This is an endless topic that people studying the eight characters have been researching throughout their lives.
Beginners often look at the Ba Zi chart after it has been compiled, not knowing where to start.
Usually, after we compile the eight characters, we first study its pattern, determine the strength or weakness of the Day Master, and then select the favorable and use elements. After determining the favorable and use elements, we can accurately predict the major periods throughout one's life, when it is weak and when it is prosperous, when it is sick and when it is in danger. In other words, whether one is rich or poor, long-lived or short-lived, all depends on the favorable and use elements. Therefore, the favorable and use elements are the essence of the Ba Zi system.
However, many people don't understand what the favorable and use elements really mean or what their function is, leading them to confusion. As a result, they turn to discussing the "shen sha" (auspicious and inauspicious spirits), which is very regrettable. Here, I will explain the concepts of favorable, use, enemy, and harmful elements in the Ba Zi system so that those who want to learn the eight characters can have some basic understanding.
Use Element: In the Ba Zi pattern, the five elements that are most beneficial to the birth pattern are called the Use Element. When one goes through the period of the Use Element, it is considered the best period, just like the most suitable weapon for a general in ancient times.
Favorable Element: The second-best element, which can assist the Use Element and enhance its power. In real life, this usually refers to a benefactor, just like the most capable general by the side of the commander.
Spare Element: Neither good nor bad, it does not help or harm the birth pattern much. It is like a bystander watching the scene, and when going through the Spare Element period, things are usually average, but the influence of the current year becomes prominent. Sometimes, even if the period is a Spare Element, a very bad current year can lead to death.
Enemy Element: A relatively weaker period. Usually, when going through such a period, one is easily troubled by enemies or has minor illnesses, money comes and goes in vain, or frequent accidents occur, such as car accidents, falling off a bike, or causing damage while driving.
Harmful Element: As the name suggests, it is the most undesirable element in the birth pattern. It is usually the root cause of problems in the birth pattern, but not always. Sometimes, the root cause could be the Enemy Element. The Harmful Element is always the worst period, just like an assassin sent by an enemy to take your life. Usually, the majority of people end their lives during the Harmful Element period, and even if they survive, they are left with half a life. They eventually suffer from poverty, illness, disability, or legal troubles, etc.
After having a correct basic understanding of the favorable, use, enemy, and harmful elements, one can make significant progress in studying the eight characters.