•

HEAVENLY STEMS AND EARTHLY BRANCHES

HEAVENLY STE1VlS (HS) EARTHLY BRANCHES (EB)

ql Jia HI - Yang Wood T Zi Rat El - Yang Water

Z, Yi H2 Yin Wood 11 Chou Ox E2 - Yin Earth
p;j Bing H3 Yang Fire 1ir Yin Tiger E3 Yang Wood
T Ding H4 - Yin Fire YP Mao Rabbit E4 - Yin Wood
� Wu H5 - Yang Earth � Chen Dragon E5 - Yang Earth
B Ji H6 - Yin Earth B Si Snake E6 - Yin Fire
El! Geng H7 - Lf Wu Horse E7 Yang Fire
* Wei Ram
Yang l'Vletal
"* Xin H8 - Yin Metal E8 - Yin Earth
Ren H9 - Yang Water If! Shen Monkey E9 Yang 1Vletal
9? Gui HID Yin Water W You Rooster EIO Yin Metal
IX; Xu Dog Ell
-

Yang Earth
* Hai Pig E12
-

- Yin Water

THE HOUR PILLAR CHART

HS of Day
Pillar H1 H2 H3 H4 H5
Hour H6 H7 H8 H9 H10
of Birth

2300-0100 E1 HI IH3
E1 E1 H5 E1
IH 7 EI
IH 9
I
EI

0100-0300 E2 H2 E2 H4 I
E2 H6 E2
I H8 E2
I
HIO E2

0300-0500 E3 H3 �5 E3 H7 E3
I H9 E3
lHl E3

0500-0700 E4 I H4 I H6
E4
I
£4 H8 E4 lHIO E4 ! H2 £4

0700-0900 E5 E5 H7 E5 H9 E5 'H
I
I E5 . H3
!
E5

0900-1100 E6
f.'H7H6 E6 lI8 E6
I
HIO E6
I

I H2 E6
I H4
I
E6

I
-.-

I H5
1100-1300 E7

I
E7 lI9 E7
I HI £7
IH3114 E7
I
E7

1300-1500 118 HIO H2 H6

I
i
E8
I E8
I
£8 E8
I
E8
I
E8

I
--

I
1500-1700 E9 119 E9 Hl E9
i
H3 E9 H5 E9 H7 E9
I
1700-1900
1900 - 2100
E10

Ell
HIO
HI
EIO

Ell
H2
H3
EI0

Ell
i H4
H5
EI0

Ell
H6
H7
E10

Ell
I
I
H8
i 119
EIO

Ell

2100-2300 E12 H2 E12 H4 El2 H6 EI2 H8 El2 I JIlO 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.

The Hsia Calendar helps us to translate our birth data year, month, day and hour of
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 ------- Earthly Branch (EB)

Yin Fire

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 Each set of Luck Pillars comprises two elements and governs 1 0 years of a person's
�1! life. The Heavenly Stem covers the first five years of a Luck Pillar while the Earthly
Ta��te! 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

E arth Water

�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 .
•
At the top of the month column beginning with 7 July, we see the H S and EB elements ofl MTH i

his Month Pillar, HIO-ES. Also note the S eason of Birth in the grey box at the top of the tHlO 9? I
i
same column, which, in this case, is Late Summer. The Earthly Branch of your Month E8 * 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
the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar H7 represents your Self Element (sometimes called I
l �5D:� IJii i
--
Self for short).

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 I
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
i ��; I
column 2 yields H9-E7. Thus Tom' s Hour Pillar is H9-E7.

Tom ' s completed Four Pillars of Destiny are as follows:

Hour Day Month Year

H9
Self HIO H7
H7 Heavenly Stem
+ Water - Water + Metal
+ Metal

E7 E5 Season E5
E8 Earthly Branch
+ Fire + Earth + Earth
- 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.
 •; 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 HIO H7 H eavenly Stem

H7

E7 E5 E8 E5 E arthly Branch

Bath 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,
Take Notel
We will also use the following abbreviated terms in this book:

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
Kua
A <4---- H7-E5 FS9---' G Male: 9
6

H7 E$ FS3
---I- 1!M6hrs
I-- �--��---+--'---------
MlbiDay' tIS EB
--- , - ------- t---'--- --- --- -

4 4 ,H 9 IE $
,-------+______1-
I .. $ ,H10iE 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 EB 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

�mple:
�A person born on 2 1 July 2000

Year Pillar
H7 tR: Heavenly Stem
E5 Earthly Branch

Month Pillar
HIO � Heavenly Stem
E8 =* Earthly Branch

Day Pillar
H7 � Heavenly Stem
E5 Earthly Branch

KuaNumbers
Male - 9
Female - 6

•
 ff
Sample of Hsia Calendar ..
YEAR OF DRAGON 2000
Male: 9
Female: 6
Date of Birth: 21 July 2000 Kua

_--1
H7-ES

IIid SprIng_._.-t-_lafIe SprIng

Early SprIng�_-I--___ -4-Early---�---
---.' _____ _-4+-...._____....
ItS E3 FS5 HI E 4 HI E6 FS2
_ ... ...

fS4 H7 E5 FS3 FS9

a; MIh�ts-.l�B
1741

---+ _ ';�;I
-+--
hrs 0404hrs

-+
- +- -1 -t -+ -- -+-
- -
t--- '

1. �. :1_:�.·._�, .H 2-,"t-E.
' I
4 -5 5H1 E 2 H1 E7 7 H7 E
HS

;", : I; �" : I: I,:: : :

3 3

I' · ·
1. _ . , H6 E 11
' H- ,

5 ,i. H E ;-I � 1� I H .4i

E--+1 1
!7 -
!; I' "
3 -t- 5 , . :,

--t-3---1i-�' 'H ; I IH 2 IE.

-
EI
2 4 7 8 ! . E 1; 7 -
3

; �l� 4-�;--r;;-;:;-� I _ 9 , , ;- I,9H 5 IE11

---+-�' -t---+---
3
i- i .... , 5 -H, ".. EI
4 �9!H �
. ..L-.
0! �'
�
.... ... __
'

3 1 E..
I 10 12
_ 8 _ E5 5
_�L �_�-+ �
_ _- _1_ t_- 7 . . .+--.---- __I
-

� l ;-+�;i
3 .H ,11 E 5 4 5 '10,H 5 ,E11 - 6
II 1
, 1 i H 7 · IE 1 -
�
;-·- E --. - 4 6 �t-;"1 ' H ' E1 2+ 1 t--5 --
- 2 ;I1+H-'- - --1 7 · �-+-'E -2+- + --+--
-
7 041 E 1
1 0

F'I"
E-- 7 H

�
- -

�I
lH ' - -' " l

:F :.. -, i,;
7 7 1I 2 I H 7 E 1 5 "8E 8 .'.1':.

t
! .
..
,l H E . . '2 t
-

I"
8 6 .
I
1 3 H ----t-
.
E 5 - 1
H 9 9 1
i � H 10E 4 ,16
7 iH 2 E 1 2
f.'
3 II
.
,-;-j;;-;" " I� ,--:. . , '1
;0
-;- ,, ,- ' " I'
"
' .
-
7 8,1H E 4 2
-r-i --r--t----i-
E
' 3

E 4

2
2
 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 H1 H2 H3 H4 H5

. Hour of Birth
H6 B7 H8 H9 H10
I I
I

El HI El H3 lEI H5 EI H7 EI H9 El
, 2300-0100
I
1 I.
I

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
I
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 I

2100-2300 EI2 H2 E I2 H4 EI2 H6 Ell H8 El2 HIO EI2

)�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)
�
Date ofBirth: 16 February 1999
Tnne: 0001 hrs

Hour Day Month Year

HI I'fJ H6B H3W H6B

+ Wood - Earth + Fire - Earth

El r E12� E3 lit E 49P

+ Water - Water + Wood - 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 H6B H 3W H6B

+ Fire - Earth + Fire - Earth

El r E12� E3 lit E49P

+ Water - Water + Wood - 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
Date of Birth: 21 July 2000 (Year of Dragon)
Time of B irth: 1 145 hrs

Four P i l la rs of Destiny

Year

Self
H9 t HI0� H7 ll!
+ Water H7 ll! - Water + Metal
Heavenly Stem (HS)
+ Metal
E5 1& Season
E7 lf E5 1&
+ Fire + Earth E8 * + Earth
Earthly Branch (EB)
- Earth
Attire Nurture 12-stage Life Cycle of the 10 HS

H4 T H2 Z. H2 Z. H2
-Fire - Wood Wood Wood

H6 C. H5.1t H6 C. H5.1t
Hidden HS in the EB
- Earth + Earth - Earth + Earth
HI0 � H4 T HI0 �
- Water -Fire - Water

Luck Cycle

75-79 65-69 55-59 45-49 35-39 25-29 15-19

H8 $ H7 Y\! H6 i3 H5 rt:. H4T H 3W H2 Z. HI If! Heavenly
- Metal + Metal - Earth + Earth - Fire + Fire - Wood + Wood Stems

80-84 70-74 60-64 50-54 40-44 30-34 20-24 10-14 Age

E3 Ji E2lL EI -=f Ell J(: Ell IX; EIOW E9 I¥ Earthly

+ Wood - Earth + Water - Water + Earth - Metal + Metal Branches

� t t t t t
Spring Winter Autumn
Wood Water Metal
J�mple:
"Subject: Female
Date of Birth: 2 1 July 2000 (Year of Dragon)
Time of Birth: 1 145 hrs

Four Pillars of Desti ny

Hour Day Month Year

I
H9X Self
HIO §l H7 �
+ Water H7� Water + Metal
Heavenly Stem (HS)
+ Metal
-

E 7 Lf E5 � Season E5 �
+ Fire + Earth ES* + Earth
Earthly Branch (EB)
- Earth
12-stage Life Cycle of the 10 HS

-Fire - Wood - Wood Wood

H6B HSDt H6B HSDt
Hidden HS in the EB
-Earth + Earth -Earth + Earth

HI0� H4T HI0�

- Water -Fire - Water

Luck Cycle

74-78
H2Z
- Wood + Fire - Fire - Metal

79-83 69-73 ! 59-63 49-53 19-23

E12* El T E2.R E39i ES Jfi ! E6 B E7 If Earthly
- Water + Water - Earth + Wood + Earth I -_Eire + Fire Branches

t t t �________ �t t t
Winter Spring Summer
Water Wood 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

AD
Seasons Earth Metal Water Wood Fire
 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

SelfPersecuting Clash
Combination
Fire
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 Hidden within the Earthly Branches are Heavenly Stems. The Hidden Elements have to
.JjJ.' be opened up and examined for an accurate destiny analysis.
Take Note!

