Success requires the alignment of Tian Shi (Heavenly Timing), Di Li (Earthly Advantage), and Ren He (Human Harmony). In the San Yuan tradition, as emphasized in the Di Li Bian Zheng , timing is not just about choosing a "lucky day" but ensuring the Gua Qi of the moment matches the structural energy of the house.
Auspicious Date Selection (择日学 - Zé Rì Xué)
The Art of Timing: Synchronizing Heaven, Earth, and Man
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Module 1: Foundations of the Calendar (历法基础)
- The 60 Jia Zi Cycle: Understanding the stems and branches as the heartbeat of time.
- The 24 Solar Terms (Jie Qi): Synchronizing with the actual solar cycles and energy shifts.
- The Solar and Lunar Calendars: Distinguishing between Hsia and Lunar timing for different ritual needs.
Module 2: Classical Selection Systems (经典择日)
- The Great Sun Method (Tai Yang): Utilizing the Sun's transit through the 24 Mountains.
- Dong Gong Date Selection: The traditional system for weddings and moving.
- The 12 Officers (Shi Er Zhi): Daily energy signatures (Open, Close, Establish, etc.).
Module 3: Advanced Lineage Methods (高级法门)
- Xuan Kong Da Gua Date Selection: The high-precision 64 Hexagram method (Imperial Date Selection). → See XKDG Details
- Qi Men Dun Jia (Time & Space): Using the "Mysterious Gates" to select dates for travel and strategic victory.
- Heavenly Noble & Virtue Stars: Finding the "Safety Valves" in any given timeframe.
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Module 4: Major Ze Ri Systems (择日体系 - Zé Rì Tǐ Xì)
Over two millennia, numerous Ze Ri methodologies have developed across different lineages and schools. Each has its strengths, preferred applications, and level of complexity. Professional practitioners typically master two or three systems and cross-reference them for maximum accuracy. The fundamental principle shared by all systems rests on the cosmological axiom: 天时地利人和 (Tiān Shí Dì Lì Rén Hé) — Heaven's Time, Earth's Advantage, Human Harmony.
Core Logic of Date Selection: Time is not neutral. Each unit of time — year, month, day, and hour (the "Four Pillars of Time" 时间四柱 / Shí Jiān Sì Zhù) — carries a specific Qi configuration expressed through Heavenly Stems (天干 / Tiān Gān) and Earthly Branches (地支 / Dì Zhī). A skilled Ze Ri master integrates multiple systems simultaneously — this is what separates professional practice from simply reading an almanac (通书 / Tōng Shū).
4.1 Comparative Overview of the Six Major Systems
| System | Chinese | Key Principles | Primary Use | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tian Xing Ze Ri | 天星择日 | Actual positions of the 28 Lunar Mansions (二十八宿) and key stars; solar terms as critical reference; accounts for real celestial mechanics | Major state/corporate events, burial of important figures, temple construction | ★★★★★ |
| Xuan Kong Da Gua | 玄空大卦择日 | 64 hexagrams of the Yi Jing; day-hour maps to a hexagram; 合十 (Hé Shí) and 合生成 (Hé Shēng Chéng) compatibility; parent-child hexagram relationships | Moving house, ground-breaking, renovation, burial — anything involving direction/facing | ★★★★★ |
| Dong Gong Ze Ri | 董公择日 | Categorizes days by Earthly Branch relationship to the month; 天德 (Tiān Dé) and 月德 (Yuè Dé) as primary indicators; activity-specific day lists | General-purpose date selection for all common activities (weddings, moving, etc.) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Qi Men Dun Jia | 奇门遁甲择日 | Eight Gates (八门), Nine Stars (九星), Eight Spirits (八神) alignment; action palace must be favorable; avoids Death Gate (死门) unless for funerals | Business launches, high-stakes negotiations, travel, strategic timing | ★★★★★ |
| Tong Shu (Almanac) | 通书择日 | Daily 宜 (Yí / Suitable) and 忌 (Jì / Avoid) activity lists; based on 12 Day Officers and major Shen Sha; accessible to laypeople | Everyday household decisions, quick reference, folk-level practice | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Zheng Ti Wu Xing | 正体五行择日 | Pure Five Element (五行) analysis; determine the "use god" (用神 / Yòng Shén) for the activity; select days where Stem/Branch generates or supports it | Practitioners working within the BaZi/Five Element paradigm | ★★★★☆ |
4.2 Tian Xing Ze Ri — The Emperor's Method (天星择日 — 帝王择日法)
The most astronomically grounded system. Tian Xing Ze Ri (天星择日) uses the actual positions of the 28 Lunar Mansions (二十八宿 / Èr Shí Bā Xiù) and key stars to determine auspicious timing. It was historically used by court astronomers (钦天监 / Qīn Tiān Jiān) for state ceremonies, earning it the title "Emperor's Method." Each day is governed by one of the 28 Mansions in rotation; the mansion's nature (吉 Jí / auspicious or 凶 Xiōng / inauspicious) determines the day's character. This method accounts for actual celestial mechanics, not just cyclical counting.
4.3 Xuan Kong Da Gua — Integration with Feng Shui (玄空大卦择日)
Derived from the same Xuan Kong (玄空) school that produces Flying Star Feng Shui, this system uses the 64 hexagrams (六十四卦 / Liù Shí Sì Guà) to select dates. Each day-hour combination maps to a hexagram which must be compatible with the sitting/facing direction of the property. The concepts of 合十 (Hé Shí / Combining to Ten) and 合生成 (Hé Shēng Chéng / Combining Formation) determine compatibility. This is the most powerful method for property-related events. → See XKDG Details
4.4 Dong Gong Ze Ri — The Tang Dynasty System (董公择日)
Attributed to the Tang Dynasty master 董德彰 (Dǒng Dé Zhāng) , this is one of the most widely practiced systems in Taiwan and Southern China. It categorizes days based on their Earthly Branch relationship to the month and uses structured sets of auspicious (吉日) and inauspicious (凶日) day classifications. Its emphasis on 天德 (Tiān Dé / Heaven Virtue) and 月德 (Yuè Dé / Month Virtue) as primary indicators makes it systematic and relatively accessible.
4.5 Qi Men Dun Jia — Strategic Timing (奇门遁甲择日)
Using the 奇门遁甲 (Qí Mén Dùn Jiǎ) cosmic board, this system finds configurations where the Eight Gates (八门 / Bā Mén), Nine Stars (九星 / Jiǔ Xīng), and Eight Spirits (八神 / Bā Shén) align favorably. The Gate in the action palace must be favorable — 开门 (Kāi Mén / Open Gate) for business, 生门 (Shēng Mén / Life Gate) for wealth. The Day Stem (日干) should not be in 入墓 (Rù Mù / Entombed) or 击刑 (Jī Xíng / Punished) position. → See QMDJ Details
4.6 Selection Protocol: Five-Step Integration
A professional Ze Ri practitioner integrates multiple systems through a systematic elimination process:
- Step 1: The day's Qi must support the activity type (e.g., a "Full" 满 day for a wedding feast)
- Step 2: No harmful Shen Sha (神煞) active for the direction or activity
- Step 3: The day must not clash (冲 Chōng) with the person's BaZi — especially the Year Branch
- Step 4: The Feng Shui direction must be compatible with the time selected
- Step 5: The hour pillar (时辰 / Shí Chen) refines the selection for maximum benefit
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Module 5: The 12 Day Officers (十二建除 - Shí Èr Jiàn Chú)
The 12 Day Officers system is one of the oldest and most fundamental Ze Ri frameworks. It assigns one of twelve "officers" or "spirits" (神 Shén) to each day in a rotating cycle that resets with each month. The system originated in the Han Dynasty and is recorded in the 淮南子 (Huáinánzǐ) . It remains the backbone of every Chinese almanac published today.
