Shitao

The annual pillar is Yi You, and the major luck pillar is Bing Shen, creating a configuration of intense turbulence with the natal chart. The major luck pillar Bing Shen forms a Heavenly and Earthly Clash with the Day Pillar Ren Yin, signaling a major life transformation, indicating severe turmoil in family and environment. Crucially, the major luck heavenly stem Bing Fire (Partial Wealth, representing the father) clashes with the heavenly stems Geng, Ren, and Geng of the Month, Day, and Hour pillars, forming the dangerous pattern of 'Triple Clash on Parental Stars', a strong signal of life-threatening danger for the father. The annual heavenly stem Yi Wood (Hurting Officer) clashes with the Year Pillar's Xin Metal (Proper Seal, representing the mother), also indicating drastic changes in the family environment. The natal chart originally has strong Water and a robust self-element. This year, the energy of the unfavorable Metal and Water elements is extremely strong, exacerbating the problem of uncontrolled Water overflow. With the Blade lacking control from Officers or Killers, danger is fully exposed, ultimately manifesting in the tragedy of family ruin and the father's death.

The annual pillar is Bing Xu. The heavenly stem Bing Fire is Partial Wealth, and the earthly branch Xu Earth is the Seven Kill. For the strong Ren Water Day Master, the Seven Kill (Xu Earth) is inherently favorable, as it can restrain the overly strong Water energy. However, the annual earthly branch Xu and the major luck branch Wei form Wei-Xu Punishment, and the annual heavenly stem Bing Fire clashes with the Day Master Ren Water (Ren-Bing Clash), creating a turbulent Fire-Water dynamic. Most critically, the annual Bing Fire (Partial Wealth) combines with the Year Pillar's heavenly stem Xin Metal (Proper Seal) in Xin-Bing Combination into Water, activating the Seal Star which represents family, elders, and protection. Simultaneously, the annual earthly branch Xu Earth (Seven Kill) forms complex punishment and clash relationships with the earthly branches of the Month, Day, and Hour pillars (Zi, Yin, Si) and the major luck branch (Wei), especially creating a triple clash pattern against the Partial Wealth star (Bing Fire) representing the father. This is typically a strong signal of drastic family change and disaster for elders. Losing his father at a young age and being forced to become a monk corresponds precisely to this imagery. The annual pillar also shows the Hua Gai star, indicating deep affinity with Buddhism/Taoism and art. Becoming a monk was both a cruel twist of fate and aligned with the unique talent and spiritual destiny in his astrological chart.

This year is within the Ji Hai major luck. The major luck heavenly stem Ji Earth (Proper Officer) appears, which is favorable for the chart, indicating the beginning of career development and social recognition. The annual pillar is Ding You. The heavenly stem Ding Fire (Proper Wealth) combines with the Day Master Ren Water, transforming into Food God Wood. The Food God governs talent, art, and creativity; this combination directly activates the artistic talent in the chart. Simultaneously, the major luck earthly branch Hai combines with the Day branch Yin, also transforming into Wood (Food God), further strengthening creative energy. The annual pillar shows the General Star, beneficial for gaining prominence in a specific field. Although the natal chart has strong Water as an unfavorable element, this year sees the activation of Fire (Wealth) and Wood (Food God/Hurting Officer) energy. This marks the initial stage of generating wealth (Fire) through talent (Wood), aligning with the astrological signs of an artistic career beginning.

This year is within the Wu Xu Seven Kill major luck. The major luck heavenly stem Wu Earth (Seven Kill) appears, which is precisely the favorable element needed for the Blade Pattern Day Master, representing a period of career advancement and social status elevation. The annual pillar is Jia Chen. The heavenly stem Jia Wood (Food God) appears, governing the display and expression of talent and skill. Jia Wood (Food God) and Wu Earth (Seven Kill) form the favorable combination of 'Food God controlling the Kill', meaning pressure and challenges (Seven Kill) can be transformed into creative drive and achievements (Food God). Simultaneously, the major luck and annual pillars Wu Xu - Jia Chen form a Heavenly and Earthly Clash, activating the entire chart, signifying a key year for breaking old patterns and achieving breakthroughs. The major luck earthly branch Xu contains the Hua Gai star, which governs artistic talent and deep contemplation. Amidst the turbulent clash of the annual pillar, this star instead stimulated the sedimentation and eruption of artistic inspiration, leading to this representative work with its refined brushwork and progressive conception.

