GROUP 01
Basic Structure — The Framework for Reading a Chart
The system of Eastern astrology that analyzes destiny through the Four Pillars and Eight Characters of birth
Saju (四柱) refers to the four pillars — Year Pillar, Month Pillar, Day Pillar, and Hour Pillar. Pallja (八字) refers to the eight characters, two per pillar (one Heavenly Stem and one Earthly Branch each), for a total of eight. These eight characters carry the energies of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), and analyzing their composition and interactions reveals personality, wealth, health, marriage, career, and the full arc of a person's life. It is the central analytical tool of Eastern astrology, with a history spanning thousands of years.
Example: Someone born on May 15, 1990, at the Hour of the Horse (午時) would have Gyeong-o (庚午) as the Year Pillar, Sin-sa (辛巳) as the Month Pillar, Im-sul (壬戌) as the Day Pillar, and Mu-o (戊午) as the Hour Pillar — these eight characters form the complete Saju chart.
The ten heavenly energies — Gab, Eul, Byeong, Jeong, Mu, Gi, Gyeong, Sin, Im, Gye
The Heavenly Stems are ten symbols representing the energy of heaven. They are Gab (甲), Eul (乙), Byeong (丙), Jeong (丁), Mu (戊), Gi (己), Gyeong (庚), Sin (辛), Im (壬), and Gye (癸), each classified by one of the Five Elements and by Yin or Yang. They appear at the top of each of the four pillars and represent outward qualities, conscious characteristics, and visible traits. The Day Master (Ilgan) — the stem of the day of birth — is the character that symbolizes the self.
Example: Gab (甲), Byeong (丙), Mu (戊), Gyeong (庚), and Im (壬) are Yang Stems; Eul (乙), Jeong (丁), Gi (己), Sin (辛), and Gye (癸) are Yin Stems.
The twelve earthly energies — Ja, Chuk, In, Myo, Jin, Sa, O, Mi, Sin, Yu, Sul, Hae
The Earthly Branches are twelve symbols representing the energy of the earth. They are Ja (子), Chuk (丑), In (寅), Myo (卯), Jin (辰), Sa (巳), O (午), Mi (未), Sin (申), Yu (酉), Sul (戌), and Hae (亥), corresponding to the twelve zodiac animals, twelve months, and twelve directions. They appear at the bottom of each pillar and represent environment, inner nature, and the unconscious. Earthly Branches carry more complex energy than Heavenly Stems because each contains multiple hidden stems (Jijanggan).
Example: In (寅) corresponds to the Tiger, the first lunar month, East, and Wood energy. Inside it, the hidden stems Gab, Mu, and Byeong are stored as Jijanggan.
The Heavenly Stem of the day of birth in the Saju chart — the core character representing the self
The Day Master is the most important reference point in Saju analysis. It reflects the person's innate temperament, disposition, and constitution. All family relationships (parents, siblings, spouse, children) and the Ten Gods (Sikshin, Sangkwan, Jaeseong, Gwanseong, Inseong) are determined relative to the Day Master. Each of the ten possible Day Masters — Gab, Eul, Byeong, Jeong, Mu, Gi, Gyeong, Sin, Im, Gye — carries its own distinctive character and destiny patterns.
Example: A person with Gab Wood (甲木) as their Day Master tends to be upright and principled like a great tree — demonstrating strong leadership and a commitment to principles.
The four pillars of a Saju chart, each representing a different life domain and time period
The Year Pillar (Nyeongju) reflects ancestry, parents, and the early childhood environment. The Month Pillar (Wolgju) reflects parents and siblings, and the youth years. The Day Pillar (Ilju) reflects the self and the spouse relationship, and middle age. The Hour Pillar (Siju) reflects children and the senior years. Each pillar contains both a time period and a family relationship domain.
Example: A strong Inseong (印星) in the Month Pillar suggests strong maternal influence and good academic fortune. An official star (Gwanseong) in the Hour Pillar suggests children who may achieve social success.
