ZiWei & BaZi Glossary

The protagonists of a chart — fourteen main stars, each with its own temperament and element, setting the tone of your character and fate.

The Emperor紫微 · Zi WeiRead more →

Zi Wei, the Emperor star (Earth element), is the polar axis of a chart and the energy of the 'Honoured.' It signifies leadership, authority and dignity; many other stars are judged by how they support or surround it.

The Strategist天机 · Tian JiRead more →

Tian Ji is the star of intellect (Wood element). It rules strategy, adaptability and analysis — brilliant at planning, but prone to overthinking and restlessness.

The Sun太阳 · Tai YangRead more →

Tai Yang, the Sun (Fire element), stands for brightness, generosity and reputation. It shines outward for others; its strength depends heavily on whether it sits in a 'bright' position.

The General of Wealth武曲 · Wu QuRead more →

Wu Qu, the wealth star (Metal element), rules money, resolve and execution. Decisive and disciplined, it builds tangible wealth, though its hardness can feel unyielding.

The Child of Fortune天同 · Tian TongRead more →

Tian Tong, the fortune star (Water element), rules feeling, ease and contentment. Gentle and likeable, it enjoys life — but can drift into comfort and lack drive.

The Untamed廉贞 · Lian ZhenRead more →

Lian Zhen (Fire element) is the complex 'imprisoned' star of passion and principle. Intense and all-or-nothing, it drives reform and ambition but swings to extremes.

The Treasury天府 · Tian FuRead more →

Tian Fu, the Treasury (Earth element), is the southern emperor star. Steady, magnanimous and good at accumulation, it preserves and manages wealth — Zi Wei's counterpart.

The Moon太阴 · Tai YinRead more →

Tai Yin, the Moon (Water element), rules wealth, sensitivity and the nurturing instinct. Quietly affluent and tender, its clarity depends on sitting in a 'bright' night position.

The Desire贪狼 · Tan LangRead more →

Tan Lang (Wood element) is the star of desire and charisma. Talented, sociable and appetitive, it rules attraction, the arts and opportunity — and a taste for the unconventional.

The Hidden Lamp巨门 · Ju MenRead more →

Ju Men (Water element) is the 'dark' star of the mouth. It rules eloquence, scrutiny and debate — sharp and probing, but prone to disputes and misunderstanding.

The Chancellor天相 · Tian XiangRead more →

Tian Xiang (Water element) is the 'seal of office' star — the Chancellor. It rules support, fairness and propriety, serving and balancing others with dignity.

The Elder天梁 · Tian LiangRead more →

Tian Liang (Earth element) is the protective 'shade' star — the Elder. It shelters, resolves crises and upholds principle, with a wise, sometimes preachy gravity.

The General七杀 · Qi ShaRead more →

Qi Sha (Metal element) is the warrior-general star. It rules decisive action, pioneering and lone courage — fierce and self-reliant, a pillar of the 杀破狼 pattern.

The Vanguard破军 · Po JunRead more →

Po Jun (Water element) is the 'destroyer / vanguard' star. It tears down to rebuild — pioneering, disruptive and change-driven, thriving where old structures must fall.

Helpers, romance stars and malefics — they do not anchor a chart, but they sway the strength and fortune of the main stars, the crucial supporting cast.

Left Assistant左辅 · Zuo Fu

Zuo Fu (Left Assistant) is a benefic helper bringing peer support and allies. Paired with You Bi, it adds steadiness and the backing of friends and colleagues.

Right Assistant右弼 · You Bi

You Bi (Right Assistant) is the benefic partner of Zuo Fu, bringing warm, intuitive support and good relationships — help that arrives easily, with a touch of romance.

Literary Star文昌 · Wen Chang

Wen Chang is the scholarly star (Metal element) of formal learning, exams and the written word. It favours study, credentials and clear, orderly thinking.

Artistic Star文曲 · Wen Qu

Wen Qu is the artistic star (Water element) of eloquence, performance and inspiration — the flair-and-talent counterpart to Wen Chang's formal scholarship.

