Guide to Bazi Calculator Interpretation 📕
1/19/2025, 2:44:01 AM
Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny) is a fundamental component of Chinese metaphysics that unveils personal characteristics and developmental directions by analyzing the combination of heavenly stems and earthly branches based on one’s birth year, month, day, and hour. With advancements in modern technology, Bazi charting has become a tool for quickly gaining insight into one’s destiny. But how can one accurately interpret Bazi calculations? How is a Bazi chart computed? How are concepts like the Ten Gods and Na Yin applied? This article will delve into the principles of Bazi calculations, provide a scientific interpretation sequence, and offer methods to help you better understand the mysteries of fate.
I. How Is a Bazi Chart Computed? 🔢✨
Bazi, also known as the Four Pillars of Destiny, is composed of the combinations of heavenly stems and earthly branches corresponding to the four time nodes of birth: year, month, day, and hour. Its calculation process follows traditional cyclical calendrical methods based on the stem-branch system and seasonal solar terms, integrated with the Five Elements theory, ultimately forming a complete chart. Although this process may seem complex, it can be systematically understood through the following steps and rules.
1. Determining the Four Pillars 🌟
The foundation of Bazi lies in converting Gregorian calendar birth dates into the Chinese lunar calendar and dividing them into four pillars (Year Pillar, Month Pillar, Day Pillar, and Hour Pillar), each consisting of a heavenly stem and an earthly branch, totaling eight characters.
Conversion Rules and Methods
1.1 Year Pillar: Determining the heavenly stem and earthly branch of the birth year
Using the 60-year cycle of stems and branches, each year corresponds to a unique stem-branch combination. For example:
- 2024 corresponds to Jia-Chen (甲辰) year (Jia as the heavenly stem, Chen as the earthly branch).
- The Classic of Three Lifes states, "The Year Pillar is the root of life, forming the foundation of destiny," emphasizing the Year Pillar as the basis of a Bazi chart.
1.2 Month Pillar: Based on the solar term divisions of each month
The heavenly stems and earthly branches of months are determined by seasonal solar terms, starting with Yin month for the lunar calendar’s first month:
| Solar Term | Month Stem-Branch | Determination Method |
|---|---|---|
| After Beginning of Spring | Bing Yin (丙寅) | Add 2 to the Year Stem |
| After Awakening of Insects | Ding Mao (丁卯) | Add 4 to the Year Stem |
| After Pure Brightness | Wu Chen (戊辰) | Add 6 to the Year Stem |
- The Sea of Knowledge in Bazi notes, "The Month Command governs the framework of the chart, determining strength or weakness," signifying its importance in representing seasonal energy distribution.
1.3 Day Pillar: Finding the exact stem-branch of the birth date
Each day corresponds to one of the 60 stem-branch pairs in a cyclical sequence. For example:
- January 1, 2024, corresponds to Jia-Zi (甲子).
- True Interpretation of Bazi states, "The Day Pillar represents the self; all matters are based on this," highlighting its primary importance in symbolizing the individual.
1.4 Hour Pillar: Determining the stem-branch of the birth hour
The 24-hour day is divided into 12 two-hour periods, each associated with an earthly branch. The heavenly stem is deduced based on the Day Stem:
| Hour | Earthly Branch | Method for Determining Stem |
|---|---|---|
| Zi (11 pm–1 am) | Zi (子) | Follow stem-hour sequence |
| Chou (1–3 am) | Chou (丑) | Add 1 to the Day Stem |
| Yin (3–5 am) | Yin (寅) | Add 2 to the Day Stem |
Example: If the Day Stem is Jia (甲) and the birth hour is Zi (子), the Hour Pillar would be Jia-Zi (甲子).
2. Calculating the Five Elements Distribution 🌈
The Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) are the core of Bazi theory. Both the heavenly stems and earthly branches are assigned corresponding elements:
| Heavenly Stems | Element | Earthly Branches | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jia, Yi (甲、乙) | Wood | Yin, Mao (寅、卯) | Wood |
| Bing, Ding (丙、丁) | Fire | Si, Wu (巳、午) | Fire |
| Wu, Ji (戊、己) | Earth | Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei (辰、戌、丑、未) | Earth |
| Geng, Xin (庚、辛) | Metal | Shen, You (申、酉) | Metal |
| Ren, Gui (壬、癸) | Water | Hai, Zi (亥、子) | Water |
Balancing the Five Elements
By counting the occurrences of the Five Elements in the chart, the balance can be assessed:
- Excessive Elements: Introduce controlling elements. For instance, excessive Wood requires Metal to control.
