4 g p 4 April 2000: H9 ± E5 ;&
Western Hemisphere (USA) 2 April 2000: H7 3 April 2000: H8
E3 E4 gp
YEARLY CYC LIC PHASES AND CORRESPON D I N G WESTERN TERMS Zodiac Signs
Western Calendar
Aquarius
2 1 Jan to 1 9 Feb
Pisces
20 Feb to 20 Mar
Aries
2 1 Mar to 20 Apr
Taurus
2 1 Apr to 2 1 May
Gemini
22 May to 2 1 Jun
Cancer
22 JUll to 22 Jul
Leo
23 Jul to 22 Aug
Virgo
23 Aug to 22 Sept
Libra
23 Sept to 23 Oct
Scorpio
24 Oct to 2 1 Nov
Sagittari us
22 Nov to 20 Dec
Capricorn
2 1 Dec to 20 Jan
DISC ERNING THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF LIFE F ROM THE FOU R PI LLARS OF DESTI NY Another aspect of destiny analysis is to interpret relationships in terms of elements. The SelfElement is represented by the Day Stem. The mother is represented by the element th; gives birth to Self. The father is symbolised by the element that is conquered by Self. The� relationships are the same for both men and women. However, the elements representing the spouse and child differ for men and women. For a rnaJ his wife is symbolised by the element that his Self conquers and his child is represented by tt element that destroys his Self. For a woman, the element that conquers her Self represents her husband while her child : represented by the element that her Self gives birth to. Elements also represent different aspects oflife. The element that the Self conquers symbolises person's wealth. The element which conquers Selfrepresents a person's power, status and fam. The element that the Selfgives birth to represents a person's intelligence and expressive abilit: The element which gives birth to Self represents a person's resource and support. The elemer same as Self symbolises colleagues, friends and competitors.
Relationships Between Self Element and Other Elements The element Conquered by Self
� 51 �
Aspects
Opposite
Same
of Life
Gender*
Gender**
Money
wealth
Direct
Unexpected
XE M
iIle M
Wealth
The element which
Power Status
Conquers Self
5l � �
The element which
Resource
Gives Birth to Self
1:. � �
I I
Support
The element which
Expressive
Self Gives Birth to
ability
� 1:. �
XE
Colleagues Friends
Same as Self
1liJ � �
wealth
Wife (for men)
Fighting Spirit
Husband (for women)
-t �
XE t:r.J
Offs pring (for men)
Mother
iIle t:r.J
Intelligence
Unconventionl intelligence
1% tr
(eg sixth sense)
Competitors
Friends
Competitors
Father
Indirect resource
Main resource
Intelligence
The element which is
rg
Authority
Fame
Relations
1;1J M
it :fi¥ !:t fFJ
Offspring (for women)
Sibling
* The SelfElement is Yin but the other element is Yang, or vice versa. * * The SelfElement and the other element are both Yin or both Yang. \E� mp le:
,�"'--" Let" us take a Yang Metal person as an example. Ifhe has a Wood element (the element conquered by his Self) in his Four Pillars, that represents his wealth, as can be seen in the first row of the table above. Ifthe Wood element in question is also Yang (same gender as his SelfElement), then he will enjoy unexpected wealth, like striking the lottery. If the Wood is Yin (opposite gender from his Self Element), he can expect to enjoy direct wealth, say by having a job that pays welL
H7
� Yang Metal
I
1
...
HI Ff3 Yang Wood
H2 Z, Yin Wood
=
Unexpected Wealth
{\i6 !i1t
=
Direct Wealth JI M
ELEMENTAL RELATIONSH IPS I N YOU R DESTINY For Men
in your Four
� ,
�
�lemen m your Four
Pillars
Metal
Sibling
Colleagues, Competition
Mother
Resource, Support, Authority
Wife, Father
Wealth, Money
I -l---= _ _
Wood
L
Pillars
Relations
Earth =--___
Elements
,'
Aspects of Life
Self Element: Metal
re_-,ss_ u_ ,_ P_ ow er_ -\--_OflSpring -"----"--·--_ -'""- ---i---'Statu_s�,P_r_e_ _
Fire
___
Intelligence, Expressive ability
Water
Self Element: Wood
Relations
As ects of Life
d_ ____ __--i-__ Sib W _o_o_ " -,",-__,--. Colleague, Competition _ _ling _ ce"s-'-o..;.;.ur_ , Support, Authority M . other__-'-.....;.R'-e" -+--=:. r te = -'-.:a.:..: w, ----". Earth Wife, Father Wealth, Money _ __ _ ___
Metal
----- ---+----
----�
Off�g .Jo.L·
Fire
Statusl Pressure, Power .l-- - ---. Intelligence, Expre-ssive ability--
�
�lernen m your Four
--����� -l---.:���6---1-��.'o':'��- L- -.:!=���--Intelligence, Expressive ability Wood
Pillars
{
Elements I in Your Four Pillars
�lernen m your Four
t
Pillars
.• i
'.. .·.
·
Self Element: Fire
Aspects of Life
Relations
Sibling Fire ----�-1 Mother Wood "--"'--
I I
Colleague, Competition
,
Wealth, Money
_ __
�source, Support, Authority
Metal
Wife, Father
Water Earth
-,-,e:.:;.. r O�tatus, Pressure, Po:...;.w
Earth e F_il1_ Water
--
Metal
__
Intelligence, Expressive ability
Relations
Aspects of Life
Sibling
Colleague, Competition
Resource, Support, Authori� Mother - ___ _ -I-Wife, Father Wealth, Money .--+-----�--�-------� � o� wure�,_ ta-tu er Press_ ,P_ S_-s� --g -_+-�·-� � � - Intelligence, -Expressive ability
___ _
Wood
I
._.__
-------
__
-
For Women
t
Elements inyour Four Pillars
I
Wood Fire Water
-l __
·----+1 .
Self Element: Wood
Elements in your Four Pillars
I
. Resource, Support, Authority Wealth, Money __ Status, Pressure, Power Intelligence, Expressive ability
Father Husband Offspring
_
Relations
Aspects of Life
· bling W _o_o_d______--t-_Si_ _ _-'K.._--+ Colleague, Competition _ water Mother Resource, Support, Authority I Earth 1 _ Father Wealth, Money _ . Husband Sta Metal ur_e.... , P_r_ es_s_ , P_ _tu__s,.. o_w _e_ _ f _-+-_ Fire Offspring Intelligence, Expressive ability
El�
_ _
Self Element: Water
Water
m your Four Pillars
Fire Wood
{
•
Fire Wood Metal Water Earth
Ele� m your Four Pillars
I
Sibling Mother Father Husband Offspring
�! I
Aspects of Life
Colleague, Competition .
Intelligence, Expressive ability
Self Element: Earth
Earth
__
Elements I _!:.!!.t��. L_���_-+����:!QQQ!1..�ll1t!!Q!!!Y in your I Four I Pillars L �� ��------�i--���-4�����--Metal Offspring Intelligence, Expressive ability _ _ _ _
�.
•.
Interpreting Elemental Relationships
Elemental relationships refer to relationships that are analysed in terms of the interaction amongst the Five Elements. They differ in their significance for men and women.
We may apply the Cycles ofBirth and Destruction to locate the various relationships betwee1 the Self Element and other aspects oflife.
Men
Let us look at a male subject born on a day when his Day Stem is represented by Wood. B: defmition he is a Wood person. The chart below shows the relationships for a Wood man.
....> .,
WATER II..... Mother Resource, Support, Authority _ _
Element which gives birth to Self
�
F1 Intelligence, Expressive ability Element that Self gives birth to
WOOD SELF
<,...-----,>
I
I
METAL Offspring Power, Status, Fame
Element which destroys Self
� � � ��!!
w er Money, Wealth
WOOD Siblings Friend, Competitor
Element conquered by Self
Women Let us now look at a woman who is a Wood person. We have to apply the Cycles of Birth and Destruction to derive the various relationships among the Self Element and other aspects of life.
The chart below shows the relationships for a Wood woman.
'-
WATER I
Mother
-...>
_ _
WOOD SELF
METAL Husband
Resource, Support, Authority
Power, Status, Fame
Element which gives birth to Self
Element which destroys Self
O
�
!!::'ing
Intelligence, Expressive ability Element that Self gives birth to
' � ��� ��
Money, Wealth
WOOD Sibling
Element conquered by Self
Friend, Competitor Element same as Self
Self
Offspring
Husband
Metal Woman
Water
Fire
Wood Woman
Fire
Metal
Water Woman
Wood
Earth
Fire Woman
Earth
Water
Earth Woman
Metal
Wood
I
I
REPRESE NTATIONS OF FAM I LY RE LATIONSHI PS AT VARIOUS STAG ES OF LIFE Stages of L i fe
Month
Hour Heavenly Stem
Heavenly Stem
Heavenly Stem
Heavenly Stem
Earthly Branch
Earthly Branch
Earthly Branch
Earthly Branch
Old Age
Middle Age
Youth
Childhood
Fa m i ly G ro u pi ngs
Month
Hour Heavenly Stem
Heavenly Stem
Earthly Branch
House of Spouse
Offspring
Self & Spouse
Earthly Branch
Heavenly Stem
Heavenly Stem
Season of Birth
Earthly B
Earthly Branch
Parents
Grandparents
G\
�
As a guideline, the Four Pillars represent a person's life cycle. For example, the Year Pillar wi reflect a person's life pattern from age 1 to I S, the Month Pillar represents age 1 6 to 30, the Da Pillar represents age 3 1 to 45 and the Hour Pillar represents age 46 to 60. We can also look int his relationships with his family members. The Year Pillar represents the grandparents, the Mont Pillar represents the parents, the Day Stem represents Selfwhilst the Day Branch represents tb spouse. Lastly, the Hour Pillar represents the children.
EVALUATI NG YOU R SELF ELEMENT B y the system o f destiny analysis, our moment o f birth i s our identity. I t marks the starting point of life. It provides each individual with a unique identity through which the composition of his fortune, destiny and future life pattern can be revealed by interpreting the strengths and weaknesses of the Five Elements as they interact with one another. As previously mentioned, the two most important factors that affect a set of Four Pillars are the Self Element at the Day Stem and the Season of Birth at the Month Branch. First we look at the weightage of the Self Element. Next, an essential aspect we need to consider is the seasonal strength of the element, as each element is believed to have a seasonal cycle from birth to death. The remaining seven elemental aspects are considered as the surroundings, friends or relatives. Determining the Strength of the Self Elenlent
Once you are able to calculate the strength of all the elements in the Four Pillars, you can determine the strength of the Self Element by clustering the other elements into two groupmgs: (i) Supporting elements are elements that will give birth to the Self Element or elements that are the same as the Self Element. (ii) Opposing or destructive elements are elements that conquer the Self Element, elements that the Self Element conquers and elements that the Self Element gives birth to. Too much of any element is not beneficial. A destiny which lacks the most favourable element is also undesirable. Favourable elements will bring balance and harmony. Elements which intensify the imbalance are considered unfavourable elements.
Self Elements and Their Supporting Elements Self Elements
Supporting Elements
H I EtJ , H2 "6
E3 Jr, E4 gp , E5 �, E8 *, E I 2 �
H3 p:g, H4 T H5 Dt , H6 B
E2 Jl, E3 Jr, E5 �, E6 S, E7
H7 ]Jt, H8 :$
E2 Jl, E6 S, E9 $ , E I O g[ , E l l rt
H9 t, H I 0 �
•
, E8 *, EI l rt
What Makes a Good Destiny?
A good set of destiny for both men and women should comply with the following conditions: (i)
balanced atmosphere The basic criterion for a good set of Four Pillars is that it must not be too " hot" or too "cold". + Those born in Summer should have Water to cool the strong heat. + Those born in Winter should have Fire to warm the cold and dampness. This is what we mean by a balanced atmosphere in our destiny.
A
(ii) A balance of the Five Elements W ithin the Four Pil lars, the Five E lements should harmonise with one another. None of the elements should be too strong or too weak. For example, a strong Wood is a threat to Earth. Similarly a strong Water is detrimental to a weak Fire.
A person whose Self Element is too strong or too weak will experience extreme good times or bad times in life. This is because his luck tends to depend upon the influence of the elements in the Luck Pillars, which change in a cyclical manner over time. A good set of destiny should have a Self Element that is relatively balanced. Characteristics of a Strong Self: + It is reinforced and nourished by other elements. + A person is born in season, hence strengthening the Self. Characteristics of a Weak Self: + It is threatened or exhausted by the other elements in the Four Pillars. + It is weakened by elements that destroy it or elements which it produces. + As such, it needs support from elements in the Four Pillars which can nourish it. (iii)No unfavourable clashes among the Eight Characters To determine the strength and weakness of each individual Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch, we need to consider all factors affecting the combinations and c lashes in the Four Pillars. Preferably, the supporting element or most favourable element should not clash or injure.
Before we scrutinise the Five Elements, we need to take into account the different kinds of clashes affecting the Four Pillars.
... Near Clash occurs between two stems which are just beside each other. / ��,
�mple: Year and Month Branches, Month and Day Stems, Day and Hour �
, Branches
.- Near Clash . x
x
HI IfI
H5 Jj;
+ Wood
+ Earth
+ Blocked Clash takes place with a stem standing in between two stems and hindering them from clashing directly.
\E�mple:
\�"-'"
Blocked Clash
•
H7 Yt
+ Metal
•
H5 Jj;
H3 P9
+ Earth
+ Fire
H3 is obstructed by H5. As a result, H3 cannot destroy H7 but, instead, gives birth to H5, which in tum supports H7. + Distant Clash occurs when two stems are far apart from each other, for example, with one on the Year Pillar and the other on the Hour Pillar. A Distant Clash is considered weak compared to a Near Clash.
•
'----
H7 Yt
+ Metal
Distant Clash -------,.
X
X
H I IfI
+ Wood
+ Persecuting Clash involves three stems, with one stem being victimised by two attacking stems. �
� mple:
l�
X E3 ji + Wood
t
• . ..
.
'.
.
..
.. ..
X
E6 B
- Fire
I I
X E9 $ + Metal
t
or
X
X
X
E2 1l
E8 *
- Earth
- Earth
+ Earth
t
I I
t
Ell J.X;
To check if the Self Element on the Day Stem has any support from the Earthly Branch, we need to look out for a similar element or an element that will give birth to it, thus strengthening its support. Next, we need to check if there i s any combination among the elements in the Four Pillars. Certain combinations change their elements when they are combined with a resulting element. For example, E9, E5 and E l combine to form Water. Water is the resulting e lement and might have a bearing on the influence of the three original elements. It is important to take note of this when examining the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches in your Four Pillars and Luck Cycle. tv:...
t"{ .:r IAi
Take Note!
Always remember that in a combination, the resulting element takes precedence over the original elements.
Definitions of Favourable and Unfavourable E lements
Firstly, we need to observe if an elemental influence is favourable or unfavourable. For instance, if a person is a weak Fire person, his favourable elements are Wood and Fire. His unfavourable elements are Water, Metal and Earth. Favourable elements are those that bring balance to the elements in a set of Four Pillars. Unfavourable elements are those that exacerbate the imbalance, making an excessive element more abundant or a weak element even more feeble. After establishing an individual's favourable elements, we can predict when he will encounter good luck or misfortune by analysing his Luck Pillars. Harmonising a Strong Element
In general, excessively strong elements need to have their influence curtailed. If the Self Element is extremely strong, then the favourable elements are those that help to exhaust its excessive energy. Unfavourable elements are those that generate more of the Self Element, thereby increasing its strength. Harmonising a Weak Element
Weak elements need to be strengthened and enhanced by elements that give birth to or support the Self Element. Unfavourable elements are those that exhaust or suppress the Self Element.
,EXAmple:
.....;;;rL"
A Strong Metal Person
A Weak Metal Person
DiSChargin Elements
Supporting Elements
Water, Fire, Wood
Earth, Metal
t
•
SELF ELEM ENT AN D SEASON OF BIRTH
Yang Wood person born i n Spring
x
H I if' + Wood
x
x
x
H2 � - Wood
E3 gr Wood
x
+
This Yang Wood H I person was born in Early Spring E3 when Wood prospers. Self Wood H I is supported by Wood H2 on the Year Stem. This Wood person is born in season with support on the Year Stem.
eo "' ..
�_
Take Note!
If your Day Stem is Wood H1 and you are born in Spring E3, this is considered timely because Wood is predominant in Spring.
Yin Wood person born i n M i d Winter
+
Water
- Wood x
x
x
El T + Water
x
This Yin Wood H2 person was born in Mid Winter E I , where Water is in season. E I and H9, both Water elements, are supporting Self. In winter, Wood is damp and cold. The first priority is to have Fire. If Water is abundant, Earth can suppress the Strong Water.
