What does the Earth Network in the Hour Pillar represent?
The core of the Earth Network in the Hour Pillar is the presence of the Earthly Branches "Chen" (辰) or "Si" (巳) in the Eight Characters (八字). In traditional Chinese astrology, "Chen and Si are known as the Earth Network." This indicates that the later years of life may be prone to restrictions and obstacles, leading to a stagnant lifestyle, and may also be related to difficulties concerning children.The Earth Network symbolizes an invisible restraining force. The Hour Pillar governs the later years of life and the Children's Palace. Individuals with this configuration may face limitations in health, interpersonal relationships, or lifestyle during their later years. For example, they might suffer from chronic health issues that are hard to cure, or they may find it difficult to freely arrange their lives due to family responsibilities or environmental factors. They might also encounter professional stagnation, making it difficult to showcase their talents.
For their children, there may be obstacles in their development, requiring long-term care, or there could be many entanglements caused by children-related matters, making the later years less relaxed. The extent of the impact depends on whether the Earth Network is an unfavorable element (忌神) or not. If it is an unfavorable element, the hindrance will be more pronounced. If it is a favorable or supportive element, or if there are other stems and branches that balance it, the negative influence will be significantly reduced.
Which Benefactors Can Alleviate the Earth Network?
The core benefactors that can alleviate the Earth Network are the Heavenly Virtue Benefactor (天德贵人), the Monthly Virtue Benefactor (月德贵人), and the Heavenly and Earthly Benefactor (天乙贵人). These three types of benefactors are auspicious stars in traditional Chinese astrology that help turn danger into safety, effectively weakening the restraining power of the Earth Network.Heavenly Virtue Benefactor and Monthly Virtue Benefactor: Together, they are known as the "Two Virtue Benefactors," and are the key auspicious stars for neutralizing evil forces. When these benefactors appear in the Eight Characters, they can balance the obstructive energy of the Earth Network, making the later years smoother. For instance, health problems may improve, interpersonal conflicts may decrease, and children-related matters may proceed smoothly. The Heavenly Virtue Benefactor offers protection in career and interpersonal relationships, while the Monthly Virtue Benefactor provides more support in family and health matters.
Heavenly and Earthly Benefactor: As the most prestigious benefactor in traditional Chinese astrology, the Heavenly and Earthly Benefactor can directly break the state of "no assistance in difficulties" caused by the Earth Network. If the Heavenly and Earthly Benefactor appears in the Eight Characters, the individual is likely to receive guidance or help from elders or benefactors in their later years. When encountering difficulties, they may find someone to lend a helping hand and quickly escape the stalemate, especially in matters related to children or health, where they can gain critical support.
It should be noted that the effectiveness of these benefactors depends on their strength in the Eight Characters and whether they are free from conflicts or obstructions. If the benefactor is suppressed by other stems and branches, the effect of alleviation will be weakened. It is necessary to further activate them through the influence of major and minor luck cycles.
Related Questions
Q: How can I alleviate the Earth Network if there are no benefactors in my chart?
A: It can be improved through postnatal adjustments. For example, pay more attention to planning when making decisions to avoid impulsive actions that may lead to difficulties. Actively expand your social circle and make friends with people who have good character and strong abilities, allowing real-life "benefactors" to compensate for the lack in your fate. At the same time, maintain a positive mindset and improve your health status through proper rest and exercise.
Q: How long will the influence of the Earth Network in the Hour Pillar last in one's later years?
A: It does not last forever. If the major and minor luck cycles bring the Heavenly Virtue, Monthly Virtue, or Heavenly and Earthly Benefactors, the influence can be alleviated at certain stages. If you actively adjust your lifestyle and avoid risks, you can shorten the period of difficulty. In most cases, the impact will gradually decrease as one's mindset matures and social connections grow.
