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Library: why I see this

The app explains every code it shows next to a rating or a chart term, and this page collects all of those explanations. Here each entry is given in plain language for a reader with no background; in the app a practitioner's register with the term, its pinyin and the rule the engine applies stands next to it. The texts are the same as in the app and are proofread in several rounds; the engine's own rules are marked with the source “design”, and the school choices behind them are on the calculation method page.

Everything here is a description of how this system rates an hour or a chart, not a statement about outcomes: in this system a period counts as favourable or calls for care, and the decision stays with you.

Six materials to start with

BaZi chart terms

Day Master — 日主 (rì zhǔ)

The heavenly stem of your birth day. In the chart it stands for you: every other relationship is counted from it — what supports you, what weighs on you, what you produce. The chart's open and hidden stems are read relative to it.

Sources: Yuanhai Ziping (淵海子平); Compendium of the Three Fates (三命通會); Day-boundary decision record.

Day Master strength — 身強身弱 (shēn qiáng shēn ruò)

An assessment of how much the rest of the chart supports the day element: the season of birth, roots in the branches and neighbouring stems. Strong or weak is not good or bad; it tells which balance this system usually considers for the chart: load for a strong one, support for a weak one.

Sources: Yuanhai Ziping (淵海子平); The engine's school choices; BaziArt engine method notes.

Five-element balance — 五行 (wǔ xíng)

How much wood, fire, earth, metal and water the chart holds: each of the eight signs — four stems and four branches — counts once by its element; without a birth hour the six signs of three pillars are counted. The bar shows which elements dominate and which are least present; it describes composition, not the person.

Sources: Yuanhai Ziping (淵海子平); The engine's school choices; BaziArt engine method notes.

Luck pillars — 大運 (dà yùn)

Ten-year periods that follow one another, starting at an age calculated from the date of birth. In this system each pillar adds its own pair of signs to the calculation, and that pair is used to describe the corresponding decade. The starting age comes from the distance between birth and the start of the next solar term for forward progression, or of the previous one for backward: three days make one year.

Sources: Compendium of the Three Fates (三命通會); The engine's school choices.

Ten Gods — 十神 (shí shén)

Ten roles that the chart's open and hidden stems play towards the day sign: what feeds you, what you produce, what controls you and what you control, what equals you. The names are traditional; behind them are element relationships, not characters.

Sources: Yuanhai Ziping (淵海子平); Compendium of the Three Fates (三命通會).

Hidden stems — 藏干 (cáng gān)

Each earthly branch hides one, two or three heavenly stems. They are not visible in the four pillars but take part in the strength and element balance and bring their own roles relative to the day sign. The main hidden stem carries more weight than the others.

Sources: Yuanhai Ziping (淵海子平); The engine's school choices.

Na Yin (pillar image) — 納音 (nà yīn)

A figurative name of a pillar: the sixty combinations of the traditional cycle share thirty names, each covering two neighbouring combinations — “gold in the sea”, “fire beneath the mountain” and so on. It is a traditional second layer describing a pillar alongside its element; it does not take part in strength or time-window calculations.

Sources: Compendium of the Three Fates (三命通會).

Twelve stages of the life cycle — 十二長生 (shí èr cháng shēng)

Twelve stages the day sign passes through in each branch of the chart (yang signs move forward, yin signs backward): from birth through its peak to decline and rest. The stage in a pillar shows how at home the day sign is in that branch; it is a symbolic image of the sign's state, not a person's age and not the events of their life.

Sources: Compendium of the Three Fates (三命通會); The engine's school choices.

Symbolic stars — 神煞 (shén shà)

Traditional markers placed by combinations of the chart's signs: “nobleman”, “travelling horse”, “peach blossom” and others. Each is an image from the classical texts and a reason to look at a particular combination, not a statement about fate.

Sources: Compendium of the Three Fates (三命通會); The engine's school choices.

