Monday, November 29, 2010

Your Wealth Element

The most common aspect that’s brought up in any BaZi consultation is usually wealth. While we know that wealth isn’t *everything*, money does, indeed, make the (practical) world go round!

While there are numerous considerations in assessing “Wealth” in any BaZi chart, the most basic is, of course, to examine the Wealth element. This is the element that is controlled by the Day Master. For example, if your Day Master is Gui or Ren water, then any fire element is your Wealth element.

We can surmise a few things simply by taking a closer look at the five element characteristics of each Wealth element. For example, Jia wood is the wealth of the metal Day Masters and by extension, is wealth that entails solid work and considerable effort. However, the potential “harvest” can be large! Yi wood as wealth, on the other hand, connotes wealth that comes from numerous off-shoots or of “smaller” endeavours which are widespread (take for example, publishing).

A few Day Masters have access to great, “unlimited” wealth and the Water Day Master is one of them! Bing as a wealth element implies wealth that can be limitless and is a result of perseverance, hard work and of something which is prevalent everywhere (read: Microsoft applications). The Water Day Master which uses Ding fire as wealth, on the other hand, is prone to fluctuating wealth levels due to the inconsistency and instability of Ding fire. Of course, once the timing’s right, then the sky’s the limit as when Ding fire is robust and blazing!

If Ding fire as wealth can be unstable, then what could be more stable that good, ole Earth? Wood Day Masters need to think and operate from a long-term perspective in their strategies for generating and accumulating wealth. Once in place, however, the wealth will be long-lasting. Wu earth as wealth implies larger quantities but which will require more work and effort to capture while Ji earth connotes a slightly more dynamic wealth source(s) of an “everyday” nature.

If Geng metal is your wealth element then once again, you have to persevere! To transform Geng metal into useful metal entails hard work and perhaps forcefully changing and improving some existing system. Whereas for Xin metal, you need your product to look good or be in work that entails cajoling, supporting and making others feel good.

Ren water is another Wealth element that can be colossal! However, logically speaking, Ren water is a much better wealth element for Wu earth that it is for Ji earth. Ren as wealth can also imply a widespread endeavour but one that needs effective channeling to the right markets and for correct purposes. Lastly, an Earth Day Master using Gui water as the Wealth element finds that although wealth can sometimes seem elusive and hard to capture, it often appears suddenly and can be from numerous sources – all of which usually readily available.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Health is Wealth

Health is wealth, they say. And we really do tend to commonly forget this adage. Besides the pain or suffering, without good physical, mental and emotional health, we aren’t able to enjoy any aspects in our material life!

With this in mind, this week I’ll let to talk a bit on BaZi and health - more so on overall concepts and application. However, first a quick recap - we all know that each body part can be represented by a Heavenly Stem or Earthly Branch.

For example, Jia can represent the gall bladder and Yi, the liver. Ding represents the eyes while Bing, the shoulder. Wu is the back while Ji is the stomach. Geng, on the other hand, are the large intestines and Xin, female genitalia. Ren and Gui can represent the “water” organs such as the kidneys and bladder (for further details, you can refer to many of the books and materials produced by the Academy).

One basic way of relating body parts to the elements and branches is simply to remember that fire rises to the top while water sinks to the bottom. That’s why the “fire” parts tend to be on the upper body and vice-versa for the “water” parts!

While teaching a recent class, I reminded the students that while the BaZi chart can represent and foretell one’s personality, issues and highlights, only the key issues and representations are present in the chart. After all, the static BaZi chart can only fit 4 stems and 4 branches; similarly, you simply can’t fit all body parts into the chart!

As such, what’s in the chart usually represent potential issues relating to the parts present in the chart. However, we can also check what element is severely weak or missing as these too may point to potential problems in the physical body (correspondingly, the parts represented by other stems, branches and elements not included you can safely assume are generally ok).

Examine the overall balance. Is there an element that’s particularly strong? If so, that may point to a problematic area such as when that element is suddenly weakened in a particular Luck Pillar, for example. In addition, too strong an element will also “attack” the element it controls – so the body part associated with the attacked element may suffer.

