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Ouyang Xiu

Ouyang Xiu (1007–1072) was a leading Northern Song statesman, historian and literary innovator. Rising from early hardship, he championed the ancient-prose movement, compiled official histories and served at the highest ranks, combining practical governance with enduring cultural influence.

1007-08-06
20:00
Present-day Jiangxi, Song China
#Culture & Media
# literature # statesman # Yi Wood # Bazi # 古文运动

BaZi Chart

Year
Eating God
丁 Ding
未 Wei
Indirect Wealth
Eating God
Peer
Month
Direct Wealth
戊 Wu
申 Shen
Direct Officer
Direct Resource
Direct Wealth
Day
Yuan Male
乙 Yi
卯 Mao
Peer
·
·
Hour
Hurting Officer
丙 Bing
戌 Xu
Direct Wealth
Seven Killings
Eating God
View Full Chart

Birth Time Verification

Estimated birth time is 20:00 (Xu hour). The Day Master is Yi sitting in Mao, with a strong foundation and notable literary talent and independence. The Hour Pillar is Bing-Xu, representing the Hurting Officer, which governs writing, direct speech, and sharpness; when the Hurting Officer encounters the Official, disputes tend to arise. The Mao–Xu clash indicates a life of a variable official career, repeatedly impeached and demoted, yet frequently rising again, which aligns with Ouyang Xiu’s promotion of classical prose, his forthright remonstrance during the Qingli reforms, and his punishment followed by reinstatement. By contrast, using Zhengguan or Zhengyin as the hour pillar would benefit career or study, but it cannot fully explain his strong literary expression, fearless remonstrance, and the recurrent upheavals in the officialdom; thus the Xu hour is the most fitting.

Core Analysis

Ouyang Xiu's natal chart centers on the 乙卯 day pillar: a Yi Wood daymaster rooted in 卯 which gives natural self-support and an active 比肩 influence. The chart shows prominent 食神 and 伤官 influences (notably 年柱 丁未 and 时柱 丙戌), and important 印 factors appearing in later luck (大运 癸卯, 壬寅). This configuration explains a creative, expressive temperament with strong self-will and scholarly favor.

His career arc aligns with the Bazi signals: early hardship but persistent study corresponds to a self-reliant 比肩格局 that drives competitiveness and independent learning. The presence of 食神/伤官 fuels literary talent and expressive ability, matching his reformist essays and prose leadership. Periods of official rise coincide with favorable 印-type luck that protect and validate his reputation as historian and minister.

Conflict and exile episodes reflect competitive clashes in the chart: strong peers and assertive 伤官 energy can provoke court friction and expose vulnerabilities when confronted with political accusation. Late-life withdrawal corresponds with a cycle where controlling influences and exhaustion of active yang energies encourage retreat to writing and teaching.

Overall pattern: a robust 比肩-centered 格局 with vivid 食伤 creativity and intermittent 印的扶持—this combination explains Ouyang Xiu's literary innovation, administrative achievement, and principled retreat.

Traits

1

Leadership

High leadership shown by 比肩 dominance and supportive 印 during key 大运; explains public office and ability to shepherd reforms.

2

Literary Creativity

Exceptional literary output driven by strong 食神/伤官 pattern which favors expression, critique and innovative prose style.

3

Resilience

Early hardship and repeated setbacks reflect a resilient 乙木日主 with enduring 比肩 strength that sustains study and recovery.

4

Political Prudence

Political acumen shaped by cycles of 印 protection and confrontational 伤官 energy; capable of reform but vulnerable to factional scrutiny.

Timeline

1010
Luck Pillar
丁 Ding 未 Wei
Annual Pillar
庚 Geng 戌 Xu
Luck Cycle of the Resource Star Direct Authority Star Appears Heaven-Earth Double Harmony Movement of the Canopy Star
3yrs personal

Enlightenment on Sandy Ground, Literary Talent First Shines

Ouyang Xiu's mother, Lady Zheng, taught the young Ouyang Xiu to read and write by using reed stems to trace characters on sandy ground. This laid a profound literary foundation for him and became the celebrated model of 'Teaching a Child by Drawing in the Sand' passed down through generations.

