ZI WEI DOU SHU - INTRODUCTION ~ PLUTOZING

THE BEGINNING OF ZI WEI DOU SHU

In ancient times, observers looking at the night sky noticed that the North Star stood still while other stars circled around it. They associated the North Star with the emperor, which led astrologers to name it the Zi Wei Star. Originating from this star, the divination practice known as Zi Wei Dou Shu emerged in ancient China, with Zi Wei meaning 'emperor.' This method combines elements of astronomy, geography, mathematics, statistics, and logic, as well as practical wisdom and rich experience. Its founder employed the patterns of the Dipper and Nan Dou star clusters, the Zi Wei Yuan star, and other heavenly bodies to reflect an individual's life journey. Through the analysis of these stars' positions and relationships, it was believed one could foresee different facets of human existence.

"Zi Wei" signifies the North Star (Polaris), and "Dou" represents the Dipper and Nan Dou star clusters, thus giving rise to the term Zi Wei Dou Shu. Shu means a method of calculating.

Zi Wei Dou Shu, also known as Purple Star Astrology, was originally created by a Taoist named Lu Chun Yang during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It was later advanced in the Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD) by Chen Xi Yi.

It was historically used exclusively by imperial astronomers and was kept secret until the early 20th century. Zi Wei Dou Shu integrates principles from Taoism, the School of Ying-Yang, and philosophies from the Central Plain of China, along with concepts from Chinese Medicine and I Ching's divination applied in Feng Shui.

WHAT IS ZI WEI DOU SHU?

Ever wondered about your life's path, your strengths, or what challenges might come your way? In Chinese tradition, there are five major ways to explore these questions, known as the "Five Arts" or "Wu Shu." Think of them as different tools in a toolkit for understanding life. These include things like reading faces (Physiognomy), traditional medicine (Medical), and even connecting with nature (Mountain).

Today, we're focusing on one particular "art": Destiny. This is where systems like Zi Wei Dou Shu and Bazi come in. Both are powerful methods for mapping out your life's journey based on your unique birth information. While Bazi (often called "Four Pillars of Destiny") is also fascinating, our main spotlight will be on Zi Wei Dou Shu.

Imagine a unique celestial map created just for you at the moment you were born. That's essentially what Zi Wei Dou Shu is! It's a deep and intricate system that uses the positions of stars to reveal insights about your personality, your potential, and even the events that might unfold in your life.

This system is incredibly precise. At its heart are 14 main stars, each with its own special meaning. Some might indicate good fortune in your career, while others could point to strong relationships or even health aspects. Their placement on your personal "star chart" tells a unique story.

Beyond the main stars, there are also "helper stars" that add more detail to the picture, and "challenging stars" that might hint at difficulties you could face. Even smaller, "minor stars" contribute to the rich tapestry of information this system provides.

Two ways to read the stars: San He and Sihua Flying Stars

There are two main approaches to interpreting a Zi Wei Dou Shu chart:

1. San He (The "Three Harmonies"): This method looks at the fixed relationships between the stars and different areas of your life (like your career, wealth, or family). It's about understanding the inherent qualities and connections on your chart.

2. Sihua Flying Stars (The "Moving Stars"): This is a more dynamic approach. Think of it like the stars "flying" and interacting with each other over time. This method helps us understand how and when events might happen, and how different parts of your life influence each other as you move through time. It's excellent for seeing the flow and changes in your destiny.

While some practitioners use up to 108 stars for incredibly detailed readings, making it seem complex for beginners, this depth allows for truly personalized insights. It helps us see your life from a holistic perspective, considering all the different forces at play.

Your Zi Wei Dou Shu chart is divided into 12 "houses" or "palaces," each representing a different area of your life: your life's core, family, marriage, children, money, health, travel, friends, career, property, happiness, and parents. By looking at which stars land in which house, a skilled practitioner can identify potential strengths, weaknesses, and signs of good or challenging times.

