Tao Yuanming

This year coincided with the Wu Yin Major Cycle. The Yin Wood in the Earthly Branch of the major cycle is the Seven Killings, and it is also the favorable Wood element flourishing, indicating enhanced self-discipline and sense of responsibility. The major cycle carries the 'Academic Star' deity, signifying an excellent time for systematic learning and building a knowledge base. The yearly pillar is Geng Chen. Although the Heavenly Stem Geng Metal (Eating God) expresses talent, the Earthly Branch Chen Earth is a strong root for the Day Master. Furthermore, it forms a half-water combination with the Zi Water in the year, month, and day pillars. Although Water is the unfavorable element, this combination activates the entire chart, causing his thoughts to blend Confucian and Daoist philosophies. The yearly deities show 'Tai Chi Noble' and 'Hua Gai', indicating exceptional insight, unique talent, and profound understanding of classics and metaphysical principles. His Bazi Day Master Wu Earth is balanced, capable of bearing wealth and official stars, and also expressing talent. During his youth, under the major cycle favorable for the Print Star (Fire) and Official/Killing Stars (Wood), it was the perfect stage for studying, understanding principles, and cultivating his mind.

This year, Tao Yuanming was in the Wu Yin Major Cycle. The Earthly Branch Yin Wood of the major cycle, together with the Hour Pillar Wu Fire and Year Pillar Zi Water, forms a pattern of triple clash against the Parent Stars, a strong signal of life danger for parents. The yearly pillar is Yi You. The Earthly Branch You Metal and the Zi Water in the year, month, and hour pillars form a Zi-You mutual breaking, severely damaging the Proper Wealth Star (Water) representing his father. Although Water (Wealth) is originally the unfavorable element in his chart, being strongly impacted by the major and yearly cycles is like having its foundation destroyed, directly manifesting the life-changing event of his father's death and family decline. The 'Bereavement' deity brought by the major cycle also intensified the sorrow and upheaval of this year.

This year, Tao Yuanming was in the Ji Mao Robbery Wealth Major Cycle, and the yearly pillar was Gui Si. The Earthly Branch Mao Wood of the major cycle is the Proper Official, a favorable element in his Bazi, representing career opportunities and a sense of responsibility. The Heavenly Stem Gui Water (Proper Wealth) of the yearly pillar combines with the Day Master Wu Earth, activating career and financial sources, hence the decision to enter officialdom. The Earthly Branch Si Fire of the yearly pillar is the Partial Print, the root of the seasonal adjustment element Bing Fire. Seasonal adjustment flourishing means there is internal motivation to pursue ideals and stability. However, the major cycle and his natal chart have multiple instances of Zi-Mao mutual punishment, indicating a restrictive and discordant official environment. The yearly Wealth Star combining with the self, while bringing opportunity, also increased the pressure of practical livelihood. This pattern of Official generating Print and Wealth Star combining with self precisely reflects his 'entering office due to poverty' in fate terms. Yet, the internal Print Star (spiritual pursuit) clashing with the external Official Star (rules and constraints) destined his official career to be short-lived.

This year, Tao Yuanming was in the Geng Chen Eating God Major Cycle, and the yearly pillar was Wu Xu. The Heavenly Stem Geng Metal (Eating God) of the major cycle is prominent, indicating active thinking and seeking new development opportunities and modes of expression. The Earthly Branch Xu Earth of the yearly pillar, together with the Day Branch Chen Earth of his natal chart and the major cycle's Chen Earth, forms a Chen-Xu clash. Although this clash shook the foundation of the Spouse Palace and wealth storage, it also intensely activated the Yi Wood (Proper Official) energy stored within the Chen Earth of his chart. The Official Star represents career, official position, and responsibility. Being activated amidst turmoil corresponds to his action of joining a staff and seeking career development. The Heavenly Stem Wu Earth (Companion) of the yearly pillar supports the self, enhancing his initiative and assistance from colleagues. Simultaneously, the yearly deities show State Seal Noble and Heavenly Official Noble, indicating ease in gaining official recognition and noble support, which highly aligns with his experience of joining the powerful Huan Xuan's staff.