Analysis
This year coincided with the Luck Cycle of the Resource Star (Ding Wei). The Resource Star governs wisdom, learning, and benevolent elders. The resonance of this luck cycle with the Year Pillar amplified the influence of the early family environment. The Yearly Pillar was Geng Xu. The Heavenly Stem Geng Metal (Direct Authority) appeared. The Authority Star represents reputation, rules, and orthodox education. Its combination with the Day Master Yi Wood (Yi-Geng forms Metal) signifies that external norms and guidance (from mother, teachers) could effectively integrate with the self (Yi Wood), transforming into motivation for growth. The Yearly Branch Xu and the Day Branch Mao form Mao-Xu combination into Fire, constituting a Heaven-Earth Double Harmony. This activated the Day Pillar, indicating a profound connection between the personal foundation (Mao Wood) and the external environment (Xu Earth) this year, marking a crucial period for enlightenment and intellectual awakening. Simultaneously, the Canopy Star in the natal chart and the luck cycle was activated. The Canopy Star signifies intelligence, studiousness, and an affinity for literature, perfectly corresponding to his mother's unique teaching method of using sand as paper and reeds as pens, which unlocked his extraordinary literary talent and brilliance.
1023
Luck Pillar
丙 Bing 午 Wu
Annual Pillar
癸 Gui 亥 Hai
Luck Cycle of the Hurt Officer Mao-Wu Clash Authority Star Restrained
17yrs career

Setback in Suizhou, First Test of Talent

At seventeen, Ouyang Xiu took the provincial-level imperial examination for the first time in Suizhou. He failed because his essay did not conform to the official rhyme scheme, giving him his first bitter taste of failure in the imperial examinations.

Analysis
This year, Ouyang Xiu was in the Luck Cycle of the Hurt Officer (Bing Wu). The Hurt Officer governs talent expression and unconventional thinking, but also rebellion and challenging rules. The Yearly Pillar was Ren Xu. The Heavenly Stem Ren Water (Direct Resource) appeared, which is favorable for study. However, it clashed with the Heavenly Stem of the luck cycle, Bing Fire (Hurt Officer), forming a Bing-Ren clash, a variation of 'Hurt Officer confronting Authority', indicating a fierce conflict between talent and rules. Regarding the Earthly Branches, the luck cycle's Wu Fire and the Day Pillar's Mao Wood formed a Mao-Wu clash, damaging the foundation of the Day Master Yi Wood and hindering the expression of his talent, making it difficult to gain official (Authority Star) recognition. This is the astrological reflection of his failure due to 'the essay not conforming to the official rhyme'—possessing talent but failing to meet official standards.
1026
Luck Pillar
丙 Bing 午 Wu
Annual Pillar
丙 Bing 寅 Yin
Luck Cycle of the Hurt Officer Literary Star Auspice Talent Generates Wealth Authority Star Combined
19yrs career

Tops the Prefectural Exam, Talent Begins to Show

Ouyang Xiu successfully passed the prefectural examination, gained recommendation, and obtained the valuable qualification to participate in the Ministry of Rites examination in the capital, laying the first solid cornerstone for his future official career.

Analysis
This year, Ouyang Xiu was in the Luck Cycle of the Hurt Officer (Bing Wu). The Hurt Officer governs talent, skill, and exam competition. The Earthly Branch of the luck cycle, Wu Fire, is the Literary Star Auspice, greatly benefiting studies and scholarly honors. Although the specific Yearly Pillar is not provided, considering the luck cycle, his Bazi pattern is Talent Generates Wealth, indicating talent can transform into official rank and wealth. The Year Pillar Ding Wei and the Luck Cycle Bing Wu combine into Fire, concentrating the power of talent and resourcefulness, allowing his talent to be fully displayed. Simultaneously, the Month Pillar's Wu Shen (Direct Authority, representing scholarly honors, exams) and the Day Pillar Yi Mao have a hidden combination, meaning the Authority Star (exam opportunity) actively seeks union with him, indicating excellent exam fortune. The convergence of multiple auspicious signs reflects his passing the prefectural exam and achieving a key breakthrough on the imperial examination path.
1029
Luck Pillar
乙 Yi 巳 Si
Annual Pillar
己 Ji 巳 Si
Yearly Pillar Combines with Authority Seasonal Balance Achieved Favorable Elements in Place Noble Chariot Auspice
22yrs career