In this article, we'll dive deeper into the Sihua Flying Stars method, exploring how just 14 major stars, 4 helper stars, and 4 special "enhancer" stars can reveal powerful insights into your journey.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BAZI AND ZI WEI DOU SHU

Bazi, also known as the Four Pillars of Destiny, and Zi Wei Dou Shu, often referred to as Purple Star Astrology, are two distinct systems of Chinese astrology that have been used for centuries to offer insights into a person's destiny based on their birth date and time. Bazi is based on solar calendar and is structured around the balance of elements and their interactions, represented by eight characters across four pillars, each corresponding to the individual's birth year, month, day, and hour. This system provides a macro view of a person's life, character, and fate, making it accessible and popular for personal guidance and decision-making.

In contrast, Zi Wei Dou Shu is based on the lunar calendar and is a more complex system that involves a dynamic interpretation of the stars and their positions, offering insights that can change over time and reflect different life periods and transitions.

While Bazi is considered easier to learn and provides quick, broad insights, Zi Wei Dou Shu offers a more detailed and nuanced understanding, with a focus on the lunar calendar and the position of the night sky at the time of birth. Both systems, however, stem from the foundational principles of Chinese metaphysics and the I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, and are used to analyze and predict various aspects of life, including career, wealth, and interpersonal relationships.

Choosing between Bazi and Zi Wei Dou Shu depends on the depth of analysis one is seeking and the specific areas of life they wish to explore. Some practitioners may combine insights from both systems to provide a more comprehensive reading. Ultimately, both Bazi and Zi Wei Dou Shu are revered for their unique approaches to understanding the complexities of human life and destiny.

ACCURACY IN BAZI OR ZI WEI DOU SHU

Determining which is more accurate between Bazi and Zi Wei Dou Shu is not straightforward. Both are ancient systems of Chinese Astrology used for life map readings and have their own features and benefits. Bazi is known for its user-friendly approach and is suitable for quick analyses of a person's overall life, career, and business decisions. Zi Wei Dou Shu, on the other hand, is more complex and specific, often used for detailed destiny readings. Ultimately, the accuracy can depend on the practitioner's experience and the context in which it is applied.

CAN THE RESULTS OBTAINED FROM BAZI AND ZI WEI DOU SHU LEAD TO CONFUSION?

Confusion can arise in the results interpreted by Bazi and Zi Wei Dou Shu due to their different methodologies and focus areas. Bazi, tends to provide a holistic view of destiny, analyzing aspects of Qi (energy) while Zi Wei Dou Shu, offers a more detailed and complex analysis, focusing on the method of calculation and the positioning of stars within twelve palaces.

Generally, the outcomes from Bazi and Zi Wei Dou Shu should be consistent. Should there be any inconsistencies between these two practices, it is more indicative of the practitioner's expertise than a problem with the methods of Bazi or Zi Wei Dou Shu.

FATE AND DESTINY

We know now that Zi Wei Dou Shu is a life map of an individual. It forecasts one’s fate and destiny throughout his or her life. In a layman term, it is a fortune telling method which has been used for thousands of years in China.

DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR DESTINY?

The answer lies within the individual. In the realm of destiny reading, there are six distinct attitudes:

1. I want to know so I can take action when necessary.

2. I don’t want to know because I consider it nonsense. Fate and destiny are shaped by human effort.

3. I don’t want to know because I have faith in Heaven and prefer to go with the flow.

4. I want to know so that I can improve myself.

5. I want to know because I seek knowledge.

6. I want to know because I am in search of an answer.

A QUESTION FOR EVERYONE

Do you consult the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities, or do you venture out regardless of the weather conditions, be it rain, storms, lightning, or floods?

Would you take a walk at 6pm knowing that it might rain then? Would you venture out without an umbrella during heavy rain? Would you tend to your garden with a storm predicted for the day?

Have you heard of the Farmer's Almanac? It is a well-known almanac, and it's a misconception to think that farmers work their fields every day of the year without consulting the weather forecast. Indeed, the almanac is a critical tool for them.

Knowing your life map is like knowing the weather forecast of your life. Knowing the weather forecast of your life means you will know when to take action and when to lie low. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will improve your characters and actions.