Hour ratings

The hour counts as favourable

The hour's best direction scored at least two points from the favourable signs: a suitable gate, a favourable stem, a spirit matching your task, or a favourable combination in that direction. It is a rule-based rating for planning, not a statement about outcomes.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

An ordinary hour

No direction reached the two points needed to count as favourable, yet nothing calls for caution across the whole hour. Fine for everyday matters.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

The hour calls for caution

Either a sign that does not depend on direction applies to the whole hour, or no direction passed the filters. If you can, move an important start to another hour.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

Warnings

The gate works against your birth year

The element of the gate in this direction overpowers the element of your birth-year stem. Not a rejection, a warning: this direction may be harder for you personally.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

The direction's stem works against your birth year

The stem standing in this direction overpowers the element of your birth-year stem. A warning, not a rejection.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

The day clashes with your birth year — 六沖 (liù chōng)

The day's branch stands opposite the branch of your birth year — in this system, a bumpier day for you personally. A warning for the whole day, not a rejection.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

Signs

A suitable gate — 三吉門 (sān jí mén)

The direction holds one of the three gates this system counts as good, and the gate does not quarrel with the direction: plus one point. The gate of brightness gives half a point.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

A favourable stem — 三奇 (sān qí)

The direction holds one of the three stems this system counts as wondrous: plus one point.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

A spirit matching your task

The spirit standing in the direction is, in this system, the patron of your kind of matter: plus one point. A general matter gets no such bonus.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

A favourable combination — 格局 (gé jú)

A placement or combination of signs this system counts as favourable has formed in the direction: plus one point for each. The Dragon and the Bird are shown among the combinations but add no points.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

Reasons for caution

The hour of non-meeting — 五不遇時 (wǔ bù yù shí)

In this system there is one hour each day when the hour's stem overpowers the day's stem — as if you arrived for a meeting and found the door locked. No start is scheduled for that hour, whichever direction you choose.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The gates stayed put or flipped — 伏吟 / 反吟 (fú yín / fǎn yín)

All eight gates sit in their home places (stagnation) or exactly opposite them (reversal). For matters that need movement — trips, relocations — this system does not pick such an hour; it applies to every direction at once.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

Emptiness in this direction — 空亡 (kōng wáng)

One of this direction's branches is “empty” in the group of ten signs the hour belongs to: this system holds that effort toward an empty direction finds no footing. The direction is set aside for this hour.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The gate presses on the palace — 門迫 (mén pò)

The element of the gate in this direction overpowers the element of the direction itself — like a guest giving orders in someone else's house. This system does not take such a direction for this hour.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

Punishment in this direction — 六儀擊刑 (liù yí jī xíng)

One of the six instrument stems landed in the palace where, by this system's table, it is punished — the stem's strength turns against the matter. The direction is set aside for this hour.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes; The engine's school choices.

A stem in its grave — 入墓 (rù mù)

The stem standing in this direction landed in the palace of its “grave” — a position where, in this system, it has no strength to act. The direction is set aside for this hour.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes; The engine's school choices.

An unsettling spirit in the direction — 白虎 / 玄武 (bái hǔ / xuán wǔ)

For matters that need quiet and shelter, this system avoids directions held by one of the two spirits tied to harshness and concealment. The filter applies only to the task “Quiet and seclusion”.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The eight gates

The Rest gate — 休門 (xiū mén)

Calm and recovery. In this system a good gate: suits rest, quiet meetings and unhurried matters.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Growth gate — 生門 (shēng mén)

Growth, income, beginnings. A good gate in this system: suits starting things, trade and anything meant to grow.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Strain gate — 傷門 (shāng mén)

Strain and clashes. This system avoids it for peaceful matters but uses it for collecting debts, hunting and contests.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Closure gate — 杜門 (dù mén)

Closure and shelter: suits waiting things out, hiding, keeping a secret; not for open beginnings.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Brightness gate — 景門 (jǐng mén)

