Welcome to the Bazi Suanming Lexicon
Bazi Suanming and its Roots in Chronobiology and Climatology
Bazi Suanming is often mistaken for Chinese astrology, yet it is much more than that: it is based on natural rhythms rooted in ancient Chinese calendars. This system analyzes and interprets climatic and cosmic cycles. These calendar cycles reflect the seasonal and climatic conditions that influence human life and development. Bazi Suanming explores these rhythms, revealing their deep interconnection with human physical and psychological development, from birth to the complete life cycle.
The principles of Bazi Suanming are founded on chronobiology and chronopsychology: while chronobiology describes human physical rhythms, chronopsychology examines how these rhythms impact behavior and personality. Thus, Bazi Suanming is an analytical method enabling us to understand and interpret biological and psychological time rhythms within the individual life context.
Ancient Chinese Calendars as a Foundation
The origins of Bazi Suanming lie in early Chinese calendar developments, refined over millennia. These calendars were not merely tools for timekeeping; they were the foundation of Chinese science and philosophy. Ancient scholars studied natural cycles, observing how climatic and cosmic influences (positions of the sun and moon) shape life on Earth. These regular, recurring phases were incorporated into Bazi Suanming to analyze and understand human life rhythms.
The Heavenly Stems (Tian Gan 天干) and Earthly Branches (Di Zhi 地支)—two core elements of the Chinese calendar—play a central role. These allow a detailed classification of time and its influence on human life. Together, the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches form the framework of the “Four Pillars” (Si Zhu 四柱)—the hour, day, month, and year—which in turn create the foundation of Bazi Suanming. Each of these pillars represents specific rhythms and conditions that act as a “day master” (Ri Zhu 日主) in an individual’s life pattern.
Natural Rhythms and Human Development
Humans, from birth, are embedded in natural rhythms that shape their physical and psychological growth. This embedding in cosmic cycles is understood in Bazi Suanming as a continuous influence that shapes behavior and character. Chronobiology describes how the human organism is rooted in these rhythms, while chronopsychology examines how these rhythms impact individual thinking, feeling, and actions.
Bazi Suanming analyzes how different time qualities—from birth to the end of life—influence development and behavior. Time qualities are described through positions in the Four Pillars and through transformational phases that cyclically reoccur throughout a person’s life. These phases are expressed through various patterns that manifest as “personality types.” Each phase, whether it is the “Imperial Radiance,” the “Luck Positioning,” or the “Crown and Belt,” symbolizes specific qualities and inclinations that guide growth and development.
The Structure and Terminology of Bazi Suanming
To understand Bazi Suanming better, it is helpful to know the essential terms that define this system’s structure. Here are some of the core concepts and their meanings in the context of Bazi Suanming:
- Stable Wealth – Zheng Cai – 正财
- Brotherhood – Bi Jian – 比肩
- Wealth Reduction – Jie Cai – 劫财
- Spirit of Enjoyment – Shi Shen – 食神
- Offending Authority – Shang Guan – 伤官
- Correct Authority – Zheng Guan – 正官
- Partial Authority – Qi Sha – 七杀
- Crooked Seal – Pian Yin – 偏印
- Heavenly Stems – Tian Gan – 天干
- Earthly Branches – Di Zhi – 地支
- Four Pillars – Si Zhu – 四柱
- Day Master – Ri Zhu – 日主
- Monthly Command – Yue Ling – 月令
- Structure Dominant – Ge Ju – 格局
- Personality Types – Ge Xing – 个性
- Fate Palace – Ming Gong – 命宫
- Transformational Phases – Wu Xing – 五行
These terms and concepts reveal that Bazi Suanming is a detailed and complex system, offering a deep understanding of natural rhythms and their influences on humans. Each of these terms has particular significance in Bazi Suanming, describing an aspect of human life shaped by cosmic and climatic influences.
The Importance of Temporal Qualities and Personality Patterns in the Life Cycle
Bazi Suanming views the life cycle as a series of sequential temporal qualities occurring in specific phases that influence behavior and psychological structure. Phases like “Positioning of Luck” or “Weakening” refer to different developmental stages an individual goes through. These phases are neither fixed nor unchanging; they are constantly moving, impacting individual behavior in diverse ways.
These cyclic movements illustrate how closely the human organism is connected to natural rhythms and underscore the importance of recognizing and understanding these rhythms. The chronobiology and chronopsychology of Bazi Suanming demonstrate that a human life can be harmonized with natural rhythms, resulting in balanced behavior.
Bazi Suanming is an art and science deeply rooted in Chinese philosophy. The scientific exploration of these concepts, especially chronobiology and chronopsychology, has been significantly enriched through Manfred Kubny’s work.
Use the knowledge in our Bazi Suanming Lexicon as a valuable guide for your life journey.