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 2042 2041 2040 2039 Luck Pilla r

44 43 42 41 40 35-39
H4 T
H IO� H9 H7 � H6i:3 - Fire
- Water + Water + Metal - Earth 40-44
E 1 2* E l l IX E9 $ E 8* E 1 2*
- Water + Earth + Metal

t Luck Cycle of E12 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 Day Month Year

H l O� H7 Yt
E7 lf E51& E5 1&

I
Star ofArts 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 • 11
E2 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

�
EB of Pillar
HI H2 H3 H4 H5
House of Life H6 H7 H8 I H9 HIO
I
E3 -
H3 -
H5 -
H7 I H9 HI
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 1
of Birth I
EBof
Hour of Birth

r �l I 2300-0100 E4
� :
1 ::::
====t: �::=:t:
: E2
-E2 I 0100 -0300 I E3
--+-

I E3 i 0300 -0500 i E2 "6 I E5 : E4 �

·

E7 I
1 E4 : 0500-0700 E�
8 , E7 . E6 , E5 E4 I E3 ' E2
I

E8 i E7 E6 E5 _l E��3�I �
I I
I .
·

·
E5 0700-0900
! .:,

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�;
..
I I

E4
I

-1500 : E9 I E8 I E7 I E6 ! ES E4! E3 E2 �1 E�2 Ell: EIO

I E8E9 I11300
I 1500-17;-tE8 E7 I E6 i E5 t E4 I E3 ! "2 i EI EI2, ElI EIO E9
! I
I
ElO 1700-1900 I E7 E6 E5 i E4 E3 ; E2 I EI i El2 : Ell�EI0 I E9 ! E8
I
J
I r
I I··
I I,
El l 1900��E6 E5 E4 E3 [ E2 i El :I El2 rlIi EIO I E9 E8 E 7
+--1
i . I
I . I
.

I I
I
�-

I
I i
I :
I El2�
__..
2100-2300 '-I E5 --'--' E4--" E3--'-I E � ! E12 ! Ell ! EIO ; E9 E8 E7 I E60
.._�_
--T

_
I

.. _ 2
__
.

�"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 House of Conception

H8 * Move forward one position

E4 9JJ Move forward three positions

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 Hllf! HI If!

+ Water + Wood + Wood
E 7lf El -=f Ell IX; E 7 lf
+ Fire + Water + Earth + Fire
 10 HEAVENLY STEMS

Heavenly Stems Symbols Elements

I Seasons

lfI Jia I HI Spring

--- "-�

Z Yi H2 Spring
���-�

W Bing H3 Yang Fire Summer

T Ding H4 Yin Fire Summer

i
� Wu H5 Earth I 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 Winter

:

� Gui HI0 Yin Water 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 1
elements. An element of Yin ( - ) or Yang ( + ) 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 a:

categorised as the Yin gender.

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)

Five Combinations Resulting Elements

H I fJf + H6i3
+Wood -Earth EARTH

H2 Z + H7 Y!
-Wood +Metal METAL

H 3Pi' + H8
+Fire - Metal WATER

H4 T + H9 :f:
-Fire +Water WOOD

HSDt + HIO �
+Earth -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 + Fire

HIO� H4T
- Water - 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

C lash of the Heaven ly Stems by Opposite D i rection

H7 Yt HI IfI
+ Metal + Wood West - East

118$ H2 Z
- Metal - Wood West - East

H9=:f H3 P3
+ Water + Fire North - South

HIO � H4T
- Water - 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 Day Month Year

Clash Combine

� � � *
Self
H I Ef3 H7 � H2Z X
+Wood +Metal -Wood

X X 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 "Day Month Year

r Combine to form Fire 1

Self
HIO � HSDt X X
- Water + Earth

Season
E6 B E3 jf E7 Lf Ell IX
- Fire + Wood + Fire + Earth

t t t
Combine to form Fire

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 Month Year

r Combine to form Fire 1 ,combine to form Wood

Self
I
H5Dt HIO � H 9 :f H4T
+ Earth - Water + Water - Fire

Season
E7 q: E4 gp E3� EI2 -g;,
+ Fire - W ood + Wood - 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 + Water - Fire

t tt t
Competing combinations

1tt; 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 Day M onth Year

Self
X H7m H2� X
+ Metal - Wood

Season
X El E49'P X
+ Water - 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

Self
X H3 j7q H8 X
+ Fire - Metal

Season
X E7 E6 B X
+ Fire - Fire

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 Day Month Year

Combination
I not approved ....-,
Self I
H6 H l lf1 x x
- Earth + W ood

Season
x x 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 D ay Month Year

Self
x HI EjJ H7 � x
+ Wood + Metal

L. Clash .-J
x x x 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 Day Month Year

Self
X HI EjJ X H7 �
+ Wood + Metal

I • Clash ...

X X X 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 Month Year

H I Efl x x H7 �
+ Wood + Metal

Clash
x x 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 Day Month Year

Clash Clash
� + � +
Self
x H7 � H3 jJg H9
+ Metal + Fire + Water

X X X 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 Day Month Year

Self
x H3 W + H8 Water
+ Fire - Metal

x x 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 Day Month Year

Self

[;g]
X H7 H3
+ Metal + Earth + Fire

� Clash ...

X X 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 M onth Year

Clash

X
1
Self
H7 JJi!
+
H8
Combine
+
H3 W
1
+ Metal - Metal + Fire

X X X 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 Month Year

Clash

+ +
Self
X
+
H7 �
Metal
H3 N
+ Fire
I
i
H
9£
+ Water
I
I
X X X 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 � HI q:t
+ Metal + Wood

:p.':p; I n the event of a clash, the attacking stem itself will be weakened. For example, Yang
(l.,A!' Metal H7 attacks Yang Wood H 1 . Although Wood is weakened by Metal, Metal itself is
T=�te! 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£ H3W
+ Water + 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 Internal Organs
Stems

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

-!F
-L.
H8 - Metal Lungs

H9 £ + Water Bladder

HIO � - Water Kidneys

 1 2-STAGE LIFE CYCLE OF THE 1 0 HEAVENLY STEMS
+ -=- * 1. ��

YIN ( I9Ff) YANG UIFf)

� * + + i �
HIO H8 H4 H2 H9 H7 H3 HI Self
Element
� * T Z :E JJt W lfI
, ,

H6 H5
12
B , Dt
Life Stages

Ii E4 El h:w�� 1 E9 1I E6 I E3 I El2 tI
;:- -=�==7 � 1 � I � I * 51: -:
,

i :� \:. E;2 II !:-t--i -=:B:C-=6---j---::E::�-;:-: O --t-

B Irth -

�Ell"$. I. E8Ifl ' E5 ElW E8q: ' E59Il I' E2r TI

! B ath
-------1
tt;: m

ihE�O � ,U
I :, I. : E�2 ! : I � I I
Attire

1: E�2 : I 'f · 9n {. E� � I i7
' gp I
i : -I Com ing-of-Age \It
1r�
lIE )
Ell T E8
1<: $ -1- IDf q: Prosperity Peak Wi
E2 EI I , E8 I I
I EX; :* · ,@: · I
E5
. Jt * I 31 Ageing :ff
EIO E7 E4 El I E6B I·
Jl
E3
� +
TE'TI+E9
! f;,- I $
q: r 1iit
i--=E9
I
W�-+-=--:- 9P
E6 -+--=-=--
,

E3 1--I--=-El2�-r--=E4� , El I EIO
I

E7
S ickness

B
I

9Il L r W q:
I' JE

W
Ifl Death
E2 i E l � -=
E5 I E2 I Ell E8
!

�8 ES l
______
I
I :*
I E7
,@:
E4 El I
Jl
·
fX
ElO
'@:
E6
31 I Jt
E3 E12
*
E9 ,' Grave .
q: gp W B 9r I 1<: $ �
I , Repose
,I E6 E3 I ��2 I E9 E7 El E10
B 9r ' � $
,
q: r W ' C onception JIti
I---
E5 E2 I E�l I E8 E8 El l
*
,
I ,@: 31 I Jt I * :* fX
'
''' nt"t• • rp

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

E5 Earthly Branch
Season + Earth

Attire Nurture 1 2-Stage Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS

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
�---

�--:
.-.

�
- � -

----
- -----.

�
-�

m'

; . -1--
1
1 . Birth e Wb y a ve s

r---- -�
- '

:.
'

'1> • •

2 . Bath Newborn baby is bathed to remove impurities

1 3.
I
r !

Attire

-----�---�
I
I
Growing child develops a proper image

14. c ml·n - f.-

o
g
O A e
g
i Growing child reaches adulthood

.--�-:-.�\-. I
-r- -

s
5 . Pro perity Pea
k
�
Adult re ches the peak of his life

r -

g
6. A ei
n
g
�

� � .
"U ' I When something reaches its p i nnac le, i t goes

lr rl:J i
downh i l l thereafter
-
. ----------�------�-- --- -�-------�:---
-- ; -�------------�
n
7 SiCk ess After ag e ing C ome s s ic k e ss it app e n s w h e n the
body is weak

8. Death
t After sickness, death is inevitable

--- -----I

�
�- ---

9. Grave Burial site of the dead

s
O. Repo e Waiting for a new lease of life after death

1 2 . Nurture Development in the womb, waiting to be reborn

 Appl i cation of the L ife Cycle C h a rt

Hour Day Month Year

Self
H3 � H2 z:. H4 T H7

/ ��>-�.... �'"
�
��
�

EI E4 9P E12* El l JX
Sickness Coming- Death Grave
of-Age

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 Coming-of-Age

5 Prosperity Peak Strong
1 Birth

Born in Stage 6 Ageing

Average
9 Grave

Born in Stage 2 Bath

3 Attire
7 Sickness
8 Death Weak
10 - Repose
11 - Conception
12 - Nurture
 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
Ox Yin Earth
Tiger Yang Wood
Rabbit Yin Wood
Dragon Yang Earth

-- If - B
-;;-- -----I--- �--- E7
---r ----- Snake
Horse
--_+_--� -----
Yin Fire
Yang Fire
-------+-
* E8 Ram Earth

--==-- --'-
Yin

I¥ E9 Monkey

----c::--
I Yang Metal
-- -+__0___--_-+----- ----,------------
W EIO Rooster :
___

---- -t- - ------

Yin Metal
-- --------
-l. -- ----- �--
� Ell Dog ; Yang Earth
� El2
-----
P ig ----rl-Yin Water

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
A E8
f EI E7

E4
... EIO
Y E3 � E9
•
E6
t) El2
9 ES
� Ell
"
'0
 THE 1 2 EARTHLY B RAN C H ES I N
T H E DIVISION OF MONTHS AN D SEASONS

Earthly Branch Lunar Month Season

E3 Jir 1 st
E4 gp 2nd
Spring
E5 � 3rd
(Wood)
E6 B 4th
£7 Lf 5 th
Summer
E8
(Fire)
*= 6th
E9 $ 7th
Autumn
EIO 1m 8th
(Metal)
Ell ,IX 9th
E12 � 1 0th
Winter
El r l I th
(Water)
E2 .R 1 2th

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

:> - .
0
Co
o •
 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

Autumn
I E9 + Metal E I O - Metal E l l + Earth

winter E 12 - Water E l + Water E2 - Earth

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

Prosper
S eason
Iff

spBaj. Wood Fire Earth Metal Water

S�lIlDler F ire Earth Metal Wat ood

..