Heavenly Noble (Yang)天魁 · Tian Kui

Tian Kui is the 'daytime' noble star (Fire element) — open, often senior benefactors who step in directly to help and clear obstacles.

Heavenly Noble (Yin)天钺 · Tian Yue

Tian Yue is the 'night' noble star (Fire element) — quieter, often opposite-sex benefactors whose help arrives indirectly, behind the scenes.

Wealth Preserver禄存 · Lu Cun

Lu Cun is the wealth-preserving star (Earth element) of steady income and savings. It secures a living, though it is always flanked by the malefics Qing Yang and Tuo Luo.

Heavenly Horse天马 · Tian Ma

Tian Ma, the Heavenly Horse (Fire element), rules movement, travel and momentum. Combined with Lu Cun ('horse and salary galloping'), it brings wealth through motion and going abroad.

The Blade擎羊 · Qing Yang

Qing Yang, 'the Blade' (Metal element), is a malefic of sharp force — impulsive, combative, accident-prone. Its cutting energy is best channelled into a demanding skill or trade.

The Grindstone陀罗 · Tuo Luo

Tuo Luo, 'the Grindstone' (Metal element), is a malefic of delay and entanglement — slow, hidden attrition. Where Qing Yang cuts openly, Tuo Luo wears things down from within.

Fire Star火星 · Huo Xing

Huo Xing (Fire element) is a malefic of sudden, explosive energy — quick flare-ups and abrupt turns. Yet with Tan Lang it forms the 火贪 pattern, signalling a sudden windfall.

Bell Star铃星 · Ling Xing

Ling Xing (Fire element) is the slower, smouldering cousin of Huo Xing — lingering resentment and simmering tension. With Tan Lang it forms the 铃贪 windfall pattern.

Void地空 · Di Kong

Di Kong, 'the Void' (Fire element), dissolves plans and assets and thinks outside convention. Its emptying energy suits the spiritual, philosophical or creative path.

Plunder地劫 · Di Jie

Di Jie, 'Plunder' (Fire element), strips away gains and brings abrupt loss and wasted effort. Paired with Di Kong as the 'Void-and-Plunder,' it scatters wealth.

Crimson Phoenix红鸾 · Hong Luan

Hong Luan is the romance-and-joy star (Water element) of marriage and beauty. Met in an annual cycle, it often signals weddings, engagements or happy family events.

Heavenly Joy天喜 · Tian Xi

Tian Xi (Water element) is the celebration star, paired opposite Hong Luan. Where Hong Luan stirs quiet attraction, Tian Xi brings open joy; together they strongly favour marriage.

The Charmer天姚 · Tian Yao

Tian Yao (Water element) is a romance star of charm, allure and social finesse. Magnetic and sensual, in excess it tips into flirtatiousness or romantic entanglement.

The Discipline天刑 · Tian Xing

Tian Xing (Fire element) is the star of discipline, law and self-restraint. It favours law, medicine and the military, lending principle and rigour — but also isolation and injury.

The Ascendant天巫 · Tian Wu

Tian Wu is the star of promotion and inheritance. It favours rising in rank, succeeding to a legacy, and matters of faith or the esoteric — a small benefic of upward movement.

The Dissolver解神 · Jie Shen

Jie Shen, 'the Dissolver,' is a relief star that unties disputes and softens malefic force, turning crises minor. It is the chart's mediator and de-escalator.

Heavenly Virtue天德 · Tian De

Tian De, 'Heavenly Virtue,' is a benefic of mercy and protection. It brings unseen blessing and good karma, cushioning misfortune and deepening one's moral fortune.

Lunar Virtue月德 · Yue De

Yue De, 'Lunar Virtue,' is the gentler, yin counterpart to Tian De — inner blessing and quiet protection that soothes harm and keeps body and mind at peace.

The Solitary孤辰 · Gu Chen

Gu Chen, 'the Solitary,' is a star of aloneness and thin family ties — especially noted in a man's chart. It inclines toward independence, but in excess, emotional distance.