This was the Geng Zi yearly pillar, also within the Geng Chen Major Cycle. The Heavenly Stem Geng Metal (Eating God) of the yearly pillar is prominent, representing thought, expression, and a desire for freedom, clashing with the inherent Jia Wood (Seven Killings - official pressure) in his chart. This creates an intense internal conflict between rejection of officialdom and longing for freedom. The Earthly Branches of the major cycle and yearly pillar form a Zi-Chen half-water combination, merging with the already extremely strong Water (Wealth Star) energy in his natal chart, causing the unfavorable Water element to surge overwhelmingly. With excessive Water, Earth is washed away; the Wu Earth Day Master's foundation is unstable, like a boat on stormy seas, hence the imagery of travel hindered by wind and waves. Simultaneously, the major cycle and Day Pillar experience Chen self-punishment, intensifying internal conflict and self-torment, precisely the pain of 'the mind enslaved by the body' that fueled his strong desire for reclusion. Being the Year of the Tai Sui signifies profound change and reflection; this event became a crucial turning point in his life.

This is the Xin Chou yearly pillar. The Heavenly Stem Xin Metal (Hurting Officer) is prominent, indicating change, separation, and emotional fluctuation. The Earthly Branch Chou combines with the branches of the Year and Month pillars (Zi-Chou combination), strongly activating the Year and Month pillars representing the Parent Palace. Especially the Bing-Xin combination in the Month Pillar forms a Heaven-Earth double combination, transforming the Print Star (representing mother) into the unfavorable Water element, a strong signal of his mother's passing. Simultaneously, the yearly branch Chou and the day branch Chen form a Chen-Chou mutual breaking, damaging the Day Pillar foundation and representing turmoil in personal life and inner world. The Geng Chen (Eating God) major cycle originally indicates ease, but encountering the yearly Hurting Officer further ignited his inner sense of alienation from officialdom and desire for freedom, prompting his decision to resign for mourning.

This year was near the end of the Geng Chen Major Cycle, with the yearly pillar Jia Chen. The Heavenly Stem Jia Wood (Seven Killings) of the yearly pillar is prominent. The Seven Killings represent career, power, and responsibility, a favorable element in his chart, and Wood energy flourishes in the yearly pillar, meaning career opportunities appear, with the possibility of taking on important duties and gaining authority. The Earthly Branch Chen self-punishment activates the Day Pillar's Spouse Palace and official storage, indicating internal conflict about officialdom coexisting with external pressure. However, the Zi-Chen half-water combination also strengthens the Wealth Star's power, prompting him to re-enter office for practical livelihood. The Heavenly Stems of the major cycle and yearly pillar clash (Geng-Jia clash), Eating God controlling Killing. Although there is ideological contradiction, his actions ultimately chose to heed the call of the Official/Killing stars (career).

This year is the Yi Si yearly pillar. The Heavenly Stem Yi Wood (Proper Official) is prominent, combining with the Heavenly Stem of the ongoing Geng Chen Major Cycle, forming a 'Yi-Geng combine into Metal'. This is the sign of 'Official coming to combine with me', indicating career opportunities actively seeking him out, making it easy to receive official appointments or promotions. The Earthly Branch Si Fire is the root of the Bing Fire (Partial Print), precisely the seasonal adjustment element 'Bing Fire' flourishing. Fire can warm the chart and generate Earth, bringing motivation and noble support. Simultaneously, the yearly Heavenly Stem Yi Wood is favorable for the Day Master, and the Official Star is prominent, representing responsibility and position, echoing the hidden Proper Official in the Day Branch of his chart, facilitating this official appointment. Although the Earthly Branch Chen Earth of the major cycle self-punishes with the Day Branch Chen Earth, causing internal conflict, the powerful combination of Official and Print in the yearly pillar was sufficient to propel him to take this step.