Aata_ Metal Water Wood F ire arth

wmtet· · Water Wood Fire Earth Metal

AD·S�sO. Earth Metal Water Wood Fire

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 + Water 2300 - 0100

E2 31 Ox - Earth 0100 - 0300

E3 j[ Tiger + Wood 0300 - 0500

E4 9P Rabbit - Wood 0500 - 0700

E5 * 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 Season
E3 jf + E 4 YP + E5 * Spring
TIger Rabbit Dragon Wood

E6 B + E7 q:: + =
Summer
Snake Horse Fire

E9 $ + ElO W + Ell tX; Autumn

Monkey Rooster Dog Metal

E12 � + E l -:f + E2 =
Winter
Pig Rat Ox Water

Three Combinations of the Earthly Branches by Element = ft

By Element

E9 $ + E l -:f + E 5 )& Water

Monkey Rat Dragon

E12 � + E 4 YP + =
Wood
Pig Rabbit

E6 B + ElO W + E2 11 =
Metal
Snake Rooster Ox

E3 jf + E7 q:: + E ll tX; =
Fire
I TIger Horse 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 /\ f;

El + + E2 li =
Earth
Rat Ox

E3 Jr + E12 "* =
Wood
Tiger Pig

E4 9P + E11 tl. Fire

Rabbit Dog

E5 � + EIO W =
Metal
Dragon Rooster

E6 B + E9 lf1 Water
Snake Monkey

E7 q:. + E8 * Fire

Six Clashes of the Earthly Branches /\ flP

El +
... II>
E7 q:.
Rat Horse

E2 li ... II>
E8 *
Ox Ram

E3 Jr ... II> E9 lfI

Tiger Monkey

E4 9J1 ... II> EIO W

Rabbit Rooster

E5 � ... II>
E11 tl.
Dragon Dog

E6 B ... II> E12 "*

Snake Pig
Three Persecuting Clashes of the Earthly Branches �. fflJ
E3 jiI E6 B
\III ...
Tiger Snake

E6 B E9 tit
Snake \III ... Monkey Half clash

E9 tit E3 jiI
.. ...
Monkey Tiger

E3 jiI E6 B E9 Full clash

Tiger Snake

E2 .R E l l IX
Ox Dog

E l l IX ...
Dog

... E2 .R
Ox
E2 .R E8 *- E l l lX I
Ox Ram DO� Full clash

El -=f Ingratitude Clash E4 gp

Rat 7G .II Z JtlJ Rabbit
* *****************************************

E5 � E5
Dragon Dragon

E7 t:p Self Persecuting Clash E7 t:p

Horse § JtlJ Horse

EIO W EIO W
Rooster Rooster

E 12 � E 12 �
Pig 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 1r 1
Combine Clash

E l E2 E8
... Clash ...

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 0

with the major ones on top and minor ones below.

Examples
1 . :::.::. � Seasonal Combination E3 Jr E 4 9fJ ES 1&
TIger Rabbit Dragon

2. -
it Three Combinations E9 JtI El .y ES 1&
Monkey Rat Dragon

3. � jflJ Three Persecuting Clashes E3 Jr E6 B E9 JtI

Tiger Snake Monkey

4. j'�ltft Six Clashes El .y E 7 Lf

Rat Horse

I s. -*:::.::. it Half Combination E9 JtI El .y El .y ES 1&

Monkey Rat Rat Dragon

6 . F=I jflJ Self Persecuting Clash E7 Lf E7 Lf

Horse Horse

7. /\it Six Combinations El .y E2 31

Rat Ox

8. :fH � Conflicted Clashes El .y E8 *

Rat Ram

9 . :fHiP! Related Clashes El .y EI0 ]I

Rat
 Seasonal Combi nation

Hour Day Month Yea r

x X X X

E 5 IN E4 gp E3 j[ E10 W
+ Earth - Wood +Wood - Metal

t !
Seasonal Combination
j
Wood frame 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 Yea r

X Self X X
H9
+ Water
Season
E4 gp EI E9 1¥ X
- Wood + Water + Metal

Ingratitude Clash 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
Season
E6 B El E9 $ E3 9r
- Fire + Water + Metal + Wood

Half 4�
4� .4�
Combination
t by Element

"

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 + Metal

t
Six Clashes Half Combination
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

Self
X H7 � X X
+ Metal
Season
X E9 $ E8 * EI -=f
+ Metal - Earth + Water

r 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 El -"f-
+ Fire - Earth + 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

E3 � H l lfI H3 W H5 IX:
Tiger + Wood + Fire + Earth

E4 9P H2 z:.
Rabbit - Wood

E5 � H2 z:. H5 IX: HIO �

Dragon - Wood + Earth - Water

E6 B H7 JJt H3 -113 H5 IX:

Snake + Metal +Fire + Earth

E7 4=- H4 H6 B
Horse - Fire - Earth

E8 * H2 z:. H6 B H4
Ram - Wood - Earth - Fire

E9 $ H5 IX: H7 JJt H9
Monkey + Earth + Metal + Water

E IO W H8 $
Rooster - Metal

Ell Et H8 $ H4 T H5 IX:
- Metal - Fire + Earth
Do g

E12 � H9 ::f H l lfI

Pig + Water + Wood

El r HlO �
Rat - Water

E2 .R H6 B H8 HlO �
Ox - Earth - Metal - Water

.;\
cr
c-
 24 S U B-S EASONS (J ie Qi) ..::. -t- l!9 -;t �

Spring E3 Spring Begins fi. Feb 4, 5

fi. Germination NIT ;k ! Feb 18, 19
2 E4 Hibernation ;� m Mar 5, 6
Spring Equinox ! Mar 20, 2 1
fi. %
3 E5 Qing Ming � �� Apr 4, 5
Spring Showers :?t NIT
•
Apr 20, 21
Summer 4 B E6 Summer Begins iL Jl • May 5, 6
Grain Buds IJ\ m May 21, 22
5 E7 Summer Harvest
Summer Solstice
t�
Jl � I Jun
•
Jun
5, 6
2 1 , 22

6
* E8 i Mild Summer IJ\ !I • July 7, 8
i
Blazing Summer -}:;. July 22, 23
7 E9 ! Autumn Begins Aug 7, 8
iL tIc

I
Autumn i

tic i Limited Heat 9� !I Aug 23, 24

•
8 White Dew !
a lii Sept 7, 8
Autumn Equinox tic % ! Sept 23, 24
9 Cold Dew iii Oct 8, 9
Frost m'� i Oct 23, 24
Winter 10 * E12 Winter Begins iL /f Nov 7, 8
/f Mild Snow IJ\ i Nov 22, 23
1 1 Et Heavy Snow -}:;. Dec 7, 8
Winter Solstice �� Dec 21, 22
12 E2 Slight Cold IJ\ 11£ Jan 5, 6
Severe Cold -}:;' 11£ 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 H5 JJt 5 Days The first 5 days of the start of Spring,
1i + Earth +Earth (HS) dominates
H3 p;j 10 Days During the next 1 0 days, a burst of
+ Fire
+Fire (H3) is experienced
H l l¥ 15 Days For the next 1 5 days, +Wood (H 1 )
+ Wood
starts t o grow
E4 9P H l l¥ 15 Days The first 1 5 days of Awakening is
+ Wood
dominated by +Wood ( H I )
H2 Z 15 Days The I S days of Spring Equinox is
- Wood dominated by -Wood (H2)
E5 H2 Z 7 Days The first 7 days of Qing Ming see
- Wood -Wood (H2) prospering
HIO � S Days Over the next 8 days, -Water (HI O)
- Water rules, turning into a Water Pot Storage
H5 JJt 15 Days The remaining 1 5 days see +Earth
+ Earth
(HS) dominating
Summer E6 B H5 JJt 5 Days +Earth (HS) dominates the first 5
J[ + Earth days of Summer
H7 10 Days For the next 1 0 days +Metal (H7)
+ Metal experiences growth
H4 T 15 Days During the next 1 5 days, -Fire (H4)
- Fire prospers
E7 H6 B 15 Days -Earth (H6) prospers during the first
- Earth 1 5 days of the Summer Harvest

H4 T 15 Days -Fire (H4) prospers during the next 1 5

- Fire days of the Summer Solstice
ES * H4 T 7 Days For 7 days, starting of Mild Summer,
- Fire -Fire (H4) experiences growth
H2 Z S Days next
dominates, formmg a Wood Pot
- Wood
H6 B 15 Days The last 15 days of Blazing Summer
- Earth are dominated by -Earth (H6)

• ��<
,y'\
Autumn E9 Ffl HS m 5 Days At the beginning of Autumn, +Earth
(H5) dominates for 5 days.
fk + Earth
H9 • 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

E I0 1I 1 5 Days days of Harvest are entirely

+ Metal +Metal (H7)

H8 15 Days The next 1 5 days of Autumn Equinox

- Metal are entirely dominated by -Metal (HS)

Ell IX H8 7 Days -Metal (HS) experiences a growth spurt

- Metal during the first 7 days of hibernation

H3 f,Rj S Days During the subsequent S days, +Fire (H3

+ Fire rules, resulting in a Fire Pot storage

HS m 15 Days The 1 5 days of approaching Winter see

+ Earth +Earth (H5) dominating

Winter E12 � H l lfl 1 5 Days The 1 5 days of the Dawn of Winter are
� + Wood dominated by +Wood ( H I )