How to Determine the Day Officer: The Day Officer is determined by the relationship between the day's Earthly Branch and the month's Earthly Branch . The day whose Earthly Branch matches the month's Earthly Branch is the 建 (Jiàn / Establish) day. Subsequent days follow the sequence in forward branch order. For example, in the 寅 (Yín) month (approximately February), a 寅 day is 建, a 卯 (Mǎo) day is 除 (Chú / Remove), a 辰 (Chén) day is 满 (Mǎn / Full), and so on through the cycle.
5.1 Complete Day Officers Reference (十二建除详表)
| # | Officer | Chinese | Pinyin | Nature | Meaning & Suitable Activities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Establish | 建 | Jiàn | Semi-Auspicious | The month's energy establishes; good for leadership actions, starting new positions, initiating plans. Not recommended for construction or ground-breaking. |
| 2 | Remove | 除 | Chú | Auspicious ✓ | Removing obstacles and clearing blockages. Excellent for medical treatment, cleaning, exorcism, demolition, and taking medication. Symbolically "sweeping away" the old. |
| 3 | Full | 满 | Mǎn | Auspicious ✓ | Energy is full and overflowing. Excellent for feasts, weddings, receiving wealth, harvesting. Avoid for funerals (too much life energy contradicts mourning). |
| 4 | Level | 平 | Píng | Semi-Auspicious | Balanced, neutral energy. Good for road-building, leveling ground, mediation, routine activities. Neither strongly auspicious nor inauspicious. |
| 5 | Fix | 定 | Dìng | Auspicious ✓ | Energy stabilizes and settles. Excellent for engagements, signing appointments, fixing positions, formal agreements, and establishing boundaries. |
| 6 | Grasp | 执 | Zhí | Semi-Auspicious | Grasping and holding energy. Good for building walls, capturing (law enforcement), collecting debts, formal enforcement. Mixed for other uses. |
| 7 | Break | 破 | Pò | Inauspicious ✗ | Breaking and shattering energy. Avoid for most activities. Acceptable only for demolition, tearing down old structures, and surgery (breaking to heal). |
| 8 | Danger | 危 | Wēi | Inauspicious ✗ | Precarious, unstable energy. Avoid travel, climbing, risky ventures, and major commitments. Some traditions allow worship and prayer on this day. |
| 9 | Complete | 成 | Chéng | Very Auspicious ✓✓ | Completion and achievement energy. Excellent for business openings, signing contracts, weddings, moving house, and all activities seeking successful conclusion. |
| 10 | Receive | 收 | Shōu | Auspicious ✓ | Gathering and collecting energy. Good for collecting debts, harvesting, receiving goods, banking, and savings. Avoid for funerals and starting new ventures. |
| 11 | Open | 开 | Kāi | Very Auspicious ✓✓ | Opening and initiating energy. Superb for grand openings, starting new ventures, moving into a new home, breaking new ground. The premier day for beginnings. |
| 12 | Close | 闭 | Bì | Inauspicious ✗ | Closing and sealing energy. Good only for burial, sealing tombs, storage, and closing accounts. Strictly avoid for openings, weddings, and new ventures. |
5.2 Activity–Officer Compatibility Matrix (活动与建除配对)
Cross-reference the intended activity with the day's officer to determine suitability:
| Activity | Chinese | Best Officers | Acceptable | Strictly Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wedding | 嫁娶 (Jià Qǔ) | 成, 开, 满 | 定 | 破, 闭, 危 |
| Business Opening | 开业 (Kāi Yè) | 开, 成 | 满, 收 | 破, 闭, 危 |
| Moving House | 入宅 (Rù Zhái) | 开, 成 | 满, 定 | 破, 闭, 危 |
| Ground-Breaking | 动土 (Dòng Tǔ) | 建, 除 | 执, 定 | 破, 闭, 收 |
| Funeral | 安葬 (Ān Zàng) | 闭, 除 | 执, 危 | 建, 开, 破 |
| Surgery | 手术 (Shǒu Shù) | 除, 破 | 危 | 建, 满, 成 |
| Travel | 出行 (Chū Xíng) | 成, 开 | 满, 定 | 破, 闭, 危 |
| Contract Signing | 签约 (Qiān Yuē) | 成, 定 | 开, 收 | 破, 危 |
| Renovation | 修造 (Xiū Zào) | 成, 建 | 除, 定 | 破, 闭, 危 |
| Planting | 栽种 (Zāi Zhòng) | 满, 成 | 开, 除 | 破, 闭, 危 |
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Module 6: The 28 Mansions (二十八宿 - Èr Shí Bā Xiù)
The 28 Lunar Mansions divide the celestial equator into 28 segments, each associated with a specific animal spirit , element , and auspicious/inauspicious character . In Ze Ri, one mansion governs each day in a rotating 28-day cycle. The system forms the astronomical backbone of Tian Xing Ze Ri (天星择日) and is recorded in texts dating to the Han Dynasty 淮南子 (Huáinánzǐ). Each mansion carries an animal and an element from the cycle: 日月火水木金土 (Sun, Moon, Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, Earth) — repeating across all 28 stations.
6.1 East — Azure Dragon (东方青龙 / Dōng Fāng Qīng Lóng)
| # | Mansion | Chinese | Pinyin | Animal Spirit | Element | Nature & Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Horn | 角 | Jiǎo | Flood Dragon (蛟) | Wood 木 | Auspicious — weddings, construction, tailoring clothes |
| 2 | Neck | 亢 | Kàng | Dragon (龙) | Metal 金 | Inauspicious — avoid weddings, burial, construction |
| 3 | Root | 氐 | Dǐ | Badger (貉) | Earth 土 | Auspicious — weddings, construction, travel, planting |
| 4 | Room | 房 | Fáng | Rabbit (兔) | Sun 日 | Auspicious — weddings, moving house, business opening |
| 5 | Heart | 心 | Xīn | Fox (狐) | Moon 月 | Inauspicious — avoid all major activities |
| 6 | Tail | 尾 | Wěi | Tiger (虎) | Fire 火 | Auspicious — weddings, construction, study |
| 7 | Winnowing Basket | 箕 | Jī | Leopard (豹) | Water 水 | Mixed — good for water projects, avoid burial |
6.2 North — Black Tortoise (北方玄武 / Běi Fāng Xuán Wǔ)
| # | Mansion | Chinese | Pinyin | Animal Spirit | Element | Nature & Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Dipper | 斗 | Dǒu | Unicorn (獬) | Water 水 | Auspicious — construction, treasure-seeking, business |
| 9 | Ox | 牛 | Niú | Ox (牛) | Metal 金 | Inauspicious — avoid weddings, moving house |
| 10 | Girl | 女 | Nǚ | Bat (蝠) | Earth 土 | Inauspicious — avoid burial, construction |
| 11 | Void | 虚 | Xū | Rat (鼠) | Sun 日 | Inauspicious — avoid all major activities |
| 12 | Rooftop | 危 | Wēi | Swallow (燕) | Moon 月 | Mixed — good for burial, unfavorable for construction |
| 13 | Encampment | 室 | Shì | Pig (猪) | Fire 火 | Auspicious — weddings, burial, construction, moving |
| 14 | Wall | 壁 | Bì | Porcupine (貐) | Water 水 | Auspicious — construction, study, business opening, travel |
6.3 West — White Tiger (西方白虎 / Xī Fāng Bái Hǔ)
| # | Mansion | Chinese | Pinyin | Animal Spirit | Element | Nature & Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Legs | 奎 | Kuí | Wolf (狼) | Wood 木 | Auspicious — construction, burial, business opening |
| 16 | Bond | 娄 | Lóu | Dog (狗) | Metal 金 | Auspicious — weddings, construction, planting |
| 17 | Stomach | 胃 | Wèi | Pheasant (雉) | Earth 土 | Auspicious — burial, business, storage, collecting |
| 18 | Hairy Head | 昴 | Mǎo | Rooster (鸡) | Sun 日 | Inauspicious — avoid construction, funerals, major events |
| 19 | Net | 毕 | Bì | Crow (乌) | Moon 月 | Auspicious — construction, weddings, planting, hunting |
| 20 | Turtle Beak | 觜 | Zī | Monkey (猴) | Fire 火 | Inauspicious — avoid most activities, especially construction |
| 21 | Three Stars | 参 | Shēn | Ape (猿) | Water 水 | Mixed — good for burial, avoid business openings |
6.4 South — Vermillion Bird (南方朱雀 / Nán Fāng Zhū Què)
| # | Mansion | Chinese | Pinyin | Animal Spirit | Element | Nature & Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | Well | 井 | Jǐng | Wild Dog (犴) | Wood 木 | Auspicious — construction, business, planting, study |
