Ji Xiaolan (纪晓岚)

This year's annual pillar is Ding Mao. The heavenly stem Ding Fire is Rob Wealth, and the earthly branch Mao Wood is the Direct Seal. The key lies in the Mao Wood Direct Seal combining with the Day Pillar Xu Earth and the Major Cycle Xu Earth to form Xu-Mao Combination into Fire. Although the combined Fire is a harmful element, the annual Mao Wood Direct Seal is drawn into the destiny chart, strongly nourishing the Day Master Bing Fire. This signifies that the energy representing knowledge and literary talent is activated and enhanced. Simultaneously, the Major Cycle is Jia Xu. The heavenly stem Jia Wood (Indirect Seal) appears, and the earthly branch Xu Earth is the Eating God, forming a 'Seal Star Sitting on Eating God' combination, which is favorable for showcasing talent and wisdom. The Major Cycle carries the auspicious stars Heavenly Virtue Nobleman, Monthly Virtue Nobleman, and State Seal. The annual pillar also encounters the Tai Chi Nobleman, indicating flourishing virtue, literary fortune, and support from noble persons. The destiny chart itself is a Direct Seal Pattern, which favors the Officer and Killer elements. Although no Officer or Killer directly appears this year, the Seal Star is extremely strong, enabling him to fully display his profound knowledge in the examination and emerge as the top candidate.

His mother's passing this year is reflected in the destiny chart as a strong signal of the Parent Palace being clashed and overcome. The native is in the Jia Xu Major Cycle. The earthly branch Xu Earth of the Major Cycle clashes with the earthly branch Chen Earth of the Year Pillar, directly impacting the foundation of the Parent Palace. This indicates family upheavals and a thin affinity with elders within this ten-year period. The annual pillar is Geng Wu. The heavenly stem Geng Metal is Indirect Wealth (for males, Indirect Wealth represents the father star, also related to the mother), which clashes with the heavenly stems Jia Wood of the Year Pillar and Major Cycle, forming a Jia-Geng Clash. This creates a dangerous pattern of a 'Three-Way Clash with the Parent Star' involving the annual pillar, major cycle, and destiny chart, a strong signal of major calamity for parents. Simultaneously, the earthly branch Wu Fire of the annual pillar is the Blade Star, which clashes with the earthly branch Zi Water of the Hour Pillar. A clashed Blade Star indicates turmoil and injury, intensifying the internal family conflict. The annual Wu Fire also forms a half-combination into a Fire formation with the Xu Earth of the destiny chart and major cycle, strengthening the harmful Fire energy, further draining the power of the Seal Star (Wood) representing the mother. The convergence of multiple inauspicious signs led to the major life change of his mother's passing and the interruption of his career.

This year, Ji Xiaolan was in the Jia Xu Indirect Seal Major Cycle, and the annual pillar was also Jia Xu, forming a 'Year and Major Cycle Coincidence' situation—a major life turning point where fortune and misfortune are amplified. The Day Master Bing Fire in his destiny chart is extremely strong, most favoring Earth, Metal, and Water for balance. The Jia Wood Indirect Seal appears twice in the heavenly stems, representing documents, knowledge, and support from noble persons, directly boosting his literary thoughts and examination luck. The earthly branch Xu Earth of both the major cycle and annual pillar is the Eating God, which can vent the excessive Fire energy to showcase talent. Furthermore, Xu Earth contains Xin Metal Direct Wealth, indicating the Wealth Star gains a footing, representing the attainment of fame and fortune through official channels (the imperial examination). The annual auspicious stars State Seal Nobleman and Hua Gai appear together. The State Seal signifies authority and official recognition; Hua Gai signifies unparalleled literary talent and brilliance, perfectly corresponding to the image of 'entering the Hanlin Academy.' Although the annual pillar clashes with the Parent Palace, indicating family changes, for him personally, it was a glorious moment where his talent and knowledge opened the door to an official career.

This year coincided with the Jia Xu Major Cycle and Jia Xu Annual Pillar, forming a Year and Major Cycle Coincidence, which doubled the auspicious and inauspicious energy of the major cycle. The heavenly stem Jia Wood Indirect Seal of the annual pillar appears, echoing the Jia Wood Indirect Seals in the Year and Hour Pillars of the destiny chart, indicating extremely strong Seal Star energy, which governs academic, documentary, and reputational matters. The earthly branch Xu Earth of both the major cycle and annual pillar is not only a repetition of the Day Pillar Bing Xu but also activates the Eating God in the destiny chart. The Eating God represents talent, skill, and expression. With the blessings of the State Seal Nobleman and Hua Gai Star, his talents in compilation, textual research, and writing received high official recognition, allowing him to hold the position of Chief Compiler within the historiographical system. Although the clashes between Chen-Xu and the conflict between Wei-Xu brought turbulence, the combination of Seal Star and Eating God was precisely the perfect timing to transform profound learning into official achievement.