H9 3: 15 remaining 1 5 days o f Mild Winter

+ Water ominated by +Water (H9)

El H9 3: 30 Days +Water (H9) continues to dominate

+ Water throughout the Winter Solstice

E2 .R H I O 3% 7 Days -Water ( H I O) experiences 7 days of

- Water growth spurt during the Thawing Snow

H8 S Days -Metal (HS) dominates the next S days,

- Metal resulting in a Metal Pot storage

H6 B 1 5 Days -Earth (H6) takes 1 5 days to

- Earth 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
weight while Fire carried over from Mid Summer season subsides after the first seven
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 X X Heavenly Stem

H I '¥
+Wood
Season
X X E8 * X Earthly Branch
- 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 .
� H3
YR

pg
conflict with the Grand Duke in 1 996 and it is believed that this will bring bad luck. I El ::r
t
conflict

D
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.
U
:�mple:
Hour Day Month Year
Self
H3 W H5 Jj; H9 H3 Vi
+Fire +Water +Fire
+Earth
Season
E5 JOC E7 lf E5 JOC E7 lf
+ Earth +Fire +Fire
+Earth

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.
 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�

ru z E9 $ E3 � , E5 Jti{ E4 gp E7 q:

H3 W E l 2 *' E I O E7 q: E6 S E3 �

H4 T E l 2 *, E l O W EIO W E6 S, E8 :*: E7 q: E8 :*:

H5 Jt E2 31, E8 :*: E9 $ E7 q: E6 S E5 Jti{

H6 0 E9 $ E5 Jti{
i
I
E l -T, ElO W E6 S, E8 :*: E7 q:

H7 � E2 .R, E8 :*: E12 * EIO W E9 $ E l l Et

H8 * E7 q:, E3 � �-T E9 $ , E l l EX; EIO W i ElO W

H9 x E6 S, E4 9P E3 � E l -T E12 � E l -T

Hl0 � E6 S, E4 9P E4 gp E I 2 �, E2 li
lel -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[ E6 B El2 ti. ElO

E2 .R E I O "@ E2 E12 E3 Ji[ E9 $ E7 q::

E3 E7 q:: E l l .t\(; E9 $ E12 ti. E6 E4 !lP

E4 �P E4 !lP E8 * E6 B E9 $ E3 Ji[ El

E 5 }]X EI
r E5 }]X E3 E6 B E 1 2 ti. E l O "@

E6 E2 .R E12 ti. E3 Ji[ E9 $ E7 q::

E7 q:: E7 q:: E l l .t\(; E9 $ El2 ti. E6 B E4 �P

$ Ji[
E8 * E4 !lP E8 * E6 B E9 E3 EI
r

E9 $ EI E 5 }]X E3 Ji[ E6 B E 1 2 ti. ElO

E I O "@ E l O "@ E2 E12 E3 Ji[ E9 $ E7 q::

E l l .t\(; E7 q:: E l l .t\(; E9 $ El2 ti. E6 E4 !lP

E12 � E 4 !lP E8 * E6 B E9 $ E3 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 Day . Month Year

!
Hour Day Month Year

I
I
X X X X X X X X

I I
•
·
·
E3 Jir X
I X l EI El r E3 Jir
I ---

I I Meet ...--J 4. Meet .-J ----

Travellin:
Travelling Horse 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
Year of Birth Flower of Romance
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 glJ

E4 gp Rabbit E8 *= Ram E l 2 � Pig North E I -=f

\E �mple:
'�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

E9 $ H l lfl

E5 J&: H9 -:f H9
-

E6 H8 ::'F H7 �

E7 Cf E12 * H3 W

E8 * H l lfl H l lfl

E9 Ej3 HIO H 9 -:f

EIO W E3 W / ,
H7

E l l JX H3 pg H3 pg

E12 * H2 z:, H l lfl

��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 Solitary Star Lonesome Star

Branch fJIi � �m
E 1 2 -p;; E3 Jlr E l l £It

EI T E l l £It

E2 E3 E l l £It

E3 • E6 B E2 .R

E4 9P E6 B E2 .R

E5 E6 E2 .R

E6 B E9 $ E5

E7 Lf E9 $ E5 �

E8 * E9 $ E5 �

E9 $ E I 2 -p;; E8 *

ElO E l 2 ¥.

E l l EX; E I 2 ¥.

\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 Day Month Year

Heaven X H I if' H5 J.t H7 �

I
I I
Earth X H2 Z H3 W H4 T

Human
i X H9 HI0 � 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 EI H3 El HS EI H7 EI H9 EI
Ifl W Lt -=f � � -=f
H2 E2 H4 E2 H6 E2 H8 E2 HIO E2
Z Jl T Jl a Jl .R � Jl
H3 E3 H5 E3 H7 E3 H9 E3 HI E3
W Jr Dt � Jjt Jr ± Ifl Jr
H4 E4 H6 E4 H8 E4 HIO E4 H2 E4
T 911 a 911 911 Z 911
HS ES H7 E5 H9 ES HI E5 H3 ES
Lt JOC * ± JOC Ifl * W JOC
H6 E6 H8 E6 HIO E6 H2 E6 H4 E6
a B * B � B Z B T B
H7 E7 H9 E7 HI E7 H3 E7 HS E7
Jjt '-f '-f Ifl '-f W '-f DC; '-f
H8 E8 HIO E8 H2 E8 H4 E8 H6 E8
* * 9? * Z * T * a *
H9 E9 HI E9 H3 E9 H5 E9 H7 E9
± tfJ Ifl $ W tfJ Dt $ Jjt tfJ
HIO EIO H2 EIO H4 EIO H6 EIO H8 EIO
� W Z l!!f T W a l!!f * W
HI Ell H3 El l HS Ell H7 Ell H9 Ell
Ifl IX; W JX Lt IX; � JX ± IX;
H2 E12 H4 E12 H6 El2 H8 El2 HIO El2
Z � T � a � � � �
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 Group Six

HI EI HI El l HI E9 HI E7 HI E5 HI E3
JP f- JP JX JP Jft if! Lf JP � JP Jir
H2 E2 H2 El2 H2 EIO H2 E8 H2 E6 H2 E4
Z II Z fo: Z Ii Z * Z B Z 9\l
H3 E3 H3 EI H3 Ell H3 E9 H3 E5
W Jir pg f- W Et pg $ W �
H4 E4 H4 E2 H4 EI2 H4 EIO H4 E6
T .!1\1 T II T fo: T W T B
H5 E5 H5 E3 H5 EI H5 El l H5 E9 E7
rX; � Jj(; rX; f- Jj(; JX rX; Jft Lf
H6 E6 E2 H6 EI2 H6 EIO H6 E8
C. B II C. fo: C. Ii C. *
H7 E7 E3 H7 EI H7 Ell H7 E9
� Lf Jir � f- � Et � Jft
H8 E6 E4 H8 E2 H8 E12 H8 EIO
9\l * II � '* Ii
E5 H9 E3 H9 EI H9 Ell
� :£ Et
HIO E6 HIO
� B �
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 Month Year

Self
H4 T H9 :f H4 T H6 B
- Fire + Water - Fire - Earth

Season
E8 * E3 E4 9P E I O "@
- Earth + Wood - Wood - Metal
(HV) (HV)

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 Water

Jl
Earth Metal Water Wood Fire Metal Water Fire
Ox
1901 1913 1925 1937 1961 1 973 1997 2009

Wood Water Wood Fire Earth Metal Water Wood Fire Earth Metal
Tiger
1902 1914 1926 1938 1950 1 962 1974 1 986 1998 2010

911 Wood Water Wood Metal Water Wood Fire Earth Metal
Rabbit
1903 1915 195 1 1963 1975 1987 1999 201 1
fJI P3 :E
� Earth
Dragon

B
Fire
Snake

q:: Fire Fire Earth Metal Water Wood Fire Earth Metal Water Wood
Horse
1906 1918 1 930 1942 1954 1966 1978 1990 2002 201 4

* Earth
Ram

If! Metal . Earth Metal Water Wood Fire Earth Metal Water Wood Fire
Monkey
1908 1 920 1 932 1944 1956 1968 1980 1992 2004 2016
B Z
W Metal Earth Metal Water Wood Earth Metal Water Wood Fire
Rooster
1909 1921 1933 1945 1969 1981 1 993 2005 2017
� :E lfl P3
IX;
Dog

� Water Metal Water Wood Fire Earth Metal Water Wood Fire Earth
Pig
191 1 1923 1935 1947 1959 1971 1983 1995 2007 2019

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:
(i) To mark the 1 2 bi-hourly division of energy in a day
(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) Western Hemisphere (USA)

3 April 2000: H8 * E4 g p 2 April 2000: H7 E3
4 April 2000: H9 ± E5 ;& 3 April 2000: H8 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
Aspects Opposite Same
Between Self Element Relations
of Life Gender* Gender**
and Other Elements

The element Direct Unexpected

Money Wife (for men)
Conquered by Self wealth wealth
� 51 � XE M iIle M
Wealth Father

The element which Power

rg
Status Authority Fighting Spirit Husband (for women)
Conquers Self
5l � � Fame XE -t � Offs pring (for men)

The element which Main Indirect

Resource
Gives Birth to Self resource resource Mother
1:. � � XE t:r.J iIle t:r.J
I Support
I

Unconventionl
The element which Expressive
Intelligence intelligence
1% tr
Self Gives Birth to ability
Offspring (for women)
(eg sixth sense)
� 1:. � Intelligence
it :fi¥
The element which is Colleagues
Same as Self Competitors Friends
1;1J M !:t fFJ
Friends Sibling
1liJ � � Competitors

* 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

HI Ff3 Unexpected Wealth

I
=

Yang Wood {\i6 !i1t

H7

1
�
Yang Metal

... H2 Z, =
Direct Wealth
Yin Wood JI M
 ELEMENTAL RELATIONSH IPS I N YOU R DESTINY

For Men

Self Element: Metal Relations Aspects of Life

Metal Sibling Colleagues, Competition
Elements Earth
=--___
I
-l---= Mother Resource, Support, Authority

�
__

in your , Wood Wife, Father Wealth, Money

Four Fire -\--_OflSpring
-"----"--·--_
-'""- ---i---'-
Statu_s�,P_r_e_
___ ss_
u_re_-,-
,_ P_
ow
_ er_
Pillars L Water Intelligence, Expressive ability