| 23 | Ghost | 鬼 | Guǐ | Sheep (羊) | Metal 金 | Inauspicious — avoid weddings, travel, new ventures |
| 24 | Willow | 柳 | Liǔ | Deer (獐) | Earth 土 | Inauspicious — avoid burial, construction, planting |
| 25 | Star | 星 | Xīng | Horse (马) | Sun 日 | Auspicious — construction, business opening, moving house |
| 26 | Extended Net | 张 | Zhāng | Stag (鹿) | Moon 月 | Auspicious — weddings, business opening, moving house |
| 27 | Wings | 翼 | Yì | Snake (蛇) | Fire 火 | Mixed — good for planting and study, avoid weddings |
| 28 | Chariot | 轸 | Zhěn | Worm (蚓) | Water 水 | Auspicious — burial, construction, moving house |
📜 Mnemonic Verse (二十八宿吉凶歌 / Èr Shí Bā Xiù Jí Xiōng Gē):
角亢氐房心尾箕 (Jiǎo Kàng Dǐ Fáng Xīn Wěi Jī)
斗牛女虚危室壁 (Dǒu Niú Nǚ Xū Wēi Shì Bì)
奎娄胃昴毕觜参 (Kuí Lóu Wèi Mǎo Bì Zī Shēn)
井鬼柳星张翼轸 (Jǐng Guǐ Liǔ Xīng Zhāng Yì Zhěn)
Traditional practitioners memorize this verse to instantly recall the mansion sequence. Each line corresponds to one of the four celestial quadrants.
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Module 7: Shen Sha in Date Selection (神煞 - Shén Shà)
Shen Sha (神煞) — literally "Gods and Killings" — are time-based metaphysical markers that indicate auspicious or inauspicious influences active on a given day. Hundreds exist in the tradition, but Ze Ri practice focuses on the most significant ones. A key classical principle states: "吉神宜扶，凶煞宜避" (Jí shén yí fú, xiōng shà yí bì) — "Support the auspicious gods; avoid the inauspicious killings."
7.1 Major Auspicious Shen (吉神 / Jí Shén)
| Shen Sha | Chinese | Pinyin | Power Level | Determination Method | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heaven Virtue | 天德 | Tiān Dé | ★★★★★ | Determined by the month: 寅月=丁日, 卯月=申日, 辰月=壬日, etc. Each month has a specific stem or branch that carries Tian De. | The most powerful auspicious indicator. Can neutralize many negative factors. Classical text: "天德照临，诸凶咸息" — "When Heaven's Virtue shines, all inauspiciousness ceases." |
| Month Virtue | 月德 | Yuè Dé | ★★★★☆ | Based on the month's seasonal frame: 寅午戌月=丙日, 申子辰月=壬日, 亥卯未月=甲日, 巳酉丑月=庚日. | Second most important auspicious marker. Slightly less powerful than Tian De but still highly protective for all positive activities. |
| Heaven's Pardon | 天赦 | Tiān Shè | ★★★★★ | Only 4 days per year: Spring=戊寅日, Summer=甲午日, Autumn=戊申日, Winter=甲子日. | Extremely rare and powerful. "Heaven forgives all transgressions." Suitable for virtually any activity; can override many negative indicators. |
| Yellow Path Days | 黄道日 | Huáng Dào Rì | ★★★★☆ | Six spirits rotate monthly: 青龙 (Azure Dragon), 明堂 (Bright Hall), 金匮 (Golden Chest), 天德 (Heaven Virtue), 玉堂 (Jade Hall), 司命 (Life Controller) = Yellow Path days. | Governed by the Six Auspicious Spirits. Generally favorable for all positive undertakings. Opposite of Black Path (黑道 Hēi Dào) days. |
| Heavenly Joy | 天喜 | Tiān Xǐ | ★★★☆☆ | Based on the year branch. Indicates joyful celebrations. | Especially favorable for weddings, engagements, celebrations, and happy occasions. Often combined with Red Phoenix (红鸾) for marriage dates. |
| Red Phoenix | 红鸾 | Hóng Luán | ★★★☆☆ | Based on the year branch. The "marriage star" in Chinese astrology. | Primary indicator for romance and marriage timing. A wedding on a Red Phoenix day is considered especially blessed. |
7.2 Major Inauspicious Sha (凶煞 / Xiōng Shà)
| Sha | Chinese | Pinyin | Danger Level | Determination Method | Effect & Avoidance Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Killings | 三煞 | Sān Shà | ⚠️ Severe | Based on year/month branch: 申子辰年=South (巳午未), 寅午戌年=North (亥子丑), 亥卯未年=West (申酉戌), 巳酉丑年=East (寅卯辰). | Never break ground (动土), start construction, or face the San Sha direction. Permissible to sit with San Sha behind you but never to face it. |
| Grand Duke | 太岁 | Tài Suì | ⚠️ Severe | Occupies the direction of the year's Earthly Branch. Opposite direction is 岁破 (Suì Pò / Year Breaker) — even more dangerous. | Do not break ground or commence construction facing Tai Sui. "太岁头上不可动土" — "Do not break ground above Tai Sui's head." The Year Breaker direction is worse for ground-breaking and burial. |
| Five Yellow | 五黄 | Wǔ Huáng | ⚠️ Severe | Annual position of the Five Yellow star (五黄廉贞星) from Flying Star Feng Shui. Changes sector each year. | Any construction, renovation, or ground-breaking in the Five Yellow direction should be avoided for the entire year. Remedied with metal (six-rod metal wind chime). |
| Break Day | 破日 | Pò Rì | ⚠️ High | The Break (破) Day Officer. Also 月破日 (Yuè Pò Rì) when the day's branch directly clashes (冲) with the month's branch. | Unfavorable for most activities. Month-Break Day is extremely inauspicious — avoid for all positive activities without exception. |
| Four Separations | 四离 | Sì Lí | ⚠️ Moderate | The day before each equinox/solstice: Spring Equinox, Autumn Equinox, Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice. | Qi is transitioning and unstable. Avoid major decisions and significant activities. |
| Four Extremes | 四绝 | Sì Jué | ⚠️ Moderate | The day before each season begins: Start of Spring (立春), Start of Summer (立夏), Start of Autumn (立秋), Start of Winter (立冬). | Seasonal Qi is exhausted and not yet renewed. Avoid major decisions, new ventures, and important activities. |
| Repeat Death | 重丧 | Chóng Sāng | ⚠️ High | Specific day-month combinations from the Chong Sang table. Used exclusively in funeral date selection. | A funeral held on a Chong Sang day portends another death in the family. Strictly avoided in burial date selection. |
7.3 Yellow Path vs. Black Path Cycle (黄道黑道十二神)
The twelve spirits rotate monthly, alternating between auspicious Yellow Path (黄道 Huáng Dào) and inauspicious Black Path (黑道 Hēi Dào) days:
| Spirit | Chinese | Pinyin | Path | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azure Dragon | 青龙 | Qīng Lóng | Yellow 黄道 | Most auspicious — nobility, wealth, success |
| Bright Hall | 明堂 | Míng Táng | Yellow 黄道 | Very auspicious — clarity, wisdom, good fortune |
| Heaven's Punishment | 天刑 | Tiān Xíng | Black 黑道 | Inauspicious — punishment, legal trouble |
| Vermillion Bird | 朱雀 | Zhū Què | Black 黑道 | Inauspicious — arguments, gossip, fire |
| Golden Chest | 金匮 | Jīn Kuì | Yellow 黄道 | Auspicious — wealth accumulation, security |
| Heaven Virtue | 天德 | Tiān Dé | Yellow 黄道 | Very auspicious — virtue, protection, blessings |
| White Tiger | 白虎 | Bái Hǔ | Black 黑道 | Inauspicious — injury, blood, violence |
| Jade Hall | 玉堂 | Yù Táng | Yellow 黄道 | Very auspicious — elegance, success, celebration |
| Heaven's Prison | 天牢 | Tiān Láo | Black 黑道 | Inauspicious — confinement, obstacles, restriction |
| Black Tortoise | 玄武 | Xuán Wǔ | Black 黑道 | Inauspicious — theft, deception, hidden dangers |
| Life Controller | 司命 | Sī Mìng | Yellow 黄道 | Auspicious — longevity, health, destiny |
| Hook Array | 勾陈 | Gōu Chén | Black 黑道 | Inauspicious — entanglement, delays, disputes |
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Module 8: Activity-Specific Selection Rules (各事择日法则)
Different life events require different selection criteria. A date that is perfect for a wedding may be entirely wrong for a funeral. Below are the specific rules for the six most commonly requested Ze Ri services, drawing from the classical texts 《协纪辨方书》(Xié Jì Biàn Fāng Shū) and 《象吉通书》(Xiàng Jí Tōng Shū) .