This year is within the Wu Xu Seven Kill major luck. The Seven Kill is favorable, indicating career advancement and changes in social status, a strong signal for pioneering and travel. The annual pillar is Bing Wu. The heavenly stem Bing Fire is the Seasonal Element, bringing vitality and opportunities. The earthly branch Wu Fire forms a Triple Fire Combination with the natal Day branch Yin and the major luck branch Xu. Fire is the Wealth Star, representing nourishment and breakthroughs in art gained through interpersonal collaboration (Triple Combination). The annual pillar forms a Heavenly and Earthly Clash with the Month Pillar Geng Zi, a sign of major life changes, directly triggering the imagery of moving and long-distance travel. Simultaneously, the annual pillar encounters the Heavenly Virtue Nobleman, beneficial for meeting influential people, as exemplified by Mei Qing. The natal chart's Blade Pattern favors seeing Officers and Kills. The combined force of the major luck Seven Kill and the annual Wealth Star propelled him to leave his old place and seek new breakthroughs and kindred spirits on his artistic path.

This year is within the Wu Xu Seven Kill major luck. The Seven Kill is the career star, representing pressure, challenge, and achievement. The annual pillar is Ding Wei. The heavenly stem Ding Fire (Proper Wealth) appears and combines with the Day Master Ren Water (Ren-Ding Combine into Wood). This is 'combining with wealth', meaning talent (Ren Water) and skill (represented by the refinement and artistry of Ding Fire) perfectly merge, allowing recognition and achievement through professional ability. Simultaneously, Ding Fire is also the Seasonal Element, bringing warmth and light to the winter Water, beneficial for artistic inspiration. The major luck earthly branch Xu Earth carries the Hua Gai star, governing artistic, religious, and solitary talent sedimentation, highly compatible with painting Arhat subjects. The annual earthly branch Wei Earth forms a punishment/break relationship with Xu Earth, creating internal pressure, but it also stimulated breakthroughs and innovation in creation, ultimately resulting in this masterpiece comparable to predecessors.

This year marks the beginning of the Bing Shen major luck. The major luck heavenly stem Bing Fire (Partial Wealth) is the Seasonal Favorable Element for the chart, representing the manifestation of opportunities and value. The annual pillar is Geng Shen, which forms 'Yin-Shen Clash' with the Day Pillar Ren Yin. Simultaneously, the major luck earthly branch Shen Metal also clashes with the Day branch Yin Wood, creating a Heavenly and Earthly Clash on the Day Pillar, a pattern of intense change. Although this clash signifies turbulence, it activates the Day branch Yin Wood Food God (talent, skill) and the Year branch Si Fire Partial Wealth (artistic value, social interaction), triggering the Traveling Horse Star, indicating environmental change and travel. The Year branch Si Fire combines with the annual and major luck Shen Metal in Si-Shen Combination into Water, transforming the turbulent Metal into Water (Peer/Competitor). Although Water is an unfavorable element, it enhances social circles and peer influence. Heavenly Official Nobleman and Tai Chi Nobleman gather, beneficial for gaining appreciation and support within cultural circles. This move to Nanjing is precisely the astrological manifestation of the major luck's favorable element appearing, the Day Pillar encountering change-seeking clashes, and nobleman stars becoming prominent, opening a new chapter for his artistic career.

