In the study of Chinese astrology (Ba Zi), the selection and application of the "useful god" (Yong Shen) is a key factor in analyzing the destiny chart. This article will explore in depth how to transform the "hostile god" (Ji Shen) into the "useful god," as well as how to achieve the concepts of "removing and retaining" the useful god and establishing a "harmonious confrontation" (Zhi Hua Li Li) structure. Through these strategies, we can better understand and apply Ba Zi astrology to guide personal destiny.

The "Removal" and "Retention" of the Useful God

In Ba Zi astrology, the concept of "removal" and "retention" of the useful god is an important one. The useful god is the core of the destiny chart, determining the direction and achievements of the individual. The useful god can be either "controlled" or "transformed," and these two methods are often opposing in many cases. How to skillfully apply these two methods becomes crucial. In practical applications, the "removal" and "retention" of the useful god involve maintaining its focus within the destiny chart, avoiding mutual consumption between useful gods, thus more effectively controlling and transforming the hostile god.

The "Focus" and "Lack of Focus" of the Useful God

The "focus" and "lack of focus" of the useful god directly affect the individual's career achievements and life conditions. A focused useful god means the individual can concentrate their energy on a specific area, leading to greater achievements. Conversely, a non-focused useful god may cause the individual to be indecisive and unable to make breakthroughs in any field. In the destiny chart, if multiple solutions appear—meaning multiple useful gods emerge—whether they are controlled or transformed, it can lead to the useful god becoming unfocused. In such cases, the individual may exhibit impatience, having too many ideas, and difficulty focusing on tasks.

The "Removal and Retention for Clarity" of the Useful God

In the destiny chart, the lack of focus of the useful god often requires the method of "removal and retention for clarity." This means removing one useful god and retaining another to maintain the focus of the useful god. For example, if both the Food God and the Seal God appear in the original chart, and both are in the heavenly stems or earthly branches, causing mutual suppression, one must be removed to avoid excessive consumption between the useful gods. By doing so, the useful god can shift from being unfocused to focused, thereby more effectively controlling and transforming the hostile god.

The "Harmonious Confrontation" (Zhi Hua Li Li) in the Destiny Chart

"Harmonious Confrontation" refers to a situation in the destiny chart where the two sides of the useful god do not exist on the same level, or there is a "bridge god" that connects them, preventing conflict between the two. For instance, if the "control god" is in the heavenly stem and the "transformation god" is in the earthly branch, they can coexist harmoniously without interfering with each other. Additionally, even if both are in the heavenly stems or earthly branches, if there is a connecting character between them that establishes a communication bridge, it can resolve conflicts between the useful gods. This structure allows for harmony among the useful gods, enabling more effective control and transformation of the hostile god.

Through an in-depth analysis of the "removal and retention," "focus and lack of focus," and "harmonious confrontation" (Zhi Hua Li Li) of the useful god in Ba Zi astrology, we can better understand and apply these strategies, transforming the hostile god into the useful god, and guiding personal destiny. These strategies not only help us achieve more accurate results in astrological analysis but also provide a deeper understanding and application of Ba Zi astrology.