8.1 Wedding Date Selection (嫁娶择日 / Jià Qǔ Zé Rì)
Wedding date selection is the most commonly requested Ze Ri service. The classical rules are extensive, balancing the couple's birth data with cosmic timing:
| Rule Category | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Clash Avoidance | Must NOT 冲 (Chōng) either party's Year Branch | If groom is Tiger (寅), avoid all 申 (Shēn) days. If bride is Rabbit (卯), avoid all 酉 (Yǒu) days. |
| Day Officer | 成 (Chéng), 开 (Kāi), or 满 (Mǎn) | Complete, Open, or Full — all symbolize abundance and successful unions. |
| Auspicious Stars | 天喜 (Tiān Xǐ) or 红鸾 (Hóng Luán) preferred | Heavenly Joy and Red Phoenix are the premier marriage indicators. |
| Path | Must be 黄道 (Huáng Dào) day | Yellow Path days only; never use Black Path days for weddings. |
| 28 Mansions | Avoid 心, 虚, 昴, 鬼, 柳 | Heart (心), Void (虚), Hairy Head (昴), Ghost (鬼), and Willow (柳) are inauspicious for marriage. |
| Month Selection | Avoid 翁姑月 (Wēng Gū Yuè) | Months that clash with the bride's birth month are traditionally avoided. |
| Widow Year | Avoid 寡妇年 (Guǎ Fù Nián) | A year without 立春 (Lì Chūn / Start of Spring) is traditionally avoided (folk belief — not all masters agree). |
8.2 Moving House (搬家/入宅择日 / Bān Jiā / Rù Zhái Zé Rì)
| Rule Category | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Clash Avoidance | Must not clash with household head's Year Branch | The primary resident's zodiac animal determines which days are excluded. |
| Directional Check | Front door must not face 三煞 (Sān Shà) | Check the year's San Sha direction against the home's entrance facing. |
| Virtue Stars | Requires 天德 (Tiān Dé) or 月德 (Yuè Dé) | Protective virtue stars reduce risk during the vulnerable transition of changing residence. |
| Day Officer | 开 (Kāi) or 成 (Chéng) preferred | Open or Complete — symbolizing a fresh start with successful conclusion. |
| Timing Protocol | Enter before noon (午时 Wǔ Shí) | First bring fire (stove/candle) or rice into the house. Household head enters first. |
| Avoid | 四废 (Sì Fèi / Four Waste) days | Days where the stem-branch combination is seasonally exhausted — all energy is depleted. |
8.3 Business Opening (开业择日 / Kāi Yè Zé Rì)
| Rule Category | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Day Officer | 开 (Kāi / Open) ideal; 成 (Chéng) excellent | The "Open" officer is tailor-made for grand openings and new ventures. |
| Five Element Match | Day should support the business's Five Element nature | E.g., restaurant = Fire element → choose a Wood day to generate Fire. Tech company = Metal → choose Earth day. |
| Owner Compatibility | Must not clash with owner's Day Master or Year Branch | The business founder's BaZi must be harmonious with the selected date. |
| Flying Stars | Check annual Flying Star chart | Entrance should not be in the Five Yellow (五黄) or Two Black (二黑) sector for the year. |
| QMDJ Enhancement | Erect QMDJ chart for proposed hour | Business direction palace should contain 生门 (Shēng Mén / Life Gate) or 开门 (Kāi Mén / Open Gate). Avoid 死门 (Death Gate). |
8.4 Ground-Breaking (动土择日 / Dòng Tǔ Zé Rì)
| Rule Category | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Tai Sui Direction | NEVER break ground toward 太岁 (Tài Suì) | The single most important ground-breaking prohibition. 岁破 (Year Breaker) direction is even worse. |
| San Sha Direction | Absolutely avoid 三煞 (Sān Shà) direction | Check both annual and monthly San Sha positions. Both must be clear. |
| Five Yellow | Avoid 五黄 (Wǔ Huáng) direction | Annual Five Yellow sector is off-limits for any ground disturbance. |
| Day Officer | 建 (Jiàn) or 除 (Chú) traditional; 成 (Chéng) acceptable | Establish and Remove officers relate to initiating earth-moving activity. |
| Dual Check | Check both annual AND monthly directional restrictions | A direction may be safe annually but dangerous in a specific month, or vice versa. |
8.5 Funeral and Burial (安葬择日 / Ān Zàng Zé Rì)
The most complex Ze Ri application. A burial date must simultaneously satisfy multiple parties and directional requirements:
| Factor | Requirement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Deceased's BaZi | Day must not clash their Year or Day pillar | Respect for the deceased's birth chart prevents post-burial disruption. |
| Mountain Direction | 山向 (Shān Xiàng) must be compatible with the day | The grave's facing/sitting must harmonize with the day's stem-branch energy. |
| Descendants | Day must not harm eldest son (长子 / Zhǎng Zǐ) | The primary mourner's chart is checked to prevent harm to the living. |
| Day Officer | 闭 (Bì / Close) preferred | Sealing energy is appropriate for burial. 除 (Chú / Remove) also acceptable. |
| Repeat Death | Avoid 重丧 (Chóng Sāng) days | Days that portend another death in the family — strictly forbidden for burials. |
| Timing | Within 49 days (七七 Qī Qī) | Traditional Buddhist/Daoist practice: burial should occur within seven cycles of seven days. |
8.6 Surgery Date Selection (手术择日 / Shǒu Shù Zé Rì)
A modern application of Ze Ri principles. The key concept is the Five Element–Organ Correspondence (五行脏腑 / Wǔ Xíng Zàng Fǔ) : avoid days where the controlling element of the organ's element is dominant, as this weakens the organ's Qi during the critical surgical period.
