In traditional Chinese astrology, the analysis of the eight characters (Ba Zi) is an important method for predicting a person's destiny. The identification of the "Xishen" (favorable deities) and "Jishen" (unfavorable deities) is crucial for interpreting one's Ba Zi. This article will delve into how to identify the Jishen from different parts of the Ba Zi, helping readers better understand this complex and professional discipline.

Difference Between Sheng Wang and Sheng Qiang

In the Ba Zi, "Sheng Wang" and "Sheng Qiang" are two distinct concepts. "Sheng Wang" refers to the day master receiving support from the month's governing element, while "Sheng Qiang" means that there are many similar elements in the Ba Zi. If the Ba Zi does not receive the month's influence but has many similar elements, it is called "Sheng Qiang and Sheng Sui"; conversely, if the Ba Zi receives the month's influence but is surrounded by enemies, it is called "Sheng Wang and Sheng Ru." If the day master has a strong root in the earth branches, especially in the day branch, it is referred to as "Sheng Qiang and Strong." If the day master receives the month's governing element and the power of the hour stem, it is called "Sheng Wang with vitality." The difference between these two concepts is like that of a withered tree in autumn versus a young sapling with lush leaves in spring. The former is "Sheng Qiang" but not "Sheng Wang," while the latter is "Sheng Wang" but not "Sheng Qiang."

Five Elements and the Judgment of Sheng Ru

In the Ba Zi, the heavenly stem of the day represents the person. The five elements refer to metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. If the day's heavenly stem is Jia Wood, and there is only one Yi Wood assisting in the heavenly stems, and no root or only residual root in the earth branches, it is called "Sheng Ru." For example, in the year Bing Wu, the month Gui Hai, the day Xin Wei, and the hour Jia Wu, the day heavenly stem is Xin Metal. Only the month's Gui Earth provides support, making the day master weak, which is considered "Sheng Ru," meaning the metal is weak. Weakness is relative; if we divide metal into five levels: extremely strong, strong, balanced, slightly weak, and extremely weak, being in the slightly weak category is considered "Sheng Ru."

The Use Element and the Pattern of the Ba Zi

The use element in the Ba Zi is mainly divided into the "Fuyi" (support and restrain) pattern and the "Cong" (following) pattern. The "Cong" pattern includes the "Cong Qiang" (following strength) and "Cong Ru" (following weakness) patterns. To determine the favorable and unfavorable elements in the Ba Zi, it is first necessary to judge the strength and weakness of the day master, then determine the pattern of the Ba Zi. The favorable and unfavorable elements will then be clearly defined. Once the strength and weakness of the day master are determined, the pattern is also established, and once the pattern is set, the favorable and unfavorable elements become clear.

Judgment of Favorable and Unfavorable Elements in the "Sheng Wang" Pattern

The method for judging the "Sheng Wang" pattern is that if the governing element of the birth month supports the day master's element, and the day master is already in a favorable position, and further receives support from one of the three earth branches, it is already considered "Sheng Wang." When the day master is strong, according to the rules of the "Fuyi" pattern, balance must be achieved. Therefore, if the day master is strong, it needs to be restrained to reach balance. The elements that can overcome, drain, or weaken the day master are the favorable elements, while those that make it stronger are the unfavorable elements.

Judgment of Favorable and Unfavorable Elements in the "Sheng Ru" Pattern

The method for judging the "Sheng Ru" pattern is that if the day master is already out of favor and is further restricted by one of the elements on either side of the day master or under its position, the day master is considered "Sheng Ru." In the "Sheng Ru" pattern, support and assistance are needed. The elements that can strengthen the day master are the favorable elements, while those that weaken it are the unfavorable elements.

Judgment of Favorable and Unfavorable Elements in the "Cong Qiang" and "Cong Ru" Patterns

The principle of the "Cong Qiang" pattern is to follow the trend. For the strong, follow their strength, and the stronger, the better. The elements that can strengthen them are the favorable elements, while those that weaken them are the unfavorable elements. The "Cong Ru" pattern occurs when the day stem is born in a month dominated by wealth, official, or injury elements, and there are many such elements, while the print and comparison elements are weak in the month's governing element and cannot provide support to the day stem. At this time, the day stem cannot be supported, so the elements that make it weaker, such as the food god and wealth-official elements, are chosen as the use elements, and the Ba Zi is judged based on the "Cong Ru" pattern.

Through the analysis of the concepts of "Sheng Wang," "Sheng Qiang," and "Sheng Ru" in the Ba Zi, and the in-depth discussion of the "Fuyi" and "Cong" patterns, we can more accurately identify the Jishen in the Ba Zi. Understanding these basic concepts is essential for mastering the art of Ba Zi astrology, enabling us to better predict and plan personal destiny. It is hoped that this article will provide valuable references and guidance for readers interested in Ba Zi astrology.