San Ming Methodology (三命法脈)
San Ming (Three Fates) integrates classical structure analysis with seasonal adjustment and practical case logic. It bridges early formula-based systems with modern Zi Ping reasoning, representing the most comprehensive classical approach to BaZi.
The Three Fates Framework
- Destiny of Heaven (天命): The natal chart itself — the fixed imprint of birth. This cannot be changed. The practitioner's role is to understand and work with this structure.
- Destiny of Earth (地命): The Luck Pillars (大運) — the ten-year periods that overlay the natal chart with a changing elemental climate. These create the major chapters of a life.
- Destiny of Human (人命): The Annual Flow (流年) and Monthly Flow (流月) — the short-term activations that trigger the potentials within the natal chart and luck pillar.
San Ming Integration Steps
- Determine Chart Structure (Ge Ju) from Month Command
- Assess Day Master strength in the birth season
- Identify Useful God (Yong Shen) and Favorable Gods (喜神)
- Apply Seasonal Adjustment (Tiao Hou) from Qiong Tong Bao Jian
- Read current Luck Pillar for the 10-year context
- Apply Annual and Monthly stars for specific event timing
Case Reading Principle
San Ming emphasizes verification through historical cases before making predictions. The classic approach requires reading the client's known past events accurately before forecasting future periods — a quality-control mechanism that validates the chosen analytical framework.