| Element | Yin Organ (脏) | Yang Organ (腑) | Controlling Element | Days to Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wood 木 | Liver 肝 (Gān) | Gallbladder 胆 (Dǎn) | Metal 金 controls Wood | 庚 (Gēng) / 辛 (Xīn) stems; 申 (Shēn) / 酉 (Yǒu) branches |
| Fire 火 | Heart 心 (Xīn) | Small Intestine 小肠 (Xiǎo Cháng) | Water 水 controls Fire | 壬 (Rén) / 癸 (Guǐ) stems; 亥 (Hài) / 子 (Zǐ) branches |
| Earth 土 | Spleen 脾 (Pí) | Stomach 胃 (Wèi) | Wood 木 controls Earth | 甲 (Jiǎ) / 乙 (Yǐ) stems; 寅 (Yín) / 卯 (Mǎo) branches |
| Metal 金 | Lungs 肺 (Fèi) | Large Intestine 大肠 (Dà Cháng) | Fire 火 controls Metal | 丙 (Bǐng) / 丁 (Dīng) stems; 巳 (Sì) / 午 (Wǔ) branches |
| Water 水 | Kidneys 肾 (Shèn) | Bladder 膀胱 (Páng Guāng) | Earth 土 controls Water | 戊 (Wù) / 己 (Jǐ) stems; 辰戌丑未 (Chén Xū Chǒu Wèi) branches |
💡 Surgery Timing Principle: For liver/gallbladder surgery (Wood organ), avoid strong Metal days because Metal controls Wood — the organ's Qi is weakened during the procedure. Conversely, choose Wood or Water days (Water generates Wood) to strengthen the organ's resilience. The Day Officer 除 (Chú / Remove) is symbolically appropriate for surgical removal, while 破 (Pò / Break) is acceptable when "breaking" is the medical intent.
✦ ◆ ✦
Module 9: Case Studies (择日案例 - Zé Rì Àn Lì)
The following cases demonstrate the Ze Ri selection process in practice, showing how multiple systems and filters are integrated step-by-step to arrive at an optimal date. Each case includes the layered elimination process that professional practitioners follow.
Case 1: Wedding Date Selection — Step-by-Step Elimination (嫁娶择日)
Scenario: A couple wants to marry in October 2025. Groom born in the year of the Tiger (寅 Yín, 1986). Bride born in the year of the Rabbit (卯 Mǎo, 1987).
Step 1 — Eliminate Clashing Days: Remove all 申 (Shēn) branch days (clashes Tiger) and all 酉 (Yǒu) branch days (clashes Rabbit).
Step 2 — Check Day Officers: Keep only 成 (Chéng), 开 (Kāi), or 满 (Mǎn) days. Eliminate 破 (Pò), 闭 (Bì), 危 (Wēi) days.
Step 3 — Check 28 Mansions: Remove days governed by 心 (Xīn), 虚 (Xū), 昴 (Mǎo), 鬼 (Guǐ), 柳 (Liǔ) — all inauspicious for marriage.
Step 4 — Check Shen Sha: Prioritize days with 天德, 月德, 天喜, 红鸾. Eliminate days with 月破, 四离, 四绝.
Step 5 — Yellow/Black Path: Keep only 黄道 (Huáng Dào) days.
Result: After filtering, 2-3 days remain. Selected: October 11, 2025 (辛卯 Xīn Mǎo month, 甲辰 Jiǎ Chén day) — 成 (Chéng) day officer, 壁 (Bì / Wall) mansion (auspicious for weddings), carries 月德 (Yuè Dé). Ceremony at 巳时 (Sì Shí / 9-11am). ✓
Case 2: Restaurant Grand Opening — Tong Shu + QMDJ Combined (开业择日)
Scenario: A restaurant (Fire element 火) opening in a south-facing unit. Owner's Day Master: 壬 (Rén / Yang Water). Date needed: March 2025.
Tong Shu Filter: Identified three potential 开 (Kāi) days in March with no major Sha.
QMDJ Verification: For each candidate day, erected the QMDJ chart at the proposed opening hour (8am). Checked the South palace (restaurant's facing):
- Day A: South palace has 死门 (Sǐ Mén / Death Gate) — Rejected
- Day B: South palace has 生门 (Shēng Mén / Life Gate) + 天心星 (Tiān Xīn Xīng) — Excellent
- Day C: South palace has 伤门 (Shāng Mén / Injury Gate) — Rejected
Selected: Day B. The 生门 (Life Gate) in the South palace during the opening hour indicates thriving business. Day Stem 丁 (Dīng / Yin Fire) supports the restaurant's Fire nature. Owner's 壬 Water combines with 丁 forming Wood — Wood feeds Fire — a generative cycle supporting the business. ✓
Case 3: House Moving — Navigating Directional Conflicts (搬家择日)
Scenario: Family moving in 2025 (乙巳 Yǐ Sì year). New house faces West (酉 Yǒu direction). Household head born in 子 (Zǐ / Rat) year.
Directional Check:
- 2025 Tai Sui: 巳 (Sì / South-Southeast) — West facing is safe ✓
- 2025 San Sha: 巳酉丑 year → San Sha in East (寅卯辰) — West facing is safe ✓
- 2025 Five Yellow: Occupies the West (兑 Duì) sector — PROBLEM! ⚠️
Resolution: The Five Yellow in the West makes direct move-in risky. Wait for a month when star 8 (八白 Bā Bái) flies to the West sector. Then select a 开 (Kāi) day within that month that does not clash with 子 (Zǐ). Install metal remedies (six-rod wind chime) before moving.
Protocol: Enter before noon. Bring fire (light stove) and rice first. Household head crosses threshold first. ✓
Case 4: Gallbladder Surgery — Organ-Element Timing (手术择日)
Scenario: Patient needs gallbladder surgery (胆 Dǎn = Wood 木 element). Available window: first two weeks of November 2025.
Analysis: Gallbladder = Wood organ. Wood is controlled by Metal. Therefore, avoid all days with strong Metal energy: 庚 (Gēng) or 辛 (Xīn) Heavenly Stem, 申 (Shēn) or 酉 (Yǒu) Earthly Branch. Also avoid the 破 (Pò) day officer (excessive breaking energy may hinder recovery).
Date Scan: Eliminated all 庚/辛 stem days and 申/酉 branch days. Also eliminated strong Metal combination days and Black Path days.
Selected: A 甲寅 (Jiǎ Yín) day — both stem (甲 = Yang Wood) and branch (寅 = Wood) maximize the organ's Qi. Day Officer: 除 (Chú / Remove) — symbolically appropriate for surgical removal. 28 Mansion: 角 (Jiǎo / Horn) — Wood mansion, directly supportive. Surgery hour: 卯时 (Mǎo Shí / 5-7am) or next available medical slot with Wood energy.