Wins Dual Top Honors, Literary Star Illuminates the Capital

Recommended by his mentor Xu Yan, Ouyang Xiu participated in the Imperial Academy examinations. He achieved first place in both the Guangwen Hall exam and the Imperial Academy exam, consecutively winning the titles of 'Top Graduate of the Academy' and 'Top Graduate of the Provincial Exam', making his name renowned in the capital and laying a solid foundation of scholarly honors for his future official career.

Analysis
This year Ouyang Xiu was 22, in the Yi Si Luck Cycle, with the Yearly Pillar Ji Si. Astrologically, this was a peak moment for career and scholarly honors. His Bazi Day Master is Yi Wood, born in the Shen month when the Authority Star is in season, inherently possessing nobility. The Yearly Branch Si Fire combines with the Month Branch Shen Metal, forming Shen-Si combination into Water, activating the Direct Authority Star and Direct Resource Star in his chart. Authority and Resource mutually generate, signifying scholarly honors, exam success, and topping the list. The Yearly Stem Ji Earth (Indirect Wealth) appears. Although it is an unfavorable element, it is controlled by the Yi Wood of the luck cycle, turning into a 'wealth comes to me' situation. Furthermore, the Yearly Branch Si Fire is the prosperous location of the Seasonal Balance Element Bing Fire (Hurt Officer), allowing talent to shine brilliantly. Simultaneously, the yearly auspices include the Noble Chariot and Virtuous Talent Auspice, adding further nobility and literary brilliance, foretelling that his literary talent received the highest official recognition, making him famous overnight.
1030
Luck Pillar
乙 Yi 巳 Si
Annual Pillar
庚 Geng 午 Wu
Hurt Officer in Full Bloom Authority Star Activated by Combination Seasonal Balance Effective Noble Chariot Auspice
22yrs career

Literary Star Shines at the Ministry, Wins Top Honors at Once

Ouyang Xiu achieved first place in the Ministry of Rites examination, honorably winning the title of 'Top Graduate of the Ministry'. His exceptional literary talent and brilliance received the highest official recognition, and his fame soared.

Analysis
This year, Ouyang Xiu was in the Yi Si Luck Cycle, with the Yearly Pillar Ji Si. The Yearly Branch Si Fire is the Hurt Officer, representing the ultimate expression of talent and literary brilliance. Si Fire combines with the Month Ruler Shen Metal (Direct Authority), forming 'Hurt Officer combines with Authority', a typical sign of talent gaining official recognition and topping exams. Simultaneously, the Yearly Stem Ji Earth is Indirect Wealth. Although an unfavorable element, it is controlled by the Yi Wood of the luck cycle and Day Master, turning into a 'strong self can bear wealth and authority' situation. The Yearly Branch Si Fire is also the base location of the Seasonal Balance Element Bing Fire, with Fire governing civilization and literary talent. Effective seasonal balance made his thinking agile and writing brilliant. The Noble Chariot auspice in the yearly pillar signifies enhancement of reputation and status. Overall, this was the peak moment of perfect union between talent (Hurt Officer) and scholarly honor (Direct Authority), achieving his glorious victory on the imperial examination path.
1030
Luck Pillar
乙 Yi 巳 Si
Annual Pillar
庚 Geng 午 Wu
Yi-Geng Combines with Authority Triple Fire Combination Literary Star Auspice Direct Authority Appears Seasonal Balance Achieved
23yrs career

Name on the Golden List, Triumphant and Elated

Ouyang Xiu participated in the Palace Examination presided over by Emperor Renzong of Song. With his outstanding talent, he passed with distinction, ranking 14th in the First Class, officially becoming a Jinshi (advanced scholar) and beginning his official career.