�
Self Element: Wood Relations As ects of Life
_W_o_o_ d_ ____ __--i-__
Sib " -,",-__,--. Colleague, Competition
_
_ling
�lemen te
-'-.:a.:..:
w,
----". = :. r M
-+--=- ce"s-'-o..;.;.ur_ , Support, Authority
. other__-'-.....;.R'-e"
Earth
_______

m your
Wife, Father Wealth, Money
----- ---+---- ----�
Four
Metal Off�g
.Jo.L- Statusl Pressure, Power
.l--
Pillars -
,' - - --
Fire · --. Intelligence, Expre-ssi-
ve a-
bility--

�lernen
m your
�
Four
Pillars L- -.:!=���---
--- �����
-l---.:���6---1-��.'o':'�- �-­
Wood Intelligence, Expressive ability

Self Element: Fire Relations Aspects of Life

{ Fire Sibling I Colleague, Competition

Elements I
----�-- I
___

Wood 1 Mother �source, Support, Authority

"--"'--
in Your
Metal Wife, Father , Wealth, Money
Four
._.__

Water O�tatus, Pressure, Po:...;.w

-,-,e:.:;..
r
Earth
__

Pillars --
I Intelligence, Expressive ability

Relations Aspects of Life

Earth Sibling Colleague, Competition
�lernen t F_il1_
e - ___ _ Mother Resource, Support, Authori�
-I--
____

m your
�
Water Wife, Father Wealth, Money
� .--+-----�--�--------
Four -------
- -

Wood � � -�·-� g -_+- ta-tu

S- _-s�Press_
,- ure�,_
P_o�
w-er
---
Pillars - - - -
__

Metal -Expressive ability

Intelligence,

.•
i
'.. .·.
·
 For Women

Elements
inyour
Four
t I
Wood Father
. Resource, Support, Authority
Wealth, Money
__ _

·----+1
Pillars Fire . Husband Status, Pressure, Power
Water Offspring Intelligence, Expressive ability

-l __
Self Element: Wood Relations Aspects of Life
·
bling
Elements I _ W_o_o_d______--t-_Si__ _-'K.._--+ Colleague, Competition
water Mother Resource, Support, Authority
in your I
Earth 1 _ Father Wealth, Money
Four _ .
Metal Husband _-+-_Sta
_tu__s,- es_s_
, P_r_ ur_e....
, P_ .. o_w
_e_
f _
Pillars __

Fire Offspring Intelligence, Expressive ability

El�
Self Element: Water
Water

m your
Fire
Four
Pillars
Wood

{ �!
•
I Aspects of Life
Fire Sibling Colleague, Competition .
Ele�
Wood Mother
m your
Metal Father
Four
Water Husband
Pillars
Earth Offspring I Intelligence, Expressive ability

Self Element: Earth

Earth
Elements
in your I
I _!:.!!.t��. L_���_-+����:!QQQ!1..�ll1t!!Q!!!Y
____ __
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.

WOOD

WATER II..... __ ....>

., SELF
<,...-----,> METAL
Mother
Resource, Support, Authority Offspring
Power, Status, Fame
Element which gives birth to Self I
I Element which destroys Self

F1 �
Intelligence, Expressive ability
Element that Self gives birth to
� � � ��!!
WOOD
w er
Money, Wealth
Element conquered by Self
Siblings
Friend, Competitor
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.

WOOD
WATER I '-
__ -...> SELF <r--_> METAL
Mother Husband
Resource, Support, Authority Power, Status, Fame
Element which gives birth to Self Element which destroys Self I

O
�
!!::'ing �� ' � ���
Intelligence, Expressive ability Money, Wealth

Element that Self gives birth to WOOD Element conquered by Self I

Sibling
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
 REPRESE NTATIONS OF FAM I LY RE LATIONSHI PS
AT VARIOUS STAG ES OF LIFE

Stages of L i fe

Hour Month

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

Hour Month

Heavenly Stem Heavenly Stem Heavenly Stem Heavenly Stem

Earthly Branch Earthly B Earthly Branch

Earthly Branch Season of Birth
House of Spouse
Offspring Self & Spouse 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 , E8 *, EI l rt
H7 ]Jt, H8 :$ E2 Jl, E6 S, E9 $ , E I O g[ , E l l rt
H9 t, H I 0 �

•
What Makes a Good Destiny?
A good set of destiny for both men and women should comply with the following conditions:

(i) A 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.

(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 H5 Jj; HI IfI
+ Earth + Wood

+ Blocked Clash takes place with a stem standing in between two stems and hindering
them from clashing directly.

\E�mple: Blocked
\�"-'" Clash
• •
H7 Yt H5 Jj; H3 P9
+ Metal + 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.

•'---- Distant Clash -------,.

H7 Yt X X H I IfI
+ Metal + Wood
+ Persecuting Clash involves three stems, with one stem being victimised by two
attacking stems.
�

� mple:
l�
X X X or X X X
E3 ji E6 B E9 $ E2 1l E8 * Ell J.X;
+ Wood - Fire + Metal - Earth - Earth + Earth

t I I t t I I t

.
•
. ..

'.
..

..
.

..
 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"{
IAi
.:r
Always remember that in a combination, the resulting element takes precedence
over the original elements.
Take Note!

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:
.....;;;r- A Strong Metal Person A Weak Metal Person
L"

t
DiSChargin Elements
•
Supporting Elements
Earth, Metal
Water, Fire, Wood
 SELF ELEM ENT AN D SEASON OF BIRTH

Yang Wood person born i n Spring

x H I if' x H2 �
+ Wood - Wood

x x E3 gr x
+ Wood

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
"' ..

If your Day Stem is Wood H1 and you are born in Spring E3, this is considered timely
�_ because Wood is predominant in Spring.
Take Note!

Yin Wood person born i n M i d Winter

x x
+ Water - Wood

x El T x
+ Water

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 x x
+ Wood

E4 9P x EIO W x
- Wood - Metal

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

Month Year

x H l Ef3 H l Ef3 H2 G
+ Wood + Wood - Wood

x x E l l EX; x
+ Earth

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.

1. Day Pillar
HI if'
+ Wood

E3
+ Wood
Support on Day Branch

2. Hour Pillar Day Pillar

X HI If'
+ Wood

E3 Jr X
+ Wood
Support on Hour Stem

3. Hour Pillar Day Pillar Month Pillar

X H I if' X
+ Wood

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.

H4 T
+ Wood + Wood - F ire + Wood

E l l J3(; EI E4 gp E5 m
+ Earth + Water -Wood + 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 - Fire + F ire - Fire

E 4 9)l EI0 1[ E7 lf E I0 1[
- Wood - Metal + F ife - 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 H3 pg H3 pg H4 T
+ Water + Fire + Fire - Fire

ES � E7 lf E 7 lf E2 Jl
+ + Fire + Fire

Hidden HS
H2 HS HIO 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

Hour Day Month Year

H8 H6 i3 H3 P3 HI If'
- Metal - Earth + Fire + Wood

E8 * E12 � E3 Jir El r
- Earth - Water + Wood + 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; The root of the Self Element shares the same element and is found in the Earthly
�19 Branch . In this case. the Self Element is Earth. Thus, the Hour Branch E8. which is also
T=�te! an Earth , is the root.
 Turn ing from Weak to Strong Earth Destiny

Hour Day Month Year

HS Jj; H6 B HI fP HS Jj;
+ Earth - Earth + Wood + Earth

ES * E6 B El r Ell I£
+ Earth - Fire + Water + 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 - Water - Fire - Water

E9 JfI EIO W E6 B E8 *
+ Metal - Metal - Fire - 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 - Fire + Wood + Earth

E9 Jf:t E 4 911 E3 J( E5 �
+ Metal - Wood + Wood + 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 Year

H5 It H7 [;It H7 [;It 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 - Metal + Metal - Metal

EIO E[ E4 9IJ E3 Jr E6 B
- Metal - Wood + Wood - 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

Hour Day Month Year

H2 Z H8 * HIO � H6 B
- Wood - Metal - Water - Earth

E12 � E8 * EIO l!f EIO l!f

- Water - Earth - Metal - 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 Day Month Year

H7 JJt H9 £ H4 T H7 JJt
+ Metal + Water - Fire + Metal

E l l tt E l l tt E12 � El r
+ Earth + Earth - Water + Water

II> Hidden HS
H9 HI Elements in EB
+ Water + Wood

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 - Earth - Water + Fire

E12 � E6 B E6 B ES ]&
- Water - Fire - Fire + 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 Month Year

H3 W H3 W H7 Yt H9 :E
+ Fire + Fire + Metal + Water

E9 JtI El l Jj; E l l Jj; E3 Jir

+ Metal + Earth + Earth + 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 Month Year

ID W H4 T H7 »t H7 »t
+ Fire - Fire + Metal + Metal

E7 lf E2 li E5 & E9 �
+ Fire - Earth + Earth + 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 Day Month Year

HIO � H8 H9 £ HI JfI
- Water - Metal + Water + Wood

E6 B E4 !1/1 E9 Jtt E 7 lf
- Fire - Wood + Metal + 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 + Water + F ire

x x 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 HlO � H4 T
+ Metal Fire
- -Water Fire
-

El T E4 9\l E4 9\l E4 9\l

+ Water -Wood Wood
- 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 + Water + Water

E 7 lf E3 Jr E3 Jr E5 JOC
+ Fire + Wood + Wood + 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 - Metal + Earth + F ire

EI0 1!f E8 * E l l Et E l l Et
- Metal - Earth + 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 Yang Water Person

Hour Day Month Year

H4 T H9 :E H5 1l H5 1l
- Fire + Water + Earth + Earth

E8 * E9 rp E 7 lf E3 Jf
- Earth + Metal + Fire + 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 Gender Category

The element that conquers Self Opposite Zheng Guan Ge JE1§;j:4f

! Same Qi Sha Ge -t�;j:4f
I
I 2. The element that gives birth to Self Opposite I Zheng Yin Ge r;p;j:4f
!
Same
I
Pian Yin Ge {$] r;p;j:4f
I
JEJi1t;j:4f i

I3
The element that Self conquers Opposite Zheng Cai Ge
Same Pian Cai Ge {$]�j�
I
1151H4f
14
The element that Self gives birth to Opposite Shang Guan Ge
Same Shi Shen Ge �f,;j:4f
!
5. The element similar to Self Opposite Jie Cai Ge i;b m;t;j:4f
��$;j:4f
I
Same Jian Lu Ge