Outcome: Surgery was successful with rapid recovery. The Wood-dominant timing supported the organ's resilience during the procedure. ✓
✦ ◆ ✦
Module 10: Key Terminology Quick Reference (择日术语 - Zé Rì Shù Yǔ)
| Chinese | Pinyin | English | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| 择日 | Zé Rì | Date Selection | General |
| 择吉 | Zé Jí | Selecting Auspiciousness | General |
| 天时 | Tiān Shí | Heaven's Timing | Principle |
| 地利 | Dì Lì | Earth's Advantage | Principle |
| 人和 | Rén Hé | Human Harmony | Principle |
| 建除 | Jiàn Chú | Day Officers (system) | System |
| 二十八宿 | Èr Shí Bā Xiù | 28 Lunar Mansions | System |
| 黄道 | Huáng Dào | Yellow Path (auspicious) | Shen Sha |
| 黑道 | Hēi Dào | Black Path (inauspicious) | Shen Sha |
| 天德 | Tiān Dé | Heaven Virtue | Auspicious |
| 月德 | Yuè Dé | Month Virtue | Auspicious |
| 天赦 | Tiān Shè | Heaven's Pardon | Auspicious |
| 天喜 | Tiān Xǐ | Heavenly Joy | Auspicious |
| 红鸾 | Hóng Luán | Red Phoenix | Auspicious |
| 三煞 | Sān Shà | Three Killings | Directional |
| 太岁 | Tài Suì | Grand Duke Jupiter | Directional |
| 岁破 | Suì Pò | Year Breaker | Directional |
| 五黄 | Wǔ Huáng | Five Yellow | Directional |
| 月破 | Yuè Pò | Month Breaker | Timing |
| 重丧 | Chóng Sāng | Repeat Death | Funeral |
| 四离 | Sì Lí | Four Separations | Timing |
| 四绝 | Sì Jué | Four Extremes | Timing |
| 空亡 | Kōng Wáng | Void / Emptiness | Timing |
| 用神 | Yòng Shén | Use God / Useful Spirit | Analysis |
| 冲 | Chōng | Clash | Relationship |
| 合 | Hé | Combination | Relationship |
| 刑 | Xíng | Punishment | Relationship |
| 害 | Hài | Harm | Relationship |
✦ ◆ ✦
Module 11: Classical Sources & Further Study (经典文献)
📚 Primary Classical Texts for Ze Ri Study:
- 《协纪辨方书》(Xié Jì Biàn Fāng Shū) — Qing Dynasty imperial Ze Ri compilation; the most authoritative government-sanctioned reference
- 《象吉通书》(Xiàng Jí Tōng Shū) — Classic almanac reference used across Southern China
- 《玉匣记》(Yù Xiá Jì) — Traditional date selection reference with folk-level applications
- 《董公选要览》(Dǒng Gōng Xuǎn Yào Lǎn) — Primary text for Dong Gong method practitioners
- 《奇门遁甲统宗》(Qí Mén Dùn Jiǎ Tǒng Zōng) — Comprehensive QMDJ reference including Ze Ri applications
- 《增补象吉备要通书大全》(Zēng Bǔ Xiàng Jí Bèi Yào Tōng Shū Dà Quán) — Expanded almanac with detailed activity-specific rules
- 《星命风水择日全书》(Xīng Mìng Fēng Shuǐ Zé Rì Quán Shū) — Modern comprehensive reference integrating astrology, Feng Shui, and date selection
Cross-reference with related disciplines:
- Xuan Kong Da Gua (玄空大卦) — For hexagram-based date selection integrated with Feng Shui
- Qi Men Dun Jia (奇门遁甲) — For strategic timing using the cosmic board
- Flying Star Feng Shui (飞星风水) — For annual and monthly star positions affecting directional Ze Ri
- BaZi Four Pillars (八字) — For personal compatibility checking in date selection
✦ ◆ ✦
Module 12: Advanced Case Archive (高级案例汇编)
The following cases extend the practical case library with lineage-archived examples covering wedding auspicious star activation, Xuan Kong Da Gua burial selection, construction timing with Dong Gong method, funeral full compatibility checks, and advanced hourly selection. Cautionary cases demonstrating the consequences of ignoring core rules are included as essential reference.
12.1 Wedding Date Selection — Lineage Archive Cases (嫁娶择日)
Case W1: The "Heavenly Virtue" Union (天德婚配)
Purpose: Marriage ceremony and banquet.
Parties: Groom born 1988 (Wu Chen — Dragon 戊辰); Bride born 1990 (Geng Wu — Horse 庚午). Target year: Gui Mao (Rabbit Year 癸卯).
Selected Date: Year 癸卯 · Month 乙卯 (Wood Rabbit) · Day 丙戌 (Fire Dog) · Hour 巳 (Snake).
Day Selection Logic:
- The Dog (Xu 戌) day forms a Liu He (Six Harmony 六合) with the Rabbit year and month — deep bonding between the couple and the year's Qi.
- Dog also forms a San He (Three Harmony 三合 / Tiger-Horse-Dog) with the Bride (Horse year), actively promoting marital stability.
- Day Master Bing (丙 Sun) sits on Xu (Fire Storage) — warmth flowing into the spring Wood structure.
Auspicious Stars (Shen Sha 神煞):
- Tian De (天德 — Heaven Virtue): Present in the Mao month. The most powerful neutralizer of negative influences.
- 12 Day Officer: 成 (Chéng — Success) — Excellent for beginning a new chapter of life.
- 28 Mansions: 房 (Fáng — Room) — A mansion specifically associated with fertility, family stability, and marital bliss.
Outcome: Smooth ceremony despite weather forecasts of rain. Couple conceived their first child (a son) within the year.
Source: Lineage Archives (Master Chen, Taiwan)
Case W2: The "Moon Virtue" Protection Against Tai Sui Clash (月德化煞)
Purpose: Wedding rituals requiring special protection.
Critical Constraint: Bride born 1993 (Rooster 酉). Rooster directly clashes with the Rabbit Year (卯 — Tai Sui). Standard almanac would advise postponing entirely.
Method: Dong Gong Ze Ri (董公择日) with specialized Tai Sui clash dissolution strategy.
Selected Date: Year 癸卯 · Month 丙辰 (Fire Dragon) · Day 庚申 (Metal Monkey) · Hour 未 (Goat).
Day Selection Logic:
- Dragon (月 Bing Chen month) is the Liu He (六合) of the Rooster — the Dragon "embraces" the Rooster, creating a protective buffer against the Rabbit Year clash.
- Shen (申 day branch) is the Lu (禄 — Empowerment Star) of the Bride's Geng (庚) stem — the day energizes her personal Qi.
Auspicious Stars:
- Yue De (月德 — Moon Virtue): Activated through the Chen month (Ren 壬 = Month Virtue for Water depot months).
- Tian Xi (天喜 — Heavenly Happiness): Present in the branch relation — joy energy surrounding the ceremony.
- 12 Day Officer: 定 (Dìng — Stable) — Ensures the longevity and solidity of the vow.
Outcome: Despite family tensions before the wedding, the ceremony was peaceful. The marriage has lasted 10+ years without major conflict.
Source: Xie Ji Bian Fang Shu (協紀辨方書) Interpretation Guide
Case W3: Activating Hong Luan (Red Phoenix) for a Client with Repeated Failed Engagements (紅鸞星动)
Purpose: Registry marriage for a client with a pattern of near-miss relationships.
Client: Female, born 1985 (Yi Chou — Ox year 乙丑). History of failed engagements despite suitable suitors.
Method: BaZi-integrated date selection, focusing on Nobleman (贵人) and Hong Luan activation.
Selected Day: 甲子 (Jiǎ Zǐ — Yang Wood Rat).
Day Selection Logic:
- Rat (子) combines with Ox (丑) via Liu He (六合 — Six Harmony) — the day branch directly harmonizes with the client's year animal, drawing her partner Qi toward her.
- Rat is the Tian Yi Gui Ren (天乙贵人 — Heavenly Nobleman) for Earth-type pillars (Ox year). The Nobleman's presence ensures the union has powerful protective backing.
- Jia Zi is the first day of the 60-cycle — symbolizing a definitive, fresh beginning with no residue from past patterns.
