By looking at the animal signs of both parties, we can determine whether they are suitable for marriage. For example, pigs and monkeys are incompatible, and horses and oxen are also not compatible.

By examining the five elements of the "substance" (纳音五行), we can determine whether the two people are suitable for marriage. This refers to the five elements of the years of birth of the man and the woman. The best situation is when the five elements are mutually supportive or the same.
For example: People with Wood element should find those with Water or Fire elements. People with Water element should find those with Metal or Wood elements. People with Metal element should find those with Water or Earth elements. People with Fire element should find those with Wood or Earth elements. People with Earth element should find those with Metal or Fire elements, and so on.
Additionally, people with the same element can also be compatible. For instance, if both are Yang Willow Wood ("杨柳木"), then: "Two wood couples bring much happiness, wealth and joy in all things. Originally, two woods have many blessings, and their children are smart by nature."

Male overcoming female is called "positive overcoming." In the system of fate, the one who overcomes me is called "Guan" (official), hence the ancient term "Guanren" (official person) for husband. This "overcoming" actually represents reliance, care, and protection. In the system of fate, the one I overcome is called "Cai" (wealth). Cai represents wife and concubine, and more cai with weak body.

In the system of fate, male is Yang, and female is Yin. For example, if the man's year is Geng Chen (庚辰) which is Metal, and the woman's year is Gui Wei (癸未) which is Wood, then Metal overcomes Wood. Geng Chen is Yang, Gui Wei is Yin. Such a combination may not be very favorable, but it does not necessarily lead to divorce. If the man's year is Geng Chen (Metal), and the woman's year is Ren Wu (壬午) which is Wood, even though it is also Metal overcoming Wood, Geng Chen is Yang, and Ren Wu is also Yang. This combination is less favorable than the previous one because a woman born in a Yang year tends to be more assertive and career-oriented.

By analyzing the day and hour of birth (ba zi) of both parties, we can determine whether they are suitable for marriage. Ideally, the ba zi of the man and woman should be mutually compatible. Their ba zi should support each other, and neither should harm the other's "useful elements." One person's "unfavorable elements" may become the other's "favorable elements," and one person's "unfavorable elements" may be restrained by the other's ba zi. Additionally, their ba zi should not harm each other's "children stars," and the combined configuration of their ba zi should not damage the original fortune and blessings of each other.

By analyzing the facial features of both parties, we can determine whether they are suitable for marriage. We check if they have a "husband-wife face" by looking at the shape of the nose, eyes, and cheekbones to see if they are mutually beneficial.