Sheng Chen Ba Zi
八字命理学
The study of bazi, also known as 4 Pillars Analysis can help some of us come to terms with life. It is therefore known as 八字命理学 in Chinese; and addresses the logic, the implications and philosophy of fate or destiny as some may call it.
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Besides its association with the Chinese zodiac animals, it is based on the 5 elements assigned to the Chinese year, month, day and hour (2-hour block) of birth to generate the 8 relevant Chinese characters for analysis. Every pillar (be it the year, month, day or time of birth ) will have 2 characters or stems (Yin and Yang symbols ) for analysis, that is 8 characters (Bazi in Chinese) all in all for a full study.
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A Bazi chart is established using the Solar Calendar ( also known as the Farmers' Calendar ).
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The 4 Pillars
Each animal sign of the Chinese Zodiac is assigned with an Earthly Branch, so the animal years were called Zi (Rabbit), Chou ( Ox ), Yin ( Tiger ), Mao ( Rabbit ), Chen ( Dragon ), Si ( Snake ), Wu ( Horse ), Wei ( Sheep ), Shen ( Monkey ), You ( Rooster ), Xu ( Dog ), and Hai ( Pig ).
Each of the animal signs is also assigned with one of the Five Elements ( Fire, Water, Earth, Metal and Wood ). |
The 10 Heavenly Stems and Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals or Earthly Branches combine to create a sexagenary cycle of 60 years. The 10 Heavenly Stems are derived from the Yin and Yang versions of the Five Elements ( Wu Xing ). There is a quick way to convert a year in western calendar into one represented by stem and branch:
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Month PillarThe Month Master indicates:
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Each of the 12 months of the western calendar is assigned with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals in successive order ( Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig ).
It is not necessarily that every January would be associated with Rat, February Ox, and so on. It flows from one western calendar year to another as the lunar calendar year does not necessarily follow the order of the western calendar. |
Each of the 12 months is also assigned with one of the 5 Elements in the successive order ( Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood ). Every one of the 5 Elements is repeated over 2 ( Yin and Yang components of each Element ) of the western calendar months in consecutive order. For instance, if April begins with the Wood Element, then May will be associated with Wood Element as well.
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Those with compatible zodiac signs with the zodiac animal of the month are likely to do well while those with incompatible signs are expected to face difficulties, failure, bad luck, etc.
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Day Pillar or Master 日元 日主Day Pillar or Master indicates:
The strength of the Day Master is determined by the interaction of Day Master, Birth Month, and surrounding elements in your chart. It is through your Day Master that the ten deities on resources, companions, competitors, talents, output, wealth, and authority are established. |
Similar to the Month Pillar, each of the 31 days is also associated with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals, and one of the 5 Elements ( with their Yin and Yang components ).
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Hour PillarHour Pillar indicates:
Without the Hour Pillar, the reading and analysis of a bazi chart may not be accurate as the two elements in this pillar can upset or balance the energy flow in a chart. It is used to ascertain the strength of the Day Master. |