Analysis
This year, Ouyang Xiu was in the Yi Si Luck Cycle. The Earthly Branch Si Fire of the luck cycle combines with the Month Pillar Shen Metal (combines with Authority), already laying the foundation for his career. The Yearly Pillar was Geng Wu. The Heavenly Stem Geng Metal (Direct Authority) appears, combining with the Day Master Yi Wood in a Yi-Geng combination, signifying 'Authority comes to combine with me', a strong signal of gaining official recognition and achieving scholarly honors. The Earthly Branch Wu Fire forms a Triple Fire Combination with the Year Branch Wei and the Luck Cycle Branch Si. Fire represents talent and literary brilliance. With talent flourishing, his abilities were expressed to the utmost. The yearly pillar shows the Literary Star Auspice, an auspicious omen for exam success. The favorable elements in his chart are Metal and Water. The Geng Metal Authority Star appearing as a favorable element, and the Seasonal Balance Element Bing Fire (inherent in the luck cycle's Si) also being in place, created a situation of perfect timing, geographical advantage, and human harmony, leading to his successful passing with high honors and fame spreading across the land.
1033
Luck Pillar
乙 Yi 巳 Si
Annual Pillar
癸 Gui 酉 You
Yearly Pillar Clashes with Marriage Palace Bereavement Auspice Yearly Pillar Combines with Spouse Star Direct Officer Clashes and Overpowers
26yrs love

Broken Strings of Matrimony, Beloved Wife Passes Early

Ouyang Xiu's first wife, Lady Xu, fell ill and passed away less than a month after giving birth. This sudden变故 brought him a heavy emotional blow.

Analysis
This year coincided with the Gui You Yearly Pillar. The Yearly Branch You Metal (Direct Officer) and Ouyang Xiu's Day Branch Mao Wood form Mao-You clash. This is 'clashing the Marriage Palace', a strong signal of drastic change or separation in marriage and感情. Simultaneously, the Yearly Stem Gui Water (Indirect Resource) combines with the Month Stem Wu Earth (Direct Wealth) in Wu-Gui combination into Fire. Direct Wealth represents the spouse star; the spouse star being combined also indicates instability in marital缘分. The yearly auspices show 'Bereavement', indicating mourning matters. The luck cycle was Yi Si. Si Fire (Hurt Officer) and the yearly You Metal form a half-combination, intensifying the power of Metal (Officer) to clash and overpower the Day Master's root, Mao Wood. Overall, Direct Officer attacks the self, spouse star combined, Marriage Palace clashed, coupled with the inauspicious Bereavement sign, precisely corresponds to the astrological timing of his wife's early passing, causing severe physical and emotional trauma to the Day Master Yi Wood (Ouyang Xiu).
1034
Luck Pillar
乙 Yi 巳 Si
Annual Pillar
甲 Jia 戌 Xu
Luck Cycle Combines with Authority Star Yearly Pillar Combines Wealth and Authority Seasonal Balance Achieved
27yrs career

Guidance from a Patron, First Step into the Hall of Jade

Recommended by senior official Wang Shu and passing the imperial summons examination, he was appointed as a Collator in the Imperial Library, participating in compiling the national bibliography 'Chongwen Zongmu'. This marked his formal entry into the core circle of the central civil service system.

Analysis
This year marked the start of his career, with multiple favorable astrological indications. Yi Si Luck Cycle (1028-1037): The Earthly Branch Si combines with the Month Pillar Shen (combines into Water), activating the Month Ruler's Direct Authority Star, a signal of a smooth decade in career and easy attainment of fame. The Yearly Pillar was Jia Xu (1034). Xu Earth is Wealth, combining with the Day Branch Mao Wood (combines into Fire), activating the Day Master, Wealth, and Authority. Xu contains Xin Metal (Direct Officer), representing career opportunities and challenges. The Yearly Stem Jia Wood is the Rob Wealth star, indicating peer competition, but the Day Master Yi Wood 'clings to Jia',反而 gaining support. More importantly, the Earthly Branch Si Fire of the luck cycle is where the Seasonal Balance Element Bing Fire is located. It can control the prosperous Metal of the Month Ruler, making the chart's balance of cold, warmth, dryness, and dampness more harmonious. This allowed his talent to be utilized and his mindset to be positive, enabling him to pass the assessment and obtain a prestigious and honorable position.
1036
Luck Pillar
乙 Yi 巳 Si
Annual Pillar
丙 Bing 子 Zi
Hurt Officer Confronts Authority Yearly Pillar Harms the Year Ruler Day Pillar Meets Punishment Traveling Horse Combined
29yrs career

Exiled for Frank Advice, Integrity First Revealed

Because he wrote 'Letter to Imperial Censor Gao' to support Fan Zhongyan's reforms and directly criticized Gao Ruona, he was accused by the court of forming a faction and was demoted to serve as County Magistrate of Yiling.

