Patterns (格局)

Pattern (格局) is the core analytical framework and the very soul of Bazi (Four Pillars) metaphysics. Rather than referring to a single auspicious or inauspicious spirit, a Pattern is determined by analyzing the Month Branch (the Earthly Branch of the birth month) to identify the most influential "dominant energy" (known as the Useful God, 用神) within the chart. This process reveals the fundamental structure and life theme of the entire Bazi. Patterns are the foundation for interpreting a person’s innate potential, areas of talent, and the ultimate heights they may reach in life. The Pattern defines which of the Ten Gods (十神) play the most critical roles in the chart, and from this, we infer real-world impacts. For example, the Executive Pattern (正官格) is closely linked to social order, public service, responsibility, and honor; while the Talent Pattern (食神格) centers on the expression of personal talent, spiritual enjoyment, and creativity.

How Patterns Are Determined: The Central Role of the Month Branch

In the classic Zi Ping (子平) system of Bazi, there are precise rules for establishing Patterns, always revolving around the "Month Branch Directive" (月令提纲):

1. Month Branch Comes First: The Month Branch (月支) is the source of power in the entire Bazi, much like how the seasons determine the flourishing or withering of all things. Thus, the first step is to analyze the "Hidden Stems" (藏干) within the Month Branch, also known as "Ren Yuan" (人元).
2. Heaven Reveals, Earth Conceals: If a Hidden Stem within the Month Branch also appears as a Heavenly Stem in the Year, Month, or Hour Pillars, this revealed stem becomes the Useful God (用神) of the Month Branch and is used to determine the Pattern. For example, if the Day Master is Jia (甲) Wood, born in the You (酉) month, and You (酉) contains Xin (辛) Metal, and Xin also appears as a Heavenly Stem, then Xin Metal is "revealed in Heaven, concealed in Earth" (天透地藏), its power is at its peak, and this forms the Executive Pattern (正官格).
3. Main Qi Takes Priority: If multiple Hidden Stems from the Month Branch are revealed, the "Main Qi" (本气)—the strongest elemental attribute within the Month Branch—takes precedence in determining the Pattern.
4. The Eight Primary Patterns: Typically, Patterns are established based on the eight core Ten Gods: Executive (正官), Warlord (七杀), Mentor (正印), Mystic (偏印), Earner (正财), Venturer (偏财), Talent (食神), and Maverick (伤官). These are known as the "Eight Primary Patterns" (正八格). If the Month Branch is Peer (比肩) or Rival (劫财), a Pattern is not directly taken; instead, special names such as Commander Pattern (建禄格) or Blade Pattern (羊刃格) are used.

Categories of Patterns

There are a vast number of Pattern types in Bazi. In theory, classic texts like "San Ming Tong Hui" (《三命通会》) record nearly two hundred different Pattern names, each with its own strict criteria. However, from a structural perspective, Patterns can be broadly divided into four main categories:

• Standard Patterns (Eight Primary Patterns): The vast majority of charts fall into this category. Here, the Month Branch is the core, and the balance between the Day Master and the Ten Gods—Earner, Executive, Mentor, Talent, etc.—is analyzed. The central principle is "Support and Restrain" (扶抑): those with strong Day Masters should be restrained or drained, while those with weak Day Masters should be supported and nourished.

• Following Patterns: These occur when one element in the chart is extremely strong, or the Day Master is extremely weak, causing a severe imbalance in the overall energy. The Day Master must "follow" the dominant force. There are "Following Strong" Patterns (日主极强) and "Following Weak" Patterns (日主极弱).

• Transformation Patterns: Here, the Day Stem combines with adjacent Heavenly Stems under specific conditions to transform into another element. The entire chart is then interpreted with this "Transformed God" (化神) as its core.

• Special Patterns (External Patterns): These do not rely solely on the Month Branch but are formed through special combinations of the Four Pillars’ Stems and Branches, unique stars (神煞), Na Yin elements, and so on. Famous examples include the "Eighteen External Patterns" (外十八格), such as the "Remote Union Pattern" (子遥巳禄), "Hidden Clash Pattern" (飞天禄马), and "Exclusive Prosperity Pattern" (曲直、炎上等). The criteria for these Patterns are usually even stricter than those for the Eight Primary Patterns.

The Ten Core Patterns Explained

The following ten Patterns are the most fundamental, commonly used, and important in the Zi Ping system:

1. Executive Pattern (正官格): The Month Branch is Executive (Direct Officer). This Pattern signifies integrity, self-discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. Those with a well-formed Executive Pattern are natural managers and leaders, often holding official positions and earning widespread respect.
2. Warlord Pattern (七杀格, also known as the Partial Officer Pattern): The Month Branch is Warlord (Seven Killings). This Pattern is associated with authority, decisiveness, and boldness. If well-formed—often through "Talent Tames Warlord" (食神制杀) or "Warlord and Mentor" (杀印相生)—the fierce energy is transformed into true power, marking a destiny of generals and heroes.
3. Mentor Pattern (正印格): The Month Branch is Mentor (Direct Resource). This Pattern denotes kindness, intelligence, and scholarly aptitude. Those with this Pattern are natural scholars or advisors, frequently benefiting from the support of influential people and enjoying a stable, blessed life.
4. Mystic Pattern (偏印格, also known as the Owl Spirit Pattern): The Month Branch is Mystic (Indirect Resource). This Pattern points to keen insight, depth, and a distaste for the ordinary. Those with a well-formed Mystic Pattern often possess exceptional talent in the arts, spirituality, metaphysics, or unconventional skills.
5. Earner Pattern (正财格): The Month Branch is Earner (Direct Wealth). This Pattern is about diligence, pragmatism, and trustworthiness. Individuals with this Pattern are natural financiers and doers, able to achieve stable wealth and a happy family through hard work.
6. Venturer Pattern (偏财格): The Month Branch is Venturer (Indirect Wealth). This Pattern embodies generosity, boldness, and a sharp business mind. Those with a well-formed Venturer Pattern are born entrepreneurs and opportunists, adept at seizing opportunities to amass great fortune.
7. Talent Pattern (食神格): The Month Branch is Talent (Eating God). This Pattern signifies gentleness, optimism, and artistic appreciation. Those with this Pattern are natural artists or gourmets, blessed with longevity and abundant talent.
8. Maverick Pattern (伤官格): The Month Branch is Maverick (Hurting Officer). This Pattern is linked to intelligence, rebelliousness, and expressive power. If well-formed—often through "Tempered Genius" (伤官配印) or "Wit to Wealth" (伤官生财)—the rebellious energy is transformed into talent, marking a destiny of prodigies, performers, or revolutionaries.
9. Commander Pattern (建禄格): The Month Branch is the Day Master's "Maturity" position (临官), also known as Peer (比肩). This Pattern represents independence, self-reliance, and strong will. Those with this Pattern can often carve out their own path, but must also encounter Wealth or Authority to achieve true success.
10. Blade Pattern (羊刃格): The Month Branch is the Day Master's "Flourish" position (帝旺), also known as Rival (劫财). This Pattern signals intense energy, courage, and resolve. To be auspicious, this Pattern requires strong Executive or Warlord energy to "rein in" the Blade. When well-formed, it indicates great power and is often seen in those with military or martial authority.

Success and Quality of Patterns

Identifying the Pattern is only the first step; assessing whether the Pattern is "well-formed" or "broken," and its overall quality, is the key to determining a person’s fortune.

• Well-Formed vs. Broken Patterns: A Pattern is considered "well-formed" when its core Useful God is empowered and protected by supporting deities (相神). If the Useful God is attacked or severely damaged by unfavorable elements (忌神), the Pattern is "broken." For example, an Executive Pattern (正官格) supported by Wealth (财星) and protected by Mentor (印星) is well-formed; if attacked by Maverick (伤官), it is broken.
• High vs. Low Quality: Even among well-formed Patterns, there are distinctions in quality. A Pattern with "pure" energy—where the Useful God, Favorable God, and Supporting God are strong and unimpeded by unfavorable elements—indicates a high level of fortune. "Turbid" Patterns, where favorable and unfavorable elements are in conflict, tend to bring more challenges and setbacks.

Classical Text Excerpt

From "Yuan Hai Zi Ping" (《渊海子平》):

子平一法，专以日干为主，而取提纲所用之物为令。次及年月时支以表其端。凡格用月令提纲，勿于旁求年日时为格。今人多不知其法于此，百法百失。

Interpretation: The Zi Ping method takes the Day Stem (日干) as the main focus, selecting the usable element from the Month Branch Directive (月支) as the commanding force (the basis for determining the Pattern). The Year, Day, and Hour Branches are then referenced for further nuance. When establishing a Pattern, always use the Month Branch Directive—do not seek Patterns from the Year, Day, or Hour. Many today are unaware of this principle, leading to countless misjudgments.

FAQ

What is a Pattern in Bazi metaphysics?

A Pattern in Bazi metaphysics is the core analytical framework used to interpret a person’s Four Pillars chart. It is determined by analyzing the Month Branch to identify the chart’s dominant energy, also called the Useful God (用神). Patterns reveal the fundamental structure, life themes, and potential talents of an individual. Understanding your Bazi Pattern helps uncover which of the Ten Gods (十神) play the most significant role in shaping your destiny, career prospects, and personal strengths.

How to determine the Useful God in a Bazi Pattern?

To determine the Useful God in a Bazi Pattern, begin by analyzing the Hidden Stems within the Month Branch of your birth chart. If a Hidden Stem is also revealed as a Heavenly Stem, it becomes the Useful God. When multiple Hidden Stems are present, prioritize the "Main Qi"—the strongest elemental attribute in the Month Branch. This process is essential for accurately establishing your chart’s Pattern and understanding the core influences in your life according to Bazi principles.

Why is the Month Branch important in Bazi Pattern analysis?

The Month Branch is crucial in Bazi Pattern analysis because it acts as the main source of power in the Four Pillars chart. It determines the dominant energy that shapes the Pattern and influences the chart’s overall structure. By focusing on the Month Branch, practitioners can identify the Useful God and accurately interpret a person’s innate abilities, life potential, and areas for growth. This makes the Month Branch the foundation for all meaningful Bazi readings.

What are the Eight Primary Patterns in Bazi?

The Eight Primary Patterns in Bazi refer to the standard chart structures based on the main Ten Gods: Executive (正官), Warlord (七杀), Mentor (正印), Mystic (偏印), Earner (正财), Venturer (偏财), Talent (食神), and Maverick (伤官). Each Pattern represents a specific life theme and area of influence, such as career, creativity, wealth, or personal growth. Understanding which of the Eight Primary Patterns your chart belongs to helps you recognize your strengths and potential challenges.

How do Following Patterns work in Bazi chart analysis?

Following Patterns in Bazi chart analysis occur when the Day Master is either extremely weak or strong, causing an imbalance in the chart’s energy. In these cases, the Day Master "follows" the dominant element, either by supporting a strong force or surrendering to a weak presence. Recognizing a Following Pattern is key to understanding how energy flows in your Four Pillars chart and can guide you in making choices that align with your natural strengths and circumstances.