Chinese Astrology
BaZi & Zi Wei Dou Shu
Explore Chinese astrology including BaZi (Four Pillars), the Chinese Zodiac, and Zi Wei Dou Shu (Purple Star Astrology).
Overview
Chinese astrology encompasses several distinct systems developed over millennia in China. The most well-known are BaZi (Four Pillars of Destiny), the 12-animal Chinese Zodiac, and Zi Wei Dou Shu (Purple Star Astrology). Unlike Western and Vedic systems based on planetary positions in the zodiac, Chinese astrology primarily uses the Chinese calendar and the interaction of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements.
BaZi, meaning "eight characters," creates a chart from the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches of your birth year, month, day, and hour. The Heavenly Stems represent the 10 manifestations of Yin-Yang and Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), while the 12 Earthly Branches correspond to the Chinese Zodiac animals. Your "Day Master" (the Stem of the day pillar) is your core identity.
The Five Elements (Wu Xing) form the theoretical foundation. They interact through cycles of production (Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth/ash, Earth produces Metal, Metal collects Water, Water nourishes Wood) and control (Wood parts Earth, Earth dams Water, Water extinguishes Fire, Fire melts Metal, Metal cuts Wood). A balanced chart ideally has harmony among elements.
Historical Background
Chinese astronomy dates back to at least the 14th century BCE (Shang Dynasty), with sophisticated observation of the Sun, Moon, and planets. The 12 Earthly Branches and their animal associations developed during the Han Dynasty (~200 BCE). BaZi as a destiny analysis system was codified during the Tang Dynasty (~618-907 CE).
Zi Wei Dou Shu (Purple Star Astrology) is attributed to the Taoist sage Chen Tuan during the Song Dynasty (~960-1127 CE). It is considered more complex than BaZi, using a 12-palace chart populated with over 100 "stars" (not actual stars but symbolic points) to analyze different life areas.
Today, Chinese astrology remains influential across East Asia. It is commonly used for matchmaking, business decisions, and choosing auspicious dates. Many Chinese families still consult a fortune teller (Suan Ming Shi) before major events. The Chinese New Year is determined by the lunisolar calendar and marks the change of animal year.
Key Features
Four Pillars (BaZi)
Birth year, month, day, hour each form a "pillar" of Heavenly Stem + Earthly Branch, totaling 8 characters.
Five Elements (Wu Xing)
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water interact through production and control cycles, forming the theoretical basis of analysis.
10-Year Luck Pillars
Major life phases that change every 10 years, calculated from the birth month pillar and gender.
Chinese Zodiac
12-year cycle of animal signs (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig).
At a Glance
| Zodiac System | 12-year animal cycle + stems/branches |
| House System | 12 Palaces (Zi Wei Dou Shu) |
| Primary Focus | Destiny, timing, element balance |
| Predictive Methods | Luck Pillars, annual/monthly pillars |
Key Techniques
Day Master Analysis
Determining the strength and type of your Day Master (Heavenly Stem of day pillar) as the center of chart analysis.
Element Balance
Calculating the proportion of each element to identify which are helpful vs. harmful for you.
Luck Pillar Timing
Using the 10-Year Luck Pillars and annual pillars to predict favorable and challenging periods.
Relationship Analysis
Comparing charts for compatibility based on element interactions and animal sign combinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinese astrology?
Chinese astrology refers to several traditional Chinese systems for destiny analysis, including BaZi (Four Pillars), the Chinese Zodiac, and Zi Wei Dou Shu. They are based on the Chinese calendar, Yin-Yang theory, and the Five Elements rather than planetary positions.
What is BaZi?
BaZi (八字), or Four Pillars of Destiny, is a Chinese astrological system that uses your birth year, month, day, and hour to create four "pillars." Each pillar consists of a Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch, totaling eight characters that map your destiny and personality.
What is my Chinese Zodiac animal?
Your Chinese Zodiac animal is determined by your birth year in the lunar calendar cycle. The 12 animals are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is also associated with an element in a 60-year cycle.
How do the Five Elements work in Chinese astrology?
The Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) interact through cycles of production and control. Production: Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth produces Metal, Metal collects Water, Water nourishes Wood. Control: Wood parts Earth, Earth dams Water, Water extinguishes Fire, Fire melts Metal, Metal cuts Wood.
Recommended Sources
- Joey Yap — The Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics
- Joey Yap — BaZi - The Destiny Code
- David Twicken — Classical Chinese Astrology