Feng Shui Institute

How to read a Chinese astrology chart

Chinese astrology is the most accurate form of astrology in the world. Comparing it with Western astrology, in which there are only about five hundred possible charts, Chinese astrology has almost 13 million different variations, making it much more precise and unique. However, the major difference between Chinese astrology and other forms of astrology is the ability to actually improve a person's prospects by introducing simple, subtle cures.

It is a common misconception that the Chinese zodiac animal for the year you were born is your only sign and the most important. In fact, Four Pillars of Destiny Chinese astrology charts have a Heavenly Stem and an Earthly Branch (the correct name for the zodiac animal signs) for the year, month, day and hour you were born. Everything within the chart interacts and has an impact on your personal energy and fate. To start, first generate your Ba Zi astrology chart using our Free Four Pillars of Destiny Chart Calculator.

Once you have generated the chart, understanding your Chinese astrology starts with the top line and the Celestial or Heavenly Stems. These elements represent "timeliness" and Heaven Luck. If you were born at the right time of year for your specific energy, you are classed as "Timely" and life will generally be smooth. If you were born at the wrong time for your specific energy, you are considered "Untimely" and life can be a struggle with more stress and illness.

Timeliness

When analysing a Four Pillars of Destiny chart, we must examine "timeliness". A chart is most timely if the Day Heavenly Stem (top line 2nd left) is line 3, 4, or 5 of the month column or pillar. If it is not in lines 3, 4, or 5 in any pillar, it is most untimely. Please note: This is very basic interpretation only and cannot be compared to a professionally analysed Chinese astrology reading which is extremely specific to you and your situation.

The Attribute Cycle

The Attribute Cycle is based on the Five Elements and allows you to understand a chart and the effects on the person over time. However, charts are influenced by many complex factors and the advice given here can only be general, not specific to you. To correctly balance a Four Pillars of Destiny chart, it should be analysed and interpreted by a professional, qualified and practised Feng Shui Consultant or Master.

1. Generate your Free Four Pillars of Destiny Chart. Place the Day Stem element at the top. This is the element at the top of your Day Pillar.
2. Use the Sheng Cycle to place the Five Elements in order: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. (Example shown is a person with a metal Day Stem). Learn more about The Feng Shui Five Elements.
3. Now assign attributes to the Five Elements.
4. The 2nd element along is always Output.
5. The 3rd element along is always Wealth.
6. The 4th element along is Power.
7. The final element is Resource.

Luck Pillars

We then look at the eight "Luck Pillars". The elements within the Luck Pillars can either be beneficial or detrimental; good elements allow you to be successful and make the most of life's opportunities; bad elements can cause confusion, stress and health problems.

Life Cycles

The "Annual Pillar" shows whether it is a good year or not and in very basic terms, the animal of the year should be compatible with the animals in your chart. We have provided free Chinese Astrology Predictions for each of the twelve animal signs.

Professional Chinese Astrology Readings

With practice, Four Pillars of Destiny charts are easy to compile and we provide a Free Chinese Astrology Chart Calculator. However, correct analysis of the Four Pillars of Destiny is an extremely complex subject. Fully understanding the complexities of a chart, and interpreting what it means for the person is much more difficult, and Four Pillars of Destiny readings could even be considered an art form. A Professional Feng Shui Consultant can provide Chinese astrology readings in order to understand your personal energy, compare it with that of your home or business, and offer advise on how to use simple, subtle cures to create the perfect environment for you, your family and staff.

Learn Professional Feng Shui Methods

The Feng Shui Institute's Distance Learning Courses cover every aspect of Feng Shui and Chinese astrology, and are suitable for all levels of experience; from complete beginners to established Feng Shui consultants and practitioners, teachers of Feng Shui, and Masters.