命Mantic arts dossier · Fate calculation and astral nativities
四柱子平命理
Sìzhù Zǐpíng Mìnglǐ·Four Pillars / Bazi fate calculation
Birth year, month, day and hour are each expressed as a stem-branch pillar; the day stem anchors analysis of ten relations, phases, patterns, seasonal adjustment, major cycles and years.
- Aliases
- Four Pillars, Eight Characters, Ziping, Three Fates
- Formation
- Tang fate calculation as predecessor; Four-Pillar system matured after the Five Dynasties and early Song
- Evidence status
Study notes & citation
四柱子平命理. Institute of Chinese Mantic Arts. https://www.manticarts.com/en/arts/bazi
On this page
01Core principles
Core principles
Translate formulas into structure: what enters, how the model is arranged, and which relations drive interpretation.
Eight characters form four pillars with the day stem as reference. The month command supplies season; visible and hidden stems become ten relations. Schools then emphasize pattern, strength, climatic adjustment, spirits or resonance and arrange major and annual cycles.
Key concepts
- day master
- ten relations
- month command
- major and annual cycles
02Origins and historical development
Origins and historical development
Keep traditional accounts, surviving evidence and later transformations distinct.
Tang methods associated with Li Xuzhong emphasized year, month and day. Full Four-Pillar systems developed after the Song and honored Xu Ziping. Ming-Qing compendia integrated pattern, strength, spirits and seasonal adjustment; modern schools reorganized them for teaching.
STUDY / Sìzhù Zǐpíng Mìnglǐ
Calendar boundaries in Four Pillars
- Materials and inputs
- Record precision, place, time standard and year/month conventions
Research question
Which pillars change near a solar-term boundary?
Practical exercise
Use a fictional boundary time. Record the time standard, calendar source and solar-term boundary; verify pillars before comparing analytical layers.
03Evidence limits and research debates
Evidence limits and research debates
Distinguish traditional interpretations, documented material and claims requiring testing.
The received Li Xuzhong text is not an intact Tang original, and sole invention by Xu Ziping oversimplifies long development. Birth-time conversion should state timezone, local solar-time policy and calendar source.
This dossier supports historical, textual and methodological study. Internal traditional explanations are not modern empirical validation and do not replace medical, legal, financial or other professional advice.
04Core texts and materials
Core texts and materials
- 01Li Xuzhong Mingshu
- 02Wuxing Jingji
- 03Yuanhai Ziping
- 04Sanming Tonghui
- 05Ditian Sui and Ziping Zhenquan