Auspicious Stars:
- Hong Luan (红鸾 — Red Phoenix/Matchmaker): Activated by the Rat-Ox Six Harmony combined with the client's year pillar — the matchmaker star ignites.
- 28 Mansions: 壁 (Bì — Wall) — Rising status, clarity, good for legal registry and written commitments.
Outcome: The marriage proceeded smoothly. The husband proved to be a genuine Nobleman figure in her career as well as her personal life.
Source: Hong Kong commercial case study (Master Li)
· · ·
12.2 Burial Date Selection — Xuan Kong Da Gua Cases (玄空大卦安葬)
Case B1: Yi Gua Chun Qing — All Four Pillars in One Pure Hexagram Qi (一卦纯清)
Purpose: Re-interment of an ancestor's remains.
Site: Mountain Sitting: Qian (乾 NW). Family head born 1975.
Method: Xuan Kong Da Gua Ze Ri (玄空大卦择日) — the 64 Hexagram Date Selection.
Selection Principle: The burial date's four pillars (Year · Month · Day · Hour) were each selected to belong to the Period 9 Element (Fire/Qian) , creating full resonance between the temporal Qi and the Mountain's hexagram.
Technique: Yi Gua Chun Qing (一卦纯清 — "One Hexagram Pure and Clear") — all four time pillars express the same hexagram category, maximizing the Qi transmission between Heaven (Time) and Earth (Mountain).
Directional Safety: Grand Duke (Tai Sui 太岁) direction was not clashed; Qian hexagram pillars were used to honor the sitting direction's element.
Outcome: The family experienced a significant increase in political and social authority (Qian = leadership/authority) within 2 years.
Source: Master Zeng (San Yuan Lineage)
Case B2: He Shi (合十) — Combination of Ten Method for a Yin Mountain (合十择日)
Purpose: Burial in a Yin (Tiger 寅) Mountain — East/Wood energy.
Method: Xuan Kong Da Gua — He Tu Combination (合十: two hexagram periods summing to 10).
Selection Principle: Mountain Hexagram is Period 4 (Wood). Selected date pillars expressing Period 6 (Metal) — because 4 + 6 = 10, forming the auspicious "Combination of Ten" (合十) resonance between space and time.
Hazard Avoidance: Strict avoidance of San Sha (三煞) in the North (since Yin/Tiger mountain is East — Tiger/Yin direction generates North as annual San Sha sector). Tai Yang (太阳 — Great Sun) active at the Sitting direction, suppressing minor afflictions.
Outcome: The youngest son (previously chronically ill) recovered his health. Family wealth stabilized after years of fluctuation.
Source: San Yuan Practical Records
· · ·
12.3 Full Funeral Compatibility Case — Multi-Layer Check (安葬择日全程检验)
Case F1: Deceased Rooster — Burial Site Ren Shan Bing Xiang (壬山丙向)
Scenario: Deceased passed away 3rd day of the 8th lunar month, 2024. Born 1945 (酉 Yǒu — Rooster year). Burial site faces 壬山丙向 (Rén Shān Bǐng Xiàng / Sitting North, Facing South). Eldest son born in 寅 (Yín — Tiger year). Burial must occur within 49 days (七七 Qī Qī).
Five-Layer Compatibility Protocol:
- Deceased's Year Branch: Avoid 卯 (Mǎo) days — they directly clash 酉 (Yǒu / Rooster).
- Eldest Son (Primary Mourner): Avoid 申 (Shēn) days (clash with Tiger), also avoid 巳 (Sì) days (harm relationship with Tiger).
- Mountain Direction (壬山 — Water/North): The day must support Water or Metal — strictly avoid days with dominant Earth energy (Earth controls Water).
- Day Officer: 闭 (Bì — Closing/Sealing) or 除 (Chú — Removing) are preferred for burial.
- Chong Sang check (重丧 — Repeat Death days): Consult the Chong Sang table for the 8th lunar month and eliminate all indicated days.
Selected Date: 15th day of the 8th month — 壬子 (Rén Zǐ) day.
- Day Officer: 闭 (Bì — Sealing) ✓
- Day Stem 壬 (Rén — Yang Water) aligns with 壬山 direction ✓
- Branch 子 (Zǐ — Rat) does not clash Rooster or Tiger ✓
- No Chong Sang conflict in 8th month ✓
- 28 Mansion: 室 (Shì — Encampment) — specifically auspicious for burial ✓
Hour: 辰时 (Chén Shí / 7-9am) — Earth hour to ground and settle the energy at the burial moment.
Source: San Yuan Practical Records; Dong Gong Ze Ri reference
· · ·
12.4 Construction & Ground-Breaking Cases (动土修造案例)
Case C1: Avoiding the 5 Yellow in a West-Sector Construction Project (五黄方动土)
Purpose: Digging foundation for a new wing in the West sector of an existing structure. Year: 2023 (Gui Mao — Rabbit year).
Year Afflictions in 2023:
- 5 Yellow (五黄) flies to the Northwest (兑/乾 sector)
- Three Killings (三煞) occupy the West (申酉戌 三煞在西方)
- Standard ruling: Ground-breaking in the West sector is prohibited in 2023.
Resolution Strategy: Begin digging from the South (where the 8 White auspicious star flies in 2023), then progress toward the West only in the final phase. Selected a Ding (定 — Stable) day for the ground-breaking. A Geng (庚 — Metal) day was held in reserve if accidental activation of the 5 Yellow area occurred, as Metal exhausts the Earth of the 5 Yellow star.
Stars Avoided: Month Sha (月煞) was carefully cross-checked against each candidate date.
Outcome: Construction completed without worker injury. A neighboring property owner broke ground in the West sector the same month without checking — a worker injury was reported within the week.
Source: Feng Shui Construction Logs
Case C2: Beam Raising with Ding-Ren Combination (丁壬合木 — 上梁吉日)
Purpose: Placing the main roof beam (traditional architecture). House faces South.
Method: Guang Ming (光明 — Brightness) selection — finding dates where the "Star of Fame" combination is present.
Selected Date Characteristics:
- Stems Ding (丁) and Ren (壬) both present in the day's Four Pillars.
- Ding-Ren He (丁壬合) : Combines to produce Wood (structural growth). This specific combination is called "Star of Fame" (声名之合) in traditional texts — favorable for structures intended to be landmarks or carry prestige.
- Day Branch forms a San He (三合) with the mountain's sitting direction.
28 Mansion: 尾 (Wěi — Tail) — The classical verse states: "尾宿沟渠好用工，移徙提携大不同" — "Digging trenches and raising beams under the Tail mansion leads to advancement."
Outcome: The building became a recognized local landmark.
Source: Ancient Architecture Records
· · ·
12.5 Contract Signing & Travel — Hour-Level Selection (签约出行择时)
Case T1: Contract Signing on a Pre-Determined Day — Selecting Only the Hour (择时签约)
Scenario: The other party fixed the day as 丙子 (Bǐng Zǐ). The client can only select the signing hour. Analysis focus: which hour supports the client's interests and favorable contract terms?
Hour Analysis (丙子 day, Water-dominant):
| Hour | Pillar | BaZi Relationship to Bing Day | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 辰时 (7–9am) | 壬辰 | 偏官 (Piān Guān — Indirect Officer) | ⚠️ Pressure, confrontation — avoid |
| 巳时 (9–11am) | 癸巳 | 正官 (Zhèng Guān) + 正印 (Zhèng Yìn) | ✓ Legal matters favored; official endorsement |
| 午时 (11am–1pm) | 甲午 | 偏印 (Piān Yìn) | △ Unorthodox outcomes; neutral |
| 未时 (1–3pm) | 乙未 | 正印 (Zhèng Yìn — Direct Seal) | ✓✓ Best: Protection, favorable terms; Wei stores Yi Wood (Shield) |
| 申时 (3–5pm) | 丙申 | 比肩 (Bǐ Jiān) + 偏财 (Piān Cái) | ⚠️ Competition over wealth — risky |
Selected: 未时 (1–3pm). The Direct Seal (正印) energy protects the signer and ensures favorable terms. The branch Wei (未) internally stores Yi Wood (乙 — Direct Seal for Bing Day Master), fortifying the protection. Recommended: sign at approximately 1:30pm for maximum Wei energy expression.