The fixed structure of a Saju chart determined at birth — the map of innate destiny
The Original Chart (Wonguk) refers to the composition of the eight characters as fixed at birth. It is the unchanging, innate framework against which the post-natal fortune cycles — Daewoon, Sewoon — are read. Understanding the strengths, weaknesses, balance, and harmony within the Original Chart is essential before interpreting the influence of fortune cycles. A well-structured Original Chart tends to produce a more stable life with fewer extremes.
Example: When the Five Elements are evenly distributed across the Original Chart, a balanced personality and stable fortune can be expected. A heavy concentration of one element may amplify the traits of that element or create problems associated with its excess.
The foundational principle of Eastern philosophy explaining all phenomena through two complementary forces
Yin and Yang explain all phenomena as two opposing but complementary forces. Yang (陽) symbolizes activity, extroversion, brightness, and the masculine. Yin (陰) symbolizes receptivity, introversion, darkness, and the feminine. Both Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches carry Yin or Yang polarity — Gab, Byeong, Mu, Gyeong, Im are Yang Stems; Eul, Jeong, Gi, Sin, Gye are Yin Stems. The balance of Yin and Yang within a chart significantly shapes a person's character and way of life.
Example: An excess of Yang in the chart can produce an overly assertive or impulsive temperament; an excess of Yin can produce a more passive or introverted nature.
GROUP 02
Flow of Fortune — Time and Destiny Cycles
The major 10-year fortune cycle that determines the broad direction of one's life
Daewoon is the most influential cycle in a person's life, shifting every ten years. It is calculated from the Month Pillar (Wolgju), moving forward or backward based on gender and Yin/Yang polarity, and the age at which the cycle changes is called the Daewoon number. A favorable Daewoon brings a broadly smooth flow to life; an unfavorable one can make even strong effort feel limited.
Example: A Gab Wood Day Master entering a Gyeong Metal Daewoon faces Metal-controls-Wood pressure on career and health. If the Yongsin is Fire, Fire-controls-Metal can partially offset that pressure.
The yearly fortune determined by the year's stem and branch, read alongside Daewoon to predict a given year
Sewoon is determined by the celestial stem and branch of each year's Taesei (太歲). The year 2026 is Byeong-o year (丙午), making Byeong-o the Sewoon. While Sewoon carries less weight than Daewoon, it reveals the specific events and changes of a given year. When Daewoon and Sewoon point in the same direction, the auspicious or inauspicious influence is amplified.
Example: When a Wealth Daewoon coincides with a Sewoon that carries a strong Wealth Star, significant income or successful investment may arise that year.
The monthly fortune cycle, used to pinpoint the timing of specific events
Monthly Fortune analyzes how each month's stem and branch (Wolgeon, 月建) interacts with the Original Chart. It is the third level of fortune analysis after Daewoon and Sewoon, and is especially useful for narrowing down the timing of significant decisions or events. Even in a favorable Sewoon year, a Clash (Chung) or Punishment (Hyeong) in a specific month can trigger problems during that month.
Example: Even in a year with a favorable Wealth Star flow, a month when a strong Competitor Star (Bigeop) suppresses the Wealth Star may bring competitive friction or financial loss that month.
A collective term for all post-natal fortune cycles — Daewoon, Sewoon, Wol-un — as they act upon the Original Chart over time
Haengwoon is the counterpart to the Original Chart — it encompasses all fortune that changes with the passage of time. In Saju analysis, the quality of fortune at any given moment is assessed by observing how the Haengwoon acts upon the fixed Original Chart. Even a strong Original Chart can face difficulties during an unfavorable Haengwoon period; conversely, a weaker chart can find opportunity when the Haengwoon is auspicious.
Example: Saying "the Haengwoon is good right now" means the combined flow of Daewoon, Sewoon, and Wol-un is supporting the Yongsin, making things run smoothly overall.
The full sequence of Major Fortune Cycles across a lifetime — showing which elemental energy arrives at each age
The Fortune Path is the lifetime map of Daewoon cycles. Seeing which Five Elements cycle appears from childhood through old age reveals the major turning points and overall flow of a life. When early Daewoon is difficult but improves in midlife, this is called "late blooming" (後天開花). The reverse — strong early fortune that weakens in midlife — also occurs.
