How patterns adjust: main-star patterns and the four axes

Zi Wei Dou Shu has well over a hundred named patterns, and many only count when lucky minor stars, Lu Cun or transformations line up as well. This page keeps only the patterns you can judge from where the fourteen major stars sit, because the calculator reads major stars only; each entry gives its condition and how we turn it into an adjustment on the four axes.

Ji-Yue-Tong-Liang

Condition: All four stars Tian Ji, Tai Yin, Tian Tong and Tian Liang appear within the Life Palace's triangle and opposite palace (Life, Travel, Wealth and Career). This can only happen when the Life Palace is in Yin/Shen, Zi/Wu or Chen/Xu; in Si/Hai the set cannot be completed.

The old texts say "Ji-Yue-Tong-Liang makes a civil servant" (the Ji-Yue-Tong-Liang pattern, named after its four stars), meaning people with this structure are careful thinkers and good planners, suited to working inside an institution as advisers, planners and writers, with a steady career and little appetite for risk. The classics also require Wen Chang or Wen Qu in the triangle; this site only checks the skeleton of all four stars being present. Translated into MBTI, it pushes toward the reserved and orderly: rather than standing out front, they prefer to arrange the process from behind the scenes.

Adjustment: E/I -0.25 (toward Introversion), J/P +0.5 (toward Judging). About 12.9% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: For example Tian Tong + Tian Liang, Tian Ji + Tai Yin, Tian Ji + Tian Liang.

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Ji-Yue-Tong-Liang in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Zi Wei and Tian Fu together

Condition: Zi Wei and Tian Fu together in the Life Palace, which only occurs in Yin or Shen.

Two of the "leaders among the major stars" share the Life Palace. The old texts describe this as steady, dignified and well blessed, but also stress that it needs support such as Zuo Fu and You Bi to reach its potential. In personality terms it combines preserving with leading: wanting to steer, and wanting to protect the family base as well. This site adds a little on both the Sensing and Judging ends, reflecting that it is more practical and more order-minded than Zi Wei in general.

Adjustment: N/S -0.25 (toward Sensing), J/P +0.25 (toward Judging). About 1.5% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Zi Wei + Tian Fu.

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Zi Wei and Tian Fu together in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Fu and Xiang attending

Condition: Tian Fu in the Career Palace and Tian Xiang in the Wealth Palace, facing the Life Palace from the triangle, with neither star in the Life Palace itself. The Complete Book ranks it highest when the Life Palace is in Yin or Shen; a narrow version also requires an empty Life Palace, but this site uses the common broad version.

In Fu-Xiang Chao Yuan (the Treasury and the Minister paying court), Tian Fu is the storehouse and Tian Xiang the seal; these two stars of order and human warmth meet the Life Palace through the triangle. The old texts describe people who never lack food or clothing, have a strong human touch and close ties with family and friends. On the four axes, it pushes a little further toward the practical, considerate and orderly. The pattern often appears with Lian Zhen in Yin/Shen, Zi Wei in Zi/Wu or Wu Qu in Chen/Xu in the Life Palace, and in some charts with an empty Life Palace.

Adjustment: N/S -0.25 (toward Sensing), T/F -0.25 (toward Feeling), J/P +0.25 (toward Judging). About 8.4% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: For example Lian Zhen alone (opposite Tan Lang), Zi Wei alone (opposite Tan Lang), Wu Qu alone (opposite Tan Lang).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Fu and Xiang attending in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Qi Sha facing the Dipper

Condition: Qi Sha alone in the Life Palace in Zi, Wu, Yin or Shen. Following the classical names, Qi Sha in Wu or Shen is called Chao Dou (facing the Dipper) and in Zi or Yin Yang Dou (looking up to the Dipper); one school accepts only Yin and Shen (with Zi Wei + Tian Fu opposite). This site accepts all four.