This year, Shi Tao is 43, under the Bing Shen major luck. The major luck heavenly stem Bing Fire (Partial Wealth) appears, representing the Fire element favorable to his chart, signifying the opening of opportunities, fame, and wealth prospects, especially beneficial for contacting the powerful and showcasing talent. The annual pillar is Jia Zi, forming a Shen-Zi Half-Water Combination, which activates the unfavorable Peer/Competitor element but also strengthens social and mobile energy. The major luck earthly branch Shen forms Si-Shen Combine into Water with the Year Pillar and Yin-Shen Clash with the Day Pillar. On one hand, this combination activates the Year Pillar (ancestry, foundation), triggering the Heavenly Official Nobleman, symbolizing opportunities to establish connections with officialdom and the upper echelons. On the other hand, the clash with the Day Pillar (self, marriage palace) brings drastic changes and choices in life circumstances. This audience with the emperor is precisely the result of the combined effect of the realistic opportunities represented by Partial Wealth and the official recognition symbolized by the Heavenly Official Nobleman, marking a significant turn in his life trajectory.

This year is the final year of the Bing Shen major luck. The major luck heavenly stem Bing Fire (Partial Wealth) appears, representing the favorable Wealth Star for the chart, signifying opportunities and noblemen. The annual pillar is Ji Si. The heavenly stem Ji Earth (Proper Officer) appears, directly activating the needed Officer Star (Earth) in the chart, representing career, reputation, and official opportunities. The annual earthly branch Si Fire is Partial Wealth, combining with the major luck earthly branch Shen Metal in Si-Shen Combine into Water. Although this combines into the unfavorable Water element, it activates the Wealth Star and noblemen. The annual pillar's astrological stars Heavenly Virtue Nobleman, Heavenly Virtue, and State Seal gather, a strong signal for gaining official recognition and noble support. However, the Day Pillar Ren Yin, major luck Shen, and annual pillar Si form a Yin-Si-Shen Triple Punishment, indicating internal and external contradictions and changes. The path to seeking an official position was not smooth, requiring breakthroughs amidst opportunities and pressure.

This year, the subject is 49, under the Yi Wei Hurting Officer major luck, with the annual pillar Geng Wu. The astrology shows strong signals of contradiction and change.

First, the annual earthly branch Wu Fire forms a Zi-Wu Clash with the Month and Hour pillars' Zi Water, violently impacting the foundation of the Month Pillar's Peer/Competitor Blade and the Hour Pillar's Hurting Officer. The Month Pillar represents mid-life career and peer environment; this clash signifies动摇 career foundation and major upheavals or competition in relationships (especially peers, friends), leading to the failure of efforts in the capital.

Second, the annual heavenly stem Geng Metal (Partial Seal) combines with the major luck heavenly stem Yi Wood (Hurting Officer) in Yi-Geng Combine into Metal, transforming the Hurting Officer's talent, sharpness into the unfavorable Seal Star. This represents his ideals, talent, and drive being constrained, transformed, or dissolved by invisible forces (e.g., system, rules, elder's will) at a critical moment, leading to the effect of 'Hurting Officer meets Officer', obstructing the path to officialdom.

However, the annual pillar, major luck, and Year Pillar form a Si-Wei-Wu Triple Southern Fire Combination. Fire is his Wealth Star, and the major luck and annual pillar form a Heavenly and Earthly Double Combination (Yi-Geng Combine, Wei-Wu Combine), superficially appearing as a configuration of wealth and officialdom, with opportunities emerging. But this powerful Fire combination Wealth Star, for the Ren Water Day Master against the background of Zi Water's dominance in winter, is the temptation of 'wealth coming to me'. Yet, due to the overall excessive Metal and Water (unfavorable elements), it forms a situation of 'strong self but weak wealth,反而被劫'. It appears prosperous but is actually illusory and difficult to grasp. Ultimately, the power of the unfavorable Metal and Water elements, through clashes and transformations, overwhelmed the opportunities of the favorable Fire and Earth elements, leading to the failure of his northern venture and the shattering of his ideals.