•
Ya ng Wood person born i n Early Autum n Hour x
E4 9P - Wood
+ Wood x
x
x
EIO W - Metal
x
The Self Element Yang Wood H I was born in Early Autumn E I 0 where Metal is in season. According to the Cycle of Destruction, Metal destroys Wood, therefore the Self Element is weak. Weak Wood needs the support of Wood and Water. Wood E4 on the Hour Pillar can support the Self Element. However, by the Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches, Wood E4 is in conflict with Metal E 1 O. As a result the supporting element Wood E4 is weakened. :----
\E�mpJe:
,� �
Yang Wood person born i n Late Autu mn
x
x
Month
Year
H2 G - Wood
H l Ef3
H l Ef3
+ Wood
+ Wood
x
E l l EX; + Earth
x
Self Element Yang Wood H I was born in Late Autumn E l l where Earth is in season. As Wood is not in season, the Self Element is weak. Weak Wood needs the support of Wood and Water. H I and H2 on the Year and Month Pillars can support the Self Element. From these four examples, it is obvious that the Self Element Wood, like all living things, needs support from germination to growth before it can bear flowers and fruit. Wood without support is just like roses in a flower vase, and will not last more than two weeks. In other words, the Heavenly Stern Wood must have support on the Earthly Branch and the Earthly Branch Wood also needs support from the Heavenly Stern Wood. This
applies to all HS and EB elements. Therefore, if your Self Element is Wood (HI , you are born in E 3 , E4, E I or E 1 2 season, you are considered a strong Wood person.
Support on Earthly Branch If the Self E lement is not born in season, the next best support is on the Day Branch. reason being that it is the nearest support to the Self Element, followed by the Hour and finally the Year Branch, which is the furthest away.
Day Pillar
1.
HI if' + Wood E3 + Wood Support on Day Branch
2.
3.
Hour Pillar
Day Pillar
X
HI If' + Wood
E3 Jr + Wood Support on Hour Stem
X
Hour Pillar
Day Pillar
Month Pillar
X
H I if' + Wood
X
X
X
E3 + Wood Support on the Month Branch
DETERM I N E THE STRE N G H OF SE LF ELEMENT A weak Self person is totally opposite from a strong Self person.
A weak Self Element person can fal l under one or all of the following categories: + Not born in season + Weak support on Earthly Branches + Weak support on Heavenly Stems In other words, besides your Self Element, the supporting elements (if any) are too weak. Note that the strength of the Self Element is not determined by the number of favourable and unfavourable elements.
+ Wood
+ Wood
H4 T - F ire
E l l J3(; + Earth
EI + Water
E4 gp Wood
-
+ Wood E5 m + Earth
+ Self Element Yang Wood H I , born in Mid Spring E4 when Wood is in season. + Yang Water E 1 in the Day Branch supports the Self E lement H I . + There are two additional Wood H I on the Year Stem and Hour Stem to strengthen the
Self Element.
In short, this Wood person, who was born in season, enjoys additional support on the Heavenly Stems. He is thus a strong Wood person.
Harmonising and Balancing Your Self Element If your Self Element is weak, you have to find the element within your Eight Characters that can strengthen and harmonise your Self Element.
�Ey.mple:
" Self: Weak Fire + With abundant Water elements - Use Wood to absorb Water and give birth to Fire. This is the most ideal support.
- If there is no Wood, use Fire to strengthen Self. - If there is no Wood and Fire, use Earth to suppress Water. + With abundant Metal elements - Use Fire to support Self and suppress the strong Metal.
- If there is no Fire to support, use Wood to strengthen F ire. + With abundant Earth elements Use Wood to support Self and suppress Earth at the same time. *
*
.•
�,,-
..
....••. . � ..
.
If there is no Wood, use Fire to strengthen Self or Metal to weaken the Earth, but this is not a perfect solution .
Harmonising Two Conflicting Elements Hour
Day
Month
Year
H6 B
H4 T
H3 W
H4 T
-
Earth
E 4 9)l
- Wood
-
Fire
EI0 1[ -
Metal
+ F ire
E7 lf
+ F ife
-
Fire
E I0 1[ -
Metal
When two elements are in connict, use neutral elements to harmonise the clashes. .. This Yin Fire H4 person was born in Mid Summer E7 when Fire prospers . .. There are three Fire on the Year, Month and Day Stems and one Fire on the Month Branch against two Metal. .. Fire and Metal are in connict. Fire destroys Metal. .. Earth H6 on the Hour Pillar is the most favourable element for harmonising the connict between F ire and Metal. B y introducing Earth in between F ire and Metal, F ire gives birth to Earth and Earth to Metal. Harmony is thus maintained by Earth. .. Earth is a favourable element. Unfavourable elements are Wood and Water.
"��
,
��mple : Water N eeded for Excessive Fire
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H9 :f + Water
H3 pg
H3 pg
H4 T
ES �
E7 lf
E 7 lf
E2 Jl
+
+ Fire
+ Fire
+ Fire
- Fire
+ Fire
H2 HS HIO
Hidden HS H6 H8 HIO .... Elements in EB
+ This is a Yang Fire H3 person born in Mid Summer E7 when Fire is in season. + There are three F ire elements on the Heavenly Stems and two Fire elements on the Earthly Branches, so Fire is excessively strong in this destiny. + Strong Fire needs Water to release the excessive heat. On the Hour Pillar, H 9 is supported by H l O, the hidden* Water. + H l O, the hidden "Water", is stored in the Year Branch E2 and Hour Branch E5. + Favourable elements include Water, Metal and Earth. Unfavourable elements are Fire and Wood.
* Refer to Hidden Heavenly Stems in Earthly Branches.
Wea k Ea rth Person i n N eed of S u pport
Day
Month
Year
H6 i3
H3 P3
HI If'
Hour H8 - Metal
E8 * -
Earth
-
Earth
E12 � -
Water
+
Fire
+
E3 Jir +
Wood
Wood
El r +
Water
+ This is a Yin Earth H6 person born in Early Spring E3 when Wood prospers. + There are two Wood, H I and E3, and two Water, E l and E 1 2, in this destiny. + Water gives birth to Wood, making Wood extremely strong and weakening the Self Element, Earth H6. E8 on the Hour Branch, the only root of the Self Element, is too weak in Wood season. Moreover, E8 forms a Half Combination with E 12 to produce Wood. + Earth is extremely weak during a strong Wood season. Obviously, this is a weak Earth person. + Weak Earth needs support from Fire H3 on the Month Pillar. + Unfavourable elements are Wood and Water. Metal is neutral.
;pt:4;
�19
T=�te!
The root of the Self Element shares the same element and is found in the Earthly Branch . In this case. the Self Element is Earth. Thus, the Hour Branch E8. which is also an Earth , is the root.
Turn ing from Weak to Strong Earth Destiny Day
Hour
HS Jj; +
Earth
ES * +
Earth
H6 B -
Earth
E6 B -
Fire
Month
HI fP +
Wood
El r +
Water
Year
HS Jj; +
Earth
Ell I£ +
Earth
+ This is an Yin Earth H6 person born in the Mid Winter season of E ! when Water
prospers. Earth, which is being imprisoned in a strong Water season, is considered weak.
+ Luckily, there are abundant Earth elements rendering support to Self H6. The ruling
season E 1 has a partial combination of E5 on the Hour Branch. However, this partial transformation to Water i s stil l too weak for strong Earth. Besides, F ire and Wood are present and further weaken Water.
+ Meanwhile, Wood H I is not a threat to Earth due to the presence of Fire E6 on the Day
Branch. We can conclude that due to the surplus Earth support for Self, the subject has turned from a weak to a strong Earth person.
+ Favourable elements include Metal and Water. Unfavourable elements are Earth and
Fire. Wood is useful only if Fire is not present.
•
"Ex)tmple:
,��
Turning from Weak to Stron g Water Destiny
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H7 1l
HIO �
H4 T
HIO �
+
Metal
E9 JfI
+ Metal
-
Water
EIO W -
Metal
-
Fire
E6 B -
Fire
-
Water
E8 * -
Earth
+ This is a Yin Water H I O person born in Early Summer E6 when Fire is dominating.
Water is weak in the Fire season.
+ Y in Water H I 0 sits on E 1 0, a Metal element that gives birth to Water. E 1 0 i s
strengthened by two Metal elements H 7 and E 9 o n the Hour Pillar. B y the Cycle of Birth theory, Metal gives birth to Water, hence there is a continuity of Water support to Self.
+ Also, with the Half Combination by element between E 1 0 and E6 resulting in a Metal
element, this further provides reinforcement to Self H l O, turning it from a weak into a strong Water person.
+ Strong Water needs Fire, Wood and Earth. Since there is an absence of Wood element
in this destiny, Earth E8 and Fire E6 will be his favourable elements.
.r: � _ . ".'. ';.'.';.
pmPle:
Strong Supporting Favourable Elements
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H5 DC;
H4 T
HI ftI
H5 DC;
+
Earth
E9 Jf:t
+ Metal
-
Fire
E 4 911 -
Wood
+
Wood
E3 J(
+ Wood
+
Earth
E5 � +
Earth
+ This Yin Fire H4 person was born in Early Spring E3 when Wood prospers. + Wood in season gives birth to Fire, thus strengthening Self. + The Seasonal Combination of E 3 , E4 and E5 results in the Wood element, and
further intensifies Wood H I on the Month Stem. By the Cycle of Birth theory, Wood gives support to Fire H4.
+ We deduce that this is a strong Fire person with an abundance of Wood support. + Metal E9 at the Hour Branch will be his favourable element. Metal will control the
abundant Wood elements in this set of Four Pillars.
+ Is Metal strong enough to handle Wood? The answer is Yes. There are two Earth H5
on the Year and Hour Pillars to support Metal E9. We therefore conclude that his favourable element Metal E9 is strong enough to handle Wood.
·'""'"'
Weak Supporting Favourable Elements
Hour
Day
Month
H5 It
H7 [;It
H7 [;It
Year H5 It
+ Earth
+ Metal
+ Metal
+ Earth
E3 Pi
Ell Et
E9 JfJ
E5 �
+ Wood
+ Earth
+ Metal
+ Earth
.. This is a Yang Metal H7 person born in Early Autumn E9 when Metal is in Season . .. There are four Earth elements to support Self Metal H7. B y the Cycle of B irth , Earth gives birth to Metal. .. This is classified as a strong Metal person with abundant Earth support. .. Wood E3 on the Hour Branch will be his favourabl e e lement for suppressing the excessive Earth elements in this destiny. .. Unfortunately, according to the Six Clashes ofthe Earthly Branches, Metal E9 clashes with Wood E3 . Strong Metal weakens Wood, and as a result his favourable element, Wood E3 , is weakened by the clash. Furthermore, there are no other supporting elements to enhance the weak Wood E3 . .. We thus conclude that in this set of destiny, the favourable element Wood E3 is weak.
•
DETERM IN ING THE STRENGTH OF YOU R SELF ELEM ENT l EYt mple:
.��
A Weak Metal Person
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H4 T
H8 $
H7 tlt
H8 $
-
Fire
EIO E[ -
Metal
-
Metal
E4 9IJ -
Wood
+
Metal
E3 Jr +
Wood
-
Metal
E6 B -
Fire
Self This is a Yin Metal HS person born in Early Spring E3. In Spring, by the Seasonal Cycle ofthe Five Elements, Wood prospers and Earth is the weakest element. There is no supporting Wood element on the Heavenly Stems but there is one E4 on the Day Branch. Yin Metal HS, being imprisioned, is weak in Spring.Weak Metal needs support like Metal and Earth. Fortunately, there are two Metal H7 and HS on the Year and Month Pillars. However, Metal H7 sits on Wood E3, while Metal HS sits on Fire E6 which is attacking one another. Metal E l O on the Hour Branch is also under severe attack by Fire H4 on the Hour Stem. Apparently, the Metal suppport is extremely weak. Based on the Six Clashes, E l O is further weakened by its clash with E4 on the Day Branch.
Analysis From the above, in spite of the three additional Metal support, we see that Self Yin Metal HS is relatively weak.
Unfavourable Element
His unfavourable elements are Wood and Fire.
Favourable Element
Earth and Metal will be his favourable elements.
A Strong M eta l Person
Day
Month
H8 *
HIO �
Hour H2 Z -
Wood
E12 � -
Water
-
Metal
E8 * -
Earth
-
Water
EIO l!f -
Metal
Year H6 B -
Earth
EIO l!f -
Metal
Self This Yin Metal H8 person was born in Mid Autumn E 1 0 when Metal is the most prosperous.
Strength of Self Metal is deemed to be strongest in Autumn. There are three Metal and two Earth elements in this set of Four Pillars. By the Cycle of Birth, Earth produces Metal, thus Metal is being reinforced. This is indeed a strong Metal person.
Favourable Element A strong Metal person's favourable elements are Water, Wood and Fire. There are two Water elements, H I O and E 1 2, in his Four Pillars, which are favourable to him.
Analysis Water H I O at the Month Pillar is weakened by Earth H6 on the Year Stem. Since Earth is a threat to his favourable element Water, Wood is his second most favourable element, as it could suppress Earth.
Unfavourable Element In this case, Earth and Metal are detrimentaL Fire is neutraL
A Strong Water Person
Hour H7 JJt
Day
Month
Year H7 JJt
+ Metal
+ Water
H9 £
H4 T - Fire
+ Metal
E l l tt
E l l tt
E12 �
El r
+ Earth
- Water
+ Earth H9
HI
+ Water
+ Wood
+ Water II> Hidden HS Elements in EB
Self
This is a Yang Water H9 person born in Early Winter E 1 2 when Water is in season. During Winter, Water prospers. The presence ofthe two Water elements, E l and E 12, further strengthens SelfH9, making this destiny damp and cold. This is indeed a strong Water person who needs Wood, Fire and Earth and who should shun Metal and Water.
Wood
There is an absence of Wood in this destiny. However, the hidden Wood H I which is stored in Water E 1 2 is a threat to Earth. Fortunately, there are two Metal H7 to suppress Wood from threatening Earth.
Earth
There are two Earth E l l available in the Day Branch and Hour Branch, thereby helping to retain the strong Water.
Fire
Fire helps to keep the Water warm and, at the same time, strengthen Earth to hold the Water. In this destiny, Fire H4 is regarded as the most favourable element.
Metal
Metal H7 draws the Earth energy and gives birth to Water. The presence of two Metal H7 on the Year Stem and Hour Stem further strengthens Self H9. Metal is therefore an unfavourable element to Self.
Water
Since Water is in season, additional Water is not needed. However, too much Water will weaken the Earth element.
A Strong Earth Person
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H2 Z
H6 B
HI0 �
H3 W
-
-
-
Wood
E12 � -
Water
Earth
E6 B -
Fire
Water
E6 B -
Fire
+ Fire
ES ]&
+ Earth
Self This Yin Earth H6 person was born in Early Summer E6 when Fire is in season. Born in a supportive season, Earth H6 is hot and dry in summer.
Season of Fire
The season of Fire E6 is strengthened by H3 in the Year Stem. Self H6 is also sitting on Fire E6. Fire is extremely strong in this destiny. By the Cycle of Birth, Fire gives birth to Earth, so Earth is dry and hard.
Favourable Element
Dry and hot Earth needs Water. There is Water H I O on the Month Pillar. However, the Water element is weak in Summer. Fortunately, H I O is strengthened by E l 2 on the Hour Branch. Apparently, the favourable element in this set of Four Pillars is Water.
Analysis We deduce that this is a strong Earth person with strong Fire support. Favourable elements are Water and Metal. North and West will be his favourable directions. Although Wood can help to release the strong Earth energy, it may, at the same time, strengthen the Fire element which is not favourable for Earth.
•
, ·; ...L,•. •� · . ·..
. ..
��mple: A
Strong Fire Person
Hour
Day
H3 W
H3 W
+ Fire
E9 JtI
+ Metal
+ Fire
El l Jj;
+ Earth
Month H7 Yt
+
Metal
E l l Jj;
+ Earth
Year H9 :E
+ Water
E3 Jir
+ Wood
Self This Yang Fire H3 person was born in Late Autumn E l l , when E arth is in season.
Season of E arth Earth draws the energy of Fire. Therefore, Self Fire H3 is weakened by the Earth season. By the theory of Three Combinations of the E arthly Branches, E3 and E l l form a Half Combination, resulting in the Fire element. The Season ofBirth, Earth E l l , which is a Fire Pot, is further strengthened by another F ire Pot, E l l , on the Day Branch. Together with the support of Wood E3, the strength ofSelfH3 is further reinforced. We may conclude that this a strong Fire person.
Favourable Element
Earth, Water and Metal are benign elements for this Fire person. Unfavourable elements are Wood and Fire.
Analysis
Self Fire H3 sitting on Fire Pot E l l is further supported by another F ire H3 on the Hour Stem. Fire dominates in this destiny. Being a strong Fire person, Water H9 on the Year Pillar is the most favourable element to him. Water H9 by itself is weak. However, it is supported by Metal H7 on the Month Stem. Together, H7 and E9 render support to Water H9, which in turn helps to cool the Fire elements.
A Weak F i re Person
Hour
Day
ID W + Fire
H4 T
E7 lf
E2 li
+
Fire
-
-
Fire
Earth
Month H7 »t +
Metal
E5 & +
Earth
Year H7 »t +
Metal
E9 � +
Metal
Self This is a Yin Fire H4 person born in Late Spring E5 when Earth is in season. By the principle of the Cycle of Birth, Earth gives birth to Metal. There are two Metal H7 on the Heavenly Stems and one Metal E9 on the Earthly Branches to draw the Fire energy. By the Cycle ofDestruction, Fire conquers Metal, thus the energy ofFire H4 is being weakened. We therefore conclude that the SelfElement Fire is weak.