The old texts say "Qi Sha in Yin, Shen, Zi or Wu brings rank and prosperity all one's life", describing Qi Sha in these positions as strategic and willing to take responsibility, its drive held in check by discipline. Qi Sha usually leans toward improvising, so this site adds points only on the Judging end, indicating that Qi Sha in these positions is better at thinking things through before acting.

Adjustment: J/P +0.5 (toward Judging). About 2.9% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Qi Sha alone (opposite Zi Wei + Tian Fu), Qi Sha alone (opposite Wu Qu + Tian Fu).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Qi Sha facing the Dipper in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Heroic star at court

Condition: Lian Zhen in the Life Palace: alone in Shen is accepted by every school; alone in Yin is the modern consensus; the Complete Book itself says “Lian Zhen in Shen or Wei”, and in Wei Lian Zhen always sits with Qi Sha. This site counts all three. A related name, Xiong Su Qian Yuan, means different things in different schools and is not included.

In Xiong Su Chao Yuan (the heroic star paying court), Lian Zhen is called the "heroic star"; in this position it is competitive, strong on execution, shrewd and socially adept. This site adds a little on both the Extraversion and Thinking ends: more willing to step forward, and more focused on getting things done.

Adjustment: E/I +0.25 (toward Extraversion), T/F +0.25 (toward Thinking). About 2.2% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Lian Zhen alone (opposite Tan Lang) and Lian Zhen + Qi Sha (in Wei).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Heroic star at court in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Jade hidden in stone

Condition: Ju Men alone in the Life Palace in Zi or Wu, with Tian Ji opposite. The old texts add that only people born in a Xin or Gui year fully qualify (a matter of the four transformations); this site only checks the major-star positions.

Shi Zhong Yin Yu (jade hidden in stone) describes talent concealed inside rock: good with words and sharp-minded, yet in no hurry to show it, often only noticed after enduring hardships early in life. It is the only pattern on this site that adjusts just the Extraversion/Introversion axis, pushing toward reserve, because what it describes is precisely "hiding".

Adjustment: E/I -0.5 (toward Introversion). About 1.3% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Ju Men alone (opposite Tian Ji).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Jade hidden in stone in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Bright moon at Heaven’s Gate

Condition: Tai Yin alone in the Life Palace in Hai, with Tian Ji opposite. The old texts say a night-time birth is better.

Hai is one of Tai Yin's brightest positions, which the old texts call Yue Lang Tian Men (the bright moon at Heaven's Gate), describing someone gentle, gifted and delicate. This site pushes a little toward both the Intuition and Feeling ends: a richer imagination and sharper sensitivity to how people feel.

Adjustment: N/S +0.25 (toward Intuition), T/F -0.25 (toward Feeling). About 0.8% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Tai Yin alone (opposite Tian Ji) (in Hai).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Bright moon at Heaven’s Gate in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Sun over Thunder Gate

Condition: Tai Yang + Tian Liang together in the Life Palace in Mao. The old texts say a daytime birth is better; if Wen Chang and Lu Cun are added it becomes another pattern that needs minor stars, Yang Liang Chang Lu, which this site does not include.

Mao is where the sun has just risen, which the old texts call Ri Zhao Lei Men (the sun shining on Thunder Gate), describing someone bright, ambitious and accomplished from a young age. This site adds points only toward Extraversion, reflecting that Tai Yang in this position is more energetic than in other branches and more willing to stand out front.

Adjustment: E/I +0.5 (toward Extraversion). About 0.8% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Tai Yang + Tian Liang (in Mao).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Sun over Thunder Gate in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Golden radiance

Condition: Tai Yang alone in the Life Palace in Wu, with Tian Liang opposite.

Wu is where Tai Yang is at its strongest, which the old texts call Jin Can Guang Hui (golden radiance), describing a strong presence with an air of authority. This site adds a little toward both Extraversion and Judging: a stronger presence, and more used to setting the direction for everyone.

