Many people believe that knowing their fortune and destiny will help them make better decisions in life. One method used in Chinese astrology is called Eight Characters or Eight Pillars, commonly known as BaZi. This method interprets a person's destiny based on their birth year, month, day, and time.
How to Calculate Your BaZiTo calculate your BaZi, you need to know your birth year, month, day, and time. First, determine your birth year by the Chinese calendar. Then, convert the Gregorian calendar date to the Chinese lunar calendar date to find your birth month and day. Finally, determine your birth time, which must be accurate to the hour.
Next, convert your birth year, month, day, and time into Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. Heavenly Stems are represented by the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth), while Earthly Branches are represented by the twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig).
After determining your Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, you can form your Eight Characters by combining them in pairs, resulting in four pairs of characters that represent your year, month, day, and time pillars.
Interpreting Your Eight Characters
After calculating your Eight Characters, you can interpret the meaning of each character based on the five elements and twelve animals, to understand your destiny and character traits. Four pillars are analyzed, including the year pillar which represents your ancestry and early childhood education, the month pillar which represents your growing up years and relationships with others, the day pillar which represents your personality and inner feelings, and the hour pillar which represents your career and life path.
For instance, if your year pillar represents the element metal with the earthly branch of rooster, you are known to be strong-willed and independent, with a tendency towards order and cleanliness. Meanwhile, if your hour pillar is represented by the element water and the earthly branch of rabbit, you may be drawn towards careers in education, writing, or research.
Using BaZi to Improve Life DecisionsOnce you understand your BaZi, you can use this knowledge to make better choices in life, such as choosing a career that aligns with your strengths and tendencies or forming relationships with those who complement your character traits. Furthermore, it can provide insight into the influence of the five elements and what to avoid.
For instance, if you have a weak earth element in your BaZi chart, it is advised to avoid wood elements as they can weaken the earth further. Meanwhile, if you have a strong fire element in your chart, it may be beneficial to include wood elements to balance the excessive heat.
ConclusionKnowing your BaZi can be incredibly valuable in understanding your destiny and character traits. By using this knowledge to make informed life choices and avoid unfavorable circumstances, you can lead a more fulfilling and prosperous life.