The Lonely寡宿 · Gua Su

Gua Su, 'the Lonely,' is the counterpart of Gu Chen — especially noted in a woman's chart. It signals solitude and emotional reserve; in excess, distance in marriage and kin.

The twelve life arenas of a chart, from the Self Palace to the Parents Palace. Whichever palace a star falls into is the domain where its energy plays out.

Self Palace命宫 · Ming Gong

The Self Palace (命宫) is the first and central palace — your core nature, talents and life direction. The main star seated here is your 'destiny star,' the foundation of your character.

Siblings Palace兄弟宫 · Xiong Di

The Siblings Palace shows brothers, sisters, peers and close collaborators — the depth of those bonds and how you work with partners and colleagues.

Spouse Palace夫妻宫 · Fu Qi

The Spouse Palace governs marriage and intimate partnership — the kind of partner you draw, how you relate, and the overall fortune of the union.

Children Palace子女宫 · Zi Nv

The Children Palace covers offspring, juniors and creative output — fertility, the parent-child bond, and the 'children' of your work and ventures.

Wealth Palace财帛宫 · Cai Bo

The Wealth Palace governs money, income and how you handle it — your way of earning, whether wealth gathers or scatters, and your relationship with money.

Health Palace疾厄宫 · Ji E

The Health Palace shows constitution, vulnerabilities and stress points — where the body is weakest and what to guard against through life.

Travel Palace迁移宫 · Qian Yi

The Travel Palace governs going out into the world — movement, opportunities away from home and how you fare abroad. A starless Self Palace borrows its stars.

Friends Palace交友宫 · Jiao You

The Friends Palace (formerly 'Servants') covers friends, subordinates and social networks — the help or drag they bring and the quality of your wider circle.

Career Palace官禄宫 · Guan Lu

The Career Palace governs work, position and public achievement — your suited field, how high you can rise, and your fortune in status and office.

Property Palace田宅宫 · Tian Zhai

The Property Palace covers real estate, the home and fixed assets — your living environment, inherited estate and capacity to acquire and keep property.

Fortune Palace福德宫 · Fu De

The Fortune Palace governs the inner life — spiritual ease, tastes and pleasures. It reveals your peace of mind, what you enjoy, and your later-life contentment.

Parents Palace父母宫 · Fu Mu

The Parents Palace covers parents, elders and superiors — your bond with authority, the shelter and inheritance you receive, and support from those above you.

Four energy shifts triggered by your birth-year stem — the mechanism that reads a static chart as a living, moving life.

The Four Transformations四化 · Si HuaRead more →

The Four Transformations are the engine of Zi Wei Dou Shu — Hua Lu, Hua Quan, Hua Ke and Hua Ji. Triggered by your birth-year stem, they make four stars 'transform' into wealth, power, fame and a lesson, turning a static chart into a living one.

Transformation into Prosperity化禄 · Hua LuRead more →

Hua Lu is the most benefic transformation — prosperity, smooth flow and good relationships. The star and palace it lands on mark where wealth and opportunity flow to you most easily.

Transformation into Power化权 · Hua QuanRead more →

Hua Quan is the transformation into power — authority, command and expanded capability. It amplifies its star's force, bringing achievement and influence in that area, along with pressure.

Transformation into Renown化科 · Hua KeRead more →

Hua Ke is the transformation into renown — reputation, benefactors and scholarly luck. It brings good name, exam fortune and timely help, the gentlest of the four.

Transformation into Friction化忌 · Hua JiRead more →

Hua Ji is the pivotal transformation — obstruction, attachment and the life lesson. It names precisely what you cling to and must face; understanding it often unlocks a chart's core tension.

Patterns formed by star combinations, plus the basic frame for reading a chart — whether a pattern holds decides the grade of a fate.

Chart Formation格局 · Ge Ju

格局 (Ge Ju) is a recognised pattern formed by specific star combinations — the key to a chart's 'grade.' The same star can read very differently depending on whether its pattern is intact or broken.