A nalysis Weak Fire needs the support of Fire and Wood. There is Fire H3 on the Hour Stem, which is supported by E7 to strengthen the weak Fire. Since this is a weak Fire person, we deduce that his favourable element is Fire. By the theory of Conflicting Clashes in the Earthly Branches, Day Branch E2 clashes with Hour Branch E7. This clash weakens E7, the root of H3, thereby reducing the support to H3.
Favourable Elem ent Fire and Wood are favourable to this Fire person.
•'�,'.'.,.' �<
";; ",
A Wea k Meta l Person
Hour HIO � -
Water
E6 B - Fire
Day H8 - Metal
E4 !1/1
- Wood
Year
Month H9 £ +
Water
E9 Jtt +
Metal
HI JfI +
Wood
E 7 lf +
Fire
Self This Yin Metal H8 person was born in Early Autumn E9 when Metal prospers. He was born in season, which gives support to Self.
Strength of Self Metal is prosperous in Autumn. Although he is born in season, this does not necessarily mean that the Self Element Metal is strong. We have to consider the remaining elements within the Four Pillars. At present, there are only two Metal elements and six unfavourable elements against the Metal element. Metal, in the process ofgiving birth to Water, is weakening its own energy. By the Cycle of Destruction, Metal conquers Wood, thus its energy is also exhausted. In addition, Fire destroys Metal. Therefore, the energy ofMetal is excessively drained by Water, Wood and Fire. Naturally, Metal is weak.
Favourable Element Weak Metal needs the support of Earth and Metal.
Unfavourable Element Wood and Fire should be avoided.
Analysis There are two Wood, H I and E4, to support the two Fire elements, E6 and E7, attacking Self Metal H8. According to the Cycle of Destruction, Metal E9 is weakened by Fire E7 on the Year Pillar. Since Water H9 is nearer to SelfH8, it helps to protect Metal from being attacked by Fire. In this case, Water is neutral to Metal H8.
LOCATING YOU R MOST FAVOURABLE ELEME NTS
A Yang Water Person
Hour
Day
Month
Year
HS It
H9 :E
H3 W
x
+
Earth x
+
Water x
+
F ire
E12 � -
x
Water
Self This is a Water H9 person born in Early Winter E 1 2, when Water is in season. Being born in season, this destiny is damp and cold. Naturally, a cold Water person ' s first priority is to accumulate the Fire element to keep warm. A Water person welcomes the presence of Earth H5 and Fire H3 on the Heavenly Stems. When entering the Luck Pillars of Fire and Earth, he will gain fame and wealth. Supposing there is only Earth H5 and no F ire H 3 on the Heavenly Stems, or only Fire H3 and no Earth H5. The strength of Self H9 can only be determined after permutations with other elements within the Four Pillars. C learly, Earth and Fire are favourable elements. Wood can support the much needed Fire. Avoid Metal as Metal gives birth to Water. Metal is also an unfavourable element at this point.
Favourable Element Wood, Fire and Earth are favourable.
Unfavourable Element Metal and Water are to be avoided where possible.
A Yin F i re Person
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H7 ll!
H4 T Fire
HlO � Water
H4 T Fire
+ Metal El T
+ Water
-
E4 9\l Wood
-
-
E4 9\l Wood
-
-
E4 9\l Wood
-
Self This is a Yin Fire H4 person born in Mid Spring E4, when Wood is in season. There are three Wood and two Fire in this destiny. Wood nourishes Fire, thus this is considered a strong Fire person. Strong Fire needs Metal, Earth and Water to discharge its strong energy.
Metal Metal is essential for releasing the strong Fire energy. By the Cycle of Destruction, Fire conquers Metal. Metal can also suppress the strong and excessive Wood from feeding the Fire.
Water
Water H I 0 can cool the heat of Fire but it also reduces the Metal energy on the Hour PiJIar. Meanwhile, Water also nourishes the strong Wood, thus Water performs multiple functions in this destiny. At the Hour Pillar, Water E l sitting below Metal H7 is drawing on the Metal energy and giving support to Wood E4. In this case, Water is therefore neutral to Fire.
Favourable Element From the above analysis, we conclude that Metal is the most favourable element to reduce the strong Fire and suppress the abundance of Wood. However, Earth, which is not present in this set of destiny, is also one of the favourable elements needed as Earth gives birth to Metal.
Unfavourable Element Fire and Wood are not favourable.
A
Yang Wood Person
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H7 Yi
H 1 lfI
H9 £
H9 £
+ Metal
+ Wood
E 7 lf
E3 Jr
+
Fire
+
Wood
+
Water
E3 Jr +
Wood
+
Water
E5 JOC
+ Earth
Self
This Yang Wood H I person was. born in Early Spring E3 when Wood prospers. He was thus born in season. Self Wood H I is strengthened by the two Wood E3 in the Earthly Branches. It is further supported by another two Water elements, H9, on the Heavenly Stems. The overall rating for the Self Element is considered strong.
Metal
By the Cycle of Destruction, Metal H7 can trim the strong Wood, but Earth E5 is too far and too weak to support Metal H7. Metal is also weakened by Water H9 and Fire E7. In addition, Metal is a source of support to Water and so is not favourable for strong Wood.
Fire
By the Cycle of Birth, Wood gives birth to Fire, thereby releasing its own strong Wood energy.
Favourable Element
Fire can reduce and harmonise the energy of strong Wood.
Unfavourable Element
Water strengthens the strong Wood element and suppresses the favourable Fire element. Metal gives birth to Water, which in tum gives birth to Wood, so Metal is also not favourable.
A
Yin Meta l Person
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H4 T
H8 :$
H5 JJt
H3 �
-
Fire
EI0 1!f -
Metal
- Metal
E8 * -
Earth
+
Earth
+
F ire
E l l Et
E l l Et
+
+
Earth
Earth
Self This is a Yin Metal H8 person born in Late Autumn E l l in the ninth Lunar month when Earth is prosperous and in control.
Earth and Metal By the Cycle of Birth, Earth produces Metal. There are three Earth on the Earthly Branches and one Earth on the Heavenly Stems, all of which support Self. Metal E l O on the Hour Pillar acts as the root of Self H8. As a result, this is a strong Metal person with abundant support.
Analysis Water and Wood are absent in this set of Four Pillars. The two Fire elements, H3 and H4, can help to suppress the excessive strong Metal but are not the most ideal due to the presence of Earth.
Favourable Element Strong Metal needs to release its exces sive energy. Water and Wood are highly recommended in this set of F our Pillars.
Unfavourable Element Being a strong Metal person, Earth and Metal are to be avoided in this destiny.
(E Yt mple: ,,,.'-" A
Hour H4 T -
Fire
E8 * -
Earth
Yang Water Person
Day H9 :E +
Water
E9 rp
+
Metal
Month H5 1l +
Earth
E 7 lf +
Fire
Year H5 1l +
Earth
E3 Jf +
Wood
Self This Yang Water H9 person was born in Mid Summer E7 when Fire is in control. According to the Cycle of Birth, Fire nourishes Earth. There are two Earth H5 and one Fire H4 present on the Heavenly Stems. Self Element Water H9 is weak due to the attack from the strong Fire and Earth elements.
Analysis Weak Water needs support from Metal and Water. Metal E9 on the Day Branch gives support to Self. By the theory of Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches, E3 clashes with E9. As a result, the support E9 renders to H9 is weakened.
Unfavourable Element Unfavourable elements are Earth and Fire.
FAVOU RABLE AN D U N FAVOU RABLE ELEMENTS It is important that a set of destiny be well balanced. It must neither be too strong nor too weak. If the Self Element is too weak it requires support. Similarly, if it is too strong, it needs a neutral element to balance it. Favourable elements are those that help to balance the Four Pillars whilst unfavourable elements are those that further destabilise the Four Pillars. For example, a weak Wood person will need Water (favourable element), while a strong F ire person will avoid Wood (unfavourable element). The Four Pillars of Destiny can be divided into two different categories: .. Normal Category .. Special Category Normal C ategory
There are a total of 1 0 categories in the Normal Category.
Normal Category Formations Month Branch The element that conquers Self
!
I
2. The element that gives birth to Self
!
I3 14 !
I
The element that Self conquers
The element that Self gives birth to
5. The element similar to Self
-----
Category
Gender
Zheng Guan Ge Qi Sha Ge
JE1§;j:4f -t�;j:4f
Zheng Yin Ge Pian Yin Ge
r;p;j:4f {$] r;p;j:4f
Zheng Cai Ge Pian Cai Ge
JEJi1t;j:4f {$]�j�
Opposite Same
Shang Guan Ge Shi Shen Ge
1151H4f �f,;j:4f
Opposite Same
Jie Cai Ge Jian Lu Ge
i;b m;t;j:4f ��$;j:4f
Opposite Same Opposite Same Opposite Same
I
I I
I i
I
A simple way to determine a category is by looking at the Season of B irth in relation to the Self. For all the categories, we have to convert the Month Branch into its corresponding Hidden HS elements in order to analyse its relationship with the Self. The only exception is the Jian Lu Ge category, which requires us to look up the 1 2-Stage Life Cycle of the 1 0 Heavenly Stems on page 50. Where the Self intersects with the Coming-of-Age row, we get the element needed for comparison with the Self.
ZHENG G UAN GE .£ 't #- AN D QI S HA G E -{:- � #A person born in the Zheng Guan Ge or Qi Sha Ge category is one who is born in a month when his Month Branch conquers Self.
A Zheng Guan Ge where by element th at conq uers Self is favo u rable
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H l ft! + Wood
Self H I ft! + Wood
HlO � - Water
H6 - Earth
El � + Water
E3 + Wood
Season ElO W - Metal
E4 9P - Wood
(H8 *, Metal) -
This Yang Wood H I person was born in the month of E 1 0, which is the season of Metal. Yin Metal E I 0 conquers Yang Wood H I . This person is not born in season. Nevertheless, the Self Element HI is supported by three additional Wood and two Water. As a result, H I turns from weak to strong Wood. Strong Wood needs discharge. Favourable elements for strong Wood will be Metal, Earth and Fire. The abundance of Wood in the Four Pillars is not favourable to a strong Wood person. The best and most desirable clement for suppressing Wood is Metal. In this destiny, Metal E 1 0 will be the most favourable element, followed by Earth H6, which can support Metal E I O in suppressing Wood. Unfavourable elements will be Wood and Water. To analyse Normal Category formations, we have to convert the Month Branch into its corresponding Hidden HS Elements in order to analyse its relationship with Self.
Z H E N G GUAN GE JE 't � \,Ex}lmple:
..
��
A
Zheng Guan Ge whereby element conquered by Self is favourable
Hour H8 * - Metal
E 4 9n - Wood
Day
Self
H8 $ - Metal
E l O "@" - Metal
Month
Year
H6 B - Earth
H6 B - Earth
Season E6 B - Fire
E2 31 - Earth
(H3 p;f, + Fire) (H5 /Jt, + E arth) (H7 �, + Metal)
This Yin Metal H 8 person was born in the month of E6, when Fire reigns. Metal H8 is weak as Fire conquers MetaL Besides Fire there is only one Wood that will work against Metal. At this point it seems that Metal is weak. Further analysis shows that there are three Earth and two additional Metal which will lend support to Self H8. As a result, H8 turns from weak to strong Metal. Strong Metal needs discharge. The most favourable element for preventing Earth from further nourishing the already strong Metal is Wood E4 at the Hour Branch. However, E 4 is under strong attack from E I O on the Day Branch. By the theory of S ix Clashes, E I O clashes with E4. Therefore, the next most favourable element will be Water, which can support Wood and can also act as a buffer for Wood against the attack from Metal E I O. It i s good to have Water and Wood present simultaneously. Unfortunately, there is an absence of Water in this destiny, even in the Hidden Heavenly Stems. Unfavourable element is Earth.
A
Zheng Guan Ge whereby element that supports Self is favourable
Hour
Day
Self H7 Jjt
H6 i3 - Earth
+ Metal
E4 9P - Wood
E3 + Wood
Month
Year
H l lfl + Wood
H8 - Metal
Season E7 + Fire
E6 B - Fire
(H4 T , - Fire) - Earth) (H6
This is a Yang Metal H7 person born in the Mid Summer season ofE7, which is dominated by strong Fire. Metal dies in Fire season. There is one additional Fire and three Wood to support Fire against Metal H7. Due to the strong attack by Fire, Metal is being weakened. Weak Metal needs support. Earth H6 on the Hour Stem is the most favourable element for enhancing Metal. According to the Cycle of Birth, Earth generates Metal and can also prevent Fire from attacking Metal. Unfavourable elements include Fire and Wood.
\Ex)tmple:
.��
A Zheng Guan Ge whereby element that Self g ives birth to i s favourable
Hour
Day
H4 T - Fire
H7 � + Metal
E2 lJ. - Earth
Self
E5 �
+ Earth
Month
Year
H7 � + Metal
H l q:J + Wood
Season E 7 Cf
+ Fire
E3 + Wood
- Fire) (H4 (H6 B, Eart!t) -
This is a Yang Metal H7 person born in the month of Fire E7. Metal is weak in Fire season. Although this person is not born in season there is one additional Metal and two Earth to support Self. Moreover, E2 and E5 are damp Earth which receive support from Fire to nourish Metal. As a result, Fire is no longer a threat to Metal. From the above we can conclude that this is a strong Metal person. Strong Metal needs discharge. Water is a favourable element. Metal generates Water and Water nourishes Wood to feed Fire. F ire in turn gives birth to Earth and Earth to Metal. With Water, the Five Elements in this destiny are harmonised. Unfavourable elements are Metal and Earth.
A Zheng G u a n Ge whereby a favoura b le element i s same as Self
Hour
Day
H5 rlt + Earth
H7 � + Metal
E3 fir Wood -",
+
Month
Year
H7 � + Metal
H l lfl + Wood
Self
E3 j[ Wood
+
Season E7 Fire
+
E3 9r Wood
+
(H4 T, - Fire) (H6 B, Earth) -
This is a Yang Metal H7 person born in the month of Fire E7. In Mid Summer season, Fire conquers Metal, therefore Metal is weakened. Besides Fire, there are four Wood which further weakened Metal. As a result this is a weak Metal person. Weak Metal needs support from Metal and Earth. Since there are too many Wood elements in this destiny, the most favourable element will be Metal H7 on the Month Stem. Meanwhile, Earth can also nourish Metal. Therefore, the next favourable element will be Earth H5 on the Hour Stem, which is supportive towards Metal. A weak Metal person's unfavourable element will be Wood. Since Water nourishes Wood, it is also unfavourable to Metal. Water cannot control Fire due to the presence of Wood. In this case, Fire E7 is not a threat to weak Metal as long as Earth H5 is present, for Earth can act as a buffer against Fire. In conclusion, we deduce that the most unfavourable element will be Wood.
QI SHA GE ..c � � ��
\E�'a mple:
,1!f>�
A Qi S h a Ge whereby element that conquers Self is favourable
Hour
HI +
Wood
El +
Jt1
-T
Water
Day
Month
Self Hl +
Wood
E3 +
Efl
Jr
Wood
H7 +
�
Metal
Season E9 $
+
Metal
(H7 �, + Metal) (H5 [It, + Earth) + Water) (H9
Year
H5 +
E3 +
Jj(;
Earth
Jr
Wood
This is a Yang Wood H I person born in Early Autumn when Metal E9 dominates. Wood is weak in Metal season. There are three additional Wood and one Water to support Self H l . As a result, H I turns from weak to strong Wood. Strong Wood needs discharge to maintain its balance. Since there are abundant Wood elements in this set of Four Pillars, the most favourable element for suppressing the strong Wood will be Metal E9. Unfavourable elements are Wood and Water.
�mple:
(/I'
A Qi Sha Ge whereby element that Self conquers is favou rable
Hour
Day
Month
Self +
H5 Dt Earth
H2 G - Wood
E l -=f + Water
E12 * - Water
HI0 � - Water
Year H I EfJ Wood
+
Season ElO W - Metal (H8 ,*, - Metal)
E3 + Wood
This is a Yin Wood H2 person born in the Mid Autumn season ofE 1 0 when Metal prospers. Wood is weak in Metal season. Apart from the Season of Birth E I 0, there is only one Earth H5 on the Hour Stem that is a threat to Wood. On the other hand, Self H2 has two additional Wood and three Water to support it. Moreover the strong Water also weakens the Metal threat against Wood. As a result, H2 turns from weak to strong Wood. Strong Wood needs discharge to maintain harmony. Since Earth can suppress Water, Earth will be the most favourable element. The next most favourable element will be Fire. Unfavourable elements are Wood and Water.
(Ex)mple:
,��
A
Qi Sha Ge whereby element that supports Self is favou rable
Hour
Day
Self
H8 $ - Metal
H4 - Fire
E l 2 ffi. - Water
E 12 ffi. - Water
Month
Year
H l lfl + Wood
- Water
Season
E1 + Water
HIO �
E 1 2 ffi. - Water
(RiO �, Water) -
This is a Yin F ire H4 person born in the month of Water E l when water is deemed prosperous. Fire is weak in Mid Winter season. We note that there are four additional Water and one Metal which are hostile towards Fire H4. As a result, this is a weak F ire person. Weak Fire needs support. Wood H I on the Month Stem is the most favourable element for Fire. Although Earth can suppress Water, it is not desirable due to the presence of Metal HS, which will drain Fire. Unfavourable elements are Water and Metal. Based on the Cycle of B irth, Metal produces Water and when Water is excessive, it will extinguish Fire.