To further assess health aspects, layer on the stem and branch relationships such as clashes, harm and destructions. Check to see how and importantly,
*when* these relationships occur. Keep in mind that the dynamic aspects of BaZi (what’s stems or brances have made an appearance in the Luck and Annual Pillars, for example) will play a key part as well.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

The Day Masters Revisited

A simple (and most basic) way to approach all things Chinese Metaphysical is through visualisation of the Five Elements imagery. As the Day Master is the most crucial aspect of any BaZi chart, a simple but yet KEY concept is that the potential of the Day Master should be maximised in order for its owner to make full use of his or her destiny.

For example, the element of wood (Jia or Yi) has to do with growth and advancement. So, people of such Day Masters should generally have continuous growth and progress in their lives for them to maximize their destinies.

Fire, on the other hand, deals with illumination and warmth, so Bing or Ding Day Masters should strive to provide assistance and share their skills, intelligence and influence (directly or indirectly) for the benefit and growth of those around them.

Earth Day Masters (Wu and Ji) are best at providing crucial support, comfort and stability. As earth is not only crucial for growth, but also contains metal, Earth Day Masters should also be productive, multifaceted and do work that is considered valuable (and appreciated).

The Metal element is most associated with altruism and “what-is-right”. As such, Metal Day Masters (Geng and Xin) are usually characters who either through their actions or words portray a sense of justice. They are also characters who should lead their lives making decisions, taking actions and speaking in ways which can be “harsh” but necessary for themselves and those around them.

Lastly, the water element. The Water Day Master (Ren or Gui) should be the pillar of wisdom amongst the crowd. He or she is especially needed to balance the enthusiasm and blind faith of those around with a dose of good old wisdom and cold logic. In addition, the Ren or Gui Day Master should be very adaptive and quick – and as such, are suited to various roles and ever-changing conditions and circumstances.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

The 3 Groupings of Earthly Branches

As those of you who are studying BaZi have discovered, the process of learning and deciphering BaZi is akin to peeling an onion. This “onion peeling” analogy has been used time and time again to describe the process of BaZi study and interpretation. Each concept in BaZi is usually first understood on a standalone basis, and then next in a combined and usually interactive and dynamic manner together with other concepts.

But life doesn’t always have to be so complicated… Often, we can derive important information from just a single characteristic of the chart, for example just one of the Earthly Branches or Heavenly Stems. The Day Master is probably the best (and most important) example of how a single, “one-dimensional” aspect of the BaZi chart can reveal such key and crucial information!

Today, our topic is the 3 groupings of the Earthly Branches namely the i) Growth ii) Cardinals and iii) Graveyard groupings. As we know, the BaZi chart describes the BaZi owner’s personality, behaviour and pretty much all the circumstances of his or her life. As such, simply by identifying the make-up of the Earthly Branches, we can already tell surmise certain key information.

For example, the Growth Earthly Branches (namely the Tiger, Snake, Monkey and Pig) are indicative of movement, travel and even money-making activities. These branches denote exploration and growth in one’s life which lead to discovery and excitement. A chart devoid of any of these animal signs hence points to a more sedentary and “take-it-as-it-comes-along” type lifestyle and personality. A chart with 2 or more of these growths points to frequent changes, travel, movement and in general, a lack of stability in the person’s life.

On the other hand, the Cardinal Earthly Branches (the Rabbit, Horse, Rooster and Rat – the Peach Blossoms) denote the pure qi of each element, hence indicative of strong and usually extreme characteristics as represented by each element in question. As such, people with many cardinals (2 or more) are usually headstrong and exhibit “extreme” characteristics. Thanks to the “peachiness” of these branches, it also goes without saying that these people are always somehow attractive to others (even if they aren’t physically so). However, this X-Factor often leads to complicated and dramatic interpersonal and dramatic relationships.

The Graveyard Earthly Branches (the Dragon, Goat, Dog and Ox) denote not only stability (due to the earth element) but also the “mysterious” aspects of one’s life. Since the Graveyards contain two other hidden stems, those with many graveyards indeed tend to be complicated people! They usually are reserved characters but more so they tend to have difficulty understanding and expressing their real, inner feelings – characteristics which lead to communication issues with those around them. However, people with graveyards typically have multiple, hidden talents too! The complete absence of even a single graveyard in the BaZi chart indicates a lack of grounding and oftentimes, practicality in one’s life.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Misconceptions of BaZi Revisited

As a consultant, practitioner and indeed life-long student of BaZi myself, I’ve discovered common misconceptions through my study, contemplation, practice and consultations – which seem to pop up often! These pointers perhaps you know already or have come to realize yourself, but I’d like to share them with you anyway:

1) A person’s life is not fixed in stone

As practitioners, we get questioned and challenged on this point all the time. The naysayers out there (and we know there’s quite a few of these negative people out there) say “If already destined, then what’s the point of knowing?”