This year, Ji Xiaolan was in the Yi Hai Major Cycle. The heavenly stem Yi Wood Direct Seal governs documents and reputation. The annual pillar is Geng Chen. The heavenly stem Geng Metal is Indirect Wealth and also the regulating favorable element in his Bazi. The key point is the combination between the major cycle's Yi Wood and the annual pillar's Geng Metal, forming Yi-Geng Combination into Metal. This channels the energy of the Direct Seal towards the Wealth Star, indicating the acquisition of actual authority and status through knowledge and literary fame. The earthly branch Chen Earth of the annual pillar clashes with the Day Pillar Xu Earth, constituting a Heavenly Clash and Earthly Clash of the Day Pillar, a sign of major life changes, corresponding to his assignment to a provincial post and a drastic change in work environment. Simultaneously, the annual heavenly stem Geng Metal, a favorable element, appears. Moreover, the major cycle's earthly branch Hai Water contains Ren Water 7-Killer, indicating a mix of Officer and Killer energies, representing responsibility and pressure, aligning with the duties of an Education Commissioner involving management and evaluation. This year's fortune is a typical manifestation of 'Seal Star combining with Wealth, Officer/Killer put to use', transforming knowledge into an official position.

This year was the final year of the Yi Hai Major Cycle. The heavenly stem Yi Wood (Direct Seal) of the major cycle clashes with the heavenly stem Xin Metal (Direct Wealth) of the Month Pillar, forming a Xin-Yi Clash, which constitutes Wealth-Seal Conflict. This indicates damage to reputation and official position due to wealth (or matters related to relatives). The annual pillar is Yi You. The heavenly stem Yi Wood (Direct Seal) again activates this clash, intensifying disputes. The earthly branch You Metal is Wealth, which harms the Day Branch Xu Earth (Xu-You Harm). Furthermore, the major cycle's Hai Water and the annual pillar's You Metal imply the formation of Xu Earth. Xu is the tomb of Fire, the Day Master Bing Fire's storage. Activating this storage of the harmful Fire-Earth elements symbolizes confinement and hardship. Although the annual You Metal is a favorable element, after interacting with the major cycle and original chart, it instead triggered clashes and conflicts throughout the chart, leading to legal troubles and exile to the frontier.

This year was the final year of the Yi Hai Direct Seal Major Cycle. The heavenly stem Yi Wood Direct Seal of the major cycle appears, enhancing the already strong Indirect Seal power in the destiny chart, indicating that his desire and ability for learning, thinking, and recording reached a peak. The annual pillar is Yi You. The heavenly stem again shows the Direct Seal, forming stacked Seal Stars, indicating active thinking and inspiration. The earthly branch You Metal is Direct Wealth, and it combines with the Year Branch Chen Earth into Metal (Chen-You Combination into Metal), activating the Wealth Star. This represents an opportunity to gain value (Wealth) through writing (Seal). Simultaneously, the annual pillar brings the Heavenly Virtue Nobleman and Tai Chi Nobleman, favorable for encountering extraordinary people and events in adversity to inspire wisdom. The Eating God and Hurt Officer (Earth) in his destiny chart were originally strong, representing talent and desire for expression. Nourished by the Seal Star, he was able to systematically record what he saw and heard (Eating God/Hurt Officer) through writing (Seal), which is precisely the astrological foundation for the creation of 'Notes from the Thatched Abode of Close Observations'.

This year, Ji Xiaolan was in the Bing Zi Major Cycle. The earthly branch Zi Water is the favorable element Direct Officer, representing the return of career and official fortune. The annual pillar is Geng Yin. The heavenly stem Geng Metal is Indirect Wealth and also the regulating favorable element needed in his Bazi. Metal generates Water, giving the Officer Star a source, meaning the court's (Officer Star) favor (Wealth Star) descended. The earthly branch Yin of the annual pillar is the Yi Ma (Traveling Horse), indicating travel, change, and return, corresponding to the image of being recalled to the capital after a distant exile. Simultaneously, the annual Geng Metal clashes with the Year Pillar Jia Wood (Indirect Seal), signifying breaking free from old constraints and the issuance of official documents (Seal Star). Although there is a clash between the major cycle's Bing Fire and the annual pillar's Geng Metal, the overall favorable elements are in place. Moreover, the annual pillar shows the Fu Xing (Lucky Star) Nobleman, enabling him to turn danger into safety, end his hardship, and be reinstated.

This year's annual pillar is Gui Si. The heavenly stem Gui Water Direct Officer appears and combines with the Hour Stem Wu Earth of the destiny chart, forming 'Wu-Gui Combination into Fire'. Although this combination transforms into Fire (a harmful element), the annual heavenly stem Gui Water Direct Officer itself is precisely the Officer Star favored by his Direct Seal Pattern, directly activating his career pattern. The earthly branch Si Fire of the annual pillar contains Geng Metal Indirect Wealth, which is the regulating favorable element Geng Metal gaining footing, representing the manifestation of talent and resources. Simultaneously, the annual auspicious stars converge: Heavenly Officer Nobleman (governs official fortune), Wen Chang (Literary Glory) Nobleman, and Ci Guan (Literary Hall) (govern literary talent), perfectly matching the official authorization, exceptional scholarship, and leadership required to preside over the compilation of a national canon. The major cycle is Bing Zi, with Zi Water Direct Officer as a favorable element. Although it conflicts with the Month Branch Wei Earth, the overall Officer Star power is strengthened, laying the major cycle foundation for undertaking this重任.