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

Self
H l ft! H I ft! HlO � H6
+ Wood + Wood - Water - Earth

Season
El � E3 ElO W E4 9P
+ Water + Wood - Metal - 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 Day Month Year

Self
H8 * H8 $ H6 B H6 B
- Metal - Metal - Earth - Earth

Season
E 4 9n E l O "@" E6 B E2 31
- Wood - Metal - Fire - 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 Month Year

Self
H6 i3 H7 Jjt H l lfl H8
- Earth + Metal + Wood - Metal

Season
E4 9P E3 E7 E6 B
- Wood + Wood + Fire - Fire
(H4 T , - Fire)
(H6 - Earth)

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 Month Year

Self
H4 T H7 � H7 � H l q:J
- Fire + Metal + Metal + Wood

Season
E2 lJ. E5 � E 7 Cf E3
- Earth + Earth + Fire + Wood
(H4 - Fire)
(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 Month Year

Self
H5 rlt H7 � H7 � H l lfl
+ Earth + Metal + Metal + Wood

Season
E3 fir
-", E3 j[ E7 E3 9r
+ Wood + Wood +Fire + 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 Day Month Year

Self
HI Jt1 Hl Efl H7 � H5 Jj(;
+ Wood + Wood + Metal + Earth

Season
El -T E3 Jr E9 $ E3 Jr
+ Water + Wood + Metal + Wood
(H7 �, + Metal)
(H5 [It, + Earth)
(H9 + Water)

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 Year

Self
H5 Dt H2 G HI0 � H I EfJ
+ Earth - Wood - Water +Wood

Season
E l -=f E12 * ElO W E3
+ Water - Water - Metal + Wood

(H8 ,*, - Metal)

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 Month Year

Self
H8 $ H4 H l lfl HIO �
- Metal - Fire + Wood - Water

Season
E l 2 ffi. E 12 ffi. E1 E 1 2 ffi.
- Water - Water + Water - 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 Month Year

Self
HS IX: H2 z:. H8 * HS IX:
+ Earth - Wood - Metal + Earth

Season
E3 Jir E8 * E l O t[ ES JD(
+ Wood - Earth - Metal + Earth
(H8 - 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 Month Year

Self
H I EJ3 H3 pg HI0 � H5 Dt
+ Wood + F ire - Water + Earth

Season
E7 E7 Lf EI2 � E9 $
+Fire +Fire - Water +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 Month Year

Self
H3 pg H7 � H5 It H7 �
+ Fire + Metal + Earth + Metal

Season
E5 E3 Jr E4 gp E9 $
+ Earth + Wood - Wood + 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 Month Year

Self
H3 � H6 B H I 0 >;R H I 0 >;R
+ Fire - Earth - Water - Water

-
Season
E3 � E8 * E12 � E12 �
+ Wood - Earth - Water - 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 H8 $ H I I¥ H5 Dt
+ Earth - Metal + Wood +Earth

Season
E l l Bt E l D IN E3 jf E9 $
+ Earth - Metal + Wood +Metal
(HI ', + Wood)
(H3 pg, + Fire)
(H5 It, + Earth)

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 Month Year

Self
Hl � H2 Z- H8 $ Hl �
+ Wood - Wood - Metal + Wood

Season
El r E4 !IP E8 * E3 �
+ Water - Wood - Earth +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:
��
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 Month Year

Self
H5 Dt H2 l. H2 l. H8 $
+ Earth - Wood - Wood - Metal

Season
E3 lr E4 9P E8 * EIO W
+ Wood - Wood - Earth - 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:
�

,��
A Pian Cai Ge whereby element that g ives birth to Self i s favourable

Hour Da y Month Year

Self
H5 J:lt HlO � H7 3:t H6 6
+ Earth - Water + Metal - Earth

Season
E7 Lf E6 B E7 Lf E2 1l
+ Fire - Fire + Fire - Earth
(H4 T, - Fire) (H 1 O � , - Water)
(H6 - Earth) (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.
In 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.

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

Self
H5 Dt H l lfJ H9 £ H5 Dt
+ Earth + Wood + Water + Earth

Season
E5 * E3 M E l l JX E5 *
+ Earth + Wood + Earth + 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.
 r;-:;1
�

A Pian Cai Ge whereby element that Self g ives birt h to is favoura b l e

Hour Day Month Year

Self
HlO � H7 � H l lP H5 Dt
- Water + Metal + Wood + Earth

Season
E8 * E9 $ E3 . E9 If!
Earth +Metal + Wood + Metal
(H I ffl , + Wood)
(H3 pg, + Fire)
(H5 IX;, + Earth)

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

Self
H9 =:E- H8 -$- H9 =:E- H5 rlt
+ Water - Metal + Water + Earth

Season
E7 q: El2* E l l fIG E7 q:
+ Fire - Water + Earth + 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

Self
H7 Yt H2 Z H2 Z H I if'
+ Metal - Wood - Wood + Wood

Season
E5 * E2 31 E12 � E3 jf
+ Earth - Earth - Water + Wood

(H9 + Water)
(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

A
Self conq uers is the most favourable element

Hour Day Month Year

Self
H5 IX; H8 $ H I JfJ H9 :f::
+ Earth - Metal + Wood + Water

Season
E l l £l(; E l O '@ E5 � E l l £l(;
+ Earth - Metal + Earth + 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 Month Year

Self
H7 � H8 * H I Jtl H I Jtl
+ Metal - Metal + Wood + Wood

Season
E3 j[ E4 !lD E 1 1 rt E3
+ Wood - Wood + Earth + 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 Month Year

Self
H5 Dt H8 H7 y! H7 y!
+ Earth - Metal + Metal + Metal

Season
El E4 9P E5 J& E5 J&
+ Water - Wood + Earth + Earth
(H5 IX., + 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

Hour Day Month Year

Self
H7 � H2 G H5 IX; H7 �
+ Metal - Wood + Earth + Metal

Season
E5 ,®: E2 1i E l -T E9 $
+ Earth - Earth + Water + Metal
(H2 l" Wood)
- (H I O �, Water)
-

(H5 ft , + Earth)
(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

Self
H4 T H5 Jj(; HlO � H3 W
- Fire + Earth - Water + Fire

Season
E6 B E l l B<; E6 B E9 $
- Fire + Earth - Fire + Metal
(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 Month Year

Self
H5 JJt HlO � HIO � H I Efl
+ Earth - Water - Water + Wood

Season
E7 q: E 1 2 *- E l O iN E l .:y.
+ Fire - Water - Metal + 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 Month Year

Self
H I O :9? H2 H I EfJ H5 Dt
- Water - Wood + Wood + Earth

Season
E8 * E2 E I -1- Ell �
- Earth - Earth + Water + Earth
(H lO �, Water)
-

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

Self
H4 T HIO H8 * H I 0 9?
- Fire - Water - Metal - Water

Season
E6 B E4 gp EIO W EI2 �
- Fire - Wood - Metal - Water
(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

Hour Day Month Year

Self
H5 Dt H I it' H5 Dt H7 �
+ Earth + Wood + Earth + Metal

Season
E5 * E l l Bt E3 jf E l l Bt
+ Earth + Earth + Wood + Earth
(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 Month Year

Self
H l lf3 H l lf3 H l lf3 H 5 Dt
+ Wood + Wood + Wood + Earth

Season
E l l It E9 $ E3 E3
+ Earth + Metal + Wood + 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

Self
H5 J)t HI � H6 B H7 �
+ Earth + Wood - Earth + Metal

Season
E5 � E5 E4 9P E9 $
+ Earth + Earth - Wood + Metal
(H2 Z, Wood )
-

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 Day Month Year

Self
H3 pg H7 � H2 6 H2 6
+ Fire + Metal - Wood - Wood

Season
E l l JX E3 � ElO W ElO W
+ Earth + Wood - Metal - Metal
(H8 - 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 Month Year

Self
H9 ± HIO � H2 Z HI0 �
+ Water - Water - Wood - Water

Season
El EIO W E4 9P E6 B
+ Water - Metal - Wood - 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

Self
H8 -$ H7 Ett H6 B H8
- Metal + Metal - Earth - Metal

Season
E6 B E3 E12 � ElO
- Fire + Wood - Water - Metal
(H9 :E, + Water)
(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 Month Year

Self
HlO � H l ff1 H6 B H l ff1
- Water + Wood - Earth + Wood

Season
E l O ""@ E3 9l' E6 B E3
- Metal + Wood - Fire + 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

Self
H3 pg H7 � H6 a H8 -$
+Fire + Metal - Earth - Metal

Season
El T El T E1 2 * E12 *
+ Water + Water - Water - Water
(H9 :E, + Water)
(H I Ej3 , + Wood)

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:
,�

A S h i Shen Ge where by element same as Self i s favou rable

Hour Day Month Year

Self
H5 LX; H2 H5 LX; H5 LX;
+ Earth - Wood + Earth + Earth

Season
E3 Ji! E8 * E7 Lf E5 *
+ Wood - Earth + Fire + Earth
(H4 T. - Fire) (H4 - Fire) (HI O �, - Water)
(H2 z:. , - Wood) (H6 - Earth) (H2 z:. , - Wood)
(H6 e , - Earth) (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:
,f/f

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

Self
H4 T H3 P3 H2 Z, H3 P3
- Fire + Fire - Wood + Fire

Season
E3 Ji[ E9 $ E8 * E5 JlR
+ Wood + Metal - Earth + 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 Month Year

Self
H7 � H3 p;J H8 $ H I Ef3
+ Metal + Fire - Metal + Wood

Season
E3 Jr E3 Jr E8 * E3 Jr
+ Wood + Wood - Earth + Wood
(H6 c., E arth)
-

(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 Month Year

Self
H4 T H8 * H4 T H7 ll!
- Fire - Metal - Fire + Metal

Season
E10 W ElO W E12 * E3
- Metal - Metal - Water + 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

Hour Day Month Year

Self
H8 H l q:I H9 H2 Z
- Metal + Wood +Water - Wood

Season
E8 * E l l EX; E7 lf E l O g[
- Earth + Earth + Fire - 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 Month Year

Self
H7 m H8 * H2 Z. H l ffl
+ Metal - Metal - Wood + Wood

Season
E3 E l O "@ E12 � E3 jif
+ Wood - Metal - Water + Wood
(H9 + Water)
(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

