The Pillars of Destiny can be traced back to the Han Dynasty
(206 BC-220 AD).
Initially known as the "Three Fates", later as the "Five Fates", this
developed into "Fate Calculation", "Four Pillars of Destiny" or just
"Pillars of Destiny".
The "Pillars" is really an alternative to the "Grand Astrology" (based
on planets and stars not unlike in Western Astrology) which was only
available to the Emperors of China.
The "Pillars" (later known as "Fate Calculation"), was introduced at a
time when publication of Astronomical Tables was punishable by death.
In those days, there were a lot of wars amongst the Kingdoms within
China and the Emperors believed that knowledge of the heavens gave
them an edge over their enemies.
Not much has changed with respect to that belief.
Today, we believe that the right application of Astrological knowledge
can give us an edge in our undertakings.
The "Pillars" are very much a fundamental in the art of Feng Shui as
we know it today.
Feng Shui practitioners apply the "Pillars" to determine the elements
in a chart.
With these values in mind, they then determine auspicious directions,
favorable places within the home, career and other life decisions.
The "Pillars" and Feng Shui are based on the Chