Overview
Star Formations or Structures are an important part of Zi Wei Dou Shu. They describe how stars are arranged in a chart and how these arrangements affect a person’s life at different times.
The word “Formation” (Ge Ju) has two parts:
- Ge means pattern or style — it shows the overall structure or setup.
- Ju means limit or time — it refers to specific time periods in a person’s life.
Together, Star Formations explain life patterns across time.
What Star Formations Tell Us
Star Formations show whether a period in life is likely to bring:
- favorable or unfavorable situations
- success or failure
- wealth or poverty
They do not predict exact events, but they show the general direction life is going.
- Life Chart formations show the overall life path.
- Decade charts show trends for each 10-year period.
- Year charts show influences for a single year.
How Star Formations Must Be Read
- The rules for identifying formations are strict.
- Only the required stars count; extra stars are ignored.
- Interpretations should closely match the examples from ancient texts.
- Star Formations are mainly read from the Life House, unless clearly stated otherwise.
- When charts shift over time, new formations must still be read based on where the Life House moves.
- You cannot freely use formations from other houses (like Spouse or Children) unless rules allow it.
What They Show Overall
- Star Formations show patterns, not guarantees.
- Some people have charts that lean toward success and good fortune.
- Some lean toward hardship.
- Most people fall in the middle, with an average life and few major events.
- Across all chart types (over 500,000 variations), life naturally has ups and downs.
Types of Star Formations
There are four main types:
1. Favorable – positive results, blessings, good outcomes
2. Unfavorable – problems, stress, obstacles, possible danger
3. Intense – stronger and more damaging malefic effects
4. Severe – severe ongoing problems and difficulties
Each level shows how serious the negative influence is.
Special Combinations
There are many types of Stars Formations or Structures mentioned in ancient Zi Wei Dou Shu texts. Some descriptions may not be fully accurate or practical today. The most reliable and commonly used formations or structures are listed below.
1. Ji Yin Tong Liang
2. Sha Po Lang
3. Fu Xiang Constellation Activation
4. Hidden Treasure Revealed
5. Hidden Talent Awaiting Discovery
6. Yin Yang Inversion Formation
7. Yang Liang Chang Lu
8. Yin Yang Anchored in the Property
9. Blossoming Fame Stabilized
10. Chang Qu Triangle Harmony
11. Fu Bi Triangle Harmony
12. Life Void of Major Stars
Ji Yin Tong Liang & Sha Po Lang
These are two common star formations shared by most people in the world. Since ancient times, these have been seen as the main formations found in the majority of charts.
1. Ji Yin Tong Liang Structure
In strict terms, this formation appears when Tian Ji, Tai Yin, Tian Tong, and Tian Liang come together across the Life, Wealth, Career, and Travel Houses (known as San Fang Si Zhen).
Many people do not have this formation in its exact form, but their charts closely resemble it. These people are still considered part of the Ji Yin Tong Liang personality type. About three-quarters of the population fall into this group.
People with this formation are generally gentle, respectful of authority, conservative, and practical. They are usually not aggressive and prefer stability, especially in their careers. They often do well in structured fields such as government, administration, or civil service.
In strict examples of the Ji Yin Tong Liang formation at the Life House, the star combinations include:
- Tian Ji and Tai Yin at the Tiger sign
- Tian Ji and Tai Yin at the Monkey sign
- Tian Tong and Tian Liang at the Monkey sign
- Tian Tong and Tian Liang at the Tiger sign
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| Ji Yin Tong Liang Structure Variation 2 |
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| Ji Yin Tong Liang Structure Variation 3 |
2. Sha Po Lang Structure
Sha Po Lang is a very common but often misunderstood star formation. It appears in about one-quarter of the world’s population. In traditional astrology, it was seen as unlucky or difficult.
People with this formation are usually bold, driven, restless, and willing to take risks. Their lives often involve many changes, ups and downs, and uncertainty. In the past, this formation was common among soldiers and political leaders.
In modern society, however, these same traits can bring success, especially in competitive business and corporate environments. At the same time, formations like Ji Yin Tong Liang, which favor stability and civil service, may not always lead to great success in today’s fast-changing global economy.
Because Sha Po Lang carries strong, disruptive energy, people with this formation often experience extreme outcomes—either very high achievements or major challenges. This formation usually appears when Qi Sha, Po Jun, and Tan Lang are placed across the Life, Career, and Wealth Houses within the San Fang Si Zhen.
There are three main Sha Po Lang configurations:
- Qi Sha in the Life House, Tan Lang in the Wealth House, Po Jun in the Career House
- Tan Lang in the Life House, Po Jun in the Wealth House, Qi Sha in the Career House
- Po Jun in the Life House, Qi Sha in the Wealth House, Tan Lang in the Career House
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| Sha Po Lang Structure |
Just as important as the main formation are the supporting stars, both positive and negative, which greatly influence how this formation plays out in a person’s life.
3. Fu Xiang Constellation Activation Structure
Fu Xiang Constellation Activation (Fu Xiang Chao Yuan Formation) means Tian Fu and Tian Xiang are placed in the Wealth and Career areas of the chart, while other important houses connect to them, forming a triangle.
This structure suggests:
- A kind, upright, and respectable person
- Strong moral values and good character
- Natural social skills and good relationships
- Help from benefactors and supportive people
- Wealth and opportunities come steadily, not suddenly
However, most people with this formation do not have a strong main star in the Life House. This means success depends more on environment, people, and timing than pure luck. Relationships can be unstable, especially romantic ones. Partners may bring challenges or emotional ups and downs.
