How to read the chart

Elements of personality

You may have noticed the Four Pillars over the chart. Your birthday is represented (reading from left to right: Hour, Day, Month & Year) in a special form consisting of a STEM (numbered from 1 to 10) and a BRANCH (numerals from I to XII).

To each of these STEM/BRANCH combinations (there are six altogether) are attached three Elements. Since there are five different Elements and the total number of occurrences in the chart is twelve, the Elements can never be equally represented. Ratings of two or three, however, are ideal, as an even proportion of the Five Elements indicates a well-balanced and fruitful life.

When there is a rating of two, it is usual for some other Element to have a very high, positive rating. Such imbalances can be countered, however, by striving to develop the recessive qualities of one's character. A rating of four shows where strengths lie, and where success is likely to be found. If a rating is above four, care must be taken not to allow this elemental quality to become overbearing. If not channelled correctly, this potential strength could turn into obsession, unyielding ambition or self-indulgence.

WOOD

represents the creative and caring side of the personality. It is concerned with well-being, as well as love and family matters.

FIRE

symbolises intelligence and enthusiasm, and is concerned with decision making.

EARTH

reveals practicality and reliability. It also signals the ability to pursue a project to its conclusion as well as being a sign of a good physical constitution.

METAL

represents both money and conflicts, showing competitiveness and business acumen. It concerns financial security.

WATER

symbolises communication, whether in words, writing, or travelling. It may also indicate legal matters.

The life cycle chart

According to Chinese astrology, the life span is divided into twelve distinct phases (from conception to burial) known as the "Life-Cycle Palaces". These represent significant stages in life and career, and are as follows:-

VIII	Conception	I	Adolescence	IV	Retirement
IX	Babyhood	I	Kuan Tai	V	Decline
X	Infancy	II	Adulthood	VI	Final Years
XI	Childhood	III	Maturity	VII	Burial

NB! Kuan Tai (Matriculation) is considered to be the zenith of the chart, and occurs roughly at the age of twenty-one.

The varying importance of the twelve stages in life depends on the impact of Five Forces known as Fate, Seal, Official, Wealth, and Opportunity. The Four Pillars dictate which Forces are assigned to each of the stages.

Each Force reaches a zenith at different times in life (represented by the boxes on a "Life-Cycle Chart") but will actually have some effect on more than one of the twelve phases. To determine the relevance of these Forces, two factors must be considered:

1. The rating of the associated Element will indicate how strong the actual Force is. (If the rating is one, or zero, then it can be virtually ignored).
2. The nature of the Element also gives an indication of the manner in which the Force can be expected to materialise.

The Fate determines the relative positions of the other four Forces and is thus the key to the Life-Cycle Chart. It indicates the moment when the direction of life is settled: a stroke of fortune, or a tragedy, the scale and nature of the change being indicated by the rating of the associated Element.

The Seal represents family and general happiness. At the end of life, it reveals a contented retirement without regrets. At the beginning, it compensates if other forces are weak; and, whenever it occurs, a strong Seal indicates good health and a happy family life.

The Wealth represents riches and material rewards. If it appears around the "Kuan Tai" Palace and its associated Element has a high rating, then the querent is destined to become rich (please get in touch with the author!!). If the Wealth appears at "Conception", this suggests a prosperous start rather than a life in which money will be earned. Alternatively, an individual whose wealth is indicated at "Burial" could be destined to make money without being able to enjoy the benefits.

Opportunity offers that unexpected chance which proverbially only knocks once. It differs from Fate in that is in no sense inevitable, but is entirely dependent on what is made of it. For this reason, it is obviously better for Opportunity to be present during early adulthood. If it appears in infancy, then this indicates the continuation of a strong family tradition; if at the end of life, the chance may be passed on to descendants.

The Official is a rather more abstruse concept, a legacy from the days when China was ruled by the Mandarins and promotion to office depended on the 'Official' examinations. Today, however, it can be taken to meaning all things to do with public office, closely linked with success in examinations, or other 'establishment' spheres, such as politics. Coming at the zenith of the Life-Cycle, at the age of twenty-one, it indicates the promise of a particularly successful career. In infancy, it reveals a natural talent; or at the close of life, the promise of public recognition, or even honours.