Estimated Reading Time: 4 mins

Bazi (八字), also known as Four Pillars of Destiny, is a foundational building block of Imperial Feng Shui. It is a well-developed set of metaphysics principles based on the planetary stars, the duality of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.

Each Bazi chart is unique, focusing on the unique characteristics that vary from person to person. A Bazi chart uses an individual’s birth year, month, date and hour of birth to interpret the destiny, personality, potential relationships, strengths, weaknesses and opportunities. This ancient art form reveals the influences in their life, providing profound insights into their character and potential life trajectory. The Bazi chart lies at the heart of Bazi, providing a comprehensive and intricate framework that serves as a roadmap to their destinies.

In this article, we will explore the structure of a Bazi chart, unravelling its enigmatic components and revealing how each aspect of the Bazi chart contributes to this vital and powerful tool of self-discovery, life planning, and personal growth.

The Foundation of a Bazi Chart

To understand the different parts of a Bazi chart, we must first grasp the fundamental concept of Yin and Yang — the cosmic dualities that permeate all aspects of Chinese philosophy.

Each Bazi chart comprises the 10 Heavenly Stems (天干) and 12 Earthly Branches (地支). These stems and branches are also classified into Yin and Yang categories, creating a dynamic interplay of cosmic forces. The resulting combinations provide essential insights into a person’s character and destiny, reflecting the harmony between Yin and Yang.

A Bazi chart organised around the framework of the Four Pillars (四柱命理) – namely, the Year, Month, Day, and Hour pillars — which signify a distinct timeframe within an individual’s life. These pillars are meticulously calculated based on their birth date and time, forming the core components of this intricate system.

Structure of a Bazi chart

The interaction between these pillars creates a multi-dimensional picture of an individual’s life, offering a profound understanding of their unique journey.

Heavenly Stems (天干)

In the study of Bazi, each of the ten Heavenly Stems is associated with an elemental attribute and a Yin-Yang polarity. These Heavenly Stems are Jia Wood (甲木), Yi Wood (乙木), Bing Fire (丙火), Ding Fire (丁火), Wu Earth (戊土), Ji Earth (己土), Geng Metal (庚金), Xin Metal (辛金), Ren Water (壬水) and Gui Water (癸水). A detailed understanding of the Heavenly Stems provides a framework for predicting and understanding the timing of significant life events, such as career advancements, relationship changes, and health issues. Practitioners can use these cycles to provide guidance and advice to individuals.

The interactions between Yin and Yang polarities within the 10 Heavenly Stems add depth and complexity to their interpretation. Combined with an understanding of Daymasters and the Five Elements, the Heavenly Stems provides valuable insights into an individual’s character, strengths, weaknesses, and potential life outcomes.

Read about Daymasters here

Earthly Branches

A fundamental classification system with a rich history of use across East Asia for centuries, the 12 Earthly Branches are a profound system with ties to Chinese metaphysics, astrology, and calendrical traditions. The 12 Earthly Branches include Yin (寅), Mao (卯), Chen (辰), Si (巳), Wu (午), Wei (未), Shen (申), You (酉), Xu (戌), Hai (亥), Zi (子), and Chou (丑).

The 12 Earthly Branches interact with the 10 Heavenly Stems, revealing information about an individual’s strengths and potential life events. The Earthly Branches are also an integral part of the 60-year sexagenary cycle in Chinese astrology, which is used in analysing long-term patterns and changes. Each Earthly Branch is associated with a specific element, contributing to the understanding of these cycles. The Earthly Branches provide a framework for analysing an individual’s destiny, including their potential career, interpersonal relationship and health. Each Earthly Branch also has unique characteristics and associations that are taken into consideration during Bazi analysis.

Read about the 12 Earthly Branches here

The Year Pillar (年柱)

This pillar is derived from the individual’s birth year, representing the external environment and the broader context of their life and influencing their overall life path and direction. It is associated with several key aspects, such as family background, ancestral influence, and societal or generational influences.

The Year Pillar is also essential for assessing compatibility and conflicts with other elements in the Bazi chart. Compatibility between the Year Pillar and other pillars can indicate harmonious relationships and favourable circumstances, while clashes may suggest challenges and conflicts. Additionally, the Year Pillar is often influential in an individual’s career and social interactions. It can indicate the potential for career advancements, changes in social status, and overall success in various life pursuits.

Month Pillar (月柱)

The Month Pillar represents the self and inner characteristics of an individual. It provides insights into a person’s core personality, traits, and tendencies. Understanding the Month Pillar is essential for a comprehensive analysis of one’s character, and unveils the nuances of personality traits, career inclinations, and relationship dynamics.

Each Month Pillar is associated with one of the 10 Heavenly Stems and one of the 12 Earthly Branches. This combination determines the elemental composition of the month of birth. The elemental balance in the Month Pillar influences a person’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall disposition.

Understanding the Month Pillar allows individuals to gain valuable insight into various aspects of their lives. It bears significant influence on an individual’s career path and social interactions and may indicate the types of professions or industries where a person may find success and fulfilment.

Day Pillar (日柱)

Representing the self, the Day Pillar is closely associated with the core personality, character traits, and innate tendencies. It is the most critical pillar in the Bazi chart as it reflects the owner’s essence and identity.

