Part 1: The 10-Step Systematic Interpretation
1. Pre-Chart Preparation
Never plot a chart without a clear purpose. Establish the query, identify the four pillars (Year, Month, Day, Hour), and determine the Yin/Yang Dun based on the solar term.
2. External Context Analysis (成敗關鍵)
Analyze the querent's background and the history of the matter. Observe "Wai Ying" (External Omens) during the query—sudden sounds, movements, or environmental changes often hold the key to the chart's hidden meaning.
3. Macro-Observation (大局觀察)
Before looking at specific symbols, check the overall chart condition:
- Fu Yin (伏吟): Stars/Doors in original positions. Indicates stagnation, delay, or repetition.
- Fan Yin (反吟): Stars/Doors in opposite positions. Indicates rapid change, volatility, or matters returning to origin.
- Wu Bu Yu Shi (五不遇時): Hour Stem clashing with Day Stem. An inauspicious sign for the matter at hand.
4. The Four Afflictions (四害檢查)
Check for energetic leaks and blockages (reduces efficacy by 50-80%):
- Men Po (門迫): Door clashing with Palace.
- Ji Xing (擊刑): Stem "punishment" in Palace.
- Kong Wang (空亡): Void/Emptiness in Palace.
- Ru Mu (入墓): Stem entering "Grave" state.
5. Identifying Yong Shen (用神 - Target Symbols)
Select the symbols that represent the parties involved (see Part 2 for templates). The Day Stem usually represents the querent, and the Hour Stem represents the matter or the result.
6. Strength Analysis (旺衰分析)
Assess the strength of symbols based on the Monthly Branch (Heavenly Timing) and Palace Position (Earthly Support). Use the "12 Life Stages" (Chang Sheng) for precision.
7. Palace Information Decoding
Analyze the interaction of the four plates within the relevant palaces: Heaven (Stars), Earth (Palaces), Man (Doors), and Spirit (Deities).
8. Heavenly Stem Combinations (天干克應)
Interpret the 81 possible stem combinations (e.g., "Green Dragon Turning Head" or "Flying Bird Falling into Nest"). These provide the specific "flavor" of the event.
9. Determining Response Dates (斷應期)
Identify *when* the event will happen using principles of filling emptiness, clashing open graves, or the movement of the Horse Star.
10. Comprehensive Conclusion
Synthesize all data. Apply the principle of "One Matter, One Taiji" —keep all interpretations focused strictly on the original query.