When the auspicious element (Xǐyòngshén) is strong, it means that the five elements or characters beneficial to the destiny are powerful in the eight characters (Bāzì) and can effectively play a role, helping to improve the fortune. The "commander of the month" (Bāzì Sīlìng) usually refers to the main element of the month's earth branch, which may not necessarily be the auspicious element. It needs to be judged in combination with the overall structure of the destiny.
One, What Does "Auspicious Element is Strong" Mean?
Basic Concept of Auspicious Element: In the study of Bāzì, the auspicious element is a key factor in maintaining the balance of the five elements and resolving internal conflicts. Simply put, it is the most beneficial five element or character for your destiny.For example, if a person's day pillar (Rìzhǔ) has a weak five element, and there are many surrounding elements that weaken or drain it, then the element that supports the day pillar is the auspicious element. If the day pillar is Gēng Gold, and the gold is weak, then Earth is the auspicious element because Earth generates Gold.
Manifestation of Strength:
Proximity: The closer the auspicious element is to the day pillar, the better. The positions closest to the day pillar are the day branch, the month stem, and the hour stem. For instance, if the day branch is the auspicious element, it is like a bodyguard who protects you all the time.
For example, someone whose day branch is Fire and Fire is their auspicious element, and it is supported by the month branch and the hour branch. Even if other stems and branches are not ideal, this person will often have blessings, feel happy, and have a harmonious family.
Support from Other Elements: If the auspicious element is supported by other stems and branches, or strengthened through combinations such as union, conflict, punishment, or harm, it means that even if you face obstacles in life, people will help you, and things will tend to develop in a favorable direction for you.
For example, if the auspicious element is Wood, and there is Water that nourishes the Wood, the strength of the Wood is enhanced, which is an embodiment of the auspicious element being strong.
Strong and Vigorous: When the auspicious element is in a strong state in the month's earth branch (the main element of the birth month), or it has a strong root, its effect becomes more powerful. For example, if Wood is born in Spring, when Wood is strong, and if Wood is the auspicious element, it has the advantage of timing, and can better play a supportive role.
Two, Is the Commander of the Month the Auspicious Element?
Meaning of the Commander of the Month: The commander of the month usually refers to the main element of the month's earth branch, i.e., the primary five element stored in the earth branch of the birth month. For example, if born in the month of Tiger (Yín), the main element of Yín is Jia Wood, and Jia Wood is the commander of the month;If born in the month of Monkey (Shēn), the main element of Shēn is Gēng Metal, and Gēng Metal is the commander of the month. The month's earth branch plays a crucial role in the eight characters, as it determines the strength and weakness of the five elements, similar to how the changing seasons affect the growth of all things.
Relationship with the Auspicious Element: The commander of the month is not necessarily the auspicious element. This depends on the overall structure of the five elements in the destiny and the strength or weakness of the day pillar.
Commander of the Month as the Auspicious Element: If the day pillar is weak, and the commander of the month happens to be the element that supports and strengthens the day pillar, it is likely to be the auspicious element. For example, if the day pillar is Dīng Fire, and it is born in the month of Tiger (Yín), where Yín Wood supports Dīng Fire,
and the entire destiny requires Wood to support Fire to maintain balance, then Yín Wood, as the commander of the month, is the auspicious element, bringing many benefits to the person, possibly manifested as a good early family environment and support from elders.
Commander of the Month Not as the Auspicious Element: If the day pillar is strong, and the commander of the month is the element that supports the day pillar, it may become a hindrance rather than the auspicious element. For example, if the day pillar is Gēng Metal, and it is born in the month of Monkey (Shēn), where Shēn Metal (Gēng Metal) supports the day pillar, making it too strong,
then Shēn Metal, as the commander of the month, is not the auspicious element, which may lead to the person being overly strong-willed and stubborn, facing difficulties in career and interpersonal relationships.
Related Questions
Question One: How to Determine Whether the Auspicious Element is Strong?
You can look at the position, the closer the auspicious element is to the day pillar, the stronger it is; from the perspective of strength, if it is strong in the month's earth branch or has a strong root, it is strong; also, whether it is supported by other stems and branches, if so, it is even stronger. For example, if the day pillar is Water, and the auspicious element is Metal, and the Metal is in the month stem and has a root in the year branch, and is supported by Earth to strengthen the Metal, this is an example of the auspicious element being strong.
Question Two: What Happens If the Commander of the Month Is Not the Auspicious Element?
If the commander of the month is not the auspicious element, it may mean that in the fundamental environment of life (similar to innate conditions), you do not receive the most favorable support. For example, if the commander is a hindrance, it may bring many obstacles in early development, such as a family environment that is not conducive to personal growth, making the beginning difficult. However, this can be adjusted and improved through later fortunes such as major periods.
