Su Shi (苏轼)
Su Shi (1037–1101), Song dynasty poet-statesman, master of poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting.
BaZi Chart
Birth Time Verification
Core Analysis
Su Shi's day pillar is 癸亥: a 癸日主 rooted in 亥 with supporting water from 子 and hidden stems in 丑. The chart shows a mixed pattern of expression and learning—notably 伤官 and 印 coexist, forming a classical 伤官配印 creative-combination that favors literary output and intellectual independence.
The presence of 甲寅 (hour) emphasizes 伤官 energy—public expression, literary talent and outspoken critique—while 辛丑 (month) supplies 偏印/印绶, indicating deep learning, scholarship and resilience under pressure. 丙子 (year) and later 丙午/丁未 luck phases bring 正财/偏财 influences that connect Su Shi to administrative duties and social responsibility, explaining his alternating promotion and demotion in office.
Viewed through 大运: the 甲辰 (1064–1073) and 乙巳 (1074–1083) phases intensified 伤官/食神 expression—periods when Su Shi was outspoken and highly creative, coinciding with political conflicts and masterpieces such as the Red Cliff compositions. The 丙午 (1084–1093) and 丁未 (1094–1103) financial-leaning cycles correspond to his local governance, public works (like Su Causeway) and later exiles. The chart therefore coherently links temperament, talent and the timing of life events.
In summary, Su Shi's Bazi shows a dominant water daymaster (癸) energized by 伤官 for creativity and sheltered by 印 for learning; this mix produces a brilliant, outspoken scholar-official whose talents naturally led to both acclaim and political friction.
Traits
Creativity & Expression
High creativity indicated by strong 伤官 (甲寅 hour and influence across the chart) paired with 印 support; explains literary genius and prolific output.
Learning & Scholarship
Excellent scholarly foundation because of 偏印/印绶 in the month pillar (辛丑) and hidden stems, providing memory, study aptitude and cultural depth.
Public Influence & Administration
Notable administrative skill and social service inclination shown by 正财/偏财 interactions (丙子 year and later 丙午/丁未 大运), supporting civic projects and leadership.
Political Prudence
Lower score due to outspoken 伤官 tendency that clashes with authority; chart shows gifts for critique but vulnerability in political maneuvering.
Timeline
Romantic Signals as Red Luan Moves; A Talented Qing Shen Woman Joins Su's Household
Su Shi marries Wang Fangzhi's daughter Wang Fu, a bright and virtuous woman who becomes his first major partner and soulmate.
Golden List Triumph; The Literary Star Shines in the Capital
Su Shi and his brother Su Zhe travel to the capital for the metropolitan exam. His essay 'On Punishments and Rewards for Loyalty and Uprightness' earns praise from chief examiner Ouyang Xiu, and he passes the jinshi degree (second class), making his name in the capital and launching a distinguished career in public service and literature.
Cold Spring Sorrow; Mourning for Three Years
Mother Chen passes away; Su Shi returns home according to propriety and begins a three-year period of mourning.
Virtuous and Upright, The Century's Best
Entered the imperial examination for virtuous and forthright counsel, and with outstanding talent and insight stood out in fierce competition, ranking third and being hailed as 'The Century's Best'. He was appointed as a Grand Administrative Official and as a signing clerk for Fengxiang Prefecture, thus officially entering the official career.
Father's Death, Return to Shu, Cloaked by the Noble Star, Observing Filial Piety
With his father Su Xun's death, Su Shi and his brother Su Zhe escorted the coffin back to Shu and observed three years of mourning for their father in their homeland.
Direct Remonstrance for Reform, Sharp Edge Emerges
After the mourning period, he returned to the capital to serve as a Judge in the Court and as an Assistant Clerk in the Ministry of Rites. Because he publicly opposed Wang Anshi's reform of the imperial examination system, he clashes with those in power and is marginalized.
Posted to Hangzhou: Turning Retreat into Progress
Due to court factional strife, he proactively requested a reassignment and was appointed Hangzhou Circuit Magistrate, beginning a new chapter in his local governance. Although it was a demotion, it kept him away from the political whirlpool.
Literary Inquisition Erupts; Wutai Peril
Because of his writings, he was impeached by the Censorate and arrested under the 'Wutai Poem Case,' transported to the capital and spent over a hundred days in prison, nearly losing his life.
Literary Inquisition: Exiled to Huangzhou Begins
Because of the Wutai Poem Case, he was demoted to Huangzhou as deputy commander of the local militia; upon arrival in Huangzhou he stayed at the Dinghui Courtyard, and his political career suffered a major setback.
Toiling on the East Slope, Spirit Reborn
Personally tilled land on Huangzhou's eastern slope, adopting the name 'Dongpo Jushi'. Life was austere, but his inner world underwent great transcendence, marking a transition from a scholar-official to a free-spirited literary figure.
Red Cliffs Moon, Timeless Prose: The Two Rhapsodies Crown the Literary Peak
In his midlife, Su Shi visited Huangzhou's Red Cliffs twice, writing 'Before the Red Cliffs' and 'After the Red Cliffs'. These epoch-making works not only depict the Red Cliffs' majestic scenery but also probe the philosophy of the universe, life, and time, becoming the pinnacle of his literary creation and securing his immortal status in Chinese literary history.
Imperial Decree: Transfer to Ruzhou; On the Way, Seeks to Settle in Changzhou
Under imperial order, he moved from Huangzhou as deputy militia commander to Ruzhou as deputy militia commander. Although a lateral transfer, on the way he petitioned the court to settle in Changzhou, and was ultimately approved.
West Lake Embankment Construction, A Legacy for the Ages
As a scholar of the Longtu Pavilion, he is reappointed as the Hangzhou prefect, overseeing the dredging of West Lake and the construction of the Su Causeway, blending water management with public welfare and cityscape—an enduring legend.
First Thaw of Winter, Return North by Imperial Decree
Emperor Huizong ascends the throne and grants a nationwide amnesty. Su Shi is pardoned, reinstated as a Court Gentleman, ending years of exile, and sets out to return north.
FAQ
What does being a 癸 daymaster mean for Su Shi?
How does 伤官 explain his literary talent and political trouble?
Which 大运 periods match Su Shi's major life events?
Can Bazi predict both talent and misfortune?
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