A Qi Sha Ge whereby element same as Se lf i s favourable
Hour
Day
HS IX: + Earth
H2 z:. - Wood
E3 Jir + Wood
Self
Month
Year
H8 * - Metal
HS IX: + Earth
Season E8 * - Earth
E l O t[ - Metal
(H8
ES JD( + Earth
- Metal)
This is a Yin Wood H2 person born in the month of Metal E l O. Wood is weak in Mid Autumn season. There is one additional Metal and four Earth to support Metal E l O. Due to the abundant support, the ruling season Metal E l O is extremely strong, which further weakens Wood H2. Fortunately, Wood E3 at the Hour Branch can help to suppress the abundant Earth element. Therefore, Wood is the most favourable element for supporting Self. Although Water can nourish Wood, it cannot resist the strong Earth. Water is only helpful if it works hand in hand with Wood. Metal and Earth are detrimental as they add to the excessive strength and upset the balance of the configuration.
A
Qi Sha Ge whereby element that Self g ives birth to is favoura ble
Hour
Day
H I EJ3 + Wood
H3 pg + F ire
E7 Fire
+
Self
E7 Lf Fire
+
Month
Year
HI0 � - Water
H5 Dt + Earth
Season
EI2 � - Water
E9 $ Metal
+
(H9 :£, + Water) (H 1 Ffl , + Wood)
This i s a Yang Fire H3 person born in the month of Water E 1 2. Fire is weak in Winter season. Water H I 0 on the Month Stem is kept under control by Earth H5 on the Year Stem and, therefore, is not a threat to Self. Self is supported by two additional Fire E7 and one Wood H I , turning Self H3 from weak to strong F ire. Earth H5, the element that Self gives birth to, is the most favourable element. Earth nourishes Metal, which then gives continuous support to Water in order to suppress the strong F ire. Unfavourable elements are Fire and Wood.
ZHENG CAl GE JE Jt � A person born in the Zheng Cai Ge category is one who is born in a month where Self conquers the Month Branch.
A
Zheng Cai Ge whereby element that conquers Self is favoura b le
Hour
Day
H3 pg + Fire
H7 � + Metal
E5 Earth
+
Self
E3 Jr Wood
+
Month
Year
H5 It + Earth
H7 � + Metal
Season
E4 gp - Wood
E9 $ Metal
+
(H2 z:., Wood) -
This Yang Metal H7 person was born in the month of Wood E4. Being imprisoned, Metal is weak in Mid Spring season. However, H7 is supported by two additional Metal and two Earth. With their support Self H7 turns from weak to strong Metal. If Self is extremely strong, it is necessary to suppress or release its excessive strength. Fire is favourable while Wood acts as a back-up for Fire. Unfavourable elements are Metal and Earth
A
Zheng Cai Ge whereby element that g ives birth to Self is favourable
Hour
Day
H3 � + Fire
H6 B - Earth
E3 �
+ Wood
Self
Month
Year
H I 0 >;R - Water
H I 0 >;R - Water
Season
-
E8 * - Earth
E12 � - Water
E12 � - Water
(H9 + Water) (HI Ifl , + Wood)
This Yin Earth H6 person was born in the month of Water E 1 2 _ Being imprisoned, Earth is weak in Early Winter- Apart from the Month Branch, there are three additional Water in the Year and Month Pillars. The presence of Water also strengthens Wood E3 , which further weakens Earth. The final evaluation is that this is a weak Earth person who needs support. Fire H3 on the Hour Stern will be his favourable element as Fire gives birth to Earth. Unfavourable elements will be Water and Metal.
A Zheng Cai Ge whereby element that Self g ives birth to is favourable
Hour
Day
Month
Year
Self H5 Dt Earth
+
E l l Bt Earth
+
H8 $ - Metal
E l D IN - Metal
H I I¥ Wood
+
Season E3 jf Wood (HI ', + Wood) (H3 pg, + Fire) (H5 It, + Earth) +
H5 Dt Earth
+
E9 $ Metal
+
This Yin Metal H8 person was born in the month of Wood E3. Being imprisoned, Metal is weak in Early Spring season. However, Self H8 is supported by two additional Metal and three Earth elements. As a result, this person turns from a weak Metal person into a strong one due to the abundant support. Strong Metal needs discharge. Though there is Wood H I on the Month Branch, the most favourable element will be Water. Metal produces Water and this will help to exhaust the strong Metal energy. Water also supports Wood, the next favourable element. Unfavourable elements will be Metal and Earth.
PIAN CAl G E 14i1 Jt � Pian Cai Ge category is one where a person is born in the month where Self conquers the Month Branch.
A
Pian Cai Ge whereby element that Self conq uers is favou rable
Hour
Day
Hl � + Wood
H2 Z- Wood
El r Water
+
Self
E4 !IP - Wood
Month
Year
H8 $ - Metal
Hl � + Wood
Season E8 * - Earth
E3 � Wood
+
(H6 B, Earth) (H2 z:.. , - Wood) (H4 T, Fire) -
-
This is a Yin Wood H2 person born in the month of E8, a Late Summer season, when Earth is strong. Self Wood H2 is supported by the Wood elements on the Year, Day and Hour Pillars. Though not born in season, the abundant support makes this a strong Wood person. Metal H8, which is one of the favourable elements, can help to trim the abundant wood support. However, Metal H8 is too weak in Late Summer. Therefore, the most favourable element will be Earth E8, the element that Self conquers. Earth also acts as a back-up for Metal to control the strong Wood. Unfavourable elements will be Fire, Wood and Water.
iE;arnple:
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A P i a n C a i Ge whereby Self i s strong a n d t h e element w h i c h con q uers Self i s favou rable
Hour
Day
H5 Dt + Earth
H2 l. - Wood
E3 lr + Wood
E4 9P - Wood
Month
Year
H2 l. - Wood
H8 $ - Metal
Self
Season E8 * - Earth
EIO W - Metal
(H6 c, - Earth) (H2 6, - Wood) (H4 T, - Fire)
This Yin Wood H2 person was born in the month of Earth E 8 in Late Summer season. Self H2 sits on Wood E4 and is further supported by Wood H2 on the Month Stem and Wood E3 on the Hour Branch. With the support of these three Wood elements, we deduce that this is a strong Wood person.
Strong Wood needs Metal and Earth to suppress its energy. Between the two, Metal is the better choice as it can trim the excessive Wood. Unfavourable elements will be Wood and Water.
G
.t'��,���>, ,
�
� x) mple: �
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A
Pian Cai Ge whereby element that g ives birth to Self i s favourable
Hour
Da y
H5 J:lt + Earth
HlO � - Water
E7 Lf + Fire
Self
E6 B - Fire
Month
Year
H7 3:t + Metal
H6 6 - Earth
Season E7 Lf + Fire
(H4 T, - Fire) (H6 - Earth)
E2 1l - Earth (H 1 O � , - Water) (H6 e" - Earth) (H8 $, - Metal)
This is a Yin Water H I D person born in the month of Fire E7. Water is weak in Mid Summer season. There are two additional Fire and three Earth that further weaken Water. As a result, this is a weak Water person. Weak Water needs support. The most favourable element to support Water H l O will be Metal H7 on the Month Stem. accordance with the Cycle of Birth, Metal produces Water. Though Metal H7 is under pressure from the strong F ire E7, there is a hidden Metal H8, stored on the Year Branch E2, which is the root of Metal H7. In
Unfavourable elements will be F ire and Wood.
\E�ample:
[�"-'"
A P i a n Cai Ge whereby element same as Self is favou ra b l e
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H5 Dt + Earth
Self H l lfJ + Wood
H9 £ + Water
H5 Dt + Earth
E5 * + Earth
E3 M + Wood
Season E l l JX + Earth
E5 * + Earth
(H5 rIt, + Earth) (H8 "*, Metal) -
(H4
- Fire)
This Yang Wood HI person was born in the month of Earth E l l . Wood H I is weak in Late Autumn. There is an abundance ofEarth influence which is not favourable to Wood. Based on the Cycle of Destruction, Wood conquers Earth, thus exhausting its energy. Therefore, the subject is a weak Wood person. Weak Wood H I needs support. Although Water nourishes Wood, it is under tremendous attack from Earth. Therefore, the most favourable element will be Wood E3 sitting directly below Self. In addition, Water H9 is nearest to Self and can act as a back-up for Wood E3. Unfavourable elements will be Earth and Fire. Metal is only good when Water is present. Without Water, Metal will harm Wood.
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A Pian Cai Ge whereby element that Self g ives birt h to is favoura b l e
Hour
Day
Month
Year
HlO � - Water
Self H7 � + Metal
H l lP + Wood
H5 Dt + Earth
E9 $ Metal
Season E3 . + Wood
E8 * Earth
+
(H I ffl , + Wood) (H3 pg, + Fire) (H5 IX;, + Earth)
E9 If! + Metal
This is a Yang Metal H7 person born in the Early Spring season of Wood E3. Self Metal H7 is supported by two additional Metal E9 and two Earth elements, E8 and H5. Though not born in season, with sufficient support, this person has turned from weak to strong Metal. Strong Metal needs release. Although both Wood and Water are present, ideally Water will be the most favourable element. Water drains the strong Metal and, at the same time, supports Wood. Unfavourable elements will be Metal and Earth.
•
ZHENG YIN GE JE tp � A N D PIAN YIN G E � tp � Zheng Yin Ge and Pian Yin Ge categories are those where a person is born in a month when the Month element gives birth to Self.
\E�ample:
��
A Zheng Yin Ge whereby element s i milar to Self is favo u ra ble
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H9 =:E+ Water
Self H8 -$- Metal
H9 =:E+ Water
H5 rlt + Earth
El2* - Water
Season E l l fIG + Earth
E7 q: + Fire
E7 q: + Fire
(H5 Dt, + Earth) (H8 *, Metal) (H4 T, Fire) -
-
This is a Yin Metal H8 person born in the Late Autumn season of Earth E l l when Earth is in control. The presence of three Water elements and two Fire elements poses a threat to Metal H8. In this destiny, the only support comes from E l l and H5. Earth can exhaust the energy of Fire and, at the same time, suppress the excessive Water from draining Metal. Without Earth, Metal will be under great pressure from Water and Fire. This is thus a weak Metal person whose most favourable element is Earth. Unfavourable elements will be Wood, Water and Fire.
•
ZH E N G YI N G E -IE tp #The Zbeng Yin Ge category is one where a person is born in a season that gives birth to Self, and where Self and Month Branch are both Yang or both Yin.
\E�ample:
��"-"
A Zheng Y i n Ge whereby element that conq uers Self is favou ra ble
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H7 Yt + Metal
Self H2 Z - Wood
H2 Z - Wood
H I if' + Wood
E5 * + Earth
E2 31 - Earth
Season E12 � - Water
E3 jf + Wood
+ Water)
(H9
(HI If! + Wood) ,
This is a Yin Wood H2 person born in the month ofE 1 2, Early Winter season, when Water is prosperous. Based on the Cycle of Birth, Water supports Wood. In addition, Self H2 is further supported by three additional Wood. Under the abundant Wood influence, this is thus a strong Wood person. Strong Wood needs discharge. Metal H7 on the Hour Stem will be the most favourable element for suppressing the excessive Wood in this category. Earth, the next favourable element, provides continuous support to Metal for releasing the strong Wood energy. Unfavourable elements will be Wood and Water.
lEx,'ample: A.� ,,�-7
Zheng Yin Ge whereby element that Self conq uers is the most favourable element A
Hour
Day
H5 IX; + Earth
H8 $ - Metal
E l l £l(; Earth
+
Self
Month
Year
H I JfJ + Wood
H9 :f:: + Water
Season
E l O '@ - Metal
E5 � Earth
+
E l l £l(; Earth
+
(H5 [1(;, + Earth) (H2 Z, - Wood) (H I O ;?, - Water)
This is a Yin Metal H8 person born in the month of E5, Late Spring season, when Earth is prosperous. According to the Cycle of Birth, Earth supports Metal. This person is therefore born in a supporting season. Besides receiving support from the season, there are three additional Earth plus one Metal sitting below Self. As a result this is a very strong Metal person. Strong Metal needs discharge. S ince there is an abundance of Earth, the most favourable element in this category will be Wood H I on the Month Stem. Water, the next most favourable element, can support Wood and also release the strong Metal energy. Unfavourable elements will be Earth and MetaL
A
Zheng Yin Ge whereby element same as Self is favourable
Hour
Day
H7 � + Metal
H8 * - Metal
E3 j[ + Wood
Self
E4 !lD - Wood
Month
Year
H I Jtl + Wood
H I Jtl + Wood
Season
E 1 1 rt + Earth
E3 + Wood
(H5 �, + Earth) (H8 $-, Metal) (H4 T, - Fire) �
This is a Yin Metal H8 person born in the month of E l l , Late Autumn season, when Earth is prosperous. We can say that this person is born in a supporting season with Earth giving support to Metal H8. However, the five Wood elements pose a threat to Earth E l l , which is is unable to support Metal. According to the Cycle of Destruction, Metal conquers Wood, thus Wood's energy is being drained. As a result, Yin Metal H8 turns weak. Weak Metal needs support. Metal H7 on the Hour Stem will be the most favourable element as it helps to prevent the strong Wood elements from attacking Earth E l l . Meanwhile, Earth El l , his next favourable element, will act as a backup for MetaL Favourable elements are Metal and Earth. Unfavourable elements will be Wood and Water.
A Zheng Y i n Ge whereby element that Self gives b i rth to is favo u rable
Hour
Day
Self H5 Dt + Earth
H8 - Metal
El + Water
E4 9P - Wood
Month
Year
H7 y! + Metal
H7 y! + Metal
Season E5 J& + Earth (H5 IX., + Earth)
E5 J& + Earth
(H2 Z, Wood) (H1 O �, Water) -
-
This is a Yin Metal H 8 person born in the month ofE5, Late Spring season, when Earth is prosperous. The ruling season of Earth E5 supports Self Metal H8. Due to the presence of two additional Metal and three Earth giving support in the Four Pillars, Metal H8 is further reinforced, turning the subject into a strong Metal person. A strong Metal person needs discharge. Since the Metal influence is strong, the most ideal element will be Water. Water E l drains Metal and, at the same time, strengthens Wood E4. Without the presence of Water, Wood will be under attack from the strong Metal. Unfavourable elements will be Metal, Earth and Fire.
•'.'!..
�� '
,\
PIAN YI N G E � fp � A person born in the Pian Yin Ge category is one who is born in a season that gives birth to Self, where Self is Yang and Month Branch is Yang or Self is Yin and Month Branch is Yin.
A Pian Y i n Ge whereby element that g ives b i rth to Self is favou rable
Month
Year
- Wood
H5 IX; + Earth
H7 � + Metal
E2 1i - Earth
Season E l -T + Water
E9 $ + Metal
Hour
Day
H7 � + Metal
H2 G
Self
E5 ,®: + Earth (H2 l" Wood) (H5 ft , + Earth) (H I O �, Water) -
(H I O �, Water) -
-
This is a Yin Wood H2 person born in the month of E l , Mid Winter season, when Water is prosperous. According to the Cycle of Birth, Water supports Wood. However, there are three Metal and three Earth that are pressurising Wood. Although born in Water season, Wood is weak in this category. Weak Wood needs support. Water is a favourable element, followed by the hidden Wood element H2 which is stored in Earth E5. Unfavourable elements will be Metal and Earth.
-1--- ---1'-
LJ �mple:
.��
A Pian Y i n Ge whereby element conquered by Self is favourable
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H4 T - Fire
Self H5 Jj(; + Earth
HlO � - Water
H3 W + Fire
E l l B<; + Earth
Season E6 B - Fire
E9 $ + Metal
E6 B - Fire
(H3 W, + Fire) (H5 ft , + Earth) (H7 m, + Metal)
This is a Yang Earth H5 person born in the month of E6, Early Summer season, when Fire is strong. Fire gives birth to Earth. Apart from the Season of Birth, there are three additional Fire and one more Earth supporting Self, thus turning this into a strong Earth person. The strong Earth influence needs discharge to restore its balance. Water will be the most favourable element as it cools the heat of strong Fire. It also dampens Earth to nourish Metal so that Water is sustained. Unfavourable elements will be Earth and Fire.
A
P i a n Yin Ge whereby element that conquers Self i s favourable
Hour
Day
Self
H5 JJt + Earth
HlO � - Water
E7 q: + Fire
E 1 2 *- Water
Month
Year
HIO � - Water
H I Efl + Wood
Season
E l O iN - Metal
E l .:y. + Water
(H8 *, Metal) -
This is a Yin Water H I O person born in the month of E l O, Mid Autumn season, when Metal is strong. Metal supports Water. Moreover, there are three additional Water rendering support to Self H I O, turning this into a strong Water person. Strong Water needs discharge. Earth HS on the Hour Stem will be the most favourable element for suppressing the excessive Water element. Fire E7 at the Hour Branch helps Earth HS to maintain its stamina. Unfavourable elements will be Water and Metal.