ARE FATE AND DESTINY SET IN STONE?

No, they are not.

Indeed, some might argue, "What about those who are bad? If their fate is to be malevolent, they cannot change it. It's the fault of destiny."

It's common for human nature to attribute failures to external factors or others. However, it's important to remember that while we cannot alter our birth details, we have the ability to better ourselves.

In Chinese metaphysics, it is believed that 33% of our life is determined by Heaven, another 33% by Earth, and the remaining 33% by our own actions.

Decisions by Heaven determine our birth details.
Decisions by Earth are shaped by the circumstances we encounter.
Decisions by human rest upon our choice to be virtuous or otherwise.

Every person is born with a clean slate. For those who believe in Heaven and Hell, it is thought that individuals born into less favorable circumstances may have a greater likelihood of entering Heaven. This is because if they do not become preoccupied with worldly matters, maintain faith in Heaven regardless of their beliefs, and practice patience, they may reach a higher level of Heaven more quickly than those born into more favorable conditions.

In essence, individuals born into poverty may have a greater likelihood of ascending to Heaven compared to the wealthy, provided they comprehend the earthly trials they endure and recognize the responsibilities bestowed upon them.

Examining the lives of two eminent figures, Jesus and Buddha, provides insight into their unique paths. Jesus, not born into affluence, was conscious of his earthly responsibilities. Conversely, Buddha, despite his wealthy birthright, renounced materialism, recognizing life's challenges and his obligations.

Let's ask ourselves, "Can we emulate their paths to comprehend our trials, responsibilities, and duties on Earth?"

Whether you believe in Heaven or Hell is irrelevant, as long as you hold the belief that good deeds lead to a peaceful existence and bad actions result in punishment.

When learning destiny reading, ask yourself what your goal is.

There are three different goals when learning destiny reading:

Seeking knowledge and enlightenment or
Making money or
Both

Consider your objectives carefully. If making money is the focus, approach the inquirer with caution. Positive language tends to have a more favorable impact than negative wording. Moreover, bear in mind that greed can lead to unforeseen consequences. Act responsibly.

KNOWING YOUR OWN CHART

WHAT WILL BE YOUR REACTION AFTER YOU SEE YOUR OWN CHART OR THE OUTCOME?

It all depends on the reader's intention and expectation.

In your opinion, what is considered favorable and unfavorable charts?

If your aspiration is wealth and your chart indicates potential for riches, then both you and the fortune teller would view it as favorable. Conversely, if it suggests the opposite, then it would be deemed unfavorable by both parties.

The term "fortune teller" is used here because, in the past, many individuals practiced this profession with the sole intent of monetary gain. Regrettably, even today, their numbers are still significant. However, in contemporary times, as enlightenment spreads, some of them no longer act as fortune tellers but rather as advisors. They serve as guides or advisors to your life's journey.

Those who serve as guides or advisors to your life's journey will carefully reveal your chart without saying whether it is favorable or not.

If you are reading your own chart, several reactions can occur depending on whether it is a favorable chart or not (in your opinion).

When the chart appears unfavorable:

1. One may feel despondent.

2. One becomes frustrated, loses faith in the process, and decides to give up entirely.

3. One comes to terms with it and seeks to find life's meaning in a positive light.

Honestly, destiny reading isn't suitable for everyone. It's meant for those who are courageous and maintain a positive outlook. Life resembles a battlefield; there are days for combat and days to set aside your arms and savor tranquil moments. For the stoic, each day is consistent, regardless of the presence of battles. This mindset is ideal. Excessive expectations can lead to mental anguish.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE NORTH STAR

*Polaris is currently the north star or pole star, and it is located in the constellation of Ursa Minor, the little celestial bear.

*Polaris is a triple star system formed around 70 million years ago from an interstellar medium of gas and dust.

*It is the brightest star in the constellation, and the 50th brightest star in the night sky.

*It is 1,260 times more luminous than our Sun.

*It is located at 433 light-years away from the Earth.

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