This year, Tao Yuanming was in the Yi Si yearly pillar. The Heavenly Stem Yi Wood (Proper Official) combines with the Heavenly Stem Geng Metal (Eating God) of the Geng Chen Major Cycle, forming a 'combine Official' sign. This appears to be a year of emerging career opportunities and easy official recognition, but combined with his chart and state of mind, it has a deeper meaning. His Bazi Day Master is Wu Earth, born in the cold winter Zi month. The overall Wealth Star (Water) is extremely strong, making it the unfavorable element. The chart inherently favors Fire (Print Star) to adjust the season and warm the chart, and Wood (Official Star) to regulate Earth and control Water. The yearly Earthly Branch Si Fire is precisely the prosperous ground (Lu God) of his most important seasonal adjustment element Bing Fire, strongly activating his inner longing for stability, warmth, and spiritual belonging. Simultaneously, the major cycle had shifted to the Xin Si Hurting Officer cycle. The Hurting Officer nature inherently represents the ultimate pursuit of freedom, individuality, and spiritual independence, despising official constraints. The yearly 'combine Official' instead became the opportunity for him to see his heart clearly and 'part ways gracefully' with officialdom. The blessings of the Lu God and Literary Star allowed this major life turn to be declared with the eternally illuminating 'Returning Home', completing his transformation from an official to a great poet.

This year, Tao Yuanming was in the Xin Si Major Cycle, and the yearly pillar was Wu Shen. In fate theory, the Si-Shen combination into Water is key. The Earthly Branch Si Fire of the major cycle is originally the seasonal adjustment favorable element, representing home, foundation, and inner peace. However, the yearly Shen Metal comes to combine, Si-Shen combine into Water, and with multiple Earthly Branches in the natal chart (Year Branch Zi, Day Branch Chen), they form a triple Water combination. Water is the most unfavorable element in the chart, representing excessive Wealth Star. The surging Water becomes a disaster. Si Fire being combined away means the Print Star foundation representing home and peace is severely weakened, hence the imagery of home destroyed and foundation shaken. The Heavenly Stem Wu Earth of the yearly pillar is the Companion, representing peers, friends, or personal effort, providing support during the crisis. Therefore, despite the calamity, he could persist in farming and studying, finding shelter after relocating.

This year, Tao Yuanming was in the Ren Wu Partial Wealth Major Cycle, and the yearly pillar Yi Mao had the Proper Official prominent. The Heavenly Stem Yi Wood (Proper Official) of the yearly pillar and the Heavenly Stem Xin Metal (Hurting Officer) of the major cycle form Hurting Officer meeting Official. This combination often indicates literary talent displayed, verbal exchanges, and can also lead to disputes. However, Tao Yuanming's Bazi has a strong self-element, favoring Wood (Official/Killing) and Fire (Print Star). The yearly Yi Wood Proper Official is a favorable element prominent, meaning his learning and character gained recognition and appreciation from the outside world (Official Star). The Earthly Branch Mao Wood and the multiple Zi Water in his chart form Zi-Mao mutual punishment. Although this indicates interpersonal annoyances and internal conflict, it also stimulates his inherent talent and desire for expression. The Earthly Branch Wu Fire (Proper Print) of the major cycle is the seasonal adjustment element, mitigating some of the punishment's harm and bringing inner warmth and stability. Therefore, this year, although he was in complex interpersonal situations (punishment of the Tai Sui), he could, due to his learning and temperament, form a friendship across ages with the equally talented Yan Yanzhi, finding spiritual resonance in poetry, wine, and mutual appreciation.