Adjustment: E/I +0.5 (toward Extraversion), J/P +0.25 (toward Judging). About 0.6% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Tai Yang alone (opposite Tian Liang) (in Wu).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Golden radiance in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Pole star facing Li

Condition: Zi Wei alone in the Life Palace in Wu, with Tan Lang opposite. The old texts also require no malefic stars in the triangle and opposite palace.

Ji Xiang Li Ming (the ultimate star at the meridian) is one of the few patterns the old texts explicitly say "even without auxiliary stars, still promises no small wealth and status", describing a dignified bearing with the presence of a leader. Zi Wei is far more powerful in Wu than in Zi, and this site adds a little toward both Extraversion and Judging.

Adjustment: E/I +0.25 (toward Extraversion), J/P +0.25 (toward Judging). About 0.9% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Zi Wei alone (opposite Tan Lang) (in Wu).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Pole star facing Li in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Heroic star in its temple

Condition: Po Jun alone in the Life Palace in Zi or Wu, with Lian Zhen + Tian Xiang opposite. The old texts say people born in a Jia or Gui year fare best; this site only checks the major-star positions.

Po Jun is exalted in Zi and Wu, which the old texts call Ying Xing Ru Miao (the heroic star in its temple), describing great boldness, a willingness to take risks and a quick temper, suited to leaving one's original surroundings to strike out. This site adds a little toward both Extraversion and Thinking: more daring to act, and more decisive.

Adjustment: E/I +0.25 (toward Extraversion), T/F +0.25 (toward Thinking). About 1.4% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Po Jun alone (opposite Lian Zhen + Tian Xiang).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Heroic star in its temple in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Longevity star in its temple

Condition: Tian Liang alone in the Life Palace in Wu, with Tai Yang opposite. One school also includes Zi as a basic condition; the mainstream accepts only Wu.

The Longevity Star is Tian Liang's traditional title in the old texts, which is where the name Shou Xing Ru Miao (the Longevity Star in its temple) comes from; the personality description is upright, steady and principled, valuing reputation over profit. This site takes only that part, adding a little toward both Thinking and Judging: principled, and respectful of rules.

Adjustment: T/F +0.25 (toward Thinking), J/P +0.25 (toward Judging). About 0.9% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Tian Liang alone (opposite Tai Yang) (in Wu).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Longevity star in its temple in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Ju Men and Tai Yang together

Condition: Tai Yang + Ju Men together in the Life Palace in Yin or Shen; the old texts rank Yin higher and Shen second. The variant where Ju Men and Tai Yang "shine in" from the opposite palace (an empty Yin or Shen Life Palace facing them) has only a single source, and this site does not include it.

In Ju Ri Tong Gong (the Great Gate and the Sun in one palace), Ju Men's eloquence meets Tai Yang's light. The old texts describe fame outweighing fortune and a fit for standing before the public, with both standing and persuasiveness. This site adds a little toward both Extraversion and Thinking.

Adjustment: E/I +0.25 (toward Extraversion), T/F +0.25 (toward Thinking). About 1.3% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Tai Yang + Ju Men.

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Ju Men and Tai Yang together in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Benevolent shelter

Condition: Tian Ji + Tian Liang together in the Life Palace in Chen or Xu, also called Shan Yin Chao Gang (benevolent shelter at court).

The old texts describe Ji Liang Jia Hui (the Strategist and the Elder meeting) as the adviser type: good at planning and analysis, fond of discussing theory, strategic, and gentle at heart. This site adds a little toward both Intuition and Thinking, reflecting its particular love of reasoning things through and making arguments.

Adjustment: N/S +0.25 (toward Intuition), T/F +0.25 (toward Thinking). About 1.4% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Tian Ji + Tian Liang.

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Benevolent shelter in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Ji and Ju in Mao

Condition: Tian Ji + Ju Men together in the Life Palace in Mao. The Complete Book says “Ju Men and Tian Ji in You, even with a favorable transformation, bring wealth and rank that do not last”, and common editions take this to mean You does not form the pattern; later writers also accept both Mao and You. This site accepts only Mao.

