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Gu Yanwu

Gu Yanwu (1613–1682), renowned Ming-Qing scholar and reformist, championed practical learning and social responsibility. He resisted serving the Qing, pursued field studies, and established foundations of evidential scholarship that influenced later generations.

1613-07-15
18:00
Kunshan, Jiangsu, Ming-Qing China
#Culture & Media
# scholar # Bazi # 乙 daymaster # practical learning

BaZi Chart

Year
Indirect Resource
Gui
Chou
Indirect Wealth
Indirect Resource
Seven Killings
Month
Indirect Wealth
Ji
Wei
Indirect Wealth
Eating God
Peer
Day
Yuan Male
Yi
You
Seven Killings
·
·
Hour
Peer
Yi
You
Seven Killings
·
·
View Full Chart

Birth Time Verification

The Day Master Yi Wood seated in the You month is inherently weak; only with the Bi Jian (the Peer/Companion) standing together can it strengthen itself. In the BaZi, the Day Pillar and the Hour Pillar are both Yi You, forming an overlap of Bi Jian, which indicates a temperament that is resolute, independent, and principled, loyal to righteousness, and unwilling to bow to external authority. **This pattern explains a life of resisting official service, holding steadfast to one’s integrity, long periods of travel for inquiry, and multiple encounters with imprisonment, assassination, and exile. The Bi Jian, being self-confident, tends to invite conflicts and disputes, yet it also shows deep self-cultivation. By contrast, a time pillar bearing the Yin (印) star is overly focused on scholarly protection; times with Hurting Officer (伤官) or Eating God (食神) stars, while they may confer eloquence, tend to be too outwardly oriented and not stubborn enough. Therefore, the Bi Jian pattern at 18:00 (You hour) best fits his life path and character.

Core Analysis

Gu Yanwu’s chart centers on an 乙 daymaster surrounded by strong metal and earth influences. The duplicated (hour and day) and the presence of 己未 / 癸丑 create a compact picture: a persistent intellectual will facing continual external challenge. This overall 格局 reads as a scholar with deep inner principle and recurrent confrontation with authority.

From the perspective of 五行 and 十神, his chart shows active 比肩 energy (two 乙) supporting self-reliance, while the apparent 七杀/辛金 pressure from acts as catalytic adversity that forces manifestation of talent into action. The chart’s mix of 偏印 and 食神/伤官 themes signals a mind oriented to study, textual proof, and practical application rather than abstract theorizing.

Examining his 大运, early runs of 戊午 and 丁巳 align with youthful achievement (exam success,秀才), while the mid-life cycles 丙辰→乙卯→甲寅 correspond to political engagement, hardship, and eventual retreat into practical fieldwork. Later 癸丑→壬子 years reinforce the scholarly, reflective mode that produced his major works and public maxims.

In synthesis, the Bazi explains key life themes: principled resistance to compromise, rigorous empirical scholarship, endurance through persecution, and a lifelong turn toward practical, public-minded writing. The chart’s dynamics make clear why Gu Yanwu persisted as a moral exemplar and intellectual reformer.

Traits

1

Scholarly Rigor

High score justified by the chart’s 食神/伤官 and 偏印 configuration which supports practical study and evidence-based inquiry; Bazi shows a mind oriented to verification and textual critique.

2

Principled Integrity

Strong 比肩 and resistant 七杀 pressure produce a firm personal stance; the natal 格局 explains his refusal to serve an alien dynasty and insistence on moral responsibility.

3

Resilience under Adversity

Repeated cycles where 七杀 and earth energies clash with the 乙 daymaster account for sustained hardship and survival instinct, matching historical imprisonment, exile, and relentless travel.

4

Public Influence

Combination of expressive 伤官/食神 and authoritative life story created lasting influence; the 大运 transitions enabled output of major works and cultivation of followers.

Timeline

1632
Luck Pillar
Ding Si
Annual Pillar
Ren Shen
Double Harmony of Major and Annual Fate Annual Fate Harmonizes with Official Star Annual Fate Reveals Proper Seal Star Heavenly Nobleman State Seal Nobleman
20yrs career

First Success in the Academy, Topping the Annual Exam

At the age of twenty, he participated in the annual examination and was ranked fourteenth in the first class by the Education Censor Gan Xuekuo. His early academic talent was officially recognized, marking his emergence as a promising scholar.