Analysis
This year saw the convergence of the Yi Si Luck Cycle (Peer Luck) and the Bing Zi Yearly Pillar (Hurt Officer Year). The Yearly Stem Bing Fire (Hurt Officer) appears, combining with the Hour Stem Bing Fire (Hurt Officer) in the natal chart, forming the typical pattern of Hurt Officer confronting Authority. The Hurt Officer represents talent, integrity, and outspokenness; the Direct Authority represents the system, rules, and superiors. Hurt Officer confronting Authority brings disaster, indicating punishment for speech and conflict with authority. The Yearly Branch Zi Water clashes with the Year Branch Wei Earth, harming the Year Ruler, making one prone to暗算 by petty people and合作破裂. Simultaneously, Zi Water also punishes the Day Branch (Marriage Palace) Mao Wood (Mao-Zi punishment), increasing disputes and misfortune. The Earthly Branch of the luck cycle, Si Fire, is the Traveling Horse, combining with the Month Branch Authority Star Shen Metal (Shen-Si combination), indicating much奔波 and变动 in this decade, fulfilled this year by exile to a distant place. The命主 is strong, using the Hurt Officer to express righteous indignation. Although exiled, this precisely demonstrated his scholarly integrity and political ideals.
1043
Luck Pillar
甲 Jia 辰 Chen
Annual Pillar
癸 Gui 未 Wei
Luck Cycle's Triple Water Combination Yearly Pillar's Indirect Resource Appears Yearly Pillar's Heavenly Virtue Auspice Yearly Pillar Combines with Wealth Star
36yrs career

New Star in the Remonstrance Bureau, Joining the Tide of Reform

Recalled to the imperial court, he served as Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices and Remonstrance Official. With great enthusiasm, he投身 into the 'Qingli Reforms' led by Fan Zhongyan, becoming a core member of the reform faction and actively offering advice and strategies.

Analysis
This year coincided with the Jia Chen Luck Cycle. The Earthly Branch Chen combines with the Month Branch Shen and Hour Branch Zi in the natal chart to form a Shen-Zi-Chen Triple Water Combination. Water is the Resource Star (favorable element) for the Day Master Yi Wood, representing powerful support from patrons and ideological共鸣. The Yearly Pillar was Gui Wei. The Heavenly Stem Gui Water (Indirect Resource) appears, directly enhancing the power of the Resource Star, beneficial for learning, strategy, and提升声望. Moreover, Gui Water is the Seasonal Balance element, making his thinking clear and decisions wise. The Yearly Branch Wei Earth is Indirect Wealth, but it combines with the Month Stem Wu Earth in Wu-Gui combination, activating the Wealth Star. With Wealth, Authority, and Resource circulating smoothly, it was a time for career advancement and achieving merit. Simultaneously, the year met the Heavenly Virtue Auspice, receiving无形庇佑, allowing him to gain opportunities in the complex political environment. His chart has a Direct Wealth pattern, with Talent generating Wealth and Wealth generating Authority. Now with the Resource Star greatly flourishing and Authority-Resource mutually generating, it was the peak moment to transform talent and ambition into political influence.
1054
Luck Pillar
癸 Gui 卯 Mao
Annual Pillar
甲 Jia 午 Wu
Luck Cycle of Indirect Resource Yearly Pillar Combines Wealth and Authority Literary Star Auspice
47yrs career

Return to Court After Mourning, Taking Up the Pen to Compile History

After completing the mourning period for his mother, he was recalled to the capital by the court and appointed as an official in charge of evaluating civil officials. Soon after, he was ordered to co-lead, with Song Qi and others, the compilation of the 'New Book of Tang', and independently authored the 'New History of the Five Dynasties', opening a key chapter in his career as a great historian.