Three Directions & Four Uprights三方四正 · San Fang Si Zheng

The 'Three Directions and Four Uprights' is the basic reading frame: a palace plus its opposite and its two trine palaces. No single palace is judged alone — you read the four that mutually influence it.

Qi Sha · Po Jun · Tan Lang杀破狼 · Sha Po Lang

杀破狼 is the pattern in which Qi Sha, Po Jun and Tan Lang always sit in one another's trine. It signals a life of upheaval, pioneering and dramatic swings — made for change, not for standing still.

Tian Ji · Tai Yin · Tian Tong · Tian Liang机月同梁 · Ji Yue Tong Liang

机月同梁 is the pattern of Tian Ji, Tai Yin, Tian Tong and Tian Liang — stability, thoughtfulness and service. It favours public office, planning and support roles, the calm opposite of 杀破狼.

Zi Wei with Tian Fu紫府同宫 · Zi Fu Tong Gong

紫府同宫 places Zi Wei and Tian Fu in one palace (only in 寅/申) — emperor and treasury together. It signals a noble, stable, well-resourced fate combining leadership with a full coffer.

Sun with Moon日月同宫 · Ri Yue Tong Gong

日月同宫 places Tai Yang and Tai Yin together (only in 丑/未) — Sun and Moon, yang and yin in one seat. It gives rich, dual talent; balanced it shines, unbalanced it pulls in two directions.

Fire-Greed Pattern火贪格 · Huo Tan Ge

火贪格 forms when Huo Xing meets Tan Lang — a malefic turned highly auspicious, signalling a sudden windfall or meteoric rise. Its luck comes fast and rewards decisive timing.

Bell-Greed Pattern铃贪格 · Ling Tan Ge

铃贪格 forms when Ling Xing meets Tan Lang — like 火贪 a windfall pattern, but slower-burning, building pressure before it breaks into unexpected gain.

Self & Body in One Palace命身同宫 · Ming Shen Tong Gong

命身同宫 places the Self Palace and Body Palace in the same seat — innate nature and acquired effort fused. It gives a focused, consistent character whose direction (and outcome) is pronounced.

Zi Wei with Tan Lang紫贪同行 · Zi Tan Tong Xing

紫贪同行 places Zi Wei with Tan Lang (only in 卯/酉) — the emperor meets desire. It blends charisma, talent and appetite; refined it is cultured and versatile, excessive it indulges.

Twin Main Stars in One Palace双星同宫 · Shuang Xing Tong Gong

双星同宫 is when two main stars share one palace (e.g. Zi Wei–Tian Fu, Wu Qu–Tan Lang). The reading blends both stars, giving a richer, more layered character than a single star.

Starless Self Palace命无主星 · Ming Wu Zhu XingRead more →

命无主星 is a Self Palace with no main star (about one in six people). The reading borrows the opposite (Travel) palace's stars — a fluid, highly adaptable 'borrowed-star' self, the 15th destiny.

Five bureau grades set by the Self Palace's hidden-sound element — they fix the age your luck cycles begin and the rhythm of your fortune.

The Five Element Bureau五行局 · Wu Xing Ju

The Five Element Bureau, set by the Self Palace's 'hidden-sound' element, comes in five grades (Water 2, Wood 3, Metal 4, Earth 5, Fire 6). It fixes the age your luck cycles begin and the rhythm of each decade.

Water-2 Bureau水二局 · Shui Er Ju

The Water-2 Bureau (Water, number 2) starts its decade cycles at ages 2, 12, 22… The earliest-starting, fastest bureau — fluid, clever and ever-changing.

Wood-3 Bureau木三局 · Mu San Ju

The Wood-3 Bureau (Wood, number 3) starts at ages 3, 13, 23… It signals growth, upward reach and benevolence — a fate that unfolds like a tree branching out.

Metal-4 Bureau金四局 · Jin Si Ju

The Metal-4 Bureau (Metal, number 4) starts at ages 4, 14, 24… It signals resolve, integrity and decisiveness — a fortune favouring structure and discipline.