Analysis
This year corresponds to the Ren Shen Annual Fate, during the Ding Si Major Fate. The annual heavenly stem Ren Water (Proper Seal) is revealed, which is favored by the birth chart, indicating academic progress, talent recognition, and ease in gaining appreciation. The annual earthly branch Shen Metal (Proper Official) forms a Si-Shen Harmony with the major fate's Si Fire. Furthermore, the heavenly stems Ding and Ren combine into Wood, creating a Heaven-Earth Double Harmony pattern. This signifies exceptional opportunities in career and studies this year, with a high likelihood of recognition and promotion from official or authoritative figures. The birth chart indicates a weak self-element that favors Water and Wood. The annual Ren Water (Proper Seal) combines with the Ding Fire (Resource Star) to transform into Wood, with the Proper Seal supporting the self-element and the Resource Star expressing talent. This is the astrological manifestation of talent being showcased and exam success. Additionally, the annual auspicious stars Heavenly Nobleman and State Seal Nobleman appear together, strongly indicating noble assistance and official recognition, which explains his outstanding performance and excellent results in the annual examination.
1641
Luck Pillar
Bing Chen
Annual Pillar
Xin Si
Annual Fate Breaks the Year Pillar Annual Fate Punishes the Major Fate Partial Seal Star is Suppressed
28yrs personal

The Fading of Ancestral Blessings, Beginning of Family Decline

His grandfather, Gu Shaofu, passed away. The loss of the family pillar suddenly placed the family responsibilities on the young Gu Yanwu, and signs of the family's decline began to appear.

Analysis
This year is under the Bing Chen (Resource Star) Major Fate, with the annual fate being Geng Chen. The day master Yi Wood in the birth chart is weak, favoring Water (Seal Stars) as the beneficial element, which represents elders, protection, and foundation. The annual heavenly stem Geng Metal (Proper Official) appears, combining with the day master Yi Wood, which superficially suggests career opportunities. However, Geng Metal is also a harmful element, bringing pressure. The key point is that the annual earthly branch Chen Earth and the major fate's earthly branch Chen Earth form a Chen-Chen Self-Punishment. Moreover, the annual Chen Earth and the year pillar's Chou Earth form a Chou-Chen Clash. The year pillar represents ancestors and foundation; Chou contains Gui Water (Partial Seal), which represents the grandfather. The Chen-Chen Self-Punishment intensifies the power of Earth (the harmful Wealth Star), and the heavy Earth severely suppresses the Water Seal Star, which is the beneficial element. This marks the shaking of the family foundation, the passing of elders, and the dissipation of protective blessings. The heavenly stems of the major and annual fates, Bing Fire (Resource Star) and Geng Metal (Proper Official), clash, also foretelling changes and pressure in the external environment.
1643
Luck Pillar
Bing Chen
Annual Pillar
Gui Wei
Beneficial Element Revealed Resource Star Major Fate Heavenly Official Nobleman
30yrs career

Entering the Imperial Academy by Donation, Opening a New Chapter in Official Career

He became a student of the Imperial Academy through a donation system, gaining a higher social status, which allowed him to participate in political and academic activities, paving the way for his future official career development.

Analysis
This year is Gui Wei. The annual heavenly stem Gui Water is the Partial Seal, precisely the seasonal adjustment and chart-favored beneficial element, representing the manifestation of knowledge, reputation, and official recognition. This is highly favorable for academic advancement and status elevation. The major fate is Bing Chen, where the Resource Star signifies talent display and breaking conventions. The major fate's earthly branch Chen Earth contains Gui Water (Partial Seal), which resonates distantly with the annual Gui Water, forming a strengthened Seal Star energy. Simultaneously, the major fate carries the Heavenly Official Nobleman, indicating grand career prospects and a bright official path. Overall, with the annual beneficial element in place and the major fate encountering auspicious stars favorable for career development, entering the Imperial Academy through the unconventional method of 'donation' (characteristic of the Resource Star) is an action propelled by astrological energy. It aimed to obtain the official status and academic qualifications represented by the Seal Star, to cope with the pressure of abundant wealth weakening the self and the Seven Killings attacking the body in his birth chart.
1645
Luck Pillar
Bing Chen
Annual Pillar
Yi You
Annual Fate Repeats the Day Pillar Triple Clash on Parent Stars Major Fate Clashes with Marriage Palace Day and Hour Pillars Punish Each Other
32yrs personal

