General Theory & Methods of Fate Reading

Yin-Mao-Chen belong to Wood; Si-Wu-Wei belong to Fire; Shen-You-Xu belong to Metal; Hai-Zi-Chou belong to Water. When reading a chart: first determine generation, overcoming, Temple, Tomb, and Treasury; then examine which palace each star falls in. There are directly illuminating stars and flanking-illuminating stars. However, direct illumination is less effective than lateral illumination, and combined illumination is less effective than flanking.

Within a single day, the six hours from Mao to Shen are Yang; the six hours from You to Yin are Yin. The Emperor Star prefers to stand alone and most delights in sitting in the Birth or Flourishing positions. Fate reading is nothing more than understanding generation, overcoming, control, and transformation — the most refined discussion lies within the numbers. The art of judgment lies in the person's flexible, living mind.

After establishing one's position and determining the Fate Palace, the most important step is to first examine the Fate and Body Palaces. Next, examine the Wealth Palace and assess the fortune and misfortune through generation and overcoming. If the Fate Palace has a major star with auspicious stars in Temple dignity illuminating from the Three Harmonies: it is a middle-grade fate. If the Fate Palace stars are in detriment but the Three Harmonies have auspicious support or upper stars as companions: still a middle-grade fate. A bitter fate with no auspicious stars, instead encountering malefics, Hua Ji, no salary, detriment, or Void-Robbery: it is ultimately assessed as failure and early death.

Ziwei, the Emperor's Throne, produces a dignified and substantial appearance. Wuqu produces a resolute and steadfast character. Tiantong's physique is refined and pure. Taiyang has a square, full face. Tianji provides ultimate firmness without rigidity. Taiyin is intelligent and unusually elegant. Tianliang is steady and dignified, with a long beard. Qisha has large, fierce eyes and a cruel, willful heart. Pojun is clever and resourceful, widely learned and multi-talented.

The Doushu Standard. The Fate Palace in Birth or Flourishing positions determines wealth and nobility, each having its proper use; the Body sitting in Void is assessed as barren. Taiyin with Fire and Bell Stars in the same position: it becomes fully [effective]. Qingyang (Ram) in the Fate or Body position: it suffers isolation. Jumen is actually the Salary-Blessing; Tianji presiding over the Fate Palace in Temple dignity is not inauspicious — it specializes in producing blessings.

Ziwei, the Emperor's Throne, takes Zuofu and Youbi as its assistants. Stars facing the Dipper favor life; Qingyang (Ram) in You exercises killing. Yin is Wood's flourishing position; adding Water to Yin — the two cannot be neglected. Tianji reaching Yin is a flourishing position. When Jumen (Water) reaches the time of Three Yangs in harmonious exchange: Water is abundant, Yang has a useful source.