A popular form of Chinese Astrology is Ba Zi or Four Pillars of Destiny. It is based on the assumption that there is energy throughout the universe, and it influences the destiny of each person. Although the system does not use planets and stars directly, it is a given that their positions determine how specifically the cosmic energy makes its impact.
The method relies on the Four Pillars of year, month, day and time of birth. Each pillar
consists of an Earthly Branch and Heavenly Stem. The Branches have a 12 year cycle and the Stems a ten. Although these generally correspond to the 12 animals and five elements common to Chinese Astrology, those terms are not used in BA ZI. Another difference with other methods is that the solar rather than the lunar calendar is used to calculate the Four Pillars.
A reading consists of two charts, The Four Pillars and Ten Year Luck Pillars. The first is used for personality and Fate analysis and the latter to identify the varying strength of Luck throughout a person's life. In both cases the focus is on elements and their yin or yang quality.
The Chinese Astrologer must be extremely knowledgeable of the meaning of the Earthly Branches and Heavenly Stems. Determinations are made both on individual characteristics as well as how they interact with each other. Element balance is particularly important in determining strengths and weaknesses as well as periods of greater or lesser Luck.
A BA ZI reading provides a variety of insights into both personality and timing of events. It traditionally has been used for match making, career decisions, and evaluating children in an attempt to identify an appropriate course of study. And, it provides auspicious as well as difficult times, for example, for weddings, births, moves and new ventures.