How to Read and Interpret a Zi Wei Dou Shu Chart

The Palace System vs. The Star System

Zi Wei Dou Shu (Imperial Astrology) evolved over centuries, particularly during the early Ming Dynasty (14th-15th A.D.), where two major analytical systems emerged: the Palace System and the Star System. Understanding these two systems is crucial for an accurate interpretation of a Zi Wei Dou Shu chart.

• The Palace System focuses on spatial and temporal influences, representing external environmental conditions and life domains.
• The Star System reflects an individual’s personal values, responses, and tendencies within these external influences.

Modern Zi Wei Dou Shu integrates both systems, though this fusion can create ambiguities when interpreting ancient texts. Recognizing their original distinction can clarify discrepancies in interpretations.

Further Reading: The Fundamentals of Imperial Astrology (Zi Wei Dou Shu)

Example of the Palace System in Action

In Zi Wei Dou Shu, Impeded Angle Affliction (Ge Jiao Sha 隔角煞) refers to a specific spatial configuration within a chart that suggests relational instability or a sense of distance between individuals. There can be applied to all the palaces separated by a corner.

For example, if one’s Self Palace (命宮) is positioned at the Earthly Branch “Zi” (子), the Spouse Palace (夫妻宮) would be at “Xu” (戌). In this configuration, the Life Palace and Spouse Palace are separated by a corner. It’s akin to two people sitting at opposite ends of the same table; even with a good relationship, there’s a sense of distance.

Example of the Star System in Action

Zi Wei Dou Shu incorporates fourteen major stars and four ominous stars. If a major star shares a palace with an ominous star, the latter negatively influences the themes associated with the major star. For instance:

• If The Martial Star (Wu Qu 武曲) is in the same palace as Fire Star (Huo Xing 火星) or Destruction Star (Qing Yang 擎羊), it signifies financial instability, regardless of which palace they occupy. Furthermore, if this combination appears in the Spouse Palace, it suggests financial losses due to romantic relationships. In the Friends Palace, it may indicate financial setbacks caused by subordinates or friends.
• Similarly, if the Vanguard Star (Pojun 破軍), representing offspring, is in the same palace as Destruction Star, it indicates a lack of affinity with children. Traditional practitioners, upon seeing such a combination in a woman’s chart might suggest a history of miscarriage or abortion, or at the very least, difficulty in conceiving.

The Star System focuses on individual attributes rather than palace placements, making it a powerful tool for assessing character and tendencies independent of external circumstances.

The Natal Chart: A Roadmap to Self-Understanding

The Natal Chart in Zi Wei Dou Shu originally designed to help as a guide for self-awareness rather than mere fortune-telling. It helps individuals recognize their strengths, challenges, and life patterns.

• Self Palace (命宮): Represents one’s personality and core values, influencing all other palaces.
• Action Palace (Shen Gong 身宮): Reflects aspirations and how one acts upon their values. For example, a person may have a cautious personality (Self Palace) but pursue a passionate, adventurous lifestyle (Action Palace).

Analyzing the interactions among the palaces provides insights into the multifaceted nature of an individual, revealing that we adopt various attitudes to meet different needs. This intricate interplay offers a deeper understanding of our true inner desires.

Key Indicators in the Natal Chart

The Obstruction Star (Tuo Luo 陀羅)

Derived from Buddhist philosophy, this star signifies persistent entanglements and challenges. The palace the Obstruction star occupies highlights lifelong struggles. Examples include:

• Spouse Palace: Signafies relationships may be a persistent source of entanglement
• Self Palace: Suggests personal traits (e.g., overthinking, stubbornness) that cause self-inflicted stress.

Hindered Transformation (Huà Jì 化忌)

One of the Four Transformations, the Hindered Transformation (化忌) represents internal deficiencies and unmet expectations. The term “忌” originates from “己心,” meaning one’s inner self or heart. In this context, “忌” signifies internal deficiencies or areas where one feels a void, leading to desires to fill or pursue what is lacking.

• In the Spouse Palace: Indicates high expectations in relationships, leading them to actively seek fulfillment in this area. However, acting out of a sense of emptiness can result in poor decisions, such as entering unsuitable relationships due to impatience or misjudgment. The nature of these expectations depends on the characteristics of the star that is hindered.
• In the Career Palace: Suggests an internal void concerning their professional life, possibly leading to overwork or constant career shifts.

