About Ba Zi - Chinese Astrology
Each of us is born subtly different; interacting differently to our environments, each other and time. In the study of Chinese Metaphysics, the ancient sages saw human destiny and fate to be a combination of three factors; a cosmic trinity of heaven, earth and man Qi. Each of the forces in the Cosmic Trinity exerts an influence equivalent to 33%. The energy and influences that you are born with are considered Heaven Energy. Heaven energy governs the influences of time. We cannot change time but we can learn to understand and work with it. By knowing where you are in time, you can adjust and make the best choices to help achieve your goals. Earth energy is your physical environment and is analysed, described and manipulated through Feng Shui. Human energy is your actions, your aptitude and your attitude, and in the end your individual choices.
The Ba Zi / Four Pillars system
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The word Meng means Life and implies destiny. The Ba Zi system of Chinese Astrology variously known in the West as Four Pillars, Eight Characters or Tzu Ping is the study of the Meng (our lives and destiny). The study of Ba Zi is derived from the I Ching and puts the ideas of natural law into practice. Four Pillars is the most commonly used western term to describe Ba Zi. Ba Zi analyses the energies present and encoded into us at birth, and tracks the changes and patterns in the years and decades following. Ba Zi analysis provides indications to character, potential, probabilites, current circumstances and more. For centuries, the elite Chinese have used this knowledge along with Feng Shui to gain control and improve their individual lives.
Briefly, Ba Zi is based on the year, month, day and hour of birth. Analysis is done using the Chinese solar/lunar calendar. Each pillar consists of two images creating eight characters that consist of yin and yang variations of the five elements(water, wood, fire, earth and metal). Each pillar contains a stem and branch, the branches are known as the 12 animals, (you are likely familiar with these, the 12 animals are the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig). The 12 animals represent different types of metaphysical energy and are not to be taken literally as animals. Each animal is paired with one of the five elements; for instance 2012 is the Water Dragon and 2013 will be the Water Snake. Each pillar is an interaction of Qi between the five elements and yin and yang, representing different forces of Qi that behave in consistent and predictable manners. This interaction creates closed ended cycles of 60. These cycles repeat every 60 years, 60 months and 60 days, etc. Analysing the Ba Zi chart reveals harmonies, clashes, combinations and compatibility between the eight characters which in turn reveals you and your life.
Applications of Ba Zi
The Chinese have been using Ba Zi as a tool for centuries to overcome challenges. By understanding your strengths, weaknesses and potential problems, you can use this information to actively overcome obstacles and make positive choices.
Feng Shui experts and masters consider Ba Zi an integral part of any Feng Shui analysis. Ba Zi is particularly useful in business. It is common to find Feng Shui experts as in house consultants to large firms and elite clients advising on not only on the Feng Shui, but also in the hiring of personnel compatible and supportive to the firm. Many Asian businesses utilize Ba Zi as a form of Project and Human Resource Management.
Ba Zi has applications in our personal lives as well. By understanding our innate strengths and weaknesses, compatibility with others, or current challenges we are armed with valuable information that allows us to make better choices and be more productive in our actions.
Ba Zi is also used in conjunction with other Feng Shui formulae to identify auspicious dates and times, using the lunar/solar calendar as a guide. The Chinese believe that when we are in favourable times we should be aggressive in business and investments as “cosmic flow” is on our side. Conversely when time is not in our favour, the wisdom and guidance is to be prudent, study, lay low and avoid unnecessary social interactions, so that we are ready and prepared for when time and “luck” turns around.
Auspicious date selection is used for events that include signing important contracts, getting married, burial, opening a new business, moving, travel, and ultimately even going into battle (the art of war).
Eastern wisdom is to attune and to work with the energies of the Universe.