National Upheaval, Bloodshed and a Mother's Dying Wish

He participated in the anti-Qing resistance in Kunshan. After the city fell, his birth mother He Shi had her arm severed, and his two younger brothers were killed. His adoptive mother, Wang Shi, upon hearing the news, starved herself to death for the fallen Ming dynasty, leaving a final wish for him to never serve the Qing dynasty.

Analysis
This year coincided with the transition between the Yi Mao Major Fate and the Yi You Annual Fate, a period of extreme turbulence. The annual heavenly stem Yi Wood is the Peer Star, and the earthly branch You Metal is the Seven Killings, forming a repetition of the Yi You Day Pillar (known as 'repetition and opposition, tears streaming'), indicating the recurrence of past events, disasters for close relatives, and immense personal pressure and turmoil. The annual earthly branch You Metal (Seven Killings) clashes with the major fate's earthly branch Mao Wood (Peer Star), forming a Mao-You Clash. This clash directly impacts the Day Pillar's Marriage Palace and also activates the Hour Pillar (Children's Palace), representing a severe shock to the family foundation. More critically, the annual fate, major fate, and the birth chart's Month Pillar Ji Wei (Partial Wealth representing the father) form a Triple Clash on the Parent Stars, a strong signal of life-threatening danger to parents. The birth chart itself shows abundant wealth weakening the self and Seven Killings attacking the body. This year, the harmful elements Metal and Earth are extremely strong, while the beneficial elements Water and Wood are suppressed, with malevolent forces converging. Hence, he suffered the pain of national collapse and family loss, with relatives perishing, which completely altered the course of his life.
1645
Luck Pillar
Bing Chen
Annual Pillar
Yi You
Major Fate Transition Peer Star Supports the Self General Star Appears Resource Star Generates Wealth Seal Star as Beneficial Element
32yrs career

Appointed in Crisis, Advising the Southern Ming Court

With the Qing army entering China and the nation in peril, recommended by Kunshan County Magistrate Yang Yongyan, Gu Yanwu took up the position of Secretary in the Ministry of War for the Southern Ming court. He authored strategic works like 'On Military Systems' and 'On Strategic Terrain' (collectively known as the 'Four Treatises of Yiyou'), proposing systematic plans for anti-Qing resistance, formally dedicating himself to the cause of national salvation.

Analysis
This year marked a critical transition point between major fate cycles, moving from the Bing Chen (Resource Star) fate into the Yi Mao (Peer Star) fate. The appearance of the Yi Wood Peer Star provided the day master Yi Wood with valuable support, enhancing his capacity for action and responsibility. The annual fate Yi You also reveals the Peer Star in the heavenly stem, resulting in multiple Peer Stars, representing assistance and recommendation from peers and friends (corresponding to Yang Yongyan's recommendation). The earthly branch You Metal (Seven Killings) is harmful, but the annual General Star appears, indicating authority and responsibility, aligning with his involvement in military affairs and advising the court. His original chart has a Partial Wealth pattern with a weak self-element, favoring Water and Wood as beneficial elements. Although the Seven Killings attacking the body brought immense pressure this year, the heavenly stems of both the major and annual fates are Wood, which is the manifestation of beneficial elements. This enabled him to find a stage to showcase his talents amidst the crisis, using his literary skills (Seal Star, Literary Star) as weapons to fulfill a scholar's duty to serve the country.
1647
Luck Pillar
Yi Mao
Annual Pillar
Ding Hai
Major Fate Clashes with Day Pillar Annual Fate Forms Triple Wood Combination Beneficial Element Gains Strength Peer/Alliance Star as Beneficial Element Seven Killings Attack the Body
34yrs career

A Desperate Plot to Restore the Ming Dynasty

He secretly participated in instigating Songjiang Commander-in-Chief Wu Shengzhao to rebel against the Qing and restore the Ming. After the plot failed, Chen Zilong and others were killed, and Gu himself was implicated and forced to flee.