We study a subject like BaZi to understand the as-is and not the will-be. We come into this world with a blueprint that forms our key personality traits and surroundings. These then interact with what pops into our lives through complex universal workings (the dynamic Luck Pillars and so on).

We change our destinies by changing ourselves first and foremost. This causes our reactions to situations to change (the degree of which depends on how much personality change has been affected). Then, our actions change and as a result our destiny and path change. Even though we can’t change the Luck Pillars – which set the overall tone of our life during that period - the actual manifestation of events and outcomes can be RADICALLY different depending on what has occurred prior to that point.

Thus, in my opinion, there’s no point in using BaZi for questions like “When will I die?” or “Can you tell me whether I’ll be a single-digit multimillionaire by my “wealth pillar” aka LP 49?”. Firstly, you can meet with death even during the BEST Luck Pillar if the circumstances are “ripe” enough and secondly, what you do NOW and PRIOR to LP 49 will set the circumstances rolling as to exactly how much wealth you’ve accumulated by LP 49!

In general, the further the goal, approach and outlook, the more of one’s destiny one can carve out and indeed change.

2) BaZi should NOT be limiting

In my multifaceted lifestyle, I also often commonly come across the positive, super-motivated types (you know, the kind who are all revved-up to do ANYTHING) who refuse to believe there’s any sort of destiny forces at play. These are the ones who refuse to believe there’s a greater cosmos out there besides their own selves. Again, most of points mentioned in (1) above are relevant. Instead of perceiving it as a limitation, we really should use BaZi knowledge to EMPOWER ourselves. We use the information for an understanding of ourselves, our circumstances and also the past.

In our earthly life, we can’t change basic things like our ancestral and parental background – these are set circumstances. But having a good understanding of these really can make a huge difference. After all, family background has a profound influence on our personality. We can then examine the whys and hows and utilize such understanding to affect change for the better. These alone present a wondrous reason for wanting to “know” through BaZi!

What about the Day Master? Yes, having a thorough understanding of the Day Master helps identify our innermost, basic nature. Ms Skeptic might say “Aha! Isn’t that limiting?” But I say that even if Ms Skeptic refuses to admit it, she’ll find that after all the doing and trying, trials and tribulations and intense soul searching, she’ll find that returning to the true Ms Skeptic (as reflected by her Day Master) was pretty much what she was looking for in the first place…

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Right Fit for the Right Person

As we know, our survival and livelihood in the modern age that we belong to largely depend not just on our own efforts but also our innate skills and talents. While the right attitude, hard work and training are crucial in determining the success of our professional lives, we cannot deny that we all have different in-born strengths and thus, we cannot be good at everything that we do.

Often times, we find that we are unhappy or dissatisfied with our jobs. We all have our bouts where our career does not develop or grow as quickly as we like, but when this is a long-term situation, then it is likely due to a mismatch between our talents and the career we are embarked upon.

This is why it is extremely practical to turn to BaZi for help. Our BaZi tells us not just the circumstances within our lives but also importantly, our key characteristics, strengths and weaknesses. On a practical level such as our livelihood, BaZi can determine and confirm very accurately how to use our innate skills and talents to make us as successful as possible in our careers or businesses.

Take for instance the Ding fire Day Master. Such a person is usually good at convincing and persuading others. The Ding fire person can build his or her case supported by key facts and figures and as such, has good selling skills. Ding fire people not only make good salespeople but we can extend this also to positions and careers that require constant pitching whether internally within a company or to external clients.

The Yi wood personality needs to work with others and to make use of his or her contacts. The Yi Day Master needs a wide as possible social network. He or she will find that often networking efforts will result in having useful and helpful contacts. These helpful people can then be a source of crucial information and support to the Yi Day Master. Keep in mind that we should not view such leveraging as negative. After all, in the “leveraging”, oftentimes the talents of those *surrounding* the Yi wood male or female will be unearthed and valued by other people as well.