Self
H2 z:.. H l lfJ H2 z:.. H l O ¥R
- Wood + Wood - Wood - Water

Season
E12 * E3 J.r E4 9n E4 9P
- Water + Wood - Wood - Wood
(H2 G, 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 Month Year

Self
H2 Z. H I IfI H4 T H I IfI
- Wood + Wood - Fire + Wood

Season
E I 2 t< E3 E4 !1D E3 �
- Water + Wood - Wood + 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

Self
H l Efl H3 pg H l Efl H3 pg
+ Wood + Fire + Wood + Fire

Season
E7 Lf E3 j[ E7 Lf E7 Lf
+ Fire + Wood + Fire + 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

Self
H I fj3 H3 173 H8 H2 z..
+ Wood + Fire - Metal - Wood

Season
E7 Lf E7 E6 B E8 *
+ F ire + Fire - Fire - 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 Month Year

Self
H 5 Ilt H6 H6 HS Ilt
+ Earth - Earth - Earth + Earth

Season
ES � E6 B E8 * E5 �
+ Earth - Fire - Earth + Earth
(H6 c., Earth)
-

(H2 z:" - Wood)

(H4 - 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 Day Month Year

Self
H3 pg H5 Dt H5 Dt H6 B
+ Fire + Earth + Earth - Earth

Season
E5 Jlf E5 Jlf E5 � ElO W
+ Earth + Earth + Earth - 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:. H7 � H8 :¥- H5 Jt
- Wood + Metal - Metal + Earth

Season
E l O !ff Ell B<; E l O !ff E9 Eft
- Metal + Earth - Metal + 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 Day Month Year

Self
H6 i3 H8 * H8 H5 JJ(;
- Earth - Metal - Metal +Earth

Season
E2 31 E6 B EIO W E9 $
- Earth - Fire - Metal + Metal
(H8 - 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 Day Month Year

Self
H7 Yt H9 :f H9 :f H9 :f
+ Metal + Water + Water + Water

Season
El -=f E5 1& E I -1- E9 $
+ Water + Earth + Water + 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

Self
H7 � H9 H8 $ H9 :f::
+ Metal + Water - Metal + Water

Season
E 1 T- El E12 � E9 $
+ Water + Water - Water + Metal
(H9 3:, + Water)
(HI Efl , + Wood)

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 H I Efi HIO � H9

+ Wood + Wood -Water + Water

EI T EI E4 !1D El
+ Water + Water -Wood + 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 _ Year

H2 6 H9 H3 pg H4 T
- Wood + Water + Fire - Fire

E6 B E7 E7 q: E6 B
- Fir e + Fire + Fire - Fire

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 H9 :f H6 B H5 Dt
.:. Fire + Water - Earth + Earth

E5 � E8 * E l l JX
+ Earth - Earth + Earth

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 $ H5 IX; H8 HIO �
- Metal + Earth - Metal - Water

EIO W E9 $ ElO W ElO

- Metal + Metal - Metal - Metal

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 H4 T H i fF HIO �
+ Wood - Fire + Wood - Water

E5 }if EI2 � E3 E4 gp
+ Earth - Water + Wood - 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 H3 pg H7 � H5 It
+ F ire + F ire + Metal + Earth

E9 If! E9 If! E9 If! E3

+ Metal + Metal + Metal + 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 Year

HZ l.. Self H3 � H9 :=E
- Wood H4 T + F i re + Water Heavenly Stem (HS)
- F i re
E6 B E IO W Season E3 Jir
- F i re - Metal E7T + Wood Earthly Branch (EB)
+ Fire
Prosperity Coming-
Birth Death Life Cycle of the 10 HS
Peak of-Age
H7 llf H8 * H4 T HI 'P
+ Metal - Metal Fire + Wood
H3 P3 H6 i3 H3 P3 Hidden HS in the E B
+ Fire - Earth + Fire

I I
HS 1X; HS 1X;
+ Earth + Earth

Luck Cycle

77 67 57 47 37 I 27
i 17 7 Age
H7 »t
I
H5 1X; H6 B H8 $ H9 ::E HI0 � H1 1fJ H2l.. Heavenly
+ Earth - Earth + Metal - Metal + Water - Water +Wood I - Wood Stem

82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 Age
i
I
I I
El r
--,-

Ell Et E12� E2Jl E3 Ji! E4 9fJ E5 � E6 B Earthly

+ Earth - Water + Water I - Earth + Wood - Wood + Earth - Fire Branch

t .. t t t
A utumn Winter Spring Summer
Metal Water Wood Fire

•
 H2
- Wood I H4
- Fire
H3
+ Fire
H9
+ Water
•
E6 EIO E7 E3
- Fire - Metal + Fire + Wood
i

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.
 1999

.
Year Luck Pilla r
H3

.I
H2 H4 H9 3 7-4 1
- Wood - Fire Fire + Water

�a�h
+ H9
+ Water
. -
42-46
E6 EIO E7 E3
I
E4 .
E3
- Wood - Fire - Metal + Fire + Wood + 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 H3 H9
- Wood - Fire + Fire + Water

E6 EIO E7 E3
- Fire - Metal + Fire + 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 Month Year

H IO � Self H IO �

I I
H3 W Heavenly Stem (HS) i
- Water - Metal - Water
+ F ire Ii
E6 B Season
I
E3 J,ii ! E6 B
i

II
- F ire + Wood EIO gj
- Metal I
- Fire Earthly Branch (EB)
I
Coming-
I Coming-
of-Age Birth Death
I of-Age I
Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS

H5 LIt H5 LIt H8 * H5 LIt I

I
I
+ Earth + Earth - Metal + Earth

r H3 Pi
+ Fire
H3 Pi
+ Fire I
H3 Pi
+ Fire i
Hidden HS in the ED

H7 m HI lfl H7 m
+ Metal + Wood + Metal

Luck Cycle

I 72 62
I 52 42
i 32
I 22 12 2
I
Age
I
...

I
HIO � HI ' H2 Z H3 � H4 T • H5 JJt H6 D H7 Y.! i Heavenly
: - Water + Wood - Wood + Fire i - Fire i + Earth i - Earth + Metal I Stem i

I
I i I
i

I
77
E2 .R
67
E3 ]lit
I 57
E4 911
I
I E5 �
47 37 i

E6 B . E7 lf
27
i
17
E8 *
7
E9 JfI
Age
Earthly I
: - Earth + Wood I - Wood I + Earth - Fire
!
+ Fire - Earth . + Meta1 Branch i
+L- ____ ---lt t t
Winter Spring Summer Autumn
Water Wood Fire Metal
 HIO
!

H3
I H8 HIO

I
!
- Water
I + Fire
I
- Metal - Water

i
E6 E3 EIO E6
I - Fire I + Wood i
- Metal - 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 HIO
- Water
I H3
+ F ire
H8
- Metal
HIO
- Water

I E6 E3 E IO E6
- F ire + Wood - Metal - 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 H2-
E4 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 Month Year

HS IX. Self HI0 � H8 *
+ Earth H6 B - Water - Metal Heavenly Stem (HS)
- Earth
ES f& E4 9P Season E6 B
+ Earth - Wood E6 B - Fire Earthly B ranch (EB)
- Fire
i Prosperity Prosperity
Ageing Sickness ........ .. :ycle of the 1 0 HS
Peak Peak
HIO � H2 Z. H5 It H5 It
- Water - Wood + Earth + Earth
H5 It H3 p;j H3 p;j Hidden HS in the EB
+ Earth + Fire + Fire
H2 Z. H7 � H7 �
- Wood + Metal + Metal
�.........

Luck Cycle

78 68 58 48 38 28 18 8 Age

H2 Z H3 Pi H4 T H5 J.t H6 i3 H7 � H8 $ H9 :f: Heavenly

- Wood + Fire - Fire + Earth - E arth + Metal - Metal + Water Stem

83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 Age

EIO W E l l 1t E 12 � El r E2 Jl E3 Jr E4 9P E5 � Earthly
- Metal + Earth - Water
-
+ Water - Earth I + Wood I - Wood + Earth Branch

t t t t t
Autumn Winter Spring
Metal Water Wood
 !
H5 H6 I HI0 H8
+ Earth - Earth - Water - Metal

E5 E4 E6 E6
+ Earth - Wood - Fire - Fire
I
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 Luck '"
B5 B6 BI0 B8 48-51
H6
+ Earth - Earth - Water - Metal US
- Earth
+ Eardt
E5 E4 E6 E6 53-57
E6
El
- Fire + Earth - Wood - Fire - Fire
+ 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 Day Month I Year

H3 Pi Self H9 :E HI0 �
+ Fire HS JJt + Water - Water Heavenly Stem (HS)
+ Earth
ES � Ell JX Season
JX E4 9P
I
+ Earth + Earth Ell - Wood Earthly Branch (EB)
+ Earth

Attire Grave Grave Death Life Cycle of the 10 HS

HI0 � HS It HS It H2 Z
- Water + Earth + Earth - Wood
HS It H4 T H4 T Hidden HS in the EB
+ Earth - Fire - Fire i

I I
•
H2 Z H8 $ H8 $
- Wood - Metal - Metal

Luck Cycle
i
I 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 6 Age
H7 9t H6 B •
H5 JX; H4 T H3 � HlZ H1 Ef1 H10 � Heavenly
+ Metal - Earth + Earth - Fire + Fire - Wood + Wood - Water Stem

81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 Age
E7 lf E6 B E5 � E4 9P E3 i{ E2 31 E1 � E12 � Earthly
+ Fire - Fire + Earth - Wood + Wood - Earth • + Water - Water B ranch

t t t t t
Summer S pring Winter
Fire Wood Water

·
'Sa
'".
 H3 H5 H9 HIO
+ Fire + Earth + Water - Water
Six Ciashes ...
E5 " • Ell Ell E4 Spouse
+ Earth + Earth + Earth - Wood

�
I
• t'--ComblD .