Main Formation:
1. Tian Fu and Tian Xiang without any other stars inside Wealth and Career Houses forming a triangular harmony with Life House within the San Fang structure.
Sub-Formations / Variations:
2. No Main Star in Ox Life House
- Tian Fu in Snake Sign, Tian Xiang in Rabbit Sign
3. No Main Star in Goat Life House
- Tian Fu in Pig Sign, Tian Xiang in Rabbit Sign
4. No Main Star in Rabbit Life House
- Tian Fu in Goat Sign, Tian Xiang in Ox Sign
5. No Main Star in Rooster Life House
- Tian Xiang in Snake Sign, Tian Fu in Pig Sign
6. Tian Fu in Snake or Pig Life House
- Tian Xiang in Rabbit or Rooster Signs
- Lian Zhen in Tiger or Monkey Life House
7. Tian Fu and Tian Xiang in Horse, Dog, Rat, or Dragon Signs
- Considered closer to Fu Xiang Constellation Activation Structure
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| Fu Xiang Constellation Activation Structure |
In short, good reputation, good people skills, steady wealth, but love life and partnerships need extra care.
4. Hidden Treasure Revealed Structure
This formation is also known as "Pearl Emerging from the Sea". It is considered as a lucky chart formation. It usually appears in the Yin Energy Sign. It represents sunrise—new beginnings, growth, and rising energy.
In this formation:
- Lei Men (Thunder Gate) is at the Rabbit Life House
- Tai Yang and Tian Liang are also at the Rabbit Life House
- Tai Yin sits in the Wealth House in Pig Sign
- There is no main star in the Career House in Goat Sign
What it means:
People with this formation usually:
- Are blessed with wealth, good fortune, class, and refinement
- Often become well-known, popular, or socially active
- Have a natural celebrity or public image vibe
Career-wise:
- Tai Yang in the Life House shines into Hua Lu in the Career House
- This brings success and happiness in both career and marriage
- For people born with Ren stem year and Tian Liang Life House, this effect is even stronger
Marriage & relationships:
- Ju Men at the Spouse House links to Hua Lu, which supports happiness in relationships
- Even without a main star, the influence is still positive
Overall life:
- When Lu Cun, Wen Chang, or Wen Qu are present, life is usually prosperous and fulfilling
However:
- There is a tendency to lose money, especially due to siblings or family matters
- Extra care should be given to career and marriage
- This risk applies not only to Ren Stem people, but also Ding, Geng, and Jia Birth Stem natives
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| Hidden Treasure Revealed Structure |
Other variation:
Tai Yang or Tian Liang and Tian Yin in the Wealth and Career Houses forming a triangular harmony with Life House. The Life House must be located in the Goat sign. It means early success.
5. Hidden Talent Awaiting Discovery
This formation is also known as “Jade Hidden in A Rock.”
It describes someone who looks ordinary at first but actually has great potential.
Condition:
The condition is that Ju Men is required to be in the Horse or Rat Signs.
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| Hidden Talent Awaiting Discovery Structure |
- The person is usually smart, logical, and capable.
- They may face struggles earlier in life, but later they rise to high status—often in technology, research, or the military.
- Some may even become very wealthy through their expertise.
- If this formation meets Hua Lu or Hua Quan, Ju Men’s abilities are strongly supported.
In short: hidden talent, early hardship, strong comeback later in life.
6. Yin Yang Inversion Structure
In this structure:
- Tai Yin is in Dragon Life House
- Tai Yang is in Dog Sign
- The native has a hectic lifestyle
7. Yang Liang Chang Lu
In this formation:
- Life House is required to be in the Rabbit Sign
- Tai Yang or Tian Liang is in the Life House
- Wen Chang is in the Life House
- Hua Lu is in the triangular harmony of Life, Wealth, Career House
- The native will have academic success
8. Yin Yang Anchored in the Property
In this formation:
- Property House is required to be in the Ox Sign
- Tai Yin and Tai Yang are in the Property House
- Tai Yin and Tai Yang should not have Birth Year Hua Ji
What it means:
- The native will possess many properties
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| Yin Yang Anchored in the Property Structure |
9. Blossoming Fame Stabilized
In this formation:
Birth Year Hua Lu, Hua Quan and Hua Ke are located in the Wealth and Career Houses forming a triangular harmony with the Life House.
What it means:
The native will have high achievements in life.
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| Blossoming Fame Stabilized Structure |
10. Chang Qu Triangle Harmony
In this formation:
- Wen Chang and Wen Qu are located in the Wealth and Career Houses forming a triangle harmony with Life House
What it means:
- The native is consistently aided by benefactors.
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| Chang Qu Triangle Harmony Structure |
11. Fu Bi Triangle Harmony
In this formation:
- Zuo Fu and You Bi are located in the Wealth and Career Houses forming a triangular harmony with Life House.
What it means:
- The native is consistently aided by benefactors.
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| Fu Bi Triangle Harmony Structure |
12. Life Void of Major Stars
In this formation:
- There is/are no major star(s) in the Life House
What it means:
- Success is achieved through travel and external ventures.
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| Life Void of Major Stars |
Final Note
Perfectly good formations are rare because charts are very complex. Star Formations are mainly used as indicators, not absolute fate.
Most charts are more likely to form malefic-type formations because their conditions are easier to meet, while highly auspicious formations are harder to achieve.
No perfect formations? Same here—and I’m doing just fine!