Each Day Pillar is composed of one of the 10 Heavenly Stems and one of the 12 Earthly Branches. This combination determines the elemental composition of the day of birth. The elemental balance in the Day Pillar has a profound influence on a person’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall disposition.

The Day Pillar allows individuals to gain profound insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for personal growth and development — serving as the foundation for self-awareness and self-improvement. Experienced Imperial Feng Shui practitioners can use it to analyse various aspects of life, including career, relationships, health, and personal achievements.

Hour Pillar (时柱)

The Hour Pillar represents the hour of an individual’s birth, providing fine-tuned timing within the Bazi system. It allows for a more precise assessment of their destiny and characteristics, as the energy and influence of each two-hour period can vary.

The Hour Pillar is essential for assessing specific timing and events in an individual’s life. It is used in predicting when particular opportunities or challenges may arise, guiding individuals in making important decisions and planning for their future. Often, the Hour Pillar influences an individual’s career and daily activities, as it reveals the most suitable times for them to perform specific tasks or make significant career decisions.

The 10 Gods (十神)

The concept of the Ten Gods is integral to Bazi chart analysis, providing a deeper understanding concerning the dynamic interplay of elemental energies. These Ten Gods represent various aspects of a person’s character and influence within their Bazi chart, shaping their destiny. The 10 Gods comprise the following Stars: Direct Wealth (正财星), Indirect Wealth (偏财星), Eating God (食神星), Hurting Officer (伤官星), Direct Resource (正印星), Indirect Resource (枭神星), Rob Wealth (劫财星), Friend (比肩星), Direct Officer (正官星), and Seven Killings (七杀星).

By analysing the roles of these 10 Gods in a Bazi chart, one gains a deeper understanding of their innate tendencies, strengths, and challenges. Knowledge of the implications of the Ten Gods allows an individual to make informed decisions, navigate life’s complexities, and leverage their unique talents.

Learn more about the 10 Gods here

Applications of Bazi

Bazi reading and analyses find practical applications across various aspects of life, assisting in career planning and aligning individuals’ professional choices with their inherent strengths. As a potent tool for personal development, Bazi chart analysis identifies areas for improvement and helps individuals harness their innate talents, guiding them toward personal growth and fulfilment.

Additionally, Bazi is invaluable in accessing compatibility in our interpersonal relationships. It offers guidance in life-planning decisions, imparting insight into choices related to education, marriage, family or investments. In personal and professional contexts, Bazi facilitates conflict resolution by uncovering the root causes of disputes and proposing effective resolution strategies.

The intricacies of a Bazi chart reveal a profound tool for self-discovery, personal growth, and life planning through the interactions between the different aspects of a Bazi chart. Armed with this knowledge, they can embark on a transformative journey, making informed choices that align with their innate potential.

Book your complimentary Bazi consultation with Imperial Harvest

At Imperial Harvest, every journey begins with a Bazi consultation. Master David, drawing upon profound insights and principles from ancient texts, adapts time-honoured traditions to suit our modern socio-economic context. Utilising wisdom passed down through generations, Master David distils Imperial Feng Shui wisdom, providing customised and effective solutions in the form of the finest Imperial Feng Shui treasures — Imperial Harvest-grade Sandalwood, Agarwood and Jadeite.

Imperial Harvest Sandalwood

In Imperial Feng Shui, Minor Yin represents the potential for extra income beyond one’s primary earnings, which can come from investments, stocks, trading, or unexpected gains like lottery winnings. Imperial Harvest-grade sandalwood significantly boosts indirect wealth capacity, ensuring steady financial growth and security. It helps individuals cultivate extra income sources, ensuring financial stability and opening doors to new opportunities for wealth and prosperity.

Complete Guide to Imperial Harvest Sandalwood

Imperial Harvest Agarwood

The Four Phenomena are deeply linked to various life aspects, with the Major Yang governing direct wealth potential, like income from careers, business, and sales. The Imperial Harvest Agarwood collection is invaluable in boosting direct wealth capacity. It accelerates financial growth, leading to substantial income increases, attracts influential mentors and benefactors and opens doors to success in one’s field.

Complete Guide to Imperial Harvest Agarwood

Imperial Harvest Jadeite

Revealing that the Four Phenomena influenced personal luck, eminent Imperial Feng Shui masters found that Imperial Harvest-grade Jadeite pendants could balance Major Yin. This optimal balance bestows abundant personal luck in both personal and professional pursuits. Designed for excellence, Imperial Harvest’s Jadeite treasures undergo meticulous production, refinement, and revision in pursuit of perfection.

Complete Guide to Imperial Harvest Jadeite

Imperial Harvest Jadeite Cabochons

Imperial Feng Shui emphasises the importance of fine jadeite cabochons for balancing an individual’s Minor Yang and enhancing intuition. These cabochons, meticulously crafted by expert artisans, grace Imperial Harvest jadeite rings, inspiring its destined owner in their decision-making, particularly in ambiguous situations, granting a valuable first-mover advantage.

Complete Guide to Imperial Harvest Jadeite Cabochons

The application of these treasures adheres to the principles of Imperial Feng Shui, aiming to amplify wealth and fortune, ushering in prosperity and abundance according to an individual’s unique needs.