The Four Transformations

Overview of the Four Transformations

The Four Transformations (Si Hua) represent the most special and critical change system in Zi Wei Dou Shu astrology, including Hua Lu (Transformation of Prosperity), Hua Quan (Transformation of Power), Hua Ke (Transformation of Wisdom), and Hua Ji (Transformation of Obstacles). They are not independent stars but transformative attributes attached to specific stars, determined by the native's year stem (the Heavenly Stem of the birth year). The Four Transformations can significantly alter the nature of the stars they attach to while having a major impact on the palaces they fall into, serving as the foundation and direct cause for interpreting events.

In Zi Wei Dou Shu, there is a saying: "Palace determines circumstances, Star nature judges fortune, Four Transformations seek turning points, Destiny flow observes changes." The phrase "Four Transformations seek turning points" emphasizes the crucial role of the Four Transformations in chart interpretation, as they are the keys to changes in circumstances and can trigger various fortunate or unfortunate events.

Basic Meanings of the Four Transformations

1. Hua Lu (Transformation of Prosperity)

• Basic Attributes: Wealth, benefits, blessings, abundance
• Main Characteristics: Strongest financial energy, increases blessings, brings good karma
• Positive Influences: Enhances wealth, increases income, benefits health, brings satisfaction
• Negative Influences: Excessive pursuit of material things, may lead to wastefulness

2. Hua Quan (Transformation of Power)

• Basic Attributes: Authority, decisiveness, competition, dominance
• Main Characteristics: Represents authority, control, multiple or amplifying effects
• Positive Influences: Strong leadership, decisive decision-making, career success, competitive strength
• Negative Influences: Overly dominant, autocratic, tense interpersonal relationships

3. Hua Ke (Transformation of Wisdom)

• Basic Attributes: Reputation, knowledge, skill, standardization
• Main Characteristics: Represents talent, wisdom, fame, precision
• Positive Influences: Academic achievement, good reputation, technical expertise, methodical work
• Negative Influences: Excessive pursuit of perfection, lack of flexibility

4. Hua Ji (Transformation of Obstacles)

• Basic Attributes: Hindrances, problems, challenges, variables
• Main Characteristics: Primarily inauspicious, brings resistance, represents difficulties and tests
• Positive Influences: Provides warnings, prompts changes, maintains vigilance
• Negative Influences: Career obstacles, interpersonal conflicts, health issues

Rules for Arranging the Four Transformations

The arrangement of the Four Transformations depends on the Heavenly Stem of the native's birth year, with different stems corresponding to different transformation rules:

| Year Stem | Hua Lu | Hua Quan | Hua Ke | Hua Ji | |-----------|--------|----------|--------|--------| | Jia Year | Lian Zhen | Po Jun | Wu Qu | Tai Yang | | Yi Year | Tian Ji | Tian Liang | Zi Wei | Tai Yin | | Bing Year | Tian Tong | Tian Ji | Wen Chang | Lian Zhen | | Ding Year | Tai Yin | Tian Tong | Tian Ji | Ju Men | | Wu Year | Tan Lang | Tai Yin | You Bi | Tian Ji | | Ji Year | Wu Qu | Tan Lang | Tian Liang | Wen Qu | | Geng Year | Tai Yang | Wu Qu | Tian Fu | Tian Tong | | Xin Year | Ju Men | Tai Yang | Wen Qu | Wen Chang | | Ren Year | Tian Liang | Zi Wei | Zuo Fu | Wu Qu | | Gui Year | Po Jun | Ju Men | Tan Lang | Zi Wei |

For example, a person born in a Jia year will have Lian Zhen star transformed to Hua Lu, Po Jun star transformed to Hua Quan, Wu Qu star transformed to Hua Ke, and Tai Yang star transformed to Hua Ji.

Effects of the Four Transformations in Different Palaces

When the Four Transformations fall into different palaces, they have different effects that are closely related to the inherent nature of these palaces:

Life Palace

• Hua Lu: Deep blessings throughout life, prosperous finances
• Hua Quan: Leadership ability, strong character
• Hua Ke: Intelligence and talent, good reputation
• Hua Ji: Extreme personality, potential health concerns

Wealth Palace

• Hua Lu: Excellent financial fortune, easy accumulation of wealth
• Hua Quan: Good financial management, steady wealth growth
• Hua Ke: Wealth comes from professional skills, stable income
• Hua Ji: Variable financial fortune, prone to financial losses

Career Palace

• Hua Lu: Smooth career, easy to get promoted
• Hua Quan: Real authority in career, likely to hold leadership positions
• Hua Ke: Professional achievements in career, gains recognition
• Hua Ji: Career with many ups and downs, complex workplace relationships

Combination Effects of the Four Transformations

The Four Transformations can form various combinations, producing complex influences:

1. Lu and Quan in the same palace: Wealth and power together, extraordinary achievement
2. Lu and Ke in the same palace: Wealth and reputation combined, stable life
3. Quan and Ke in the same palace: Career with prestige, likely to gain important positions
4. Ji together with Lu, Quan, or Ke: Major ups and downs, success accompanied by challenges

Application of the Four Transformations in Annual Flow

The Four Transformations not only affect the natal chart but also change in the annual flow:

1. Annual Transformations: Determined by the Heavenly Stem of the current year, affecting the year's fortune
2. Major Limit Transformations: Influences during major destiny periods, covering a larger range
3. Minor Limit Transformations: More subtle time period transformation influences

Conclusion

The Four Transformations are the most active and energetic star system in Zi Wei Dou Shu, with far-reaching effects on the chart. Understanding the characteristics and change patterns of the Four Transformations helps to more accurately judge the fortune and misfortune in various aspects of life. In practical application, the Four Transformations need to be considered comprehensively with factors such as palaces, main stars, auxiliary stars, etc., to make a complete chart interpretation.