Also known as “Authority” or “Leadership,” the Commanding Influence refers to a person’s ability to exercise power and control, as well as their leadership qualities and assertiveness. This trait is often associated with professional success, influence over others, and a strong personality. In conjunction with the Five Elements (Wu Xing) and the 12 Life Phases (also referred to as “Life Cycle Phases” or “Star Phases”), these qualities can manifest with varying intensity depending on the phase.
Effects of the Commanding Influence in Different Phases
- Growth and Prosperity (長生, Chang Sheng)
This phase represents birth and growth. The Commanding Influence begins to strengthen here, and the person displays early signs of leadership potential, ambition, and energy. It is a time of building and developing leadership qualities, as the person’s potential is still unfolding. - Bathing (沐浴, Mu Yu)
This phase symbolizes purification and the transitional period following birth. The Commanding Influence may fluctuate, as the person is not yet fully established. It can be a time of uncertainty, where leadership qualities are tested and not yet clearly defined. - Cap and Belt (冠帶, Guan Dai)
This phase represents coming of age and taking on responsibility. The Commanding Influence reaches a higher level of maturity. The person is ready to assume responsibility and actively embrace their leadership role. Leadership skills become solidified, and the individual positions themselves more effectively in social structures. - Displaying Prosperity (臨官, Lin Guan)
This phase, often interpreted as “Taking Office,” is one of the strongest stages for the Commanding Influence. The person reaches a position of high authority and demonstrates decisive leadership qualities. It is the peak of leadership and influence, where power and control are fully manifested. - Imperial Glow (帝旺, Di Wang)
This phase symbolizes the zenith of power. The Commanding Influence is at its absolute peak. The person enjoys maximum authority and influence. It is a time where leadership skills are pushed to their limits, and the person is capable of making significant decisions and dominating their environment. - Decline (衰, Shuai)
After the peak of power, the Commanding Influence begins to gradually decrease. This is a phase of weakening, where the person may no longer exercise their authority and control as strongly. Leadership qualities are still present, but their assertiveness is diminishing. - Sickness (病, Bing)
The Commanding Influence is significantly weakened in this phase. The person may feel less capable of asserting their leadership role. This can be a time of reflection and inner conflict, where their authority is questioned or their influence substantially wanes. - Death (死, Si)
In the phase of “Death,” the Commanding Influence is reduced to a minimum. It is a time when the leadership role has nearly disappeared. The person may feel powerless or withdraw from their positions. - Grave (墓, Mu)
This phase signifies retreat and entombment. The Commanding Influence is essentially “buried” here. The person fully steps back from their leadership responsibilities, either by choice or due to external circumstances. - Dissolution (絕, Jue)
In the phase of “Dissolution,” the Commanding Influence disappears completely. It is a time of complete withdrawal, where leadership qualities and authority no longer play a role. The person has permanently lost their control and influence. - Embryo (胎, Tai)
In this phase, the Commanding Influence returns to a dormant state. It is a phase of preparation and redevelopment. Leadership qualities begin to rebuild in the background but remain in a latent state. - Nurturing (養, Yang)
This is a phase of recovery and slow growth. The Commanding Influence begins to regenerate. The person gathers new energy and may be considering a return to a leadership role, but this remains in an early, nurturing stage.
Conclusion
The Commanding Influence displays varying strengths and weaknesses depending on the life cycle phase. From the peak of leadership (Imperial Glow) to phases of withdrawal and loss of control (Death, Grave), an individual naturally cycles through different stages of power and influence.