The Geng person, on the other hand, is the ultimate do-er! Trust the Geng personality to get the job done. The Geng Day Master usually does not believe in resting on his or her laurels and is efficient in taking action. As such, the Geng person should not be in a career that only deals with planning, strategy or analysis work. He or she is suited to a job or career that involves hands-on action and requires swift execution!

After all, each Day Master has a particular function to play in human society. Of course, this is just the starting point when it comes to profiling. Our full BaZi chart will tell the rest of the story. The key concept is that when we do what we are naturally good at, we have already almost the battle won. And this makes all the difference when it comes to triumphing in the rat race or dog-eat-dog business world that we thrive in!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Brief Outlook for 12 Animal Signs in the Metal Tiger Year

Brief Outlook for 12 Animal Signs in the Metal Tiger Year

Notes:

i) For more info in addition to the animal sign of your birth year, check to see what other animal signs are in your complete BaZi chart.
ii) How the year would *specifically* unfold and affect a particular individual would depend on the full interactions within his/her BaZi chart.


Tiger

An unsettled and uncomfortable year for the Tiger. There’ll be many unavoidable changes. Keep a healthy perspective as these changes and movement may very well be for the better. However, you’re forced to stay on-the-go, with little time to rest, rejuvenate and consolidate. In this state, it’s extremely important to stay as healthy and safe as possible since illness and accidents are indicated.

Rabbit

An excellent year for the Rabbit. You can do no wrong as you’ve got the Midas touch this year. Even mistakes and bad situations will turn out fine as you’re THAT lucky this year! Look to powerful, male noblemen to help you. Single ladies, this is a good year to find that dashing, powerful and capable man. However, both sexes need to be careful of sexual indiscretion (particularly those married!)

Dragon

A mediocre year ahead for the Dragon. Problems arise that will cause you alarm, stress and discomfort. Those with elderly family members need to be vigilant of the health of these members. Be careful when dealing with legal matters and beware of vengeful people whose feet you may have stepped on in the past.

Snake

The Snake experiences a good year in 2010. The Snake will be a workaholic this year! A good year for strategic moves and profitable investment in business and wealth endeavours. Take a moderate, less aggressive approach to reap benefits. Look to females for help. However, you may feel like you’re alone sometimes when unexpected situations arise. Brush off the minor issues with gossip and petty people.

Horse

Horse, you’re one of the luckiest animal signs this year! There are helpful people around (including some new contacts who you’ll meet). You’ll exude power, respect and authority this Metal Tiger year. A year of rapid growth, breakthroughs and unexpected luck! Your wealth and financial situations also look rosy.

Goat

After a bumpy year, the Goat not only experiences a respite but will have a generally good year. There’ll be noble people around plus you’ll be a good mood during the year. Happy news, celebrations and pleasant circumstances prevail. Some goats will have the opportunity to change jobs; thorough due diligence will be needed if such opportunities arise. Minor injury is indicated plus elderly family members may be in poor health. Keep a eye out over your wallet and spending will be rather high this year.

Monkey

While you, Monkey, are in direct conflict with the Tiger year, count your blessings as you have some good stars in your Life Palace to buffer the effects of clashing the year! You have noblemen luck and some powerful stars that will help relief the issues and obstacles that arise. Some plans and goals may be thwarted. Take care of your physical health, be careful driving and stay clear of deep-sea activities. Unavoidable movement and travelling are in the cards. Large expenditure are unavoidable so proactively plan to spend on things (eg. education, property) that either appreciate in value or that increase your self-worth.

Rooster

The Rooster’s run of good luck continues in the Metal Tiger year! You exude power and influence; contacts and people run to your aid when you need them! You can almost do no wrong this year with your skills, decision-making and acumen. Some minor accidents are indicated. In some circumstances, accept that things may not work out as initially projected/planned.

Dog

A mixed year for the Dog. A good year for those in creative and artistic lines; particularly those who do behind-the-scenes work. A good year to learn a new skill or to develop a hidden talent. Dog, you’ll continue to feel misunderstood and lonely even though you’ll meet new people and expand your network this year. Take care while driving and during physical activity as physical injury in indicated.

Boar

A good year in store! The Boar’s network of contacts and associates will widen this year; some of whom will become your noble people. You’ll have increase wealth opportunities and recognition this year! A year of changes for the Boar. Don’t let the minor gossip arising this year affect you. Some losses are indicated while being on the move so be vigilant during travel.