Analysis
This year, the native is under the Yi Mao Major Fate. The major fate's earthly branch Mao Wood clashes with the day branch (Marriage Palace) You Metal (You-Mao Clash), activating the Seven Killings throughout the chart, indicating drastic changes and danger in career and living environment. The annual fate is Ding Hai. Hai Water is a beneficial element and, together with the birth chart and major fate, forms a Hai-Mao-Wei Triple Wood Combination. Wood represents Peer/Alliance Stars, symbolizing like-minded companions and teams, corresponding to the secret alliance and joint conspiracy. The annual heavenly stem Ding Fire (Resource Star) appears, representing strategy and action. However, the birth chart shows abundant wealth weakening the self and numerous Seven Killings. The weak self-element struggles to bear great responsibilities, and the major fate's clash with the Day Pillar indicates an unstable foundation. Although the year brought team assistance (Triple Wood Combination), ultimately, due to the intense conflict between Metal (Seven Killings) and Wood (Peer Stars) in the overall chart, the weak self could not withstand the Killings, leading to the failure of the plot, resulting in lethal retaliation and forced exile.
1650
Luck Pillar
Yi Mao
Annual Pillar
Geng Yin
Day Pillar Encounters Clash Official Star Comes to Combine with Self Chariot Star Activated Peer Star Supports the Self
37yrs personal

Chariot of Misfortune, Disguise to Evade Danger

Due to a plot by his enemy Ye Fangheng to harm him, he was forced to cut his hair, change his clothes, adopt the alias Jiang Shanyong, disguise himself as a merchant, and take refuge in the Wu-Hui region (present-day Jiangsu-Zhejiang area). This marked a significant transformation of identity and survival strategy in his life.

Analysis
This year's annual fate is Geng Yin. The heavenly stem Geng Metal (Proper Official) combines with the day master Yi Wood, signifying the Official Star comes to combine with me. However, Geng Metal is a harmful element in the chart. This combination is an 'unlucky union', superficially suggesting official opportunities but actually concealing danger and pressure, corresponding to the harm plotted by his enemy (viewable as a source of legal trouble or pressure). The earthly branch Yin Wood is the Robbery Star, serving as the root for the day master Yi Wood, representing peers, friends, or a new identity. Adopting the alias 'Jiang Shanyong' and disguising as a merchant precisely utilized the Peer/Robbery Star power for self-preservation. The annual Chariot Star is activated, associated with travel and relocation, highly consistent with the act of 'taking refuge'. Simultaneously, the major fate Yi Mao and the day pillar Yi You share the same heavenly stem but clash in earthly branches (Mao-You Clash), directly impacting the day branch Marriage Palace and the Seven Killings. This represents violent turmoil and a security crisis in his living environment and foundation, forcing him to change his appearance and flee to a distant place.
1655
Luck Pillar
Yi Mao
Annual Pillar
Yi Wei
Clash with the Year Pillar Punish the Year Pillar Wealth Generates Seven Killings Harmful Element Gains Strength
42yrs personal

Servant's Betrayal, Master in Peril, Imprisoned

He returned to Kunshan to deal with his rebellious servant Lu En and had him executed. His enemy Ye Fangheng colluded with local officials to falsely accuse him of murder, leading to his arrest and imprisonment. Later, thanks to the strenuous efforts of his friend Lu Zebo to rescue him, the case was concluded with the charge of 'killing a guilty servant'.

Analysis
This year is the final year of the Yi Mao Major Fate, just before transitioning into the Jia Yin Major Fate, a period of fate transition and intense fluctuation. The annual fate Yi Wei and the birth chart's year pillar Gui Chou form a Chou-Wei Clash and Punishment, which is Clashing with and Punishing the Year Pillar. The year pillar represents foundation, ancestral property, and elders. This clash and punishment activate the pre-existing Chou-Wei Clash in the chart, indicating fierce conflicts and disputes concerning family and property. Simultaneously, the annual earthly branch Wei Earth is the Partial Wealth (harmful element), clashing with the Wood energy from the birth chart and major fate, forming a Wealth Star breaking the Seal Star pattern. This means disaster triggered by financial matters or servants (servants were considered property in ancient times). The birth chart itself shows abundant wealth weakening the self, and wealth generating the Seven Killings. The annual harmful element Earth is strong, directly strengthening the Seven Killings (You Metal) in the Day and Hour Pillars. The Seven Killings govern lawsuits, violence, and villains. Therefore, this year, dealing with household servant matters (Wealth Star) triggered the malevolent nature of the Official/Killing Stars (judiciary), leading to imprisonment. Fortunately, the major fate is still Yi Mao (Peer Star), indicating help from friends (Peer Star represents peers and friends), ultimately allowing him to escape danger.
1656
Luck Pillar
Jia Yin
Annual Pillar
Bing Shen
Major and Annual Fates Clash Seven Killings Attack the Body Blade Star Encounters Clash Harmful Element Gains Strength
43yrs personal