A P i a n Yin Ge whereby element same as Self is favou ra ble
Hour
Day
H I O :9? - Water
Self H2 - Wood
E8 * - Earth
E2 - Earth
Month
Year
H I EfJ + Wood
H5 Dt + Earth
Season E I -1+ Water (H lO �, Water)
Ell � + Earth
-
This is a Yin Wood H2 person born in the month of E I , Mid Winter season, when Water is prosperous. Based on the Cycle of Birth, Wood receives support from Water. However, we observe that there are four Earth elements in the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches which are against Water E I , therefore Wood will be the most favourable element for restraining the strong Earth from conquering Water. Though there are two Wood and two Water elements against four Earth, Selfis still relatively weak in this case. Wood H I on the Month Stem will be the most favourable element for Self. Apart from strengthening Self, Wood H I also helps to suppress the strong Earth from attacking Water. Water is his next favourable element. Antagonistic elements will be Earth and Fire.
�mple: "�
,�
A P i a n Y i n Ge whereby element that Self g ives b i rth to i s favo u ra ble
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H4 T - Fire
Self HIO - Water
H8 * - Metal
H I 0 9? - Water
E4 gp - Wood
Season EIO W - Metal
EI2 � - Water
E6 B - Fire
(H8 *", Metal) -
This is a Yin Water H I O person born in the month of E lO, Mid Autumn season, when Metal is strong. The season is reinforced by Metal H8 on the Month Stem. Self H I O receives support from the Metal season. In addition, there are two additional Water on the Year Pillar which further strengthen Self, making this a strong Water person. Strong Water needs discharge. Wood E4 on the Day Branch is a favourable element. Wood, the element that Selfproduces, also helps to nourish the Wealth (Fire) element, which is another favourable element for strong Water. Unfavourable elements are Water and Metal.
J IAN LU G E �il� A person born i n the Jian Lu Ge category i s one born i n a season where the Month Branch is similar to Self and is ofthe same gender. Among all categories, this one has the strongest Season of B irth. However, it is not necessary that this will be a strong person. The surrounding influences have to be taken into account. At times, Self could also tum from strong to weak.
A J ian Lu Ge where by element same as Self is favou rable
Year
Hour
Day
Month
H5 Dt
Self H I it' + Wood
+ Earth
+ Metal
E l l Bt + Earth
Season E3 jf + Wood
E l l Bt + Earth
+ Earth
E5 * + Earth
H5 Dt
H7 �
(H I ffl , + Wood ) (H3 �, + Fire) (H5 ft , + Earth)
This is a Yang Wood H I person born in the month of Early Spring E3. By referring to the I 2-Stage Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS, Self H I intersects with Month Branch E3 at Coming-of Age (Jian Lu). Apart from E3, the five Wealth (Earth) elements and one Power (Metal) element present are all antagonistic towards Wood. Though born in season, in this case, the presence of abundant Earth weakens Wood. In conclusion, this is a weak Wood person. Weak Wood needs support. Wood E3 on the Month Branch is a favourable element for strengthening Self H I . Water will be the most favourable element for suppporting Wood. Unfavourable elements are Earth, Fire and Metal.
�.
� Take Note!
The only exception for Jian Lu Ge category requires us to look at the 1 2-Stage Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS by permutating the Day Stem against the Month Branch.
A J ian Lu Ge whereby Wealth element conquered by Self is favourable
Hour
Day
H l lf3 + Wood
H l lf3 + Wood
E l l It + Earth
Self
E9 $ + Metal
Month
Year
H l lf3 + Wood
H 5 Dt + Earth
Season
E3 + Wood
E3 + Wood
(HI lfl , + Wood) (H3 IJg, + Fire) (H5 IX;, + Earth)
This is a Yang Wood H I person born in the month of E3, Early Spring season, when Wood is strong. By referring to the I 2-Stage Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS, Self H 1 intersects with Month Branch E3 at Coming-of-Age (Jian Lu). There are four additional Wood supporting Self, making this a strong Wood person. Strong Wood needs discharge. Earth H5 on the Year Stem will be the most favourable element. Fire will be the next favourable element as it can strengthen Earth and also drain the excessive Wood energy. Although Metal E9 is another favourable element, it cannot withstand the strong Wood. It is best to have both Earth and Metal arriving at the same time during the Luck Cycle. Unfavourable elements are Wood and Water.
•
J I E CAl G E -Jh Jr � Jie Cai Ge category is quite similar to Jian Lu Ge category except that the Month Branch
and Self are similar elements of a different gender.
A J ie C a i G e whereby e lement sa m e as Self i s favo u ra b l e
Hour
Day
Month
Y car
H5 J)t + Earth
Self HI � + Wood
H6 B - Earth
H7 � + Metal
Season
E5 � Earth
+
E5 Earth
+
E4 9P
- Wood (H2 Z, Wood )
E9 $ Metal
+
-
This Yang Wood H I person was born in the month of E4, Mid Spring season, where Wood E4 is similar to Self Wood H I but is of a different gender. There are four Earth supporting two Metal against Wood. Under this condition, Wood turns weak and needs support. Wood E4 on the Month Branch will be the most favourable element. Water will be the next best element for weak Wood. Unfavourable elements are Earth and Metal.
/��
(Ey.mple:
�"
A J ie Cai Ge whereby Power element that con q uers Self i s favou ra ble
Hour
Month
Year
H2 6 - Wood
H2 6 - Wood
Day
Self H3 pg + Fire
H7 � Metal
+
Season E l l JX + Earth
E3 � + Wood
ElO W - Metal (H8
ElO W - Metal
- Metal)
This Yang Metal H7 person was born in the month of E l O, Mid Autumn season. Yang Metal H7, born in Yin Metal E IO season, falls under the Jie Cai Ge category. Apart from the Season of Birth E l O, H7 also enjoys support from one additional Metal and one Earth at the Year Pillar. As a result, this is considered a strong Metal person. Favourable element is Fire H3 on the Hour Stem. Fire H3 receives support from Wood E3. With the support of Wood, Fire can suppress the strong Metal. Unfavourable elements are Metal and Earth.
• .
'3 .
,-;y •
>..' ... .
S H I S H E N G E --k # #Shi Shen Ge category is one where a person is born in a season (month) where its element
is born by Self. The Self and Month Branch should be of the same gender, that is, both are Yin or both are Yang. If the Self and Month Branch are of opposite gender, it is a Shang Guan Ge category.
A
Shi Shen Ge where by element that Self g ives birth to is favou rable
Hour
Day
H9 ± + Water
HIO � - Water
El Water
+
Self
EIO W - Metal
Month
Year
H2 Z - Wood
HI0 � - Water
Season
E4 9P - Wood
E6 B - Fire
(H2 2.. , Wood) -
This is a Yin Water H I O person born in the month of E4, Mid Spring season, when Wood is strong. Though not bom in season, there are three additional Water and one Metal to support Self H l O, turning this person from weak to strong Water. Strong Water needs release. Wood is a favourable element. It not only helps to absorb the strong Water and, at the same time, gives birth to Fire, which is another desirable element. Unfavourable elements are Water and Metal.
��
�x)lmple: ,�""'"-" A S h i S hen Ge whereby element that Self conq uers i s favou rable
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H8 -$ - Metal
Self H7 Ett + Metal
H6 B - Earth
H8 - Metal
E6 B - Fire
E3 + Wood
Season E12 � - Water (H9 :E, + Water)
ElO - Metal
(H I Ifl , + Wood)
This is a Yang Metal H7 person born in the month of E 1 2, Early Winter season, when Water is in controL Water drains MetaL Though this person is not born in a supporting season, there are three additional Metal and one Earth supporting Self, thus turning this into a strong Metal person. Fire is not a threat to Metal due to the presence of Earth. Strong Metal needs discharge. Wood E3 on the Day Branch will be the most favourable element in this set of Four Pillars. Unfavourable elements will be Metal and Earth.
A S h i Shen Ge whereby e lement that conquers Self i s favou rable
Hour
Day
HlO � - Water
H l ff1 + Wood
E l O ""@ - Metal
E3 9l' + Wood
Month
Year
H6 B - Earth
H l ff1 + Wood
Self
Season E6 B - Fire
E3 Wood
+
(H3 W, + Fire) (H5 JjI;, + Earth) (H7 �, + Metal)
This is a Yang Wood H I person born in the month ofE6, Early Summer season, when Fire is prosperous. Wood is in a state of retreat during the Early Summer season. Though not born in a supporting season, Self H I enjoys support from three additional Wood and one Water, thus turning this into a strong Wood person. Strong Wood needs discharge. Since there is an abundance of Wood influence, Metal will be the most favourable element to suppress Wood. Earth is the next most ideal element since it nourishes MetaL Unfavourable elements are Wood and Water.
r,l���
L;.;i
�mple: A S h i Shen Ge where by element that g ives birth to Self is favou ra ble
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H3 pg Fire
Self H7 � + Metal
H6 a - Earth
H8 -$ - Metal
El T + Water
El T + Water
+
Season E1 2 * - Water (H9 :E, + Water) (H I Ej3 , + Wood)
E12 * - Water
This is a Yang Metal H7 person born in the month of E 1 2, Early Winter season, when Water is prosperous. There are altogether four Water elements in this destiny. Apparently, Metal is weak under the assault of Water, thus turning the subject into a weak Metal person. Earth H6 on the Month Stem will be the most favourable element as Earth supports Metal. Earth H6 receives continuous support from Fire H3 on the Hour Stem. Water is regarded as an unfavourable element. As Metal receives support from Water, Metal is deemed unfavourable too.
�
�mple:
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A S h i Shen Ge where by element same as Self i s favou rable
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H5 LX; + Earth
Self H2 - Wood
H5 LX; + Earth
H5 LX; + Earth
E3 Ji! + Wood
E8 * - Earth
Season E7 Lf + Fire
E5 * + Earth
(H4 T. - Fire) (H2 z:. , - Wood) (H6 e , - Earth)
(H4 (H6
- Fire) - Earth)
(HI O �, - Water) (H2 z:. , - Wood) (H5 JJt, + Earth)
This is a Yin Wood H2 person born in the month of E7, Mid Summer season, when Fire dominates. Wood is at the stage of retreat in the Fire season. Apart from Fire, there are five Earth threatening Wood H2. SelfH2 sits on E8, which has a hidden Wood H2 stored inside. Unfortunately, E7 combines with E8 to form Fire. This transformation weakens the hidden Wood H2 in E8. Water H I O is contained in the pot of E5. However, Water H I O is unable to nourish Wood due to the heavy load of Earth. In this case, the most reliable supporting element will be Wood E3 on the Hour Branch. E3 will act as a root for Self H2 and, in addition, help to suppress the abundant Earth. Water is the next supportive element for Wood. Unfavourable elements include Fire and Earth. Metal is useful provided Water is present.
•
S HANG G UAN GE 1jj 't �
�*mple:
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A S ha n g G u a n Ge where by element that Self g ives b i rth to is favou ra b l e
Hour
D ay
Month
Year
H4 T - Fire
Self H3 P3 + Fire
H2 Z, - Wood
H3 P3 + Fire
E9 $ Metal
Season E8 * - Earth
E3 Ji[ + Wood
+
E5 JlR Earth
+
(H6 B, - Earth) (H2 - Wood) (H4 T, - Fire)
This is a Yang Fire H3 person born in the month of ES, Late Summer season, when Earth has strenghtened. Though not born in season, there are two additional Fire and two Wood supporting Self. As a result, the subject becomes a strong Fire person. Strong Fire needs discharge. Earth and Metal are ideal elements for a strong Fire. However, Earth will be the most favourable element to buffer the strong Fire against Metal, the Wealth element. S ince Fire is abundant and hot, it is ideal to have some Water to cool the Earth. Unfavourable elements are Fire and Wood.
lE ;a mple: .:�
'--'" l�
A Shang Guan Ge whereby element that Self conquers is favourable
Hour
Day
Self
H7 � + Metal
H3 p;J + Fire
E3 Jr + Wood
E3 Jr + Wood
Month
Year
H8 $ - Metal
H I Ef3 + Wood
Season
E8 * - Earth (H6 c., E arth)
E3 Jr + Wood
-
(H2 G, Wood) (H4 T, Fire) -
-
This is a Yang Fire H3 person born in the month of E8, Late Summer season, when Earth is strenghtened. There are four Wood to support Fire, making this a strong Fire person. Since there is an abundance of Wood, Metal will be the most favourable element to release the excessive Wood energy. In this case, Metal is supported by Earth E8. Unfavourable elements are Fire and Wood. Though Water can cool the heat of Fire, it is not ideal due to the presence of Wood, which will be nourished by Water.
A
Shang Guan Ge whereby element that conq uers Self is favoura ble
Hour
Day
H4 T - Fire
H8 * - Metal
E10 W - Metal
Self
ElO W - Metal
Month
Year
H4 T - Fire
H7 ll! + Metal
Season
E12 * - Water
E3
+ Wood
(H9 :I:, + Water) (HI 1fI , + Wood)
This is a Yin Metal H8 person born in the month of E 1 2, Early Winter season, when Water is prosperous. Though not born in season, there are three additional Metal, turning this person from weak to strong Metal. Strong Metal needs discharge. Fire will be the most favourable element to counter the excessive MetaL Fire is also supported by Wood, another favourable element for strong Metal. Unfavourable elements are Metal and Earth.
A S h a n g G u a n Ge whereby element t h at g ives b i rth to Self is favo u rable
Day
Hour
Month
Year
H9 Water
H2 Z - Wood
Self H l q:I Wood
H8 - Metal
+
E8 * - Earth
E l l EX; + Earth
+
Season E7 lf + Fire
E l O g[ - Metal
(H4 T, - Fire) (H6 D, - Earth)
This is a Yang Wood H I person born in the month ofE7, Mid Summer season, when Fire is strong. Wood H I is surrounded by strong Earth and Metal, resulting in a weak Wood person in need of support. Water H9 will be the most favourable element. It can fend off the attack from Metal. Water also cools the warm and hard Summer Earth that is detrimental to Wood. Unfavourable elements will be Metal and Earth.
A
Shang Guan Ge where by el ement s a me as Self is favo urable
Hour
Day
Self
+ Metal
H7 m
H8 * - Metal
E3 + Wood
E l O "@ - Metal
Month
Year
H2 Z. - Wood
H l ffl + Wood
Season
E12 � - Water
E3 jif + Wood
+ Water) (H9 (HI !fl , + Wood)
This is a Yin Metal H8 person born in the month ofE1 2, Early Winter season, when Water is strong. Water is the product of Metal and also strenghtens the four Wood that are threatening Metal. This is thus a weak Metal person. Metal E l O on the Day Branch will be his most favourable element. With the assistance of Metal, Wood can be kept under control. Though Earth is another favourable element that supports Metal, it is unable to sustain the attack from strong Wood. As for Fire, it is weak in the Water season. Unfavourable elements are Wood and Water.
, • . '�. . .
WOOD DOM INANT CATEGORY Criteria: .. .. .. ..
Self Element: Yang Wood H I or Yin Wood H2 Season of Birth: E3, E4 or ES; E4, E8 and E 1 2 There i s no Metal to destroy Wood Earthly Branches can form Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches by Season (E3 + E4 + ES) or by Element (E4 + E8 + E 12)
,Ev'nmple:
�....;r
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H2 z:.. - Wood
Self H l lfJ + Wood
H2 z:.. - Wood
H l O ¥R - Water
Season E4 9n - Wood (H2 G, Wood)
E4 9P - Wood
E12 * - Water
E3 J.r + Wood
-
This is a Yang Wood H I person born in the month of E4, Mid Spring season, when Wood is dominating. Apart from Self H I , there are five additional Wood elements suppporting Self. The presence of two Water elements, H l O and E 1 2, nourishes Wood, thus intensifying the strength of Wood. In this set of Four Pillars, there is no Metal to control Wood or Earth to suppresss the Water. Favourable element is Water. Unfavourable element will be Earth and Metal.
Hour
Day
H2 Z. - Wood
H I IfI + Wood
Month
Year
H4 T - Fire
H I IfI + Wood
Self
E I 2 t< - Water
Season E3 + Wood
E3 � + Wood
E4 !1D - Wood (H2 Z, - Wood)
This is a Yang Wood H I person born in the Mid Spring season ofE4 when Wood is dominating. Apart from SelfH 1 , there are five Wood elements which give support to Self. In accordance with the Six Combinations, E 1 2 combines with E3 to form a resultant Wood Element. Within the Four Pillars, there is no Metal to suppress the strong Wood. In this case, this destiny falls under the Wood Dominant category. Favourable elements are Wood and Fire. Unfavourable element will be Metal.
'�I J
--.