The old texts describe Ji Ju Tong Lin (the Strategist and the Great Gate together) as clever, widely learned and a good debater, while warning of a tendency to overrate one's own talent. This site adds a little toward both Intuition and Thinking.

Adjustment: N/S +0.25 (toward Intuition), T/F +0.25 (toward Thinking). About 1.0% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Tian Ji + Ju Men (in Mao).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Ji and Ju in Mao in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Zi Wei and Qi Sha together

Condition: Zi Wei + Qi Sha together in the Life Palace, which only occurs in Si or Hai, with Tian Fu opposite. The often-heard phrase Hua Sha Wei Quan (turning ferocity into authority) is, according to most sources, only valid with Lu or auspicious transformations present, so this site doesn't use it.

Zi Sha Tong Gong (the Emperor and the Marshal in one palace): calm on the outside, strong-willed inside, clear-cut in love and hate, with a desire for control and the ability to give orders. This site adds a little toward both Thinking and Judging: quick to decide, and wanting things to go according to their own arrangements.

Adjustment: T/F +0.25 (toward Thinking), J/P +0.25 (toward Judging). About 1.3% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Zi Wei + Qi Sha.

Tan Lang and Wu Qu together

Condition: Two forms: Wu Qu + Tan Lang together in the Life Palace in Chou or Wei; or one of Wu Qu and Tan Lang alone in a Chen or Xu Life Palace with the other opposite. The latter overlaps with Jiang Xing De Di (the general star in a favorable position, Wu Qu alone in Chen or Xu), and this site counts them together once.

For Tan Wu Tong Xing (the Wolf and the General travelling together), the old texts say "Wu Qu and Tan Lang do not prosper in youth", describing hard work first and a gradual turn for the better after thirty, with scholarship, the military or business all possible paths. In personality terms it means endurance and a willingness to build up over time. This site adds a little toward both Sensing and Judging.

Adjustment: N/S -0.25 (toward Sensing), J/P +0.25 (toward Judging). About 4.3% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Wu Qu + Tan Lang, Wu Qu alone (opposite Tan Lang), Tan Lang alone (opposite Wu Qu).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Tan Lang and Wu Qu together in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Clear water, osmanthus blossom

Condition: Tian Tong + Tai Yin together in the Life Palace in Zi (Tai Yin in Zi always shares the palace with Tian Tong). The source is the Taiwei Fu line “Tai Yin in Zi is called clear water and osmanthus blossom”. Yue Sheng Cang Hai (the moon rising over the sea) is often treated as the same thing, but in the Complete Book it means Tai Yin in Zi in the Property Palace, a different condition, so we keep them apart.

The old texts describe Shui Cheng Gui E (clear water and osmanthus blossom) as refined and elegant, well educated, with "the talent for a pure, important post". This site adds a little toward both Introversion and Intuition: quiet, delicate and a deep thinker.

Adjustment: E/I -0.25 (toward Introversion), N/S +0.25 (toward Intuition). About 0.7% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Tian Tong + Tai Yin (in Zi).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Clear water, osmanthus blossom in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Pearl rising from the sea

Condition: The Life Palace is in Wei with no major star, and the opposite palace in Chou holds Tian Tong + Ju Men. Tai Yang + Tian Liang must then be in Mao and Tai Yin in Hai, so the Sun and Moon shine on the Life Palace from the triangle. The old texts add a year-stem condition; this site only checks the structure.

Ming Zhu Chu Hai (a bright pearl emerging from the sea) is a pattern that itself requires an empty Life Palace, so it isn't judged by borrowing stars. The old texts describe good prospects for recognition and success, and an advantage in building a life away from one's hometown. This site adds a little toward Intuition only, taking the sense of the Sun and Moon shining in as "a bright, clear mind".