This year, the subject is under the Yi Wei Hurting Officer major luck, with the annual pillar Gui You. The major luck heavenly stem Yi Wood (Hurting Officer) appears, a strong signal for pursuing freedom, breaking constraints, and showcasing talent. The earthly branch Wei Earth is the tomb of the Officer Star and forms Zi-Wei Harm with the Month and Hour pillars' Zi Water Blade. This harm pattern strongly impacts the palace representing old rules, constraints (Officer Star) and inner foundation (Blade), manifesting astrologically as breaking free from the monastic system and identity shackles. The annual earthly branch You Metal is the Proper Seal, half-combining with the Year branch Si Fire, activating the Year Pillar foundation. However, You Metal also 'breaks' with the Month and Hour Zi Water,加剧 internal and environmental conflict. The annual pillar shows the General Star,预示 taking on a more important role in the new environment. Overall, this is the complete release of the Hurting Officer nature, actively 'washing away' the old self and pursuing self-actualization at a key turning point.

This year is within the Yi Wei Hurting Officer major luck, with the annual pillar Ding Chou. The subject is a Ren Water Day Master, strong self favoring Wood, Fire, Earth. The annual heavenly stem Ding Fire (Proper Wealth) appears and combines with the Day Master Ren Water in Ren-Ding Combination, representing the perfect union of talent (Ren Water) and fame/wealth (Ding Wealth); artistic creation can bring reputation and value recognition. The earthly branch Chou Earth (Proper Officer) combines with the Month and Hour pillars' Zi Water in Zi-Chou Combination. The Officer Star being combined means traditional rules (Officer) are transformed by artistic concepts (Food God/Hurting Officer), precisely the opportunity to break conventions and establish a personal style. The annual earthly branch Chou clashes with the major luck earthly branch Wei. Earth grows stronger when clashed; Officer/Kill (Earth) energy increases,恰好 meeting the pattern requirement of his Blade Pattern favoring Officers/Kills. Pressure and motivation coexist,催生出 this highly innovative work. Simultaneously, the annual pillar encounters the Hua Gai star, indicating unique talent is displayed and artistic inspiration flourishes.

This year is within the Jia Wu Food God major luck. The Food God governs talent, art, and expression. The major luck earthly branch Wu Fire is a favorable element, activating the Yin-Wu Half-Fire Combination in the chart. Fire is the Wealth Star, representing works and fame, an excellent period for artistic creation and display. The annual pillar is Geng Chen. The heavenly stem Geng Metal is the Partial Seal. Although an unfavorable element, it forms Food God controlling the Seal with the major luck Jia Wood Food God, meaning talent (Food God) can化解 traditional束缚 (Partial Seal), forming a unique artistic style. The annual earthly branch Chen half-combines with the Month and Hour pillars' Zi Water into a Half-Water Combination. Water is the Peer/Competitor element, strengthening the emotional drive of nostalgia and remembrance (Water governs wisdom, memory), which is the internal motivation for creating hometown-themed works. The annual pillar shows the Heavenly Joy star,主喜庆之事, beneficial for the dissemination and recognition of culture and art.

This year, the subject is 64, entering the Jia Wu major luck (1700-1709). This luck forms a Heavenly and Earthly Clash with the Month Pillar Geng Zi, creating a 'Major Luck Clashes Foundation' pattern, severely动摇 life's foundation, especially impacting the Month Pillar's Zi Water Blade, a strong signal of major health problems. The annual pillar is Yi You. The heavenly stem Yi Wood (Hurting Officer) combines with the Month and Hour pillars' Geng Metal (Partial Seal). Superficially, this is a blending of talent and thought, but实际上 Yi-Geng Combine into Metal, strengthening the power of the unfavorable Metal element. The earthly branch You Metal is the Seal Star, an unfavorable element for the Ren Water Day Master. Gaining strength in the annual pillar further generates and aids the strong Water, causing uncontrolled Water overflow. The original Blade is already strong; the major luck clashes with it, and the annual pillar further generates Water with Metal, like a river breaking its banks. The body's internal energy becomes severely imbalanced, hence health急剧恶化 and精力耗散.