Metal
Water
Wood
Fire
,
Earth
F I RE DOMI NANT CATEGORY Criteria: + SelfElement: Yang Fire H3 or Yin Fire H4 + Season of Birth: E6 or E7 + Branches cons i st of Three C omb inations of the Earthly B ranche s by S eason (E6 + E7 + E8) or by Element (E3 + E7 + E l l ) + Abundant Fire element + An absence of Power (Water) or Wealth (Metal) elements; Earth is acceptable, but
preferably damp Earth (E2 or E5)
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H l Efl
Self H3 pg + Fire
+ Wood
H l Efl
H3 pg + Fire
E3 j[ + Wood
Season E7 Lf + Fire
E7 Lf + Fire
+ Wood
E7 Lf + Fire
(H4 T, - Fire) (H6 S , Earth) -
This is a Yang Fire H3 person born in the month of E7, Mid Summer season, when Fire is dominating. There is excessive Fire in the Four Pillars. Due to the Half Combination of E3 and E7, a Fire frame which further strengthens Self is formed. Since there is no Metal to suppress the Wood or Water to attack the Fire, this destiny falls under Fire Dominant category. Favourable elements will be Wood and Fire. Unfavourable elements include Metal and Water.
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H I fj3 + Wood
Self H3 173 + Fire
H8 - Metal
H2 z.. - Wood
E7 Lf + F ire
E7 + Fire
Season E6 B - Fire
E8 * - Earth
(H3 W, + Fire) (H5 Dt, + Earth) (H7 �, + Metal)
This is a Yang Fire H3 person born in the month ofE6, Early Summer season when Fire is strong. In this case, Metal H8 combines with Fire H3 to form Fire. We categorise this as a "Wife Following Husband" Combination. This is because Fire is in season and the Seasonal Combination of E6, E7 and E8 forms a Fire frame. In addition, there are two Wood to support Fire. This further exacerbates the problem ofexcessive Fire. Within the Four Pillars, there is an absence of Water to control the strong Fire. Metal is also not available to suppress Wood from feeding Fire. In this destiny, Fire dominates. We classify this as a F ire Dominant category. As such, the favourable element will be Fire and Wood. Unfavourable elements are Water and Metal.
Metal
Water
Wood
Fire
Earth
EARTH DOMINANT CATEGORY Criteria: + + + +
SelfElement: Yang Earth HS or Yin Earth H6 Season of Birth: E2, ES, E8 or E l l Mininium ofthree Earth elements on the Earthly Branches Absence of Wood
Hour
Day
Self
H 5 Ilt + Earth
H6 - Earth
ES � + Earth
E6 B - Fire
Month
Year
H6 - Earth
HS Ilt + Earth
Season
E8 * - Earth (H6 c., Earth)
E5 � + Earth
-
(H2 z:" (H4
-
Wood) - Fire)
This is a Yin Earth H6 person born in the month ofE8, Late Summer season when Earth dominates. There are excessive Earth elements on the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Wood is not present in the Four Pillars. As a result, Earth is dominating in this set ofF our Pillars. In this case, it falls under the Earth Dominant category. Favourable clements are Earth and Fire. Unfavourable elements arc Wood and Water. Whenever Water appears in the Luck Cycle, it will bring bad luck and calamity. On the arrival of Wood, the presence of Fire is necessary to buffer Earth against Wood, failing which it will turn hostile.
;�
�mple: Hour
Month
Day
Self H5 Dt
H3 pg + Fire
H5
E5 Jlf + Earth
E5 Jlf + Earth
Dt
+ Earth
+ Earth
Season
E5 � + Earth
Year H6 B - Earth ElO W - Metal
(H5 DC;, + Earth) (H2 Z , - Wood)
(H I O � , - Water)
This is a Yang Earth H 5 person born in the month ofE5 , Late Spring season when Earth is in control. There is an abundance ofEarth influence on the Heavenly Sterns and Earthly Branches. Fire supports Earth while Metal helps to release the strong Earth energy. However, we observe that Wood is not present to control Earth.
In this case, Earth becomes the dominant element in this category. Metal acts as a release for strong Earth . Favourable elements are Earth, Fire and Metal. Wood is an unfavourable element.
Metal
Water
Wood
Fire
Earth
METAL DOMINANT CATEGORY Criteria:
+ Self Element: Yang Metal H7 or Yin Metal H8 + Season of Birth: E9 or E 1 0 + There is a Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches by Season (E9 + E 1 0 + E l l ) or by Element (E2 + E6 + E 1 0) + There is no Fire present to control Metal.
�;ll mple:
,��
Hour
Day
Month
Year
Self H2
z:.
- Wood
H7 �
H8 :¥-
+ Metal
- Metal
H5
Jt
+ Earth
Season B<;
E l O !ff
Ell
- Metal
+ Earth
E l O !ff - Metal
E9
Eft
+ Metal
(H8 :$, Metal) -
This is a Yang Metal H7 person born in the month of E l O, Mid Autumn, when Metal thrives. Earthly Branches E9, E l O and E l l combine by season to form a Metal frame. In accordance with the Five Combinations of the HS, H2 combines with H7 to form Metal, thus Metal is abundant in this destiny. There is no Fire to control the excessive Metal. Obviously Metal dominates in this set of Four Pillars, which falls under the Metal Dominant category. In this case, Metal and Earth are favourable while Fire is unfavourable.
Hour H6 i3 - Earth
E2 31 - Earth
Month
Day
Self
H8 * - Metal
E6 B - Fire
H8 - Metal
Season
EIO W - Metal
(H8
Year H5 JJ(; Earth
+
E9 $ + Metal
- Metal)
This is a Yin Metal H8 person born in the month of E l O, Mid Autumn season, when Metal prospers. Based on the Three Combinations, Fire E6 combines with Earth E2 and Metal E 1 0 to form Metal. On the Day Stern, H8 is further supported by Earth H5 and Earth H6 on the Year and Hour Pillars respectively. With these support and transformation, Metal becomes abundant and dominates in this set of Four Pillars. There is no Fire to control Metal. In this case, this destiny falls under the Metal Dominant category. Unfavourable elements are Fire and Wood.
� Metal
Water
Wood
�' )' ��
Fire
Earth
WATER DOMINANT CATEGORY Criteria: .. SelfElement: Yang Water H9 or Yin Water H 1 0 .. Season of Birth: E 1 2 ; E 1 ; E5 ; E9 or presence of Seasonal Combination (E 1 2
+
EI
+
E2)
.. H5, H6, E8 and E l l are not present in the Four Pillars �
.
\.Ex:ample: �,--,-' Hour
H7 +
Metal
El +
Yt
-=f
Water
Day
Month
Year
H9 :f
H9 :f
Self H9 :f +
Water
+
Water
E5 1&
Season E I -1-
+ Earth
+ Water
+
Water
E9 $ +
Metal
(HlO �, Water)
This is a Yang Water H9 person born in the month of E I , Mid W inter season when Water thrives. Apart from the Season of B irth, there are three additional Water to support Self. According to the principle of the Three Combinations, E5 and E9 j oin E I to form Water. Above that, there is one Metal H7 on the Heavenly Stems that gives birth to Water. Water dominates in this set of Four Pillars, which falls under the Water Dominant category. Favourable elements are Metal and Water. Unfavourable elements are Earth and Fire.
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H7 � + Metal
Self H9 + Water
H8 $ - Metal
H9 :f:: + Water
E 1 T-
+ Water
El
+ Water
Season E12 � - Water
E9 $
(H9 3:, + Water) (HI Efl , + Wood)
+ Metal
This i s a Yang Water H9 person born in the month of E 1 2, Mid Winter season when Water prospers. In this set ofFour Pillars, there are four additional Water which further strengthen Self. Metal E9 not only supports Water but, at the same time, also forms a HalfCombination with E 1 to produce Water. The presence oftwo additional Metal, H8 and H7, on the Month and Hour Stems further strengthens Water. In this case Water is abundant and dominates in this set of Four Pillars. It therefore falls under the
Water Dominant category. Favourable elements are Metal and Water. Unfavourable elements will be Fire and Earth.
Metal
Water
Wood
Fire
Earth
FOLLOW TH E LEADER CATEGORY Follow the Leader category is one where Self is so weak that there is no way to establish equilibrium. Therefore you have to succumb yourselfto the strongest leading element.
Criteria to qualify:
.. .. .. .. .. ..
Self Element is extremely weak and enjoys no support at all Four Pillars are full ofunfavourable elements Absence of elements that can suppress the unfavourable elements Abundant leading elements Leading element is the strongest of the Five Elements There must not be any resource in the pillars.
C£;' ..,..
Take Note!
Leading elements are elements that are present in the g reatest nu mber i n the Four Pillars.
FOLLOW TH E STRO N G EST E LEM E NT CATEGORY
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H I Efi + Wood
H I Efi + Wood
HIO � Water
H9 + Water
EI T + Water
EI + Water
E4 !1D Wood
El + Water
-
-
Self Element Wood H I was born in the season ofE4 when Wood dominates. There are five Water elements to support the three Wood elements. Wood is the strongest in this destiny because it is nourished by Water. Under such circumstances, the subject has no choice but to follow the leading element Wood. Wood and Water are favourable elements. Metal and Earth disrupt Wood and Water and thus are unfavourable elements.
Wood
FOLLOW T H E E LEM E NT THAT SELF CONQU E RS CATEGORY
Hour
Day
Month
H2 6 - Wood
H9 + Water
H3 pg + Fire
H4 T - Fire
E6 B - Fir e
E7 + Fire
E7 q: + Fire
E6 B - Fire
_
Year
In this case, the SelfElement is Water H9 born in Mid Summer season when Fire is in control. Water H9 lacks support from the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Apart from SelfH9, there is no other supporting element for Water. Instead, there are abundant Fire elements which act against Self. As such, this weak Water person has no alternative but to succumb to the strong Fire and thus, falls under the F oHow the Leader category. The leading element is Fire, which is a favourable element, while Water and Metal, which support Self, are unfavourable elements.
Fire
FOLLOW TH E ELEMENT THAT CONQU ERS S ELF CATEGORY
(j!3ample: Hour
Day
Month
Year
H4 T .:. Fire
+ Water
H9 :f
H6 B - Earth
+ Earth
E5 �
E8 * - Earth
E l l JX + Earth
+ Earth
H5
Dt
Self Element Water H9, born in the Late Summer season ofE8, receives no support from the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Since there is an abundance ofEarth elements within the Four Pillars, Earth is the leading element. The intention of H4 to combine with H9 to form Wood is not approved by the season. As a result, Water has no choice but to give way to the strong Earth. In this case, this destiny falls under the Follow the Leader category. Since Earth is favourable, Water and Wood, which are in conflict with Earth, are unfavourable.
Follow me!
Earth
FOLLOW TH E ELEMENT THAT SELF G IVES BIRTH TO CATEGORY
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H8 $ - Metal
H5 IX; + Earth
H8 - Metal
HIO � - Water
EIO W - Metal
+ Metal
ElO W - Metal
ElO - Metal
E9
$
This is a Yang Earth H5 person born in the month ofE l O when Metal is in season. There are abundant Metal elements on the Branches and Stems but there is no Fire to support Earth. Water H I 0 is unable to combine with H5 due to objection from the season. As such, it turns hostile towards Earth. In this case, Earth is too weak and has no choice but to follow the strong Metal. Earth has to follow the element that Selfgives birth to. Favourable elements will be Metal and Water. Unfavourable elements will be Fire and Earth.
Follow me!
Metal
FOLLOW THROUGH CATEGORY This is a situation where the support is so strong that Self cannot succumb to the pressure but has to look for parallel support.
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H i fF + Wood
H4 T - Fire
H i fF + Wood
HIO � - Water
E5 }if + Earth
EI2 � - Water
E3 + Wood
E4 gp - Wood
This is a Yin Fire H4 person born in the Early Spring ofE3 when Wood prospers. The Seasonal Combination ofE3, E4 and E5 transform into a resultant Wood element which further strengthens Self. With two additional Wood on the Heavenly Sterns, Self Fire H4 is overwhelmed by the strong Wood energy. Water H I O on the Year Stem nourishes Wood to feed Fire. Based on the Six Combinations, Water E 1 2 combines with Wood E3 to form Wood. There is an absence of Metal to control the strong Wood in this set ofF our Pillars. In such a situation, Fire will be "choked" by the excessive supply of Wood.
In this case, it cannot succumb to the leader Wood but instead looks for parallel Fire elements to release the pressure of strong Wood. Fire will be the most favourable element under the Follow Through Category.
CAN N OT FOLLOW THE LEADER CATEGORY
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H3 pg + F ire
H3 pg + F ire
H7 � + Metal
H5 It + Earth
E9 If! + Metal
E9 If! + Metal
E9 If! + Metal
E3 + Wood
This is a Yang Fire H3 person born in the month of E9, Early Autumn season when Metal prospers. In Autumn, Fire is weak and is imprisoned. Wood E3 is supposed to give support to Fire H3 but is under heavy attack from the strong Metal. If not for Fire H3 on the Hour Stem supporting the weak Self, this destiny would have come under the Follow the Leader category. Note that to qualifY for the Follow the Leader category, there should not be any support for Self and there should be no element that acts against the leading element. In this case, the presence of Fire H3 on the Hour Stem prevents this destiny from falling into the Follow the Leader category. Therefore, it should be analysed as a normal category. Fire and Wood are favourable elements, while Metal and Earth are unfavourable.
A S I NGLE WOMAN Four Pill ars of Desti ny Hour
Day
Month
HZ l..
Self
Year
H3 �
H9 :=E
+ F i re
+ Water
Season T
+ Wood
Earthly Branch (EB)
Death
Life Cycle of the 10 HS
- Wood
H4 T
E6 B
E IO W
- F i re
- Metal
- F i re
Heavenly Stem (HS)
E3 Jir
E7
+ Fire
Prosperity Peak
Birth
Comingof-Age
H7 llf
H8 *
H4 T
+ Metal
- Metal
Fire
H3 P3
H6 i3
+ Fire
- Earth
HI 'P +
H3 P3
Hidden HS in the E B
+ Fire
I
HS 1X; + Earth
Wood
I
HS 1X; + Earth
Luck Cycle
77
67
57
47
H7 »t
37
H5 1X;
H6 B
H8 $
H9 ::E
+ Earth
- Earth
+ Metal
- Metal
+ Water
82
72
62
52
42
Ell Et
E12�
E2Jl
E3 Ji!
+ Earth
- Water
t
El r
+ Water
..
I I
-
Earth
t
+ Wood
I
27
I
- Water
i
I
HI0 �
17
7
Age
H1 1fJ
H2l..
Heavenly
22
12
E4 9fJ
E5 �
E6 B
- Wood
+ Earth
- Fire
Winter
Spring
Metal
Water
Wood
Stem
+Wood I - Wood
32
A utumn
•
i
t
t Summer
Fire
Age
I
--,-
Earthly
Branch
H2 - Wood E6 - Fire
I •
i
H4 - Fire EIO - Metal
H3
H9
+ Fire
+ Water
E7 + Fire
E3 + Wood
Self This woman, with Self Element Yin Fire H4, was born in Mid Summer E7, when F ire is deemed to be prosperous. Another Fire H3 on the Month Stem further supports Self. Fire E6 on the Hour Pillar has two supporting Wood elements, E3 and H2, on the Year and Hour Pillars. By the Cycle of Birth theory, Wood produces Fire, which further strengthens the Fire element From the above analysis, we may conclude that this is an excessively strong F ire person. Since Fire is too strong, it is necessary to suppress or release its excessive strength with suitable elements. Water will suppress the strong F ire while Earth and Metal will also help to exhaust the excessive Fire energy.
Water H9 Water H9 at the Year Stem, which is her favourable element, is too weak to suppress the strong Fire. This is because Water is imprisoned in Mid Summer. Water, the element that conquers Self, represents her boyfriend or spouse.
Metal EIO In a strong Fire season, Water is weak, hence it needs the support of Metal E I O at the Day Branch. By the Cycle of B irth, Metal gives birth to Water. Metal E I 0 exists in the House of Spouse, sitting below Self. E3 combines with E7 to form a Half Combination of Fire element which further weakens MetaL Metal is very weak in a strong Fire season. Moreover, Metal is surrounded by three threatening Fire elements, H3, E6 and E7, thereby weakening even more quickly. Metal is thus too weak to nourish Water H9.
Wood Wood is the greatest enemy in this destiny because it intensifies Fire and, at the same time, draws upon the energy of Water and weakens Metal. Wood represents sickness in this destiny.
.I .
Year
-
1999
�a�h E4
- Wood
.
H2 - Wood
.
E6 - Fire
H4 - Fire
+
H3
Fire
H9 + Water
Luck Pilla r 3 7-4 1 +
I
EIO - Metal
E7 + Fire
+
E3 Wood
H9 Water
42-46 E3 +
Wood
Earth Earth is the most favourable element for strengthening MetaL It helps to release the strong Fire energy and, in addition, gives birth to Metal so that it can supplement the weak Water H9. Hidden Earth Element Unfortunately there is no Earth element in the Eight Characters, except for hidden ones. Earth H5 is hidden in the Year Branch E3 and the Hour Branch E6. Earth H6 is hidden in the Month Branch E7. However, in Mid Summer, the Earth element is hard and dry and is unable to produce good Metal. Favourable Element Her favourable elements will be Water and Metal. Earth is neutral. Unfavourable elements are Fire and Wood. Luck Cycle On entering the Luck Pillar of Water H9 (age 37 to 4 1 ), although Water can help to control the strong Fire, it is not as good as Metal. Moreover, there is Wood H2 on the Hour Stem to absorb the coming Water.