Outside Taiping Gate, Survival After a Brush with Death

After being released from prison, he was pursued and attacked by assassins sent by his enemy Ye Fangheng. He was assaulted outside the Taiping Gate in Nanjing but fortunately received help and managed to escape danger.

Analysis
This year's annual fate is Bing Shen, which clashes with the major fate Jia Yin, forming a 'Yin-Shen Clash'—a severe conflict between the annual and major fates. Yin is Wood, representing the day master Yi Wood's strong root and the Robbery Star (Jia Wood), and is also the major fate's Blade Star. Shen is Metal, representing the stronghold of the day master's Seven Killings (Xin Metal). The Blade Star encountering a clash, and the Seven Killings attacking the body is a typical signal of bloodshed and disaster. Although the Jia Yin major fate is beneficial, it is directly clashed and suppressed by the annual Shen Metal, akin to guards being defeated. This activates the originally strong Seven Killings harmful element (Metal) in the chart, directly assaulting the day master. Simultaneously, the annual earthly branch Shen and the Hour Pillar's Zi Water form a semi-water combination. Although Water is beneficial, the water combination's power to generate Wood is far less than the metal combination's power to suppress Wood. Moreover, the harmful element Earth (Wealth Star) gains strength in the annual fate, with wealth generating the Seven Killings, triggering the pattern of 'disaster arising from wealth'. Fortunately, the annual heavenly stem Bing Fire (Resource Star) appears. Bing Fire is the seasonal adjustment beneficial element, which can slightly curb the sharpness of the Seven Killings. Coupled with the original protection from Heavenly Virtue and Monthly Virtue Noblemen in the chart, he was able to be rescued and escape danger during the crisis.
1657
Luck Pillar
Jia Yin
Annual Pillar
Ding You
Yin-Shen Clash Resource Star Revealed Heavenly Nobleman Major Fate Robbery Star
43yrs personal

Sixth Pilgrimage to the Ming Tombs, Selling Property to Embark on a Northern Journey

After his sixth (actually the sixth) pilgrimage to the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum, he sold his family property, formally began his northern journey, and vowed never to return to his hometown. This act marked a major turning point in his life's trajectory, setting him on a path of wandering and seeking.

Analysis
This year coincided with the confrontation between the Jia Yin Major Fate and the Bing Shen Annual Fate. The major fate's earthly branch Yin and the annual earthly branch Shen form a Yin-Shen Clash, which is a clash of Traveling Horse Stars, indicating drastic environmental change and long-distance travel/relocation. The annual heavenly stem Bing Fire (Resource Star) appears. The Resource Star governs thought, determination, and leaving home for development, strengthening his resolve to break the status quo and seek a new path. Simultaneously, the year encounters the Heavenly Nobleman and State Seal. Although it is a turbulent year, there is also hidden noble assistance and spiritual official recognition (such as remembrance of the former dynasty's legitimacy). The major fate's Jia Wood Robbery Star supports the self, giving him the courage to abandon family wealth (selling property) and make such a resolute decision. His birth chart originally shows abundant wealth weakening the self. The clash and turmoil of this fate cycle and year instead prompted him to leave his homeland, heavy with the Earth (Wealth Star) harmful element, and journey northward towards the direction of Water and Wood (beneficial elements), a necessary choice driven by fate.
1659
Luck Pillar
Jia Yin
Annual Pillar
Ji Hai
Heaven-Earth Double Harmony Beneficial Element Gains Strength Traveling Horse Star Activated Seal Star Triple Combination
46yrs career

Northern Journey to Shanhaiguan, On-Site Investigation of Geography

Traveling north to Shanhaiguan, he conducted on-site investigations of the geographical terrain, paid homage to the remnants of Ming dynasty border defenses, combining academic research with practical fieldwork, ushering in a new phase of his scholarly pursuits.