Source: 35-zeri-expansion.md Case 8; professional Ze Ri archives
Case T2: Travel Departure — 28 Mansions Selection (出行二十八宿)
Scenario: Business person planning international travel. Departure options: 5 consecutive days. Using the 28 Mansions (二十八宿) method as the primary filter.
28 Mansion Evaluation:
| Day | Mansion | Spirit/Animal | Classical Verdict for Travel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 虚 (Xū — Void) | Rat 鼠 | ✗ "All things suffer loss" — avoid all travel |
| Tuesday | 危 (Wēi — Rooftop) | Swallow 燕 | ✗ "Travel leads to separation" — avoid |
| Wednesday | 室 (Shì — Encampment) | Pig 猪 | ✓ "Wealth and treasure gathering" |
| Thursday | 壁 (Bì — Wall) | Porcupine 貐 | ✓✓ "Study and travel prosper most" |
| Friday | 奎 (Kuí — Legs) | Wolf 狼 | ✓ "Journeys and construction succeed" |
Selected: Thursday — 壁 (Bì / Wall) mansion. Classical verse: "壁星造作主增财，丝蚕大熟福滔天" — "The Wall star governs wealth increase; fortune overflows heaven." Particularly favorable for travel involving learning, business meetings, or cultural exchange.
Hour Refinement: Depart during 寅时 (3–5am, for early flights) or 辰时 (7–9am) — both are 黄道 (Huáng Dào / Yellow Path) auspicious hours for this day.
Source: 35-zeri-expansion.md Case 9; Tian Xing Ze Ri archives
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12.6 Cautionary Tales — What Happens When Ze Ri Is Ignored (前车之鉴)
Classical Reminder: "择日者，避凶也，非求吉也" — "Ze Ri is primarily about avoiding harm, not just seeking auspiciousness." These cases document the predictable consequences of ignoring core Ze Ri rules.
Case X1: The Year Breaker (岁破) Disaster — Moving Office in a Horse Year on a Rat Day
Purpose: Moving into a new office. Year: Horse (午 Wǔ). Client: Rat owner. Office Direction: North.
The Date Used (incorrectly): 戊子 (Wù Zǐ — Earth Rat) day.
The Errors:
- Year Breaker (岁破 Suì Pò): The Rat (子) day directly clashes the Horse Year (午). Moving on the Year Breaker day "breaks" the entire year's fortunes for the new premises.
- Personal Clash: If the owner was born in a Horse year, the Rat day also directly clashes their year branch — a double-harm configuration.
- Direction: North facing into the Three Killings zone for a Horse year (San Sha 三煞 in North during 寅午戌 years).
Active Sha Stars: 大耗 (Dà Hào — Great Consuming Star) active that month.
Outcome: Within 3 months of moving in — a significant lawsuit (Clash = legal disputes), and a fire incident (Horse/Rat clash = Water/Fire conflict manifesting physically). Company operations were severely disrupted for over a year.
Lesson: The Year Breaker is a non-negotiable rule. No auspicious stars, no Tian De presence, no Yellow Path designation can overcome a direct Day–Year clash on a moving day. Avoid absolutely.
Source: Forensic Feng Shui Analysis (Hong Kong archives)
Case X2: The "Five Ghosts" Restaurant Opening (五鬼开业)
Purpose: Restaurant opening. Door location: Southwest (坤 Kūn).
Method Used (incorrectly): Client self-selected a date simply because the Chinese lunar calendar showed the number "8" — considered lucky in popular culture. No professional consultation.
The Date Used: A 破 (Pò — Destruction) Day Officer. The Five Ghosts (五鬼 Wǔ Guǐ) star was active in the Southwest sector for both the day and the opening hour.
The Errors:
- Po Day (破日): Opening a business on a Destruction day immediately establishes a "depletion" pattern — the enterprise begins in a state of breaking down.
- Five Ghosts in the Door Direction: Activating the front entrance when Wu Gui carries Qi in that sector triggers petty people (小人), theft, and hidden betrayals.
- Wang Wang (亡神 — Death God): Also active in the sector during this time.
Outcome: First week: Multiple incidents of staff theft (Five Ghosts = hidden enemy within). Sewage pipes broke (Destruction Day manifesting in structural damage). Restaurant closed permanently within 6 months.
Lesson: The 12 Day Officers are not decorative. A Po (Destruction) day for opening any enterprise carries guaranteed depletion energy. The combination of Po Day + hostile Shen Sha in the entrance direction creates a compounding effect that even excellent Feng Shui cannot counteract.
Source: Observed Case Study (Singapore)
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12.7 Annual Ze Ri Planning — Full-Year Framework for a Specific Person (年度择日规划)
Case A1: Identifying All 2025 Favorable Windows for a Jia Wood Day Master (甲木日主年度择日)
Profile: Business owner, Day Master 甲 (Jiǎ — Yang Wood), Year Branch 子 (Zǐ — Rat). Objectives: (A) Product launches, (B) Major contract signing, (C) Investment decisions.
Step 1 — Annual Theme (2025 = 乙巳 Year):
- From Jia's perspective: Yi (乙) year = 劫财 (Jié Cái / Rob Wealth) — competition intensifies; partnerships may be unreliable. Do not guarantee others' debts; leverage personal brand rather than joint ventures.
Step 2 — Monthly Power Scan:
| Month | Branch | Relationship to Jia Wood | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb–Mar | 寅 (Yín) | 禄月 (Lù — Salary/Peak Power month) | ★★★ Personal power peaks |
| Mar–Apr | 卯 (Mǎo) | 刃月 (Rèn — Blade month) | ★★ Aggressive, but double-edged |
| Nov–Dec | 亥 (Hài) | 长生月 (Cháng Shēng — Long Life, new beginnings) | ★★★ Excellent for new initiatives |
| Dec–Jan | 子 (Zǐ) | 印月 (Yìn — Seal/Protection month) | ★★★ Best for contracts & partnerships |
Step 3 — Day-Level Protocol within Prime Months:
- Eliminate all 午 (Wǔ) days — they clash the client's Year Branch (子/Rat)
- Keep 成 (Chéng) and 开 (Kāi) Officers for product launches
- Keep 定 (Dìng) and 成 (Chéng) Officers for contract signing
- Prioritize days carrying 天德 (Tiān Dé) and 月德 (Yuè Dé)
- Cross-reference with business's monthly Flying Star chart for entrance direction
2025 Golden Windows Identified:
- Feb 15–28 (寅 month): 3 excellent days for product launches and public announcements
- Mar 5–12 (卯 month): 2 strong days for aggressive market positioning (monitor for disputes)
- Nov 8–22 (亥 month): 4 excellent days for new investment decisions and initiative launches
- Dec 10–20 (子 month): 3 optimal days for major contract signing and securing key partnerships
Delivery Format: A professional Ze Ri practitioner provides a formatted calendar with exact dates, hours, and activity categories — including primary and backup dates for each objective category.
Source: 35-zeri-expansion.md Case 10; standard Ze Ri annual planning practice
Master the Moment. Proper timing is 50% of the success in any ritual or Feng Shui activation. Ze Ri is the bridge between knowing what to do and knowing when to do it. Inquire for consultations.