- Weak Elements: Add supportive elements. For example, weak Fire benefits from the addition of Wood.
Referenced in Origins of Fate Analysis, "Excessive elements bring disaster; harmony ensures fortune," underlining the criticality of balancing the Five Elements.
3. Arranging Luck Cycles and Annual Influences 🚀
Luck cycles (Da Yun) and annual influences (Liu Nian) introduce dynamic elements to a Bazi chart, indicating life’s ups and downs over time.
3.1 Calculating Luck Cycles (Da Yun)
Starting from birth, based on gender and the Day Stem’s Yin-Yang polarity, the luck cycle is either arranged forward (顺排) or backward (逆排). Each cycle spans 10 years:
| Gender/Polarity | Direction |
|---|---|
| Yang Male, Yin Female | Forward |
| Yin Male, Yang Female | Backward |
Example:
For a Jia (甲) Day Stem, born in a Jia-Chen (甲辰) year, the first cycle is Yi-Si (乙巳), the second is Bing-Wu (丙午), and so forth.
| Age Range | Luck Cycle Stem-Branch |
|---|---|
| 1–10 | Jia-Chen (甲辰) |
| 11–20 | Yi-Si (乙巳) |
| 21–30 | Bing-Wu (丙午) |
The Treasure Book of Bazi mentions, "Luck cycles define life’s pathways, with clarity in forward and reverse determining prosperity or hardship."
3.2 Calculating Annual Influences (Liu Nian)
Each year is assigned a unique stem-branch according to the cyclical calendar. For example:
- 2024 is Jia-Chen (甲辰), and 2025 is Yi-Si (乙巳), progressing sequentially.
Conclusion 🎉
The computation of Bazi is a systematic process encompassing:
- Determining the Four Pillars: Translating Gregorian birth dates into stem-branch combinations.
- Analyzing Five Elements: Evaluating strength, balance, and harmony.
- Arranging Luck Cycles and Annual Influences: Dynamically uncovering life’s trajectory.
By meticulously computing and interpreting Bazi, individuals can gain profound insights into their destiny, using the adjustment of elemental forces and timing to achieve fortune and avoid adversity.✨
II. How Are the Ten Gods, Nayin, and Hidden Stems Calculated?
In Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny) astrology, the Ten Gods, Nayin, and Hidden Stems are essential tools for interpreting a natal chart. They represent the interactions between the individual and the external world, the unique characteristics of the chart, and the underlying forces at play. Below is a detailed explanation of how these elements are calculated and applied.
1. Determining the Ten Gods
The Ten Gods are key symbols in a Bazi chart that describe the relationships between the individual (represented by the Day Master, or the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar) and other Heavenly Stems in the chart. By analyzing the Ten Gods, we can understand the subject's performance in areas like wealth, career, relationships, and learning.
Relationships Between the Ten Gods and the Day Master
| Relationship | Ten God | Field of Influence |
|---|---|---|
| Same polarity, generates | Indirect Resource (偏印) | Learning ability, inspiration, unconventional resources |
| Opposite polarity, generates | Direct Resource (正印) | Formal learning, support from elders, career assistance |
| Same polarity, controls | Seven Killings (偏官) | Challenges, pressure, authority |
| Opposite polarity, controls | Direct Officer (正官) | Responsibility, rules, career, husband (in female charts) |
| Same polarity, same element | Rob Wealth (劫財) | Competition, wealth distribution, resource sharing |
| Opposite polarity, same element | Friend (比肩) | Collaboration, siblings, independence |
| Same polarity, controlled by | Hurting Officer (傷官) | Creativity, talent, self-expression |
| Opposite polarity, controlled by | Eating God (食神) | Enjoyment, happiness, relaxation |
| Same polarity, generates me | Indirect Wealth (偏財) | Investments, windfall income, social opportunities |
| Opposite polarity, generates me | Direct Wealth (正財) | Stable income, material wealth, marriage (in female charts) |
Steps to Calculate the Ten Gods:
-
Determine the Day Master (the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar):
Example: If the Day Pillar is Jia Wood (甲木), then Jia Wood is the Day Master.
