乙亥 - The Kingfisher Drinks from the Mirror Lake
Author: Sherwin Ng
Date Posted:
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
IT IS SAID that the first step in Chinese Metaphysics begins with BaZi studies. Thru BaZi, the student takes a plunge into the ‘Five Elements’ – 五行，the five phases of Qi. Not only do we need to learn which element produces which; what controls what. We need to know which element produces at the highest volume; which element produces the fastest, the slowest – each of the five elements are unique in their intrinsic nature. Knowing that ‘Metal produces Water’ is too simplistic. Contrary to common belief, Metal does not melt or liquefy to ‘produce water’. Rather, it attracts water thru condensation. Which also mean that too much metal causes water to be confused.
And while Wood igniting Fire is the quickest – wet wood will not be able to produce fire.
Understanding of the Five Elements is a paramount first step as it is indeed the backbone of all Chinese Metaphysical studies, including Feng Shui, Mian Xiang, Yi Jing, and Chinese Medicine. This knowledge is further extended to other methods of divination as well as date selection.
A more advanced BaZi method employs the use of individual ‘Pillar Assessment’. Building upon the BaZi foundation of the Five Elements as well as 10 Gods, an image is used to further understand and appreciate a single BaZi pillar. Like calligraphy, BaZi pillars can be read individually at first, then to be collectively observed as a complete picture. Like a painting of nature, the dip and flow – obscure nuances – tells us the deepest stories.
The first pillar 甲子 (Jia Zi) brings to the mind’s eye a tree by the lake. As a person, we often find them filial, kind, though easily worried. Meeting earth strengthens the foundation of this tree – the person is skilled in wealth management. Meeting with more water uproots it – the person looses his way in life. In divination, deriving this pillar is auspicious – almost synonymous with Purple White’s 1-4. In Date Selection, 甲子 days are often suitable to start something new, especially for those involved in education.
The second pillar 乙丑 (Yi Chou) shares some common ground with its first sibling. Like a sapling growing in the mud, its roots have yet to grow. As such, meeting too much metal will harm its fragile foundation. As a person, they are very intelligent, though potentially Machiavellian. In divination, deriving this pillar is a sign of obstruction, a caution against extremities.
丙寅 (Bing Yin) is an image of the sun rising over a forest, spreading its warmth very gently across the lands. This describes a person who is optimistic, cheerful, generous, though sometimes naďve. Deriving this pillar in divination indicates hope and long-lasting growth.
丁卯 (Ding Mao) is a flame which burns bright and beautiful. As a person, they are kind, gentle, and resourceful. Meeting with too much fire, the person becomes lonely and extreme. Meeting small amounts of earth controls the spread of fire – the person is creative and resourceful in all matters. Deriving this pillar after sunset indicates recognition and fame – deriving this pillar in winter indicates loss of hope.
At the end of the 60 pillars awaits 壬戌 and 癸亥.
壬戌 (Ren Xu)lends the image of a lake high up a rocky mountain – although sometimes lonely this describes a person who is intellectually sharp, calm and collected, and wields power skillfully. Deriving this pillar in divination indicates that opportunity is within grasp.
癸亥 (Gui Hai), an image of clouds over the open blue sea – the ‘Qi flows freely between Heaven and Earth’. As a person, they are intelligent as well as stoic, rarely matched by others in mind and willpower. Meeting with too much water indicates a gathering storm, a sign of a forceful yet fleeting personality. Using this day in Date Selection is normally suitable for travel.
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Exploring in depth each of the 60 pillars consists over two days of the BaZi Mastery Module 4.
A 5-day Master Practitioner program, students can expect to confront the classics head-on – ‘Di Tian Sui’ and ‘Qiong Tong Bao Jian’, as well as other classical BaZi assessment methods like ‘Shen Sha’ (Gods & Killings) and Special Structures (Internal & External). More importantly, multiple case studies will be given during the course of the class to illustrate the application of each method learnt.
Those who pass the optional exam will also earn a Diploma in BaZi Mastery. Those who do exceptionally well will be awarded the Diploma in BaZi Mastery (Distinction).
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