Year of Rabbit 1 999 is ruled by Yin Earth H6 and Yin Wood E4. By the Cycle of Birth, Wood gives birth to F ire, which further intensifies the Fire element in this destiny. By referring to the chart on page 86, we see that Rabbit E4 is a F lower of Romance for her Year Branch E3 in 1 999. By the Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches, E4 clashes with E l O, leading to a clash in the House of Marriage. Any romance will not yield positive result. Wealth Metal, the element which Self conquers, represents the money aspects of a Fire person. The presence of Metal E l O on the Day Pillar indicates that she will have money. However, being born in Mid Summer season, Metal is weak. Weak Metal needs support from Metal and Earth. Therefore her finances will improve when she enters the periods of Earth and Metal in her Luck Cycle.
H2
H4
- Wood
- Fire
E6
EIO
- Fire
- Metal
H3
+ Fire E7
+ Fire
H9
+ Water E3
+ Wood
Marriage The element H9 which conquers Self represents her husband. We can see that there is only one Water element H9 in this destiny. Water is weak during Summer. On the surface, Metal E l O can support Water H9. Unfortunately, due to the presence of a strong Fire, Metal is too weak to support Water. Her chances of romance will only blossom when she enters the period of Metal H8 (age 47 to 5 1 ) in her Luck Pillar.
Summary Year of Rabbit 1 999 is not a favourable year for romance. If she marries before H8, her marriage life will not be blissful.
TRACING YO U R LUCK CYC LE Four P i l l a rs of Destiny
Hour
Day
H IO �
Self
- Water
H3 W + F ire
i
II
r
E6 B
E3 J,ii
- F ire
+ Wood
Comingof-Age
Birth
H5 LIt + Earth
H5 LIt + Earth
H3 Pi
H3 Pi
Month
Year
- Metal
- Water
Season
E6 B
H IO �
I I
EIO gj
- Metal
I
Death
H8 *
- Metal
HI lfl + Wood
H7 m
+ Metal
I I I
Comingof-Age
I I
H5 LIt + Earth + Fire
I
Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS
I
H3 Pi
i
Ii Earthly Branch (EB)
- Fire
I
+ Fire
+ Fire
!
I
Heavenly Stem (HS)
Hidden HS in the ED
i
H7 m
+ Metal
Luck Cycle
I I
72
HIO �
: - Water
I I
62 HI ' + Wood
77
67
E2 .R
E3 ]lit
: - Earth
+
Wood
+L-
I
I
I I
52
42
H2 Z
H3 �
...
- Wood
57 E4 911
Fire
+
I
47
I E5 �
- Wood I + Earth
---lt
_ _ _ _
i
32 H4 T
i - Fire
i
37
I • i i
22
12
H5 JJt
H6 D
+
Earth i - Earth
27
E6 B . E7 lf - Fire
!
+ Fire
I i
I
Age
+ Metal I
Stem
2
H7 Y.! i Heavenly
17
7
E8 *
E9 JfI
- Earth . + Meta1
t
t
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Water
Wood
Fire
Metal
i
Age Earthly Branch
i I
I
i
I !
I
HIO - Water E6 - Fire
!
I
H3 + Fire
i
I
+
E3 Wood
I
I i
H8 - Metal
HIO - Water
EIO - Metal
E6 - Fire
Self
This is a Yang Fire H3 person born in Mid Autumn E l O. His Season of Birth, Metal E l O, is strong and supported by H8 on the Month Stem. Self Element Fire H3 sits on Wood E3 which, according to the Cycle of Birth, nourishes Fire, thus strengthening Self. F urthermore, the presence of two Fire elements, E6, on the Year and Hour Branches, further reinforces the Fire element. As such, we conclude that this is a strong Fire person. Wood and Fire are not favourable to him.
Water
Being a strong Fire person, his favourable elements are Metal and Water. Fortunately, the presence of Water in the Year and Hour Pillars helps to contain the strong Fire energy.
Metal
Metal, which is conquered by Self Fire H3, represents his financial status. Water H I O can prevent Fire E6 from "robbing" him of his wealth.
I I
HIO - Water E6 - F ire
I
H3 + F ire
H8 - Metal
HIO - Water
E3 + Wood
E IO - Metal
E6 - F ire
I
Earth Although Earth supports Metal, it can also weaken Water. Therefore, Earth is neutral to him. Luck Cycle Upon entering his first Luck Pillar of Metal (age 2 to 1 1 ), he has a comfortable childhood. Subsequently, with the arrival of Earth on his second and third Luck Pillars reigning from H6-E8 (age 1 2 to 2 1 ) to H5 (age 22 to 26), there are few major changes since Earth is neutral in his Four Pillars.
On entering Fire H4-E6 on the fourth Luck Pillar and H3 on the fifth Luck Pillar, Fire, which is his unfavourable element, is strengthened and Water is weakened. Life gets rough during this period. Good luck is restored on entering E5, reason being that E5 is the Water Pot for Water H 1 0. In addition, Earth E5, by S ix Combinations with E IO, gives birth to Metal, a favourable element for Self. It is advisable to slow down and retire on entering the Wood Pillars reigning from H2E4 to H I -E3, since Wood is his unfavourable element and will intensify the Fire element. However, having a strong set of Four Pillars, Wood will not bring him much adversity.
S U D D E N D EATH F o u r P i l l a rs of Dest i ny
Hour
Day
HS IX.
Self
HI0 �
H8 *
+ Earth
H6 B
- Water
- Metal
Month
Year Heavenly Stem (HS)
- Earth ES f&
E4 9P
+ Earth
- Wood
E6 B
Season
- Fire
Earthly B ranch (EB)
Prosperity Peak
........ .. :ycle of the 1 0 HS
E6 B
- Fire Ageing
Sickness
HIO �
H2 Z. - Wood
- Water
i
Prosperity Peak H5 It
H5 It
+ Earth
+
H5 It + Earth
+ Fire
H2 Z. - Wood
Earth
H3 p;j
H3 p;j
+
Hidden HS in the EB
Fire
H7 �
H7 � + Metal
+
�.........
Metal
Luck Cycle
68
78
58
48
38
28
18
8
Age
H2 Z
H3 Pi
H4 T
H5 J.t
H6 i3
H7 �
H8 $
+ Fire
- Fire
+ Earth
- E arth
+ Metal
- Metal
H9 :f: + Water
Heavenly
- Wood
83
73
63
53
43
33
23
13
Age
EIO W
E l l 1t
E 12 �
El r
E2 Jl
E4 9P
E5 �
Earthly
- Metal
+ Earth
- Water
+ Water
E3 Jr
- Wood
+ Earth
Branch
t
t
Autumn
Metal
-
Winter
Water
- Earth
t
I + Wood t
I
Spring
Wood
t
Stem
!
H5 + Earth
H6 - Earth
E5 + Earth
E4 - Wood
I I
HI0 - Water
H8 - Metal
E6 - Fire
E6 - Fire
Self This is a Male subject with Self Earth H6 who was born in Early Summer E6, when Fire is in season. There is another Fire E6 on the Year Branch and two Earth elements on the Hour Pillar to provide Self with additional support.
According to the Cycle of Birth, Fire supports Earth. He is therefore a strong Earth person who needs an outlet to release his excessive energy. Favourable elements for a strong Earth person are Metal and Water. The other two elements, Fire and Earth, are his bane as they generate a stronger Earth element, creating a greater imbalance in his destiny.
Year 1989 H6 - Earth E6 - Fire
B5 + Earth
B6 - Earth
BI0 - Water
B8 - Metal
E5 + Earth
E4 - Wood
E6 - Fire
E6 - Fire
Luck '"
48-51 US + Eardt 53-57 El + Wata:
Water There is a Water H lO element at the Month Stem to counteract the strong Fire.
Metal According to the Cycle of Birth, Metal supports Water, therefore Water enjoys continuity. Metal H8 on the Year Stem also helps to discharge the strong Earth energy.
Wood Although Wood can suppress Earth, it can also nourish his unfavourable element, Fire. Wood is therefore neutral in this set of Four Pillars.
Luck Cycle Since Fire and Earth elements are not in his favour, he has to be mindful when he enters the Luck Pillar ofH5 at the age of 48. The reigning Earth will conquer Water, which is his favourable element. By the theory of Five Combinations of the Heavenly Stems, Earth H5 combines with Water HI 0 to form Fire, which is detrimental to him because it destroys his favourable element, Metal. At the same Luck Pillar in 1 989, H6-E6, which is Fire and Earth, his unfavourable elements are dominating. In the month of E6, F ire prospers and the combination between H5 and H l O further strengthens the aggressive Fire element. As a result, both his favourable elements, Water and Metal, are critically weakened. On the day of E6, a Fire day, he colIapsed and died of a heart attack halfway through a game of golf.
MARRIAGE WOES Four Pil lars of Destiny
Hour H3 Pi
Day
Self
HS JJt + Earth Ell JX
+ Fire
Year HI0 �
+ Water
- Water
E4 9P
+ Earth
+ Earth
Season JX
Attire
Grave
Grave
ES �
I
Month H9 :E Ell
+ Earth
I
- Wood
Earthly Branch (EB)
Death
Life Cycle of the 10 HS
HI0 �
HS It
HS It
H2 Z
- Water
+ Earth
+ Earth
- Wood
HS It
H4 T
H4 T
+ Earth
- Fire
- Fire
•
H2 Z
H8 $
H8 $
- Wood
- Metal
- Metal
Heavenly Stem (HS)
Hidden HS in the EB i
I
I
Luck Cycle I
76 H7 9t
66 H6 B
+ Metal
- Earth
81 E7 lf
71 E6 B
t
t
+ Fire
- Fire
Summer
Fire
· 'Sa '".
•
i
26
16 H1 Ef1
Age
56 H5 JX;
46 H4 T - Fire
+ Fire
- Wood
+ Wood
- Water
Stem
61 E5 �
51 E4 9P
41 E3 i{
31 E2 31
21 E1 �
11 E12 �
Age
+ Earth
+ Earth
- Wood
36 H3 �
+ Wood
t
HlZ
- Earth
t
• + Water
S pring
Winter
Wood
Water
6 H10 �
- Water
t
Heavenly
Earthly B ranch
H3 + Fire Six
E5 " + Earth
H9
H5 Earth
+ Water
HIO - Water
Ell + Earth
Ell + Earth
E4 - Wood
+
Ciashes
•
I
•
House of Spouse
t'--
.
...
Spouse
�
ComblD -- Fire
Self This is a Yang Earth HS woman born in the Late Autumn season of E 1 1 , with supporting Earth elements ES and E l l on the Hour and Day Branches. We classify her as a strong Earth person. Fire H3 at the Hour Stem generates multiple Earth elements, thus making Earth excessively strong. S ince there are excessive Earth elements in her Four Pillars, Metal, Water and Wood influences are favourable to her. Her unfavourable elements are Fire and Earth, both of which will feed the excessive Earth energy.
Spouse Wood E4, the element that conquers S elf, represents her spouse. Since Wood is her favourable element, her husband will be supportive. The compatibility of a couple does not necessarily signify a good relationship that lasts forever. A third party may appear to wreck the relationship due to the elemental changes in the Luck Pillars and yearly influence. By the Six Combinations of the Earthly Branches, E4 combines with E l l to form Fire, indicating her husband may get involved in an extramarital affair. By looking at the House of Spouse E l l at the Day Branch, we see that, by the Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches, E l l clashes with ES, indicating that her marriage life is not blissful.
Luck Cycle From her Luck Pillars, we see that the Wood element flourishes from age 1 6 to 20. Since her marriage is headed for complications, it is advisable to get marri ed only in the next Wood period, H2, beginning at the age of 26.
DIVORCE Four Pillars of Destiny I
Day
Hour H5 Jl;
Self
+ Earth i
I
H1
l:fI
E7 lf
+ Earth
+ Fire
I
Death
Ageing
I
Season E9 $
I
Repose
I
+ Fire
+ Wood
E5 JOC
Month H 3 Jij
I I
+ Metal
Year H8 $
E12 �
Birth and Growth
H6 i3
- Water
- E arth
HS Ot
H4 T
H7 Eli:
H9 :1-
+ Earth
- Fire
+ Metal
+ Water
H2 Z.
I
- Wood
+ Water
HS Ot + Earth
Earthly Branch (EB)
- Water
i
!
Heavenly Stem (HS)
- Metal
HIO �
H9
I
HI 1ft + Wood
I Life Cycle of the 10 HS i
I
Hidden HS in the
EB
I
Luck Cycle
71 I 61 HI Efl HI0 �
+ Wood
76 E5 R
+ Earth
51 H9 :E
+ Water
- Water
56 66 E4 .!1il : E3 J[
- Wood
+L-
i
+ Wood
+
_ _ _ _
41 H8 $
- Metal
46 E2 1l
- Earth
:
31 H7 �
+ Metal
36 EI T
+ Water
+1.-
21 H6 e.
- Earth
11 H5 1t
+ Earth
16 26 � E11 � E12
- Water
+
____
+ Earth
1 I H4 T
Age Heavenly
- Fire
Stern
6 EI0 W
Age
- Metal
+1..-_-+
Spring
Winter
Autumn
Wood
Water
Metal
Earthl y Branch
Year 1 999 H6
- Earth E4 - Wood
HS + Earth
HI + Wood
H3 + Fire
H8 - Metal
ES
E7
E9
El2
+ Earth (HIO �, Water) (HS �, + Earth) (H2 G, Wood) -
-
+ Fire (H6 (H4
- Earth) - Fire)
+ Metal
- Water
(H9 :E, + Water) (H7 Ji1;t, + Metal) (HS �, + Earth)
(HI !fl, + Wood) (H9 :E, + Water)
•
Luck Pilla r
Self This is a woman with Self Yang Wood H I who was born in Early Autumn E9, when Metal is deemed prosperous. The additional Metal H8 on the Year Stem and the two Earth elements H5 and E5, on the Hour Pillar act against Self Wood HI . Wood is further weakened by two Fire elements, H3 and E7, on the Month and Day Pillars.
Favourable Element With so many elements pitted against Wood, it is obvious that this lady is a weak Wood person in need of supporting elements. Thus Wood and Water will be her favourable elements. Water E 1 2 will be her most favourable element as Water nourishes Wood. We observe that there are three hidden Water H9 and H l O stored in E9, E 1 2 and E5 that can support Wood. H2, which is the Hidden Heavenly Stem stored in E5, is the root for HI .
Unfavourable Element Her unfavourable elements are Metal, Earth and Fire. All these elements weaken Wood. In addition, Earth also weakens Water. For a Wood woman, her spouse is represented by Metal, the element that conquers Self. Therefore, her spouse is represented by E9 on the Month Branch. We note that Metal is one of her unfavourable elements. In this situation, it is advisable for her to get married only when Wood turns strong.
Luck Cycle We can see that when she entered the period of E 1 2 in her third Luck Pillar from age 26 to 30, she entered the Luck Cycle of Water, her favourable element. That was her 'marriageable period' . In 1 999, the Year of Rabbit, the ruling elements were H6-E4. By the theory of Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches (E4+E8+E 1 2), Wood E4 formed a Half Combination with Water E 1 2, transforming into a Wood element and thus strengthening her romance. True enough, she married her Prince Charming that year.
Unfavourable Luck Pillars On entering the period of H7 at the age of 3 1 , Metal, which is her unfavourable element, became a threat to her. By the theory of Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches, E6, the ruling Earthly Branch of Year of the Snake 200 1 , clashed with her favourable element Water
Year 2001 H8 Metal E6
I
I I
I
i
H5 + Earth
+
E5 Earth
+
HI
Wood
E7 + Fire
H3 + Fire
+
E9 Metal
Luck PiUar 3 1-35 H7 + Metal 36-40
H8
- Metal El2 - Water
I
J
I
El
I
+
Water
E 1 2. As a result, Wood was weakened by the clash. Her marriage turned sour, and finally ended up in divorce. From the above, we observe that her next propitious period will be Water E l , from age 36 to 40. She just might find a new partner during that auspicious period.
TERMI NAL ILLN ESS Four Pillars of Destiny ••
+
Self
Month H3 jij
- Metal
Season Ell J:t
- Earth
Earthly Branch (EB)
Attire
Ageing
Life Cycle of the 10 HS
H5 Jj; Earth
H4 T - Fire
H4 T - Fire
H6 B - Earth
H8 * - Metal
- Wood
Day
Hour HI Ifl
H8 $ - Metal EIO W
Wood
E7 Lf
+ F ire
Comingof-Age
H6 c. - Earth
- Wood
+ F i re
+
Sickness
Year H2 Z
H8 * - Metal
E8 *
Earth
+
H4 T - Fire
Heavenly Stem (HS)
Hidden HS in the EB
H2 Z.