Analysis
This year, the命主 was in the Gui Mao Indirect Resource Luck Cycle. The Heavenly Stem Gui Water is a favorable element, with the Seasonal Balance element appearing, indicating增长智慧, talent becoming evident, beneficial for literary affairs and official career. The Yearly Pillar was Jia Wu. The Heavenly Stem Jia Wood is Rob Wealth, the Earthly Branch Wu Fire is the Resource Star. The Yearly Branch Wu Fire combines with the Year Branch Wei Earth, activating the Year Pillar's Resource and Wealth Stars. Moreover, Wu contains Ji Earth (Indirect Wealth), representing gaining court (Authority Star) appreciation and俸禄 (Wealth Star) due to talent (Resource Star). Simultaneously, the yearly Literary Star Auspice appears, an excellent time for study and writing. The combined action of the luck cycle and yearly pillar forms a circulating pattern of Talent generates Wealth, Wealth flourishes and generates Authority, perfectly matching the富贵特质 of his Direct Wealth pattern. Therefore, he could be quickly reinstated after mourning and entrusted with the major cultural project of compiling history.
1057
Luck Pillar
癸 Gui 卯 Mao
Annual Pillar
丁 Ding 酉 You
Indirect Resource Appears Hurt Officer Confronts Authority Base Star and General Star Heavenly Noble Auspice Seasonal Balance Element
49yrs career

Literary Leader Presides Over Examinations, Ancient Prose Movement Secures Dominance

Presiding over the Ministry of Rites examinations, he selected scholars based on ancient prose style, admitting talents like Su Shi, Su Zhe, and Zeng Gong. This single-handedly reversed the prevailing risky, bizarre, and浮华 literary style, laying a solid foundation for the prosperity of Song Dynasty prose.

Analysis
This year was the final year of the Gui Mao Luck Cycle. The Heavenly Stem Gui Water (Indirect Resource) appears, favored by the Day Master Yi Wood, representing wisdom, fame, and patrons. The Yearly Pillar was Bing Shen. The Heavenly Stem Bing Fire (Hurt Officer) appears, echoing the Bing Fire (Hurt Officer) in the Hour Stem. The Hurt Officer governs talent, reform, and expression, perfectly契合 his literary reform initiative. The Yearly Branch Shen Metal (Direct Authority) has a hidden combination with the Day Branch Mao Wood (Mao-Shen hidden combination), forming a 'Hurt Officer confronts Authority' pattern. Although challenging, the circulating pattern of Hurt Officer generates Wealth, Wealth flourishes and generates Authority allowed him to use talent (Hurt Officer) to推动事业 (Authority Star), transforming personal ideals (Resource Star) into actual achievements (Authority Star). Simultaneously, the year met the Heavenly Noble Auspice and Academy auspice, while the luck cycle has the Base Star and General Star. This was the perfect时机 for demonstrating leadership, flourishing literary fortune, and gathering and teaching the world's talented individuals.

FAQ

How does Ouyang Xiu's Yi Wood daymaster explain his personality?
The 乙木日主 rooted in 卯 gives a flexible, upright and growth-oriented nature; combined with strong 比肩, it produces independence, moral conviction and scholarly drive.
Why was he both a literary leader and a political reformer?
The coexistence of 食神/伤官 (literary talent) and supportive 印 in certain 大运 provided creative expression and institutional backing, enabling cultural leadership and government service.
What in his Bazi accounts for periods of exile and accusation?
Assertive 伤官 and peer-competitive 比肩 energies can create friction in court contexts; unfavorable cycles without protective 印 made him exposed to slander and political setbacks.
How did luck cycles (大运) influence his achievements?
Favorable 大运 with 印 elements (e.g., 癸卯, 壬寅) supported scholarship and appointments, while active 食伤 and peer phases drove creative peaks and public engagement.
What lessons does his chart offer for modern readers?
A chart combining 比肩 independence with 食伤 creativity and intermittent 印 support shows how talent plus principled persistence can produce lasting cultural influence despite political risk.

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