Brightness and publicity: documents, exams, presentations, anything in plain view. In the traditional classification this gate sits in between; in the planner it can add half a point.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Ending gate — 死門 (sǐ mén)

Stagnation and the end of matters. This system does not take it for beginnings; it suits only closing and memorial matters.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Alarm gate — 驚門 (jīng mén)

Alarm, surprises, disputes. This system avoids it, except for matters that need noise and publicity.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Opening gate — 開門 (kāi mén)

Openness and beginnings: meetings with leadership, new projects, approaching institutions. A good gate in this system.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The eight spirits

The Senior Spirit — 值符 (zhí fú)

Patron and head of the ring of spirits: authority, support from seniors, leadership. In this system it counts as favourable for career matters.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Flying Serpent — 螣蛇 (téng shé)

False alarms, entanglement, oddities and uneasy dreams. Tradition counts such a direction as less suited to clear, straightforward matters; the planner applies no filter.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Hidden Helper — 太陰 (tài yīn)

Hidden support, private agreements, plans behind the scenes. In this system it suits seclusion and quiet preparation.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Union Spirit — 六合 (liù hé)

Unions, marriages, partnerships, mediation. In this system it counts as favourable for relationship matters.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The White Tiger — 白虎 (bái hǔ)

Force and harshness: clashes, pressure, a hard road. For quiet matters this system avoids such a direction.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Dark Tortoise — 玄武 (xuán wǔ)

Concealment, leaks, theft and deceit. For quiet matters this system avoids such a direction.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Nine Earths — 九地 (jiǔ dì)

Stability, shelter, patience. In this system it suits seclusion and long, unhurried matters.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Nine Heavens — 九天 (jiǔ tiān)

Open space, movement upward and outward, publicity. In this system it counts as favourable for career and travel.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Stems on the plates

Supple wood — 乙 (yǐ)

One of this system's three favourable stems: flexibility, adaptability, gentle help.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Bright fire — 丙 (bǐng)

A favourable stem in this system: visibility, influence, scope — but also hot-headedness.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Gentle fire — 丁 (dīng)

A favourable stem in this system: clarity, precision, documents, quiet help.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Firm earth — 戊 (wù)

Support, means, capital. In the first group of ten in the cycle this stem hides the cycle's head stem.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Moist earth — 己 (jǐ)

Soft soil: it nourishes, but also binds — confusion, stickiness, things left unsaid.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Hard metal — 庚 (gēng)

Obstacles, an opponent, hardness. In this system, the stem behind most unfavourable combinations.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Fine metal — 辛 (xīn)

Precision and polish, but also mistakes, damage, small losses.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Great water — 壬 (rén)

Movement, the road, the current — but over the hour's stem this system reads it as a net underfoot.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Lesser water — 癸 (guǐ)

Mist and vagueness, delays, the hidden — over the hour's stem this system reads it as a net from above.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The nine palaces

Direction: north — 坎 (kǎn)

North of wherever you are. In this system each of the eight directions has its own palace with its own element (water); the hour is rated for each direction separately. The direction is where you go or which way you face.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Direction: north-east — 艮 (gèn)

North-east of wherever you are. In this system each of the eight directions has its own palace with its own element (earth); the hour is rated for each direction separately. The direction is where you go or which way you face.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Direction: east — 震 (zhèn)

East of wherever you are. In this system each of the eight directions has its own palace with its own element (wood); the hour is rated for each direction separately. The direction is where you go or which way you face.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Direction: south-east — 巽 (xùn)

South-east of wherever you are. In this system each of the eight directions has its own palace with its own element (wood); the hour is rated for each direction separately. The direction is where you go or which way you face.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Direction: south — 離 (lí)

South of wherever you are. In this system each of the eight directions has its own palace with its own element (fire); the hour is rated for each direction separately. The direction is where you go or which way you face.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Direction: south-west — 坤 (kūn)

