The Four Pillars System
In Asia, there is a system of astrology that is called the Four Pillars of Destiny, also known as Bazi, that is used in conjunction with feng shui. The most well known part of this Chinese astrology is the twelve zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram (Goat or Sheep), Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig (or Boar). These animals are best known for their year connections. Each year there is a different corresponding Chinese zodiac animal, and they move through in a twelve year cycle. For example, 2021 is the year of the Ox, 2022 is the year of the Tiger, 2023 is the Rabbit, and so on. What most people don’t know is that not only is there an animal connected with the year of your birth, but also the month, day, and hour! That’s why it’s called the “four” pillars, one pillar each for the year, month, day, and hour of your birth. The year is the broadest period of time, therefore the most general. Next is the month, then the day (often called the “daymaster”). The hour is the smallest and most precise, as it covers a two-hour window. Therefore, the hour of your birth is quite personal and can give you insight on your inner emotions. Each animal sign also has a corresponding one of five elements, feng shui bagua area, organ, colors, body part, and more. The list is endless. Four Pillars calculations can assist and inform a feng shui practitioner to evaluate a client’s home and qi (life force energy) in a variety of ways. Some examples include evaluating what energy is supportive in the home based on the natal chart as well as the current astrological period called a “luck cycle”, reviewing five element compatibilities, and of course an astrological forecast.
Chinese Zodiac Sign Hour Chart
As you can see, the twelve animals divide up neatly into two-hour windows. The interesting thing about the hours is that the Rat time is 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., which are the most yin hours of the day, around midnight. On the opposite end is the Horse time, which is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or noonish, considered the most yang hours of the day.
Learning More About Your Chinese Astrology
If this all piques your interest, we recommend you work with a qualified Four Pillars practitioner to get your natal chart reading and forecast. There are also amazing books to research, and you can sign up for a class to really dive deep into this ancient divinatory practice. The Four Pillars of Destiny can help you to learn more about yourself, others, your home, and even the way humans on earth connect to the celestial bodies of the heavens.