-
Compare the Day Master to Other Heavenly Stems in the Chart:
- Same polarity, controls: Jia Wood controls Geng Metal (庚金), making Geng Metal the Seven Killings.
- Opposite polarity, generates: Jia Wood generates Bing Fire (丙火), making Bing Fire the Direct Resource.
Case Study:
Chart: Jia Wood Day Master, with Geng Metal, Bing Fire, and Gui Water in the other pillars.
- Bing Fire (丙火): Direct Resource, representing learning ability and support from elders.
- Geng Metal (庚金): Seven Killings, indicating challenges with authority but potential leadership qualities.
- Gui Water (癸水): Indirect Wealth, suggesting the subject is adept at seizing financial opportunities and windfalls.
“The Ten Gods define the essence of life; the contours of one's destiny become visible.” — Yuanhai Ziping
This underscores that determining the Ten Gods is a crucial step in understanding a Bazi chart, as it vividly illustrates the subject's personality and life tendencies.
2. Application of Nayin
Nayin is a system that assigns a specific elemental sound to each combination of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches. It symbolizes the overall nature and environmental influence of the chart. Each of the 60 Jiazi combinations corresponds to a fixed Nayin element.
Nayin Correspondence Table:
| Stem-Branch Combination | Nayin Element | Symbolic Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Jia-Zi, Yi-Chou (甲子、乙丑) | Metal in the Sea (海中金) | Hidden potential, steady progress |
| Bing-Yin, Ding-Mao (丙寅、丁卯) | Fire in the Furnace (爐中火) | Passion, innovation, energy bursts |
| Wu-Chen, Ji-Si (戊辰、己巳) | Wood in the Forest (大林木) | Growth, vitality |
| Geng-Wu, Xin-Wei (庚午、辛未) | Earth by the Road (路旁土) | Stability, foundation, practicality |
| Ren-Shen, Gui-You (壬申、癸酉) | Metal on the Sword (劍鋒金) | Sharpness, decisiveness, courage |
| Jia-Xu, Yi-Hai (甲戌、乙亥) | Fire on the Mountain (山頭火) | Strength, overcoming obstacles |
Applications:
-
Determine Chart Characteristics:
- Metal in the Sea: The individual may be introverted and focused on accumulation.
- Fire in the Furnace: The individual may exhibit an enthusiastic and energetic personality.
-
Analyze Compatibility with Five Elements:
- If the Nayin aligns with the Bazi's Five Elements, the chart achieves harmony.
- If the Nayin conflicts with the Bazi's Five Elements, it may signify potential challenges.
“Nayin reflects the melody of destiny, harmonizing with the Five Elements.” — Mingli Tanyuan
This illustrates that Nayin complements the Five Elements in interpreting a Bazi chart.
3. Extracting Hidden Stems
Hidden Stems are the Heavenly Stems embedded within the Earthly Branches. They represent latent forces in the Bazi chart and are vital for uncovering deeper layers of the chart's balance and dynamics.
Hidden Stem Rules:
| Earthly Branch | Hidden Stems | Five Element Distribution |
|---|---|---|
| Zi (子) | Gui Water (癸水) | Water |
| Chou (丑) | Ji Earth (己土), Gui Water (癸水), Xin Metal (辛金) | Earth, Water, Metal |
| Yin (寅) | Jia Wood (甲木), Bing Fire (丙火), Wu Earth (戊土) | Wood, Fire, Earth |
How to Extract Hidden Stems:
- Identify each Earthly Branch in the chart.
- Locate the corresponding Hidden Stems.
- Analyze how these Hidden Stems supplement or weaken the overall Five Elements in the chart.
- Incorporate the influence of Hidden Stems in dynamic periods (e.g., Luck Pillars or Annual Luck).
