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Liu E (六厄)​

Function​

Liu E (六厄) is one of the Ba Zi (八字) Shen Sha (神煞), regarded as the "Star of Demotion," primarily symbolizing the adversities and disasters one might encounter in life. It represents six major difficult phases a person may experience, such as illness, financial loss, travel difficulties, and marital issues. The ancients believed that Liu E means "encountering difficulties," symbolizing adversity, distress, and calamity. Those with Liu E in their destiny, if not aided by powerful noble stars, often face obstacles in career, business, and family, leading to a life of hardship and struggle. Even if they encounter noble stars that can mitigate some of the malevolent influences, the fundamental aura of misfortune is difficult to completely eliminate.

Method of Checking​

Check the remaining three branches based on the year branch, with the specific corresponding relationships as follows:

  • Yin (寅) year sees You (酉)
  • Wu (午) year sees You (酉)
  • Xu (戌) year sees You (酉)
  • Shen (申) year sees Mao (卯)
  • Zi (子) year sees Mao (卯)
  • Chen (辰) year sees Mao (卯)
  • Hai (亥) year sees Wu (午)
  • Mao (卯) year sees Wu (午)
  • Wei (未) year sees Wu (午)
  • Si (巳) year sees Zi (子)
  • You (酉) year sees Zi (子)
  • Chou (丑) year sees Zi (子)

In "San Ming Tong Hui" (三命通会), Liu E is discussed: "E (厄) means encountering difficulties... Shen Zi Chen (申子辰) water phase, water dies in Mao (卯); Yin Wu Xu (寅午戌) fire phase, fire dies in You (酉); Hai Mao Wei (亥卯未) wood phase, wood dies in Wu (午); Si You Chou (巳酉丑) metal phase, metal dies in Zi (子)." This indicates that Liu E originates from the extreme states in the cycle of the five elements, implying energy depletion and loss of balance, thus leading to adversity and disaster. "Hu Zhong Zi" (壶中子) also states: "Liu E is the calamity star of demotion and dismissal, Li Guang's lifelong struggle to be ennobled was due to this star." The ancients often believed that encountering Liu E in one's destiny meant a life of hardship, making it difficult to achieve great success. The interpretation by Shan Gao Zhi Han further points out that Liu E symbolizes encountering significant difficulties and distress, reminding the destiny holder to do more good deeds and be cautious of disasters to resolve adversities.