This year was within the Ren Wu Major Cycle (415-424). The Heavenly Stem Ren Water (Partial Wealth) is the chart's unfavorable element, and the Earthly Branch Wu Fire (Proper Print) is the favorable element. The major cycle and the Month Pillar Bing Zi form a double clash (Bing-Ren clash, Zi-Wu clash), which is the sign of 'clashing the foundation'. This indicates drastic changes in life foundation and living environment, often accompanied by major upheavals in family, country, or career. The yearly pillar is Geng Shen. The Earthly Branch Shen and the Earthly Branches Zi, Chen in the year, month, day, and hour pillars form a triple Water combination, specifically Shen-Zi-Chen triple Water, greatly enhancing the power of the unfavorable Water element (Wealth Star). The Water energy surges overwhelmingly, representing the peak impact of external forces (dynastic change, desire for wealth). The Day Master Wu Earth originally has Companion and Print Star as roots, indicating an inner steadfastness (Fire and Earth are favorable, representing spirit and integrity). Although the Earthly Branch Wu Fire (Proper Print) of the major cycle is clashed, its foundation remains, supporting his 'uprightness without punishment'. Under the impact of the massive tide of the times (strong unfavorable Water), he chose the unique method of using 'Jiazi' to chronicle years, completing a spiritual act of 'independence' and 'steadfastness'. This is precisely the unique manifestation of his Bazi pattern of Wealth Pattern with Print, strong self able to bear under turbulent fortune.

This year is the Jia Zi yearly pillar, which repeats the Year Pillar Jia Zi, indicating the reappearance of old people and events. The Heavenly Stem Jia Wood (Seven Killings) is prominent in the yearly pillar. The Seven Killings, a favorable Official/Killing star for the native, represents pressure and responsibility, and also signifies nobles. Here, the Seven Killings does not indicate danger but transforms into the old friend Yan Yanzhi (then a governor, an official) coming to visit. The Earthly Branch Zi Water of the yearly pillar, although an unfavorable element, forms a half-water combination with the Day Branch Chen Earth, activating the Wealth Star, hence the financial assistance of 'Lord Yan paying for the wine'. The yearly deities show Tai Chi Noble and Fortune Star Noble, indicating fortune reaching the heart, meeting good friends, and the ability to turn danger into safety, bringing comfort and joy to his impoverished later years.

This year, Tao Yuanming was in the Gui Wei Major Cycle, and the yearly pillar was Bing Yin. The Heavenly Stem Gui Water (Proper Wealth) of the major cycle combines with the Day Master Wu Earth, forming 'Wu-Gui combine into Fire'. This is the sign of wealth coming to combine with the self, indicating external wealth and official salary actively seeking him. The Earthly Branch Yin Wood of the yearly pillar is the Seven Killings (Official Star), the favorable Wood element flourishing, enhancing his self-discipline and sense of responsibility. However, his natal chart itself has strong Water as the unfavorable element, and the major cycle also brings strong Water prominent, making excessive Wealth a burden, easily trapped by material concerns. The Heavenly Stem Bing Fire (Partial Print) of the yearly pillar is prominent, representing inner principles, spiritual pursuit, and a noble spirit. Therefore, when the Gui Water Wealth Star (Huan Daoji's invitation and gifts) representing worldly power and wealth came to combine, it was resisted by the Bing Fire Print Star representing spiritual steadfastness and the flourishing Yin Wood Official/Killing (principles and integrity). This is precisely the fate reflection of his rejecting temptation and upholding the resolve of 'not bending the waist for five pecks of rice'.

This year, Tao Yuanming was in the Gui Wei Major Cycle. Wu-Gui combine into Fire, wealth combining with self, originally indicates material entanglements. However, the yearly pillar is Ding Mao, with Ding Fire (Proper Print) prominent, directly clashing with the major cycle's Gui Water Proper Wealth. This is Print Star clashing Wealth, a strong signal of spiritual pursuit completely overpowering worldly desires. Ding Fire Proper Print represents thought, writings, and final destiny. Its energy being activated prompted the ultimate contemplation on the meaning of life and literary expression before death. The Earthly Branch Mao Wood (Proper Official) of the yearly pillar and the Zi Water in the year, month, and hour pillars form Zi-Mao mutual punishment (ungrateful punishment), indicating the body and mind suffering greatly and interpersonal relationships (including with the world and with oneself) facing the ultimate test. This precisely reflects his inner state of reviewing his life and seeing through worldly affairs. Simultaneously, Mao Wood generates Ding Fire, Wood-Fire illumination, his literary talent blossoming with the most brilliant light at life's end.