This year, Ji Xiaolan was in the Ji Mao Hurt Officer Major Cycle, where the Hurt Officer governs talent display and authority changes. The annual pillar is Bing Chen. The heavenly stem Bing Fire is the Companion, and the earthly branch Chen Earth is the Eating God, with Chen also containing the Direct Officer Gui Water. The earthly branch Chen of the annual pillar clashes with his Day Pillar Xu Earth (Chen-Xu Clash), directly agitating his Day Pillar (spouse palace). This clash 'opens the storage', activating both the Xin Metal Direct Wealth and Ding Fire Rob Wealth stored within the Day Branch Xu, representing a significant change in his personal status and authority. Simultaneously, the annual auspicious stars show Jin Yu (Golden Carriage) and Hua Gai. Jin Yu signifies vehicles and noble status; Hua Gai signifies talent and refined nobility, corresponding to his promotion to Minister of War and entry into the national military leadership. The major cycle's earthly branch Mao Wood (Direct Seal) combines with the Day Branch Xu Earth into Fire (Mao-Xu Combination into Fire), enhancing the role of his knowledge and reputation in his official career.

His promotion this year is reflected by the convergence of multiple auspicious signs in his destiny. First, he is in the Ji Mao Hurt Officer Major Cycle. The Hurt Officer represents talent display and authority changes. The earthly branch Mao Wood Direct Seal of the major cycle combines with the Day Pillar Xu Earth into Fire, forming 'Seal Star Combining into the Day Branch', a strong signal of gaining official recognition and an important position. The annual pillar is Ding Si. Although the heavenly stem Ding Fire (Rob Wealth) is a harmful element, the earthly branch Si Fire contains Geng Metal Indirect Wealth, which is the regulating favorable element gaining footing. Moreover, the annual auspicious stars show both the Heavenly Officer Nobleman and Wen Chang (Literary Glory) Nobleman, indicating promotion through noble support and success in literary matters. Overall, the major cycle's Hurt Officer indicates change, the annual noble stars indicate promotion, and the energy of the Direct Seal Pattern in his destiny chart is activated during the major cycle, ultimately finding its ultimate expression in the position of Minister of Rites, overseeing rites and education.

This year, Ji Xiaolan was in the Ji Mao Hurt Officer Major Cycle, with the annual pillar Ding Si. His destiny chart shows an extremely strong Bing Fire Day Master, favoring Metal, Water, and Earth for balance. The earthly branch Mao Wood of the major cycle combines with the Day Branch Xu Earth into Fire, intensifying the already strong Fire tendency in the chart, which is a harmful element. However, the annual heavenly stem Ding Fire Rob Wealth appears, stimulating his competitiveness. The key is that the earthly branch Si Fire of the annual pillar is the Lu (Base) Star of the Day Master Bing Fire, and it carries the Heavenly Officer Nobleman, indicating easily gaining promotion and appreciation from noble persons in the workplace. The heavenly stem Ji Earth Hurt Officer of the major cycle represents talent display and power exercise, corresponding to the shift in responsibility from the Ministry of War (military) to the Censorate (civil supervision). Although the overall Fire dominance is harmful, the annual favorable element Geng Metal (Wealth Star) is hidden within Si, meaning his financial and practical abilities strengthened in a seemingly competitive environment, enabling him to solidly perform his new duties. This transfer was an exercise of Hurt Officer talent within the rules of officialdom (Heavenly Officer Nobleman), a shift from commanding troops to enforcing law.

This year was the final year of Ji Xiaolan's Ji Mao Major Cycle (Hurt Officer Cycle), a time of inherent change during the transition between cycles. The annual pillar Yi Chou forms a Heavenly Clash and Earthly Clash with the Month Pillar Xin Wei, a major turning point in fate, strongly impacting the foundation, health, and internal environment represented by the Month Pillar. The heavenly stem Xin Metal (Direct Wealth) of the Month Pillar is clashed, and the earthly branch Wei Earth (Hurt Officer) is also clashed, shaking the foundation of Wealth and Seal. More critically, the annual earthly branch Chou, together with the Month Branch Wei and Day Branch Xu of the destiny chart, forms the Chou-Wei-Xu Three Punishments. Earth becomes stronger through punishment, severely exacerbating the already excessively hot and dry Fire-Earth imbalance in the chart. The annual heavenly stem Yi Wood (Direct Seal), originally a favorable element, clashes with the major cycle's heavenly stem Ji Earth (Hurt Officer) and also clashes with the Month Stem Xin Metal (Direct Wealth), creating a situation where the Seal Star is constrained and clashed. The Seal Star represents the body, longevity, and protection. Damaged amidst such intense clashes and turmoil, coupled with the extreme lack of Water for regulation in the chart, his life force was ultimately exhausted, and he passed away peacefully.