Ding Wu Xing Ju Jue (Determining the Five Elements Configuration)

In the traditional astrological system of Zi Wei Dou Shu, the "Ding Wu Xing Ju Jue" (Setting the Five Elements Bureau) is a crucial component, providing an important foundation for constructing the natal chart and interpreting destiny.

The Five Elements Bureau consists of Water Bureau Two, Wood Bureau Three, Metal Bureau Four, Earth Bureau Five, and Fire Bureau Six. Determining these bureaus is indispensable for subsequent calculations of the positions of Zi Wei Star and other celestial bodies, as well as for a comprehensive analysis of the natal chart.

Theoretical Basis and Conditions for Setting the Five Elements Bureau

Setting the Five Elements Bureau requires certain theoretical conditions. First, it is necessary to identify the Na Yin Five Elements of the sixty-year cycle corresponding to the birth year. For example, Geng Wu and Xin Wei correspond to the roadside earth; Ren Shen and Gui You correspond to the sword-edge metal; Jia Xu and Yi Hai correspond to the mountaintop fire; Geng Zi and Xin Chou correspond to the wall earth; Ren Yin and Gui Mao correspond to the gold leaf; Jia Chen and Yi Si correspond to the Buddha lamp fire; Wu Wu and Ji Wei correspond to the heavenly fire; Geng Shen and Xin You correspond to the pomegranate wood; Ren Xu and Gui Hai correspond to the great sea water, etc. Secondly, one must master the formula for determining the lunar stem from the annual stem, that is, the Five Rats Escaping Method to determine the lunar stem. For instance, when the annual stem is Jia or Ji, the first lunar month starts from Bing Yin, and the twelve lunar stems follow in sequence; for the annual stems of Yi or Geng, the first lunar month starts from Wu Yin; if the annual stem is Bing or Xin, the first lunar month starts from Geng Yin; if the annual stem is Ding or Ren, the first lunar month starts from Ren Yin; for the annual stems of Wu or Gui, the lunar stem starts from Wu Yin, and the twelve stems follow in sequence.

Method Steps for Setting the Five Elements Bureau

• Calculating the Sun's Transition Across the Palaces

First, based on the birth month and day, calculate the solar transition across the palaces. In Zi Wei Dou Shu, the months are recorded starting from the Rain Water energy for the Yin Month, which means starting from the Yin Month to locate the position of the birth month energy. This step determines the starting point of the Five Elements Bureau, which differs from traditional Ba Zi (Eight Characters) astrology that starts from the Beginning of Spring. Zi Wei uses the lunar calendar starting from the first day of the first lunar month, with the months starting from the Rain Water energy corresponding to the Yin Month, which is the Hai Month when the Sun transitions across the palace.

• Matching the Heavenly Stems and Determining the Stems and Branches

Based on the annual stem, use the Five Rats Escaping Method to match the heavenly stems, then count forward to the birth month energy to obtain the corresponding stem and branch. For example, if a person's annual stem is Geng, according to the phrase "Yi Geng's year starts with Wu," start counting from Wu Yin, and find that the Mao Month energy is Xin Mao.

• Determining the Five Elements Bureau

Use the stem and branch obtained in the previous step, match it with the Na Yin of the sixty-year cycle, and derive the corresponding Five Elements. Based on the rule "Water Two, Wood Three, Metal Four, Earth Five, Fire Six," determine the final Five Elements Bureau. In the example above, Geng Yin Xin Mao corresponds to the pine and cypress wood, so the Five Elements belong to wood, corresponding to Wood Bureau Three. Similarly, if the annual stem is Geng, according to the Five Rats Escaping Song, start from Wu Yin and count forward to the birth month energy of Ren Wu Gui Wei, which is willow wood in the sixty-year cycle Na Yin, and also results in Wood Bureau Three according to the rule.

In-depth Understanding of the Ding Wu Xing Ju Jue

The "Ding Wu Xing Ju Jue" embodies the ancient understanding of the relationship between heaven, earth, and humanity, reflecting the idea of unity between heaven and man. From a theoretical perspective, the Five Elements Bureau in Zi Wei astrology represents the twelve energies formed by the Earth's revolution around the Sun and the sixty-year cycle Na Yin Five Elements, constructing a post-heaven human model. Among them, the solar transition across the twelve energies is heaven, and the sixty-year cycle Na Yin Five Elements is humanity. Furthermore, since the number one is considered the innate invisible wisdom, and one, two, water, and fire are one, the Zi Wei Five Elements Bureau starts from two to explore post-heaven affairs. Wood Three represents the beginning of all things, Metal Four signifies the end of post-heaven, Earth Five represents the tangible image, and Fire Six is the manifestation of numbers, all derived from the innate River Diagram principle. The Five Elements Bureau holds significant meaning in astrology, and different Five Elements Bureaus are believed to influence a person's personality traits, destiny trends, and more. For example, Water Bureau Two may suggest a person with rich emotions and flexible thinking; Wood Bureau Three individuals may possess strong vitality and growth potential, showing initiative in careers and other aspects; Metal Bureau Four individuals may have a resolute personality and act decisively; Earth Bureau Five individuals are often seen as stable and reliable; Fire Bureau Six individuals may be enthusiastic and energetic, but sometimes impulsive. However, it is important to note that Zi Wei Dou Shu, as a traditional astrological theory, provides more macro, philosophical insights and reflections on life, rather than equating to modern scientific explanations and predictions of life. It is an exploration and interpretation method based on traditional culture and ancient wisdom, offering a unique perspective for self-awareness and understanding of destiny.