Case Study:
Chart: Jia Wood Day Master, with Yin (寅) as the Month Branch and Chen (辰) as the Hour Branch.
- Yin Hidden Stems: Jia Wood, Bing Fire, Wu Earth, supporting Wood, Fire, and Earth elements.
- Chen Hidden Stems: Wu Earth, Yi Wood, Gui Water, adding Earth, Wood, and Water elements to the chart.
“Hidden Stems are the internal forces, governing the latent energies of the chart.” — Sanming Tonghui
The analysis of Hidden Stems adds depth to the information revealed by the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches.
III. What Is the Sequence of Bazi Interpretation?
A systematic interpretation sequence is crucial for Bazi analysis. It helps navigate from the overall structure to finer details in an orderly manner.
1. Identify the Day Master
- The Day Master represents the core of the chart.
- If strong: Introduce controlling Ten Gods (e.g., Wealth, Officer).
- If weak: Introduce supportive Ten Gods (e.g., Resource, Friend).
2. Analyze the Chart Structure
- The chart structure defines the framework of the subject's life direction.
- Regular Structures: Focus on balancing Five Elements (e.g., Officer or Wealth Structures).
- Special Structures: Follow extreme strengths or weaknesses (e.g., Following Wealth Structure).
3. Examine Five Element Interactions
- Analyze the interplay of the Five Elements through Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches.
- If smooth flow exists: The chart is harmonious.
- If imbalanced: Adjust with external elements (Luck Pillars, Annual Luck).
4. Analyze the Ten Gods
- Examine the placement and influence of each Ten God in the chart.
- Wealth Stars: Represent material success and financial management.
- Officer Stars: Indicate responsibility, career, and rule adherence.
- Resource Stars: Reflect learning and external support.
- Output Stars: Showcase talent and self-expression.
5. Evaluate Luck Pillars and Annual Luck
- Luck Pillars: Represent the subject's major life phases, each lasting ten years.
- Annual Luck: Highlights specific opportunities or challenges for a given year.
“When the structure is well-formed and supported by favorable periods, the chart flows smoothly; imbalance invites hidden risks.” — Qiongtong Baojian
This underscores the importance of layering interpretation from the Day Master to dynamic influences.
By thoroughly understanding the Ten Gods, Nayin, and Hidden Stems, and following a structured sequence for analysis, one can comprehensively decode a Bazi chart, providing accurate and actionable guidance for life's journey.
4. Case Study: Practical Application of Bazi Interpretation 🔍✨
Bazi: Jia Wood as Day Master, born in the month of Yin Wood
Chart: Jia Zi Year, Bing Yin Month, Jia Chen Day, Xin Si Hour
The following provides a systematic step-by-step analysis to uncover the hidden information in the chart and predicts the subject's future development based on dynamic changes in the luck pillars and annual cycles.
1. Day Master Analysis: Jia Wood as Day Master, born in the Yin Month 🌳
Analysis: Jia Wood is yang wood, born in spring (Yin Month), when wood is at its peak. The Day Master is naturally strong, with Yin Wood serving as its root, further strengthening its power.
Result: The Day Master is overly strong and requires balancing through controlling elements (Earth and Metal).
| Aspect | Details | Conclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Day Master | Jia Wood (Yang Wood) | Proactive and extroverted |
| Birth Month | Yin Month (Wood Peak) | Day Master is excessively strong |
| Useful God | Earth (Wealth Star) | Balances the abundance of wood |
| Favorable God | Metal (Official Star) | Stabilizes the chart |
2. Chart Structure Analysis: Strong Wood with Earth as Useful God, Metal as Favorable God 💎
Wood Dominance: The chart contains an excess of wood (Jia Wood, Yin Wood). This imbalance requires the Wealth Star (Earth) to control the wood and the Official Star (Metal) to further direct its energy.
Bazi Characteristics:
- Year Pillar Jia Zi: Jia Wood nourished by Zi Water, strengthening the wood energy.
- Month Pillar Bing Yin: Bing Fire drains wood slightly, while Yin Wood supports the Day Master.
- Day Pillar Jia Chen: Jia Wood sits on Chen Earth, which represents wealth but is too weak to effectively control the wood.