Example: A Fortune Path where Wealth Star (Jaeseong) and Official Star (Gwanseong) Daewoon cycles run through the 30s to 50s suggests strong opportunities for social success and wealth accumulation during those years.
GROUP 03
Interactions — Dynamic Relationships Between Characters
Two characters unite to produce a new Five Elements energy
Hap includes both Heavenly Stem Combinations (Cheongan-hap) and Earthly Branch Combinations (Jiji-hap). The five Heavenly Stem Combinations are Gab-Gi, Eul-Gyeong, Byeong-Sin, Jeong-Im, and Mu-Gye — each pairing transforms into a different elemental energy. When a Hap is formed, the original energy of each character may weaken or transform, making this interaction highly significant in Original Chart analysis.
Example: When a Gab Wood (甲木) Day Master combines with Gi Earth (己土) through Gab-Gi combination, the result is Earth energy — the Wood energy of Gab weakens while Earth energy strengthens.
Two Earthly Branches in direct opposition collide violently, disrupting their energies
The six Clashes are Ja-O (子午), Chuk-Mi (丑未), In-Sin (寅申), Myo-Yu (卯酉), Jin-Sul (辰戌), and Sa-Hae (巳亥). When a Clash occurs, the family relationships, Ten Gods, and life areas governed by those Earthly Branches experience major disruption and shock. Clashes can trigger change and movement, but they can also cause sudden accidents or conflict.
Example: When a Clash enters the Earthly Branch of the Day Pillar during a Daewoon or Sewoon, friction with a spouse, a job change, relocation, or health shifts become more likely.
Two or three Earthly Branches create tension and conflict, as if meting out punishment
Hyeong includes Triple Punishments (Samhyeong) and Self-Punishments (Jahyeong). The main Triple Punishments are In-Sa-Sin (寅巳申), Chuk-Sul-Mi (丑戌未), and Ja-Myo (子卯). Unlike Chung, the effect is not immediate but can be associated with legal problems, surgery, accidents, and official trouble. When Hyeong is present in the Original Chart, ongoing tension and conflict tend to characterize that person's experience.
Example: In-Sa-Sin (寅巳申) Triple Punishment in the Original Chart increases exposure to legal issues or accidents, warranting particular attention to safety and health.
A weaker collision between two Earthly Branches that causes sustained friction
The six Disruptions are Ja-Yu (子酉), In-Hae (寅亥), Myo-O (卯午), Jin-Chuk (辰丑), Sa-Sin (巳申), and Sul-Mi (戌未). While weaker than a Clash, Pa should not be ignored. It typically manifests as relationship fractures, disrupted plans, or repetitive, draining conflicts. In particular, it can cause two parties to harm each other and drift apart within family or close relationships.
Example: When the Hour Pillar's Earthly Branch represents children and Disruption enters, conflicts with children or relationship problems at work become more likely.
Two Earthly Branches harm each other, causing problems in relationships or health
The six Harm interactions are Ja-Mi (子未), Chuk-O (丑午), In-Sa (寅巳), Myo-Jin (卯辰), Sin-Hae (申亥), and Yu-Sul (酉戌). Hae tends to obstruct Combinations and introduce subtle toxicity into relationships, manifesting as health issues or jealousy, suspicion, and betrayal in interpersonal dynamics. Quieter than Hyeong and Chung, it often produces longer-lasting side effects.
Example: Ja-Mi Harm (子未害) in the Original Chart can produce recurring small misunderstandings in close relationships, or may indicate the need to watch digestive health.
Three Earthly Branches unite to form a powerful Five Elements energy
The four Triple Combinations are In-O-Sul (寅午戌) forming Fire, Sin-Ja-Jin (申子辰) forming Water, Hae-Myo-Mi (亥卯未) forming Wood, and Sa-Yu-Chuk (巳酉丑) forming Metal. When all three branches are present, the corresponding elemental energy becomes extremely powerful. A Samhap in the chart exerts a dominant influence on the entire life course.
Example: In-O-Sul (寅午戌) Triple Combination in the chart creates very strong Fire energy — the person tends to be passionate and active, but may also be hasty or prone to overheating.