Luck Cycle
44 H8 $
34 H7 Yi
74 HI If!
64 Hl0 �
- Water
+ Water
- Metal
+ Metal
79 Lf E7
69 B E6
59 E5 �
49 E4 91l
39 E3 j{
+ Wood
+ Fire
+1..-
54 H9 :E
- F i re
+ Earth
+
_
_ _ _
Summer
Fire
+L-
- Wood
+ Wood
--'+
_ _ _
Spring
Wood
- Earth
14 H5 rX;
+ Earth
4 I H4 T
29 E2 Jl
19 El -1-
9 E12 �
24 H6 i3
- Earth
+
+ Water Winter
Water
- F i re
- Water
+
Age
i
eavenly I Stem
Age Earthly Branch
HI
H8
H3
H2
+ Wood
- Metal
+ Fire
- Wood
Luck Pillar 34-3 8 H7 + Metal
E7
EIO
Ell
E8
+ Fire
- Metal
+ Earth
- Earth
39-43 E3 + Wood
Self This is a Yin Metal lady born in the Late Autumn season of E l l when Earth is prosperous. At first glance, it might seem that she is a strong Metal person because she has two Earth, E8 and E l l , lending support on the Year and Month Branches. There is also another Metal E 1 0 giving support on the Day Branch.
Season By the Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches (E3+E7+E 1 1 ), a Half Combination of Fire is formed due to the presence of Fire E7 at the Hour Branch and Earth E l l at the Month Branch. Fire H3 on the Month Stem also strengthens the Six Combinations of E7 and E8. The presence of two Wood elements on the Year and Hour Pillars further strengthens the Fire element. All this transformation raises the heat of F ire against Metal, leaving only E l O on the Day Branch to support Self H8. The Cycle of Destruction states that Fire conquers Metal, hence weakening Self. As a result, she turned from a strong to a weak Metal person.
Favourable Element In this case, Water is her first choice for cooling the intense heat generated by the strong Fire. Earth will be the next favourable element for protecting Metal. According to the Cycle of Birth, Fire nourishes Earth and Earth in tum produces Metal. However, she has to be mindful upon the arrival of Earth as it will weaken Water. Ideally, Earth should go hand in hand with Metal.
Unfavourable Element Since Fire is already in excess, both Fire and Wood are detrimental to her as Wood supports F ire.
Luck Cycle Since Wood and Fire are a threat to her, any presence of these two elements will cause imbalance and health problems may arise. Looking at her entire Luck Cycle, we see that it moves from Water to Wood to F ire. On entering her fourth Luck Pillar H7-E3 , the unfavourable Wood E3 ruled from age 39 to age 43. By the Three Combinations of the
Year 1998 +
H5 Earth E3
+ Wood
Hl
+ Wood
E7
+ Fire
H8 - Metal
ElO - Metal
H3
+ Fire
Ell
+ Earth
H2 - Wood
Luck Pillar 44-48 H8
E8
- Metal 49-53 E4
- Earth
- Wood
Earthly Branches, this Wood E3 combined with the Month Branch E i l and Hour Branch E7 to jointly transform into Fire. The intensity of the Fire during this period caused her health to deteriorate rapidly. In the Year of Tiger 1 998, she entered the next luck period of Metal H8, which duplicated Self H8 and competed to combine with H3 on the Month Stem. This competition affected the Five Direct Combinations of the Heavenly Stems of H3 with H8 with the intention of forming Water, causing Fire H3 to tum hostile. Looking at the Hsia Calendar, the ruling elements for 1 998 constituted the elements H5 and E3 . Yang Earth H5 posed a threat to Water, which is her favourable element. Also, by the Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches, E3 combined with E7 at the Hour Branch and E l l at the Month Branch to form Fire, causing an imbalance in her Four Pillars. Her health condition further deteriorated.
The Year of Rabbit 1 999 was represented by H6-E4. By the Six Clashes of the Earthly Year 1 Branches, E4 clashed with E I O at the Day Branch, which is her only support. This clash EHt - al aggravated her health condition. She was diagnosed with cancer in 1 999 and had to undergo E4 w () medical treatment. -
By the Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches, in the Year of Dragon 2000, E5 clashed with E l i on the Month Branch. She died that very year.
Month Branch
Year 2000 H 7 Yt
E5 �
<:
Clash
:>
ACTIVATING T H E ACADEMIC STAR F o u r P i l la rs of Destiny
Hour
Day
Month
Year
H6 B
Self
H4
H7 !l!
- Earth
H9 £
Heavenly Stem (HS)
+ Metal
- Fire
+ Water
EI0 W
El
Ell
Season
+ Water
- Metal
E12
+ Earth
Earthly Branch (EB)
Attire
Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS
- Water
Bath
Prosperity Peak
H8 $
HlO �
Hl lfI
H5 It
- Metal
- Water
+ Wood
+ Earth
H9 x
H4 T
Comingof-Age
+ Water
Hidden HS in the EB
- Fire
Luck Cycle
73
63
53
43
33
23
13
H2 Z
HI JfI
HI0 �
H9 £
H8 $-
H 7 !l!
H6 B
- Wood
+ Wood
- Water
+ Water
- Metal
+ Metal
- Earth
78
68
58
48
38
28
18
E8 *
E7 Lf
E6 B
E5 JOC
E4 9P
- Earth
+ Fire
- Fire
+ Earth
- Wood
+
Summer
Fire
+
t
Spring
Wood
E3
Jr
+ Wood
+
E2 1l - Earth
t
i HS3 Dt
i
I + Earth
I
8 El r
Water
Heavenly Stem
Age
+ Water .
W inter
Age
t
Earthly B ranch
I i
I
H6 - Earth
H9 + Water
E10 - Metal
El + Water
I I I
H4 - Fire E12 - Water
H7 + Metal
+
Ell Earth
Jonathan was pursing his Master's degree and would l ike to know whether Feng Shui can enhance his academic studies, so he came to consult me. Self Jonathan is a Yang Water H9 person born in Early Winter E 1 2 when Water is prosperous. Self H9 is supported by Water E I on the Day Branch. With two additional Metal, H7 on the Year Stem and E I O on the Hour Branch, generating Water, he is a strong Water person. Favourable Element Since Jonathan is surrounded by Water elements, F irc will be his first choice for keeping warm and Wood is his next favourable element as it can drain the strong Water energy from his destiny.
Year
1998
H5 + Earth E3 + Wood
86 - Earth
EIO
- Metal
89 + Water
El
+ Water
I
84 - Fire
E12
- Water
I I
Luck Pilla r
87 + Metal
_
23-27 H7 + Metal
Ell
+ Earth
I
28-3 2 E3 + Wood
Luck Cycle He will enjoy good luck when he enters the Luck Pillars of Wood and Fire. Note that his Luck Cycle moves from Water to Wood and lastly to Fire.
During the period of E3 in his third Luck Pillar, age 28 to 32, he enters the elemental influence of Wood, which is his favourable element. In the Year of Tiger 1 998, he signed up for a part-time course to pursue his Master's degree. By referring to the Symbolic Stars chart on page 84 , we can locate his Academic Star. Since his Day Stem is H9, if he meets E3, his Academic Star, he should excel in his academic studies. Presently, he is in the Luck P illar of E3. Elemental Transformation By the S ix Combinations of the Earthly Branches, the ruling element E3 in the year 1 998 formed a favourable Wood frame with the Month Branch E 1 2. By the Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches (E3+E7+El l ), E3 combined with E l l on the Year Branch to form a Half Combination of Fire, which is an added advantage as both Wood and Fire are his favourable elements. Feng Shui At that time, I suggested placing his study table in the East sector of his study room and also told him to tum on his table lamp to activate his Academic Star. In 2000, he called me to announce the good news: he was attending his convocation in Australia.
ACTIVITATI N G THE FLOWE R OF ROMAN CE Four P i l lars of Desti ny
Hour H5 Dt
Day
Self i3
H6
+ Earth
I
- Earth
E5 �
E12 *
+ Earth
- Water
Conception
Ageing
I
+ Wood
Season
E3 Jfr
E9
+
+
Death
Life Cycle of the 10 HS
H I Ff! Wood
+
H7 YI! Metal
+
I
Earthly Branch (EB)
H5 IX; Earth
H9 Water
I
I
Heavenly Stem (HS)
+ Wood
Bath
H I Ff! Wood
H5 IX; Earth
$
+ Metal
+
+
HIO � - Water
I
Year H1 lf1
+ Water
H9 :E Water
H2 Z. ----: Wood f +
Month H9 :E:
H3 � + Fire
•
Hidden HS in the
EB
H5 IX; Earth
i
+
Luck Cycle
·
+ Wood
81 E1 f
+ Water
66 H2
-W
71 E2 1l
46 H4 T - F ire
+ Earth
E3
51 E4 911
41 E5 *
+ Fire
- Earth . + Wood
- Wood
16 H7 �
36 H5 1X.
56 H3 W
+ Earth
31 E6 B - Fire
6 H8 $
Age Heavenly
+ Metal
- Metal
Stem
21 E7 Lf
11 E8 *
Age
+ F ire
- Earth
Earthly Branch
•.....- . . . "
.•..,
' •. '•
Year 1999 H6 - Earth E4 Wood
H5 + Earth
H6 - Earth
H9 + Water
Hl + Wood
E5 + Earth
E12 - Water
E9 + Metal
E3 + Wood
Luck Pillar
Mary is a Yin Earth H6 person born in the month E9 when Metal is strong. Earth retreats in the strong Metal season. In addition, there are two Wood supported by two Water, which spells trouble for Earth. Although there are two supporting Earth at the Hour Pillar, Earth is still weak in general. Being a weak Earth person, Fire and Earth will be her favourable elements. Wood, the element that conquers Self Earth H6, symbolises her spouse. Earth can only withstand Wood when it is strengthened. When she enters her Luck Cycle H6-E6, Earth is reinforced. This is the ideal period to activate her Flower of Romance. Meantime, being born in the Year of Tiger, her Flower of Romance is in the East E4 sector, as shown on page 88. Below are the various ways of activating the Flower of Romance: + Place the bed in the East sector of the bedroom. + Sleep with the head of the bed facing East. + Place a red flower vase with red roses in it. Red represents Fire, which is her favourable element. At the age of 26, in the Year of Rabbit, she found her Mr. Right.
BAN KRU PTCY Four P i l lars of Destiny
Hour HI Ifl + Wood
I !
•
I
I
Day
•
Self
I
E3 JIl
+ Wood
Birth and Growth
H5 It
+ Water
ftl
Season
+ Earth
I
E9
Ell JX
+ Metal
+ E arth
H9 :E Water
H5 L1t Earth
+
H3 W + Fire
+
H l ffl Wood
+
H7 8t Metal H5 L1t Earth
+
I
Heavenly Stem (HS)
- Water
E6 I
Grave
Sickness
+
Year HI0 �
Month H9 =:f
B
- F i re
Earthly Branch (EB)
Comingof-Age
Life Cycle of the 10 HS
H5 JJt Earth
H5 L1t Earth
+
+
H4 T - Fire
H3 W + Fire
H8 $ - Metal
Hidden HS in the EB
H7 8t Metal
+
Luck Cycle
+ Wood
65 H2 Z
- Wood
55 H3 P3
45 H4 T - Fire
. + Earth
80 E3 Jr
70 E4 91l
60 E5 �
50 E6 B
40 E7
t
t
75 H1 FfJ
- Wood
t
+ Fire
+ Earth
- Fire
35 H5 It
+ Fire
30 E8 *
- Earth
t
20 E9
+ Metal
10
Age Earthly
- Metal
t
t
Spring
S ummer
Autumn
Wood
Fire
Metal
B ranch
I
I
I I I
I
HI + Wood
H5 + Earth
E3
E9
Ell
E6
+ Wood
+ Metal
+ Earth
- Fire
I
H9 + Water
HIO - Water
I ;
In a normal category, if you are a weak Earth person, your favourable elements will be Fire and Earth. Therefore, when you enter your Luck Pillars of Earth and Fire, you will enjoy harmony and prosperity. However, this is not always the case. Here is a case in point. Look at the Four Pillars above. This is a Yang Earth man born on the 1 7th day of E l l , in Late Autumn season when Earth is prosperous. Though born in season, Earth is under great pressure from two Wood and two Water elements. According to the Cycle of Destruction, Fire E6 on the Year Branch, his favourable element, is suppressed by Water and is thus too weak to nourish Earth. Clashes of the Earthly Branches
Fire E6 is being weakened due to the presence of the Three Persecuting Clashes in the Earthly Branches (E3+E6+E9). As a result, Fire E6 is under threat, leaving behind Earth E l l to support Self Earth H5. However, Earth E l l is also under attack from Wood H I on the Hour Stem. Therefore, all his support is extremely weak. Favourable Element
This is obviously a weak Earth person. Therefore, his favourable elements will be Earth and Fire. Unfavourable Element
Weak Earth should avoid Wood and Water elements. Though Metal drains the Earth energy, it can also suppress Wood at the same time. Therefore, Metal is a neutral party here. Luck Cycle
Taking his fifth Luck Pillar H4-E6 from age 45 to 54, let us see how his luck pattern flows. During H4, from age 45 to 49, he enters the Luck Cycle of Fire, which is supposed to be in his favour but not in this case. This is due to the presence of a hidden threat.
Year
2000
� � .
+
Metal
+ Earth
.
HI + Wood
E3
+ Wood
H5 + Earth
+ Metal
Hidden Threat
p,v (t...!?
r':::'tel
E9
Luck
H9 + Water
HI0 - Water
Ell
+ Earth
!
--� I
Pilla r
45-49 H4
- Fire 50-54 E6
- Fire
What is a hidden threat? A h idden th reat is a situation where the arrival of a favourable element combines with an existing stem and results i n an unfavourable element, thereby becoming a threat to Self.
Our male subject entered the period of H4 from age 45 to 49, Fire was supposed to be his favourable element during this period. By the Cycle of Birth, Fire supports weak Earth. However, due to the presence ofH9 on the Month Stem, H4 was absorbed and, in accordance with the Five Direct Combinations, combined with H9 to transform into a Wood frame. The appearance of a Wood frame is a threat to weak Earth beause Wood suppresses Earth. Bankruptcy During this period, only Earth E l l on the Month Branch was left to support the enfeebled Earth. In the meantime, Fire E6 on the Year Branch was already very weak due to the Three Persecuting C lashes (E3+E6+E9). The Year of Dragon 2000 was a year of Yang Earth E5. By the theory of the Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches, Earth E5, which was supposed to be his favourable element, clashed with E l l . That means in 2000, all his supporting elements collapsed, leaving him under the merciless attack from Wood. His money and other assets were exhausted, and he ended up having legal entanglements with his bank and creditors. Eventually, he was forced into bankruptcy.
From the above, we can see that, sometimes, a favourable element can be transformed into an unfavourable element and become a threat. In addition, a favourable element may also clash with and damage an existing supporting element.
CHART FOR H EAVENLY STEM COMBI NATIONS AND CLASHES H . S.
H I if'
H2
z.,
H3 pg
H4
T
H5
fjl
HI
rJt
Clash Elemenl
L.
H2
H6
L3
S Corn Ea rth
JR
Element
H5
H6
H7
Metal
Clash Element
S Corn
Direelion
S Corn
Clash
Wood
DIrection S Corn
Clash
Clash
Element
Element
C
S Corn Earth
Element
�
Clash
S Corn
Clash
MetaJ
O�
Clash
Waler
rJt
Direction
HI
Clash
ElemenL
Fire
Clash Element
Clash Element
Clash
S Corn
Clash
Direction
Water
Element
Clash
S Corn
3C:
H9
H9 3C:
DJrec!lon
Clash
*
HS
¥
Clash
T
H4
HS
Direction S Corn
Clash
Vi
H3
H7
Direction
HIO 'R'
Clash
Wood
Element
Clash
S Corn
Direction
FlTe
Clash Element
CHART FOR EA RTH LY BRANCH COM B I N ATIONS AND C LAS H ES Seasonal
Combinations - ""
= A
Three Combinations
- "
= A
Front Half
Combinations
liPj!. � Rear Half
Combinations
I§ =F � Six Combinations
1\ *
E9+EIO+Ell
Autumn
E12+ E1+E2
Summer
Wood
Fire
Metal
Water
E12+E4+ES
E3+E7+Ell
E6+EIO+E2
Fire
Metal
E9+E1+ES
Wood
E12+E4
E3+E7
E6+EIO
Wood
Fire
Metal
E4+ES
E7+Ell
EIO+E2
Wood
Fire
Metal
E1+E2
Earth
E3+E12
E4+Ell
ES+EIO
E6+E9
E7+ES
Wood
Fire
Metal
Water
Fire
E3-E6
E2-El l
E3-E6-E9
E2-ES-Ell
E3+E4+ES
E6+E7+ES
Spring
3 Persecuting
Clashes
'::: iflJ Six Clashes
i\ j�
EI-E7
Clashes
Ingratitude
EI-E4
Iftl Related Clash
m lilli ConflictedClash
m lft
E2-ES
ES-ES
Partial Persecuting
Winter
Water
E9+EI Water
E1+ES Waler
E6-E9
ES-E2
'¥- = If!J
E9-E3
El l-ES
E3-E9
E4-ElO
ES-Ell
Clash
E7-E7
ElO-ElO
E6-E12
E12-E12
Self Clash
Self Clash
Self Clash
Self Clash
I'! lf!J
fl Jl1J
§ JI1J
§ If!J
EI-EIO
E3-E12
E2-ES
E4-E7
E6-E9
ES-Ell
EI-ES
E2-E7
E3-E6
E4-ES
E9-E12
EIO-Ell
Clash
]C,\\LZJf!J
