What Is BaZi? A Simple Introduction to the Four Pillars of Destiny
已更新：9月18日
BaZi, also known as the Four Pillars of Destiny, is a traditional Chinese system of destiny analysis. By examining the combinations of Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches associated with the year, month, day, and hour of a person’s birth, together with the balance of the Five Elements and yin and yang, BaZi can provide insight into a person’s character, strengths, weaknesses, and patterns of development throughout life. The name “BaZi” literally means “eight characters.”
A BaZi chart consists of four pillars: the Year Pillar, Month Pillar, Day Pillar, and Hour Pillar. Each pillar contains one Heavenly Stem and one Earthly Branch, giving a total of eight characters.
These eight characters are determined by the precise moment of birth. The year of birth determines the Year Pillar, the month determines the Month Pillar, the day determines the Day Pillar, and the time determines the Hour Pillar. Traditionally, a day is divided into twelve periods, with each period lasting two hours. As each pillar contains two characters, the four pillars together form a complete set of eight characters that reflects the Five Elements, yin and yang, and cyclical conditions present at the time of birth.
At the centre of every BaZi chart is the Day Master, which is the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar. The Day Master represents the owner of the chart, whom Gé Rén also refers to as the chart owner. It reflects the chart owner’s core nature and Five Element attributes and serves as the central reference point for the entire BaZi analysis.
With the Day Master as the centre, Gé Rén compares each of the remaining seven characters with the Day Master. This allows Gé Rén to examine the balance and relative strength of the overall chart, the favourable and unfavourable interactions within it, the chart owner’s character, and the challenges the chart owner may face.
BaZi analysis also extends across time. By considering the Major Luck Cycle governing each stage of life, the annual influence of each passing year, and shorter monthly changes, BaZi can help reveal the trends, timing, and possible directions of choice associated with different periods of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "BaZi" mean?
“BaZi” refers to the eight Chinese characters in a person’s chart. Each of the Four Pillars contains one Heavenly Stem and one Earthly Branch, giving two characters per pillar and eight characters altogether.
What are the Four Pillars?
The Four Pillars are the Year Pillar, Month Pillar, Day Pillar, and Hour Pillar, determined respectively by the year, month, day, and time of birth.
What is the Day Master?
The Day Master is the Heavenly Stem of the Day Pillar. It represents the owner of the BaZi chart, whom Gé Rén also refers to as the chart owner. The Day Master reflects the chart owner’s core nature and Five Element attributes and serves as the centre of the entire BaZi analysis.
Do I need to provide an accurate time of birth?
Yes. The time of birth is used to determine the Hour Pillar, so the more accurate the birth time, the more accurately the chart can be calculated. Gé Rén explains this further in the next article, “How Is a BaZi Chart Calculated? What Birth Information Do I Need to Provide?”
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