The Hindered Transformation of a star reveals areas of life where one feels unfulfilled and may make poor decisions in response. Rather than predicting rigid outcomes, it highlights areas where subconscious voids influence decision-making. Recognizing these tendencies helps individuals make more balanced choices.

The Decade Chart: Life’s Evolving Lessons

As people grow, their values and priorities shift. The Decade Chart segments life into ten-year phases, reflecting evolving influences and personal development.

Understanding one’s current Decade Chart helps in anticipating opportunities and challenges at different life stages, ensuring better decision-making and preparedness.

Annual and Yearly Influences: Mapping Short-Term Trends

While the Natal Chart offers a comprehensive blueprint of one’s life, the Decade Chart reflects the progression of personal development over ten-year intervals. To assess short-term influences, practitioners examine the following components:

• Yearly Chart (小限): Derived from one’s age, it represents one’s mindset and personal decisions in a given year.
• Annual Chart (流年): Based on the Chinese zodiac sign of the year, this chart highlights broader societal or environmental events that could affect an individual. While the external conditions are consistent for everyone, their influence varies depending on how they interact with one’s natal chart.
• Overlapping Palaces (疊宮): Examines interactions between the Yearly or Annual, Decade, and Natal charts, providing deeper insights into yearly influences.

For instance, a difficult year might be due to conflicts between one’s internal state (Yearly Chart) and external circumstances (Annual Chart). By recognizing these patterns, one can strategically navigate challenges rather than feeling at their mercy.

The Four Transformations (Si Hua 四化): The Dynamic Forces of Life

As mentioned earlier, the concept of Hindered Transformation is part of the ‘Four Transformations’, a fundamental concept and technique in Zi Wei Dou Shu, as crucial as the concept of overlapping palaces.

The Four Transformations describe how major stars evolve based on external influences:

1. Transformation of Enrichment (化祿) – Represents gain and fulfillment.
2. Transformation of Empowerment (化權) – Reflects control, influence, and authority.
3. Transformation of Fame (化科) – Signifies recognition and visibility.
4. Transformation of Hindrance (化忌) – Indicates deficiency and struggle.

Practical Application of the Four Transformations

• Enrichment Transformation in the Wealth Palace indicates income growth.
• Empowerment Transformation in the Career Palace denotes career authority and leadership potential.
• Fame Transformation in the Self Palace suggests social recognition and an enhanced reputation.
• Hindered Transformation in the Wealth Palace suggests potential financial dissatisfaction or struggles.

The Concept of “Enrichment follows Hindrance” (祿隨忌走)

In Zi Wei Dou Shu, there’s a principle: “Enrichment follows Hindrance”. The palace experiencing Transformation of Enrichment compensates for the deficiencies in the palace undergoing Transformation of Hindrance.

For example, in a natal chart, if one’s Wealth Palace (which reflects how one manages finances) undergoes Transformation of Enrichment, it indicates an increase in financial resources. If their Spouse Palace (representing their perspective on romantic relationships) experiences Transformation of Hindrance, it suggests challenges in that area. This implies that the person is likely to use money as a way to invest in or support their relationships.

Practical Application of the Four Transformations in in overlapping palaces

Transformation of Enrichment in the natal Wealth Palace signifies a person’s ability to generate income. However, if Transformation of Hindrance appears in the Friends Palace in the decade chart, it suggests that during this period, a significant portion of their earnings will be spent on friends.

As you can see, the fascinating three-dimensional applications of Zi Wei Dou Shu start to emerge, demonstrating its depth and complexity. By analyzing these transformations across different palaces in various periodic charts, one can pinpoint areas requiring attention, strategic action, and adaptation.

Conclusion: Using Zi Wei Dou Shu for Self-Growth

Zi Wei Dou Shu is more than a predictive tool—it’s a system for self-awareness and personal development. By understanding the interplay of palaces, stars, and transformations, individuals can:

• Recognize their inherent strengths and challenges.
• Navigate life’s changes with greater confidence.
• Make informed, strategic decisions aligned with their true nature.

Ultimately, Zi Wei Dou Shu empowers individuals to take charge of their destinies by aligning self-awareness with external opportunities and challenges.