Fortune-telling, a metaphysical subject, involves predicting a person's fate. The academic study of this intricate art is known as 命理术数, a field that delves into the complex interplay of elements and symbols.
The 12 Key Principles of Bazi Fortune-Telling is a comprehensive guide that provides crucial insights into this ancient art and empowers readers with a wealth of knowledge.
1. General Principles for Reading a Life Chart
When reading a life chart, start by examining the Month Branch (月支) to see if there is Wealth (财) or Officer (官). The month's branch is derived from the earthly branch, the year's branch from the Heavenly Stem (天干), the day's branch from the day's heavenly stem, and the flowing year's branch from the yearly heavenly stem. The Big Luck Cycle (大运) period is taken from the earthly branch. The month is considered fundamental, while the day represents oneself. Traditionally, the year means one's ancestors, the month stands for parents, the day symbolises siblings, and the time governs children.
2. Heaven, Earth, and Wealth
When analysing a chart, take the Day Stem (日干) as the Heavenly Element (天元) and as the main symbol of prosperity. The Day Branch (日支) and Month Branch (月支) represent the Earthly Element (地元). Wealth and official positions in the earthly branches are beneficial, whereas wealth and official positions in the heavenly stems represent exposed wealth, which is less ideal. Exposed wealth refers to wealth that is not well-supported or could be easily lost. If both the year and month have wealth or official positions, it indicates a prosperous family background with ancestral roots and early success in life. If there is no wealth or official position in the year and month, but they appear in the day or time branches, it implies self-made success.
3. Using the Day Stem and Month Branch
When reading a chart, the day stem is the main focus, with the month branch as the supporting pillar, using the Five Elements (五行) to analyse. Consider the seasonal energy (节气) and assess balance, strength, and depth. Methods include analysing Officer (官), Resource (印), Wealth (财), Killing (煞), Eating God (食神), and Hurting Officer (伤官). Each element is used to interpret whether it brings fortune or misfortune.
4. Analysis of Stems and Branches
Check whether the Heavenly Stems (干) are controlled or clashed and whether the Earthly Branches (支) face conflicts or penalties. For example, in a chart where Yang Wood (甲) has Tiger (寅) as its prosperity, consider the interactions of the Heavenly Stems like Yin Metal (辛), which represents the official.
5. Interplay Between Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches
In charts where the heavenly stem enjoys its wealth branch, such as Yang Wood (甲) preferring the four seasons, Yin Wood (乙) and Yang Metal (庚) favouring Monkey (申) and Rooster (酉), and Yang Fire (丙) and Yin Metal (辛) favouring Pig (亥) and Rat (子), the life chart should have harmony between these elements.
6. Considering Similarities Between Stems and Branches
The chart is considered auspicious when the Heavenly Stems (干) and Earthly Branches (支) align in elemental nature. For example, Yang Water Rat (壬子) or Yang Water Horse (壬午) are true wood elements, while Yin Earth Rooster (己酉) and Yin Earth Rabbit (己卯) are true earth elements.
7. Balance of Elements
A balanced interaction of true elements is crucial. For example, if a Yin Metal Pig (辛亥) gold person receives support from Yin Fire Snake (丁巳) earth, they have a solid foundation and may hold high office.
8. Five Element Interactions
Life force is supported when elements are in harmony. One enjoys one's fortune when the higher element supports the lower one. Conversely, if the higher element drains the lower one, the person serves others.
Elemental balance is a cornerstone of Bazi. The Five Elements must be harmoniously balanced between Yin and Yang. For instance, two metals counter two woods or two fires and two earths. This balance ensures the system's reliability and accuracy.
The Five Elements require a balance between Yin and Yang. For example, two metals counter two woods or two fires and two earths. If there is an imbalance, such as three waters and one wood, this signifies an excess or deficiency, which can lead to challenges.
10. Warnings in Bazi
The presence of certain elements, such as a Hurting Officer (伤官) encountering an Officer (官), can indicate early death. Similarly, other combinations, like substantial wealth encountering harm, may lead to misfortune.
11. Too Much or Too Little
Excess or lack of elements in the chart must be carefully balanced. For example, water dropped onto dry earth will soak it up, while earth placed in too much water will scatter.
12. Natural Elemental Imagery
When reading a chart, interpret the natural imagery of the elements. For instance, Jia (甲) and Yi (乙) correspond to wood, while Bing (丙) and Ding (丁) represent fire. Misbalanced elements, such as metal clashing with earth, may lead to stagnation.
This brief overview outlines the critical aspects of Bazi fortune-telling, highlighting the significance of the Heavenly Stems (天干), Earthly Branches (地支), and interactions between the Five Elements (五行).
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