Analysis
This year, under the Jia Yin Major Fate, the annual fate is Ji Hai. The major and annual fates form a Heaven-Earth Double Harmony (Jia-Ji combine into Earth, Yin-Hai combine into Wood), creating an auspicious 'Heaven-Earth Double Harmony' pattern. This indicates harmony in internal and external environments, receiving much assistance, and is an excellent time to start new ventures or travel. The annual earthly branch Hai Water is the Proper Seal, a beneficial element for the native. Together with the Year and Hour Pillars, it forms a triple Water combination, indicating extremely strong Seal Star energy, representing the peak of运势 for learning, contemplation, and cultural investigation. Simultaneously, the annual fate carries the Traveling Horse Star, perfectly corresponding to the imagery of 'reading ten thousand books, traveling ten thousand miles', facilitating this important northern investigative journey. The major fate's earthly branch Yin Wood is the Robbery Star, also representing peers and friends. This journey likely involved assistance from companions or inspiration gained through exchanges.
1668
Luck Pillar
Gui Chou
Annual Pillar
Wu Shen
Major Fate Clashes with the Month Pillar Wealth Generates Seven Killings Annual Fate Combines with Wealth Weak Self Meets Official/Killing Stars
55yrs personal

Poetry Case Storm, Imprisoned Again

He was implicated in the Huang Pei poetry case in Laizhou, Shandong, arrested, and imprisoned. Fortunately, friends like Li Yindu made every effort to rescue him, and he was eventually released from prison.

Analysis
This year is under the Gui Chou Major Fate. The major fate's earthly branch Chou and the Month Pillar Wei form a Chou-Wei Clash, known as 'Clashing with the Month Pillar Major Fate'. This severely shakes the foundation of life, indicating lawsuits, changes, and leaving home. The annual fate is Wu Shen. The heavenly stem Wu Earth (Proper Wealth) combines with the year stem and major fate heavenly stem Gui Water (Partial Seal, beneficial element), forming 'Wealth Star damaging the Seal Star'. This represents losing noble protection and getting entangled in disputes due to documents, reputation, or financial matters. The earthly branch Shen Metal (Proper Official) combines with the Day and Hour Pillars' double You Metal (Seven Killings) to form a powerful Official/Killing Stars suppressing the self force, exerting immense pressure on the weak day master Yi Wood. This directly manifests the chart's flawed pattern of 'wealth generating the Seven Killings, disaster arising from wealth', hence this imprisonment. Fortunately, the major fate heavenly stem Gui Water (Partial Seal) appears, representing hidden noble assistance (e.g., from Li Yindu), ultimately leading to resolution.

FAQ

How does the **乙 daymaster** explain Gu Yanwu’s personality?
The 乙 daymaster denotes a flexible, growth-oriented self that values principle. In his chart, it is supported by 比肩 for self-reliance yet pressed by 七杀, producing stubborn moral courage and a practical scholarly bent.
Which **大运** periods correlate with Gu Yanwu’s major life events?
Early 戊午/丁巳 align with exam success and youthful activity; mid-life 丙辰→乙卯→甲寅 match political engagement, danger, and retreat; later 癸丑→壬子 favor reflective scholarship and major writings.
Why did he refuse to serve the Qing according to Bazi?
The natal 格局 emphasizes strong 比肩 self-identity and 七杀-driven confrontational energy, producing an uncompromising moral stance. The chart favors personal principle over opportunistic service, explaining his refusal historically.
What do the chart’s **五行** suggest about his strengths and limits?
The chart shows strong metal and earth forces with limited wood resources for the daymaster; this grants intellectual rigor and persistence but increases risk of exhaustion and emotional strain under prolonged pressure.
Could his scholarly achievements be seen in the natal **十神** pattern?
Yes. Presence of 偏印 and 食神/伤官 supports deep study, interpretation, and expressive critique. These 十神 indicate a talent for research, compilation, and practical solutions, matching his works and legacy.

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