Importance of Birth Time in Chart Construction
In Zi Wei Dou Shu, the exact time of birth is critical. It determines the position of House 1 (Life House), from which the remaining eleven houses are arranged in sequence. The birth hour is therefore a key factor in chart accuracy.
Difficulties in Determining Birth Time
In practice, determining the exact time of birth can be difficult. Common reasons include:
- Birth time not recorded on the birth certificate
- Inaccurate recording due to circumstances at the time of birth
These uncertainties can affect the placement of houses in the chart.
Time Zone and Daylight-Saving Time (DST)
Another important issue is the adjustment for time zones and Daylight-Saving Time (DST). When constructing a chart, it is necessary to consider whether the recorded birth time reflects standard time or adjusted time.
Example:
DOB: 20 May 2000
TOB: 10:30 a.m.
POB: Brussels
Time Zone: GMT +1
In the year 2000, Brussels observed DST. After adjusting for DST, the actual birth time becomes 8:50 a.m.
This raises an important question:
Should the chart be constructed using the recorded time (10:30 a.m.) or the adjusted time (8:50 a.m.)?
Practical Approach to Uncertain Birth Time
A cautious and practical approach is to construct both charts. This results in two possible charts for the same individual. To identify the more accurate chart, one examines key life events and compares them against chart indications.
If the subject is an infant, major life events of the parents may be used instead.
The Case of Twins
A common question concerns twins: Do twins share the same destiny?
In practice, they do not.
Even a difference of a few minutes in birth time can lead to different house placements and outcomes. Personal observation shows that twins may experience distinct career paths, relationships, and life developments despite similar backgrounds.
Zi Wei Dou Shu does not provide a definitive method for resolving all twin-related variations. This remains a complex and unresolved area within the system.
Overlapping and Multiple Charts
As one advances in Zi Wei Dou Shu, it becomes clear that chart interpretation is not always straightforward. In some cases, multiple charts may appear valid.
For example, two charts may be constructed:
- One based on the recorded birth time
- Another based on time zone or DST adjustment
Both charts may show reasonable accuracy. In such cases, both can be used together to assess outcomes.
Why Time Zone Matters
Time zones are not always aligned with geographic longitude. Some countries have changed their time zones for political or administrative reasons.
For example, Malaysia and Singapore currently use GMT +8, although by longitude they fall closer to GMT +7 to +7:30. This discrepancy can affect the calculation of the birth hour.
Key Factors to Consider
To determine the most accurate birth hour, the following must be considered:
- Time zone
- Daylight-Saving Time (DST)
Careful attention to these factors improves the reliability of a Zi Wei Dou Shu chart.
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