- Hour Pillar Xin Si: Xin Metal is hidden within Si Fire, making metal energy relatively weak and requiring activation through future luck pillars or annual cycles.
3. Five Element Distribution 🌈
| Element | Wood | Fire | Earth | Metal | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
Analysis:
- Overwhelming Wood: Earth and Metal are weak, requiring additional support during future luck cycles.
- Flow Analysis:
- Wood generates Fire, slightly balancing the abundance of wood. However, Fire is insufficient in strength.
- Earth controls Wood, and Metal drains Fire, but both elements lack sufficient power to create effective balance.
Conclusion: The Five Elements are imbalanced. The chart requires supplementary Earth (Wealth) and Metal (Official) elements to achieve harmony.
4. Luck Pillar Analysis: Entering Geng Shen Luck Pillar (Strong Metal) 🚀
Luck Pillar Analysis:
- In the Geng Shen Luck Pillar, Geng Metal represents the Official Star, and Shen (Monkey) is a storage for Metal. This enhances the strength of Metal in the chart.
- Metal restrains the excess wood, stabilizing the chart, while Metal generates Water, alleviating the pressure on Fire and Earth.
| Luck Period | Heavenly Stem | Earthly Branch | Impact on Chart |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21-30 years | Geng (Metal) | Shen (Metal) | Metal restrains wood, improving career luck |
| 31-40 years | Xin (Metal) | You (Metal) | Strong Metal boosts career growth, with potential support from benefactors |
Advice: During this period, the subject should seize opportunities for career development by enhancing professional skills and expanding their network.
5. Annual Prediction: Wu Xu Year (Strong Earth) as a Year of Career Advancement 🌟
Annual Analysis:
- Wu Xu Year: Wu (Earth) represents the Wealth Star, and Xu (Earth) is a wealth storage. Together, they strengthen Earth energy.
- Strong Earth suppresses the excessive wood, reducing imbalance and providing a solid foundation for career and financial growth.
| Year | Features | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Wu Xu (2018) | Strong Wealth (Earth) | Enhances financial luck and career progression |
Advice: During Earth-heavy years, the subject should focus on career and financial management while avoiding activities that overly deplete wood energy, such as overwork or high-risk investments.
Result Interpretation 📝
| Aspect | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Career | Career develops steadily during the Geng Shen Luck Pillar (Metal-strong). Earth-heavy years bring breakthrough opportunities. |
| Wealth | Good financial prospects, with unexpected wealth possible during Earth-Metal favorable periods. Caution advised in financial planning to avoid reckless investments. |
| Health | Excess wood slightly drains Fire; attention needed for liver and gallbladder health. Avoid overexertion to prevent related issues. |
Comprehensive Recommendations:
- Leverage Metal’s power during favorable luck periods to balance the chart and avoid overconsumption of wood energy.
- Focus on resource allocation to maintain a balance between career and personal life.
5. Summary and Suggestions 🛠️
Bazi analysis is a precise study that involves Tian Gan (Heavenly Stems), Di Zhi (Earthly Branches), Five Elements, and the Ten Gods. Here are practical recommendations:
-
Emphasize Five Element Balance:
- The strength of the Five Elements shapes the main themes of life. Balance is the key to mitigating challenges and enhancing success.
- For example, those with excess wood should explore fields related to Earth and Metal, such as real estate or finance.
-
Integrate Luck Pillars and Annual Cycles:
- Luck pillars provide the overarching trends of a decade, while annual cycles refine yearly predictions.
- During the Geng Shen Luck Pillar, focus on career development; in Wu Xu years, prioritize wealth accumulation and resource management.
-
Effectively Utilize the Ten Gods:
- The Ten Gods represent the interaction between the subject and their external environment, guiding strategic planning.
- Wealth Star dominance: Focus on financial management.
- Official Star dominance: Prioritize career advancement.
Conclusion 🌟
Bazi analysis is like unlocking the door to destiny with a key. By employing scientific methods, you can better understand your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your path to achieve optimal results. While destiny is in your hands, the key lies in balancing internal and external forces to find the most favorable path forward. 🔑