House of Spouse
-- 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
Hour Day Month Year I
H5 Jl; Self H 3 Jij I H8 $
+ Earth H1 l:fI + Fire - Metal Heavenly Stem (HS)
+ Wood
Season I E12 �
i

E5 JOC E7 lf
E9 $
I
+ Earth + Fire - Water Earthly Branch (EB)
+ Metal i
I
I Life Cycle of the 10 HS
I I
Birth and
Ageing Death Repose Growth i

I
I
!
HIO � H6 i3 H9 HI 1ft
- Water - E arth + Water + Wood

HS Ot H4 T H7 Eli: H9 :1- Hidden HS in the EB

+ Earth - Fire + Metal + Water

H2 Z. HS Ot
- Wood I + Earth I

Luck Cycle

71 I 61 51 41 31 21 11 1 I Age
HI Efl HI0 � H9 :E H8 $ :
H7 � H6 e. H5 1t H4 T Heavenly
+ Wood - Water + Water - Metal + Metal - Earth + Earth - Fire Stern

76 66 56 46 36 26 16 6 Age
E5 R E4 .!1il : E3 J[ E2 1l EI T E12 � E11 � EI0 W Earthl y
+ Earth - Wood i + Wood - Earth + Water - Water + Earth - Metal Branch

+L-____ + +1.-
____ + +1..-_-+
Spring Winter Autumn
Wood Water Metal
 •
Year 1 999 HS HI H3 H8 Luck Pilla r
H6
+ Earth + Wood + Fire - Metal
- Earth
ES E7 E9 El2
E4 + Earth + Fire + Metal - Water
- Wood (HIO �, Water)
- (H6 - Earth) (H9 :E, + Water) (HI !fl, + Wood)
(HS �, + Earth) (H4 - Fire) (H7 Ji1;t, + Metal) (H9 :E, + Water)
(H2 G, Wood)
- (HS �, + Earth)

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
I H5 H3
Luck PiUar

I
HI H8 3 1-35
H8
Metal
I + Earth + Wood + Fire - Metal H7
+ Metal
I

E6
I
i
+
E5
Earth
E7
+ Fire +
E9
Metal
El2
- Water
J
I I

+
36-40
El
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

••
Hour Day Month Year
HI Ifl Self H3 jij H2 Z
+ Wood H8 $ + F i re - Wood Heavenly Stem (HS)
- Metal
E7 Lf EIO W Season E8 *
+ F ire - Metal Ell J:t - Earth Earthly Branch (EB)
+ Earth
Coming-
Sickness of-Age Attire Ageing Life Cycle of the 10 HS
H6 c. H8 * H5 Jj; H4 T
- Earth - Metal + Earth - Fire
H4 T H4 T H6 B Hidden HS in the EB
- Fire - Fire - Earth
H8 * H2 Z.
- Metal - Wood

Luck Cycle

74 64 54 44 34 24 14 4 I Age
i
HI If! Hl0 � H9 :E H8 $ H7 Yi H6 i3 H5 rX; H4 T eavenly I
+ Wood - Water + Water - Metal + Metal - Earth + Earth - F i re Stem

79 69 59 49 39 29 19 9 Age
Lf E7 B E6 E5 � E4 91l E3 j{ E2 Jl El -1- E12 � Earthly
+ Fire - F i re + Earth - Wood + Wood - Earth + Water - Water Branch

+1..-
___ _ + +L- ___ --'+ + +
Summer Spring Winter
Fire Wood Water
 Luck Pillar
HI H8 H3 H2 34-3 8
+ Wood - Metal + Fire - Wood H7
+ Metal
E7 EIO Ell E8 39-43

+ Fire - Metal + Earth - Earth 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 Luck Pillar
Hl H8 H3 H2 44-48
H5
+ Wood - Metal + Fire - Wood H8
+ Earth
- Metal
E7 ElO Ell E8 49-53
E3
+ Fire - Metal + Earth - Earth E4
+ Wood
- 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
medical treatment. w-
()

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.

Year 2000 Month Branch

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 £ - Fire + Metal Heavenly Stem (HS)
+ Water
EI0 W El Season Ell
- Metal + Water E12 + Earth Earthly Branch (EB)
- Water
Prosperity Coming-
Bath Peak of-Age Attire Life Cycle of the 1 0 HS

H8 $ HlO � Hl lfI H5 It
- Metal - Water + Wood + Earth
H9 x H4 T
Hidden HS in the EB
+ Water - Fire

Luck Cycle

73 63 53 43 33 23 13
i HS3 Dt Age
H2 Z HI JfI HI0 � H9 £ H8 $- H 7 !l! H6 B i Heavenly
- Wood + Wood - Water + Water - Metal + Metal - Earth I + Earth Stem

78 68 58 48 38 28 18 I 8 Age
E8 * E7 Lf E6 B E5 JOC E4 9P E3 Jr E2 1l El r Earthly
- Earth + Fire - Fire + Earth - Wood + Wood - Earth + Water . B ranch

+ + t + t t
Summer Spring W inter
Fire Wood Water
 I
H6
- Earth
H9
+ Water I H4
- Fire
H7
+ Metal

i E10
- Metal
El
+ Water
I E12
- Water
Ell
Earth
I I
+

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 I Luck Pilla r
86 89 84 87 _ 23-27
H5
- Earth + Water - Fire + Metal
I
H7
+ Earth
+ Metal

EIO El E12 Ell 28-3 2

I
E3
E3
+ Wood - Metal + Water - Water I + Earth + 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 Day Month Year

H5 Dt Self H9 :E: H1 lf1 I
+ Earth H6 i3 + Water + Wood Heavenly Stem (HS)
- Earth I I
I Season
I
E5 � E12 * E3 Jfr
+ Earth - Water E9 $ + Wood Earthly Branch (EB)
+ Metal

Ageing Conception Bath Death Life Cycle of the 10 HS

H2 Z. H9 :E H5 IX; H I Ff!
f ----: Wood + Water +Earth +Wood
H5 IX; H I Ff! H7 YI! H3 � Hidden HS in the EB
+ Earth + Wood + Metal + Fire

HIO � H9 H5 IX;
- Water I + Water •
+Earth i

Luck Cycle

66 56 46 36 16 6 Age
H2 H3 W H4 T H5 1X. H7 � H8 $ Heavenly
· + Wood -W + Fire - F ire + Earth + Metal - Metal Stem

81 71 51 41 31 21 11 Age
E1 f E2 1l E3 E4 911 E5 * E6 B E7 Lf E8 * Earthly
+ Water - Earth . + Wood - Wood + Earth - Fire + F ire - Earth Branch

•.....- .
.
.
"

' .•..,
•. '•
 Year 1999 Luck Pillar
H5 H6 H9 Hl
H6 + Earth - Earth + Water + Wood
- Earth

E4
E5 E12 E9 E3
Wood + Earth - Water + Metal + Wood

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 Day Month Year

•

HI Ifl Self H9 =:f HI0 �

+ Wood H5 It + Water - Water Heavenly Stem (HS)
I + Earth I

I
E3 JIl E9 ftl Season E6 B
Ell JX
I
+ Wood + Metal - F i re Earthly Branch (EB)
+ E arth
I
! Birth Coming-
• and Growth Sickness Grave of-Age Life Cycle of the 10 HS
I H5 L1t H9 :E H5 JJt H5 L1t
+Earth + Water I + Earth + Earth

I H3 W
+ Fire +
H7 8t
Metal
H4 T
- Fire
H3 W
+ Fire
Hidden HS in the EB

H l ffl H5 L1t H8 $ H7 8t
+Wood + Earth - Metal + Metal

Luck Cycle

75 65 55 45 35
H1 FfJ H2 Z H3 P3 H4 T H5 It
+ Wood - Wood + Fire - Fire . + Earth

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 Age
E3 Jr E4 91l E5 � E6 B E7 E8 * E9 Earthly
- Wood + Earth - Fire + Fire - Earth + Metal - Metal B ranch

t t t t t t
Spring S ummer Autumn
Wood Fire Metal
 I HI H5
I H9 HIO I
I + Wood + Earth + Water - Water

I E3 E9 Ell E6

I + Wood + Metal
I
+ Earth - Fire
;

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 Luck Pilla r

�
HI H5 H9 HI0 45-49

. + Metal
+ Wood + Earth + Water - Water H4

--� I
- Fire

�
50-54
.
E3 E9 Ell
E6
+ Earth + Wood + Metal + Earth
! - Fire

Hidden Threat
p,v What is a hidden threat? A h idden th reat is a situation where the arrival of a favourable
(t...!? element combines with an existing stem and results i n an unfavourable element, thereby
r':::'tel 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 rJt H6 L3 H7 JR HS ¥ H9 3C: HI O�

HI fjl Clash S Corn Clash

Elemenl Ea rth Direction

H2 L. Clash S Corn Clash

Element Metal DJrec!lon

H3 Vi Clash S Corn Clash

Element Waler Direelion

H4 T Clash S Corn Clash

ElemenL Wood DIrection

H5 rJt Clash Clash S Corn

Element Element Fire

H6 C S Corn Clash Clash

Earth Element Element

H7 � Clash S Corn Clash

Direction MetaJ Element

HS * Clash S Corn Clash

Direction Water Element

H9 3C: Clash S Corn Clash

Direction Wood Element

HIO 'R' Clash S Corn Clash

Direction FlTe Element

CHART FOR EA RTH LY BRANCH COM B I N ATIONS AND C LAS H ES

Seasonal
Combinations
E3+E4+ES E6+E7+ES E9+EIO+Ell E12+ E1+E2
Spring Summer Autumn Winter
- ""
= A
Wood Fire Metal Water

Three
E12+E4+ES E3+E7+Ell E6+EIO+E2 E9+E1+ES
Combinations
Metal
- "
= A Wood Fire Water

Front Half
E12+E4 E3+E7 E6+EIO E9+EI
Combinations
Wood Fire Metal Water
liPj!. �
Rear Half
E4+ES E7+Ell EIO+E2 E1+ES
Combinations
Wood Fire Metal Waler
I§ =F �
Six
E1+E2 E3+E12 E4+Ell ES+EIO E6+E9 E7+ES
Combinations
Earth Wood Fire Metal Water Fire
1\ *
Partial
3 Persecuting E3-E6 E2-El l
Persecuting
Clashes E3-E6-E9 E2-ES-Ell E6-E9 ES-E2
Clash
'::: iflJ '¥- = If!J
E9-E3 El l-ES

Six Clashes
EI-E7 E2-ES E3-E9 E4-ElO ES-Ell E6-E12
i\ j�
EI-E4
ES-ES E7-E7 ElO-ElO E12-E12
Self Clash Self Clash Self Clash
Clashes Ingratitude
Clash
Self Clash
Iftl I'! lf!J fl Jl1J § JI1J § If!J
]C,\\LZJf!J

Related Clash
EI-EIO E3-E12 E2-ES E4-E7 E6-E9 ES-Ell
m lilli

ConflictedClash
EI-ES E2-E7 E3-E6 E4-ES E9-E12 EIO-Ell
m lft