Adjustment: N/S +0.25 (toward Intuition). About 0.9% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Charts with an empty Life Palace that borrow Tian Tong + Ju Men (in Wei).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Pearl rising from the sea in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Sun and Moon both bright

Condition: Tai Yang and Tai Yin are both in the Life Palace’s four directions, and both are exalted or strong. The Complete Book gives three forms: “Sun in Si, Moon in You, Life Palace in Chou” (Tian Liang in Chou), “Sun in Mao, Moon in Hai, Life Palace in Wei”, and “Sun in Chen, Moon in Xu, shining together”. The second is the same chart as Ming Zhu Chu Hai, so when a chart counts as Ming Zhu Chu Hai we do not count it again here. A form found in common editions (empty Life Palace in Wu, Tai Yang + Ju Men in Yin, Tian Tong + Tai Yin in Zi) also falls within the condition above.

The old texts describe Ri Yue Bing Ming (Sun and Moon shining together) as studious, lucky in exams and open-hearted. This site adds a little toward both Intuition and Judging: a love of learning, with method to match.

Adjustment: N/S +0.25 (toward Intuition), J/P +0.25 (toward Judging). About 6.5% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: For example Tian Liang alone (opposite Tian Ji) (in Chou), Tai Yang alone (opposite Tai Yin) (in Chen), Tai Yin alone (opposite Tai Yang) (in Xu) and Tai Yang + Tian Liang (in Mao).

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Sun and Moon both bright in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Sun and Moon turned away

Condition: Strict form: Tai Yang alone in Xu with Tai Yin opposite in Chen, or Tai Yin alone in Chen with Tai Yang opposite in Xu, both lights in dim positions. Broad form: Tai Yang and Tai Yin both in the Life Palace’s four directions, and both fallen or weak.

The old texts list Ri Yue Fan Bei (Sun and Moon turned away) as a pattern of hardship, saying there is less support from elders early on and one must go out and fight for oneself; modern readings mostly stress that success comes after the trials, and that such people are especially understanding of others' difficulties. This site adds a little toward both reserve and Feeling.

Adjustment: E/I -0.25 (toward Introversion), T/F -0.25 (toward Feeling). About 3.9% of sample charts have this pattern. Related star groups: Tai Yang alone (opposite Tai Yin) (in Xu), Tai Yin alone (opposite Tai Yang) (in Chen); in the broad form also Tai Yang alone (opposite Ju Men) (in Hai) and others.

For the full conditions, the classical wording and what lucky and unlucky stars add, see Sun and Moon turned away in our Zi Wei patterns section.

Patterns we left out

The much-cited Sha-Po-Lang group (Qi Sha, Po Jun, Tan Lang) is not included as an adjustment either: when the Life Palace holds any one of Qi Sha, Po Jun or Tan Lang, the other two are always in the Wealth and Career Palaces, so all three stars are already fully scored at the star-system level, and adding points for the pattern would count them twice. Other patterns that need minor stars, Lu Cun, malefic stars or the four transformations to form are not included in this round: for example, Jun Chen Qing Hui (the ruler and ministers meeting) needs auspicious stars such as Zuo Fu and You Bi, Yang Liang Chang Lu needs Wen Chang and Lu Cun, and Ma Tou Dai Jian (the arrow on the horse's head) needs Qing Yang. Ri Yue Jia Ming (Sun and Moon flanking the Life Palace) and Zi Fu Jia Ming (Zi Wei and Tian Fu flanking the Life Palace) only look at major stars, but the old texts focus on outside help and support from benefactors rather than on personality, so they are not used as adjustments. For Tian Fu Chao Yuan (Lian Zhen + Tian Fu in Xu), schools disagree considerably on whether Chen counts, so it is left out for now. When the Life Palace is empty, this site does not borrow stars to fit a pattern (for example, counting a borrowed Qi Sha as Qi Sha Chao Dou), because no reliable source supports that practice.

For every pattern in full, including those that need minor stars, transformations or unlucky stars, see Zi Wei patterns; for Sha-Po-Lang see Sha-Po-Lang.