Three Earthly Branches of the same season and direction combine to reinforce a Five Elements energy
The four Directional Combinations are In-Myo-Jin (寅卯辰) forming Wood / East, Sa-O-Mi (巳午未) forming Fire / South, Sin-Yu-Sul (申酉戌) forming Metal / West, and Hae-Ja-Chuk (亥子丑) forming Water / North. Similar to Samhap but with a stronger seasonal and directional quality, Banghap energizes the element more harmoniously than Samhap.
Example: Hae-Ja-Chuk (亥子丑) Directional Combination in the chart produces strong Water energy — the person tends to be wise and perceptive, though excess can bring coldness or indecisiveness.
Two Earthly Branches pair up to form a combination
The six pairs are Ja-Chuk (子丑), In-Hae (寅亥), Myo-Sul (卯戌), Jin-Yu (辰酉), Sa-Sin (巳申), and O-Mi (午未). Two branches attract each other to form a new elemental energy or transform existing energy. Weaker than Samhap but acting in a gentle, harmonious way, Yukap can also represent the connection of a meaningful relationship — such as marriage or partnership.
Example: When O-Mi (午未) combination forms, Fire and Earth energies are drawn together, and during this period warm, stable connections tend to develop.
GROUP 04
Five Elements Concepts — The World of Wood · Fire · Earth · Metal · Water
Wood · Fire · Earth · Metal · Water — the five energies that explain all change and movement in Eastern philosophy
The Five Elements are a foundational concept of Eastern philosophy. Wood (木), Fire (火), Earth (土), Metal (金), and Water (水) cycle through each other in generation and suppression. Every Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch in a Saju chart is classified by one of the Five Elements, and the balance and flow of these elements determine personality, health, wealth, and relationships. Wood corresponds to spring, growth, and East; Fire to summer, passion, and South; Earth to seasonal transitions, stability, and Center; Metal to autumn, decisiveness, and West; Water to winter, wisdom, and North.
Example: Excess Water (水) energy in a chart can bring rich sensitivity and strong intuition, but may also produce excessive worry or weak willpower.
The nurturing cycle where elements support one another: Wood feeds Fire · Fire creates Earth · Earth produces Metal · Metal generates Water · Water nourishes Wood
The Generation Cycle describes the circular relationship in which each element nourishes and strengthens the next. Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth produces Metal, Metal generates Water, Water nourishes Wood. In Saju analysis, this cycle is used to trace elements that support the Yongsin or to identify favorable fortune cycles that boost the Original Chart's energies.
Example: A Wood Day Master with Water as Yongsin benefits from Water-nourishes-Wood — a Daewoon with strong Water energy replenishes the Day Master, improving overall fortune.
The controlling cycle where elements restrain one another: Wood pierces Earth · Earth dams Water · Water extinguishes Fire · Fire melts Metal · Metal cuts Wood
The Suppression Cycle describes the relationship in which each element controls and restrains the next. Wood pierces Earth, Earth dams Water, Water extinguishes Fire, Fire melts Metal, Metal cuts Wood. Moderate suppression serves to balance the Five Elements, but excessive suppression causes repression, conflict, and illness. The most damaging situation is when Gisin suppresses Yongsin.
Example: A Wood Day Master whose Yongsin is also Wood, entering a strong Metal Daewoon, faces Metal-cuts-Wood suppression — health, career, and self-confidence may falter.
The balance of cold–heat–dry–wet energies in the chart — adjusting for the seasonal climate of birth
Johu is the method of analyzing the balance of cold (寒), warm (熱), dry (燥), and wet (濕) energies in a chart. Because the temperature of a chart changes with the season of birth (determined by the Month Branch), the Yongsin that balances this climate must be identified. A chart born in deep winter needs Fire and Wood to supply warmth; a chart born in high summer needs Water and Metal to cool it down.
Example: An Im Water (壬水) Day Master born in the month of Ja (子月, the winter solstice month) is so cold that water nearly freezes — sunlight represented by Byeong Fire (丙火) is urgently needed as the Johu Yongsin.