Earth-5 Bureau土五局 · Tu Wu Ju

The Earth-5 Bureau (Earth, number 5) starts at ages 5, 15, 25… It signals steadiness, tolerance and consolidation — a solid, slow-building fortune with deep roots.

Fire-6 Bureau火六局 · Huo Liu Ju

The Fire-6 Bureau (Fire, number 6) starts at ages 6, 16, 26… The latest-starting bureau — ardent, bright and explosive, often a 'late bloomer' fate.

The Life Master of innate gifts, the Body Master of acquired effort, and the Body Palace where life's focus lands — the twin threads of nature and nurture.

The Life Master命主 · Ming Zhu

The Life Master is a governing star derived from the Self Palace's earthly branch — your innate endowment and the guiding force of your life, the chart's 'guardian star.'

The Body Master身主 · Shen Zhu

The Body Master is a governing star derived from the birth-year branch — your acquired cultivation and the malleable side of fate. Read with the Life Master, it shows how nature and effort interweave.

The Body Palace身宫 · Shen Gong

The Body Palace marks where your 'acquired effort' concentrates, falling in one of six palaces (Self, Spouse, Career, Travel, Wealth or Fortune). It shows where you pour energy from mid-life and how your focus shifts.

The ten-year 大限, the yearly 流年, and the combined 岁运 — how time moves across a chart.

Major Limit (Decade Luck)大限 · Da Xian

大限 (Da Xian) is Zi Wei's ten-year luck cycle. Beginning at the age set by your Element Bureau, it moves through one palace each decade, framing that decade's theme and fortune.

Decade Luck (BaZi)大运 · Da Yun

大运 (Da Yun) is BaZi's ten-year luck cycle, derived from the month pillar. Like Zi Wei's 大限 it spans a decade, but is calculated differently — the backbone of BaZi luck analysis.

Annual Luck流年 · Liu Nian

流年 (Liu Nian) is the fortune of one specific year, read by overlaying that year's stem-branch onto the chart. Within the decade's frame, it pinpoints this year's openings, tests and annual transformations.

Combined Annual & Decade Luck岁运 · Sui Yun

岁运 (Sui Yun) reads the annual year together with the decade limit — the ten-year trend met with the specific year. Only by combining the two can a year's real fortune be judged.

Two foundations of the birth moment — the twelve double-hours of timekeeping, and the True Solar Time that corrects to the sky.

True Solar Time真太阳时 · Zhen Tai Yang Shi

True Solar Time adjusts clock time to the sun's real position at the birthplace, correcting for longitude and the equation of time. Since a chart turns on the exact 时辰, classical practice uses it to pin the truest moment of birth.

The Double-Hour时辰 · Shi Chen

A 时辰 (Shi Chen) is a traditional double-hour — the day divides into twelve, each two hours long and named by an earthly branch (子, 丑…). Your birth 时辰 sets the chart's hour pillar and palace positions.

The 'brightness' scale of a star — the same star is strong in temple, weak when fallen. The measure of how forcefully a star expresses.

Star Brightness States庙旺利陷 · Miao Wang Li Xian

庙旺利陷 grades a star's 'brightness' — its strength by the palace branch it occupies, from 庙 (temple) and 旺 (prosperous) down through 利/得地 (favourable) and 平 (neutral) to 陷 (fallen). The same star is potent in brightness, weak when fallen.

Temple (Brightest)庙 · Miao

庙 (Miao, 'in temple') is the brightest state — a star here is at full strength, its good qualities at their finest (e.g. the Sun in 午, the Moon in 亥).

Prosperous旺 · Wang

旺 (Wang, 'prosperous') is the next brightest state below 庙 — a star here is vigorous and performs well. '庙旺' together denote a strong, well-expressed star.

Favourable (In Position)利 · Li

利 (Li), also called 得地 ('in position'), is a moderate-to-good state — a star here is steady and serviceable, its effects measured, neither strong nor weak.

Fallen (Weakest)陷 · Xian

陷 (Xian, 'fallen') is the weakest state — a star here loses force: benefics struggle to help, malefics turn harsher, and the position needs rescue from supportive stars or transformations.