Rat

A generally poor year for the Rat. Rat, you lack lucky stars this year so you have to persevere, maintain status quo and lay low until the Rabbit year. This is strong indication of injury and accidents so be very careful driving and restrain in participating in dangerous and rough physical activity. In addition, there is risk of contracting STDs.

Ox

A rather good year is in store for Ox. Those single and looking will find it a “productive” year. Your luck is mainly in the good and loving relationships with those around you. A year of good social relationships…and fun! The biggest drawback is the tendency to get sick and be unduly worried over small matters.

2010: The Year of the Metal Tiger

2010: The Year of the Metal Tiger

By Toh Kong Eu

Note:
The following is a general forecast of what year 2010 has in store. You’ll likely see these trends around you – for personal effects, your entire BaZi chart has to be examined.

The Year of the Metal Tiger…a dynamic, aggressive year! With Yang Metal clashing the Tiger (whose main qi is Yang Wood), it’ll be an unstable year with many changes and movement. The good news is that at least we’ll see some growth (although limited), as opposed to the stagnating Earth Ox year just past. Similarly, on the world stage, signs of economic recovery have appearred and will trickle through 2010.

Wood in the study of the all-important 5 elements of Chinese Metaphysics indicates growth. However, the presence of Metal impedes growth- what we see is a tussle between growth and control/regulations/order. This is also a tussle between compassion and righteousness. Often, world situations will be where “what-is-right” needs to be done, ignoring basic human compassion and kindness. The tone of the year is a clashing one where there’ll be differences in opinion which will lead to disagreements and betrayal.

Indeed it’s an unstable year… On a personal level, the strategy will be to EMBRACE change. To flow with the energies of the year, take this year to do different things and to do things differently. Cut away the old in your life and take on new initiatives and directions with your personal goals and aspirations. Be exciting; be different; be aggressive! Another strategy will be to stay on the move and constantly look for new opportunities.

The Tiger is one of what is termed a “growth” animal. While indeed Yang Metal sitting atop the Tiger can signify growth impediment, the good news is that we can also interpret this “impediment” as something necessary for improvement for the future. In other words, view the changes this year necessary for a better future. Take on the changes as they come!

As far as interpersonal relationships go, it’s a year of aggression and being confrontational. You’ll find that people will have strong differences in opinion. As such, communications will be tense and fiery. So what to do? Take charge! Use the aggression to generate useful ideas and reveal breakthroughs – while keeping your temper under control.

The clash between metal and wood indicates the prevalence of violence, injury and sudden/shocking events. Though morbid, there’ll be a higher percentage of accidents and violent deaths this year. Injury to the head and all four limbs are particularly heightened. Metal organs such as the large intestines and lungs are also at risk of. Those who have a Monkey (or more) in the BaZi chart as well as those having bedrooms or house main doors in the Southwest and Northeast sectors need to be extra vigilant.

The element most needed to buffer the Metal/Wood clash is water. Not only those whose astrological charts with water will benefit, but we should also “flow like water” to make the best of the year. Literally takes things as they come, be adaptable, use wisdom in making decisions and communicate clearly. Think before you speak.

The year of the Metal Tiger will prove most beneficial for water industries like travel, communication and logistics. Industries involving strategic planning will also benefit. Worst hit will be wood industries like agriculture, project development and creative industries like writing, design and advertising.

As fire qi is heightened this year (especially from the middle of the year onwards), those of you in fire industries should experience a good year. Fire businesses include beauty, visual media, performing arts, electrical/electronic goods and high-tech gadgets. Earth industries eg. insurance and property will be strong but hard work will be required. Wealth opportunities are abundant but hard work, preparation and perseverance will be required. The best strategy is to think long-term as plentiful rewards will be there after the toil.

Metal industries eg machinery, banking and finance will be negatively affected this year. Those involved in metal industries need to maximise the autumns months of August to October because the metal element is weakened this year. Those in metal industries will find there are simply too much scope to cover and many aspects to manage when you’re embarking on new projects.

Financial instruments are of course collectively group in the Metal group. As these are affected, financial markets (which are categorized as the Water element since metal produces water) will continue to be fundamentally weak although a sentimentally-boosted market should prevail for most of the year.