A Heavenly Stem's energy taking root in the Earthly Branches below it — strengthening its force
Tonggeun occurs when the same elemental energy as a Heavenly Stem exists among the hidden stems (Jijanggan) of an Earthly Branch. Like a tree sending roots into the soil, the Heavenly Stem's energy anchors into the Branch and becomes stable and strong. A Heavenly Stem with Tonggeun is powerful; one without it is weak and more easily shaken when it encounters Clash or suppression. Whether the Day Master has Tonggeun is the key factor in determining whether the chart is strong (Singang) or weak (Sinak).
Example: A Gab Wood (甲木) Day Master with In Wood (寅木) in the Month Branch has Tonggeun — the Day Master's energy is strengthened, a condition called Singang (strong self).
GROUP 05
Special Concepts — Yongsin · Special Stars · Gongmang
The Five Elements energy most needed to balance the entire chart — when it strengthens, fortune improves
Yongsin is often called the crown jewel of Saju analysis. Finding it requires analyzing the relative strengths of the Five Elements in the Original Chart and identifying the element that is most needed. When a Daewoon or Sewoon strengthens the Yongsin, good things happen. When Gisin energy grows strong and suppresses the Yongsin, difficulties arise. Career choices, living direction, colors, and foods that align with the Yongsin element are thought to be beneficial.
Example: A person whose Yongsin is Fire may find the south direction, warm red tones, and passionate occupations (lecturer, marketer, restaurateur) particularly advantageous.
The Five Elements energy that disrupts the chart's balance — when it strengthens, fortune deteriorates
Gisin is the opposite of Yongsin — the element that undermines the chart's balance. When a Daewoon or Sewoon brings strong Gisin energy, difficulties arise across health, wealth, and relationships. Avoiding careers, colors, directions, and foods associated with the Gisin element is thought to help protect one's fortunes. Hansin (閑神) is a neutral element that is neither Yongsin nor Gisin.
Example: If the Yongsin is Fire and the Gisin is Water, entering a Daewoon dominated by strong Water energy may cause things to stagnate and bring difficulties in health and finances.
Specific Earthly Branches in the chart or a fortune cycle that are "empty," rendering them ineffective
Gongmang arises from the 60 Sexagenary Cycle, in which ten Heavenly Stems are paired with twelve Earthly Branches, leaving two branches without a pairing partner. The Gongmang branches are calculated from the Day Pillar; Earthly Branches in Gongmang tend to be hollow or ineffective in the life areas and family members they represent. However, when a harmful or inauspicious element falls into Gongmang, its negative influence is also diminished — a potential benefit.
Example: With Gab-Ja (甲子) as the Day Pillar, Sul (戌) and Hae (亥) are in Gongmang. If the Hour Branch is Hae, the person may have a late or limited connection with children.
A special star linked to romance, art, and personal magnetism — associated with popularity but requiring caution in love
The Peach Blossom Star represents an energy as attractive and magnetic as a peach blossom (桃花), drawing others — especially romantic interests — near. Based on the Year Branch or Day Branch, the branches Ja (子), O (午), Myo (卯), and Yu (酉) constitute Dosal. Those with this star often have striking looks, artistic talent, and broad popular appeal. However, if the energy is excessive, romantic entanglements or gossip stemming from affairs of the heart may arise.
Example: Entertainers, artists, beauticians, and broadcasters frequently carry the Peach Blossom Star. Professionally it is a great asset, though attention to private life management is advised.
A special star linked to movement, change, and travel — indicating a restless nature that thrives on being active
The Traveler's Horse Star represents an energy as restless as a post horse (驛馬) that never stops running. Based on the Year Branch or Day Branch, the branches In (寅), Sin (申), Sa (巳), and Hae (亥) constitute Yeokmasal. Those with this star have strong affinities with movement, change, and overseas endeavors, finding it hard to settle in one place. Professionally, fields with frequent movement — trade, travel, transport, diplomacy — suit them best.
Example: A person with a strong Traveler's Horse Star who enters overseas trade or aviation harnesses their natural energy effectively. Conversely, they are likely to feel restless and dissatisfied in environments that demand rootedness and stability.