South-west of wherever you are. In this system each of the eight directions has its own palace with its own element (earth); the hour is rated for each direction separately. The direction is where you go or which way you face.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Direction: west — 兌 (duì)

West of wherever you are. In this system each of the eight directions has its own palace with its own element (metal); the hour is rated for each direction separately. The direction is where you go or which way you face.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Direction: north-west — 乾 (qián)

North-west of wherever you are. In this system each of the eight directions has its own palace with its own element (metal); the hour is rated for each direction separately. The direction is where you go or which way you face.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Structures and combinations

A favourable stem with its helper — 三奇得使 (sān qí dé shǐ)

One of the three favourable stems sits above the stem that hides the decade's head in this hour: in this system the pairing adds a point to the direction. If an unfavourable pairing of the same stems is shown alongside, it stays as a warning: the stem rests on the decade's head, and the direction counts as workable, with that caveat.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes; “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌).

A favourable stem enthroned — 三奇升殿 (sān qí shēng diàn)

A favourable stem stands in the palace this system regards as its throne: in this system such a placement counts as strengthening the stem's qualities.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

A favourable stem in its seat of plenty — 奇有祿位 (qí yǒu lù wèi)

A favourable stem stands in the palace of its “salary” — a place where it acts with ease. For one of the three stems the palace is the same as in “a favourable stem enthroned”, so that palace carries both names and the planner counts both.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Jade Maiden at the gate — 玉女守門 (yù nǚ shǒu mén)

The gate that leads this hour has come to the palace whose lower stem tradition calls the Jade Maiden. In the Qi Men tradition this pairing is linked with assistance, reconciling interests and matters that call for tact: in this system it counts as favourable for meetings and negotiations.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The hour of non-meeting — 五不遇時 (wǔ bù yù shí)

The hour's stem overpowers the day's stem — the “hour of non-meeting”: in this system no starts are scheduled for such an hour. It concerns the whole hour, not a direction.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

A stem under punishment — 六儀擊刑 (liù yí jī xíng)

One of the six instrument stems stands in the palace where this system punishes it: its strength turns against the matter.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes; The engine's school choices.

A favourable stem in its grave — 三奇入墓 (sān qí rù mù)

A favourable stem landed in the palace of its “grave” — in this system such a stem counts as weakened.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes; The engine's school choices.

The gate presses on the palace — 門迫 (mén pò)

The gate's element overpowers the palace's element — like a guest giving orders in someone else's house: this system sets such a direction aside for the hour.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

A harsh stem beside a favourable one — 奇格 (qí gé)

A harsh stem — in this system the “metal of war” — shares a palace with a favourable one — in this system the favourable stem in such a pairing counts as weakened.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The great barrier — 大格 (dà gé)

The harsh stem meets the “water of mist”: in this system the pairing is associated with obstacles, confusion and slowing matters.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The lesser barrier — 小格 (xiǎo gé)

The harsh stem beside “flowing water”: in this system the pairing is associated with small obstacles and delays.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

Friction of stems — 刑格 (xíng gé)

The harsh stem beside “moist earth”: in this system the pairing is associated with disputes, friction and litigation.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

A harsh stem over the stem of the year, month, day or hour — 歲月日時格 (suì yuè rì shí gé)

The harsh stem sits over the stem of the year, month, day or hour in one of the palaces: in this system the direction is considered unfavourable for starts and disputes.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

A harsh stem over the day's stem — 伏干格 (fú gān gé)

The harsh stem lies on top of the current day's stem: in this system it reads as a sign of outside pressure.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The day's stem over the harsh stem — 飛干格 (fēi gān gé)

The day's stem lies on the harsh stem: in this system it reads as resistance to your actions.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

Fire against the hour — 悖格 (bèi gé)

“Bright fire” stands over the hour's stem: in this system the pairing is associated with hot-headedness and hasty decisions.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

A net on the ground — 地羅 (dì luó)

“Great water” over the hour's stem: in this system the image of a net underfoot is associated with restricted movement.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

A net in the sky — 天網 (tiān wǎng)

“Lesser water” over the hour's stem: a net from above, read in this system as limited options.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Dragon turns its head — 青龍返首 (qīng lóng fǎn shǒu)

A combination of stems this system counts among the most favourable: it reads as a sign of support for the matter; it adds no planner points. If marked “weakened”, there is a hindrance in the palace.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Bird drops into its nest — 飛鳥跌穴 (fēi niǎo diē xué)

The second of this system's two especially favourable combinations: it reads as place and time falling into step; it adds no planner points.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Green Dragon flees — 青龍逃走 (qīng lóng táo zǒu)

A gentle stem sits over a harsh one: in this system the direction is considered unfavourable for starts and moves — strength drains away.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The White Tiger runs wild — 白虎猖狂 (bái hǔ chāng kuáng)

A harsh stem stands over a gentle one: in this system the direction is considered abrupt — doubtful for talks and travel.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Serpent writhes — 螣蛇夭矯 (téng shé yāo jiǎo)

A water stem lies over a fire stem: in this system the direction is considered tangled — matters go roundabout ways.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

The Red Bird plunges into the river — 朱雀投江 (zhū què tóu jiāng)

A fire stem sits on a water stem: in this system the direction is considered unfavourable for letters, documents and news.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Mars enters Venus — 熒入白 (yíng rù bái)

A fire stem over the harsh metal stem: in this system the direction is considered uneasy — better not to start anything contentious.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Venus enters Mars — 太白入熒 (tài bái rù yíng)

The harsh metal stem over a fire stem: in this system the direction is considered unfavourable for decisive steps — better to wait.

Sources: “Song of the Fisherman in Misty Waves” (煙波釣叟歌); BaziArt engine method notes.

Task types

A general matter

A rating not tied to a kind of matter: only the general signs of the hour and direction count, with no spirit bonus and no movement or quiet filters.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

Career and work

Work and career matters: the Senior Spirit and the Nine Heavens give the direction a bonus.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

Relationships

Relationships and unions: the Union Spirit gives the direction a bonus.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

A trip

Trips and moves: the Nine Heavens give a bonus, and hours when the gates stayed put or flipped are set aside entirely.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

Quiet and seclusion

Matters that need quiet and shelter: directions with unsettling spirits are set aside, the Hidden Helper and the Nine Earths give a bonus.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

Calculation settings

Day boundary — 子初換日 (zǐ chū huàn rì)

When the new day begins: at 23:00 (this system's default) or at midnight. The day pillar depends on it, and with it the whole hour chart.

Sources: Day-boundary decision record; BaziArt engine method notes.

True solar time — 真太陽時 (zhēn tài yáng shí)

Wall clocks show zone time, yet the sun where you are does not stand at noon exactly at 12:00. Solar calculation shifts the moment by the longitude correction and a small seasonal deviation.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes; The engine's school choices.

Layout method — 拆補法 / 茅山法 (chāi bǔ fǎ / máo shān fǎ)

Two ways to decide which layout number out of nine applies to the date in question for the forward or backward order: by five-day blocks whose start the traditional calendar fixes (the default), or exactly five days at a time from the start of the solar term.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes; The engine's school choices.

Centre variant — 寄宮 (jì gōng)

When the head stem of the hour's group of ten lands in the centre, it is “registered” in one of the outer palaces. Schools do this differently; this system's default is always the south-west.

Sources: “Comprehensive Compendium of Qi Men Dun Jia” (奇門遁甲統宗); BaziArt engine method notes; The engine's school choices.

Time standard

Which time the hour is calculated by: true solar (the default), mean local — the longitude correction only, without the seasonal deviation — or zone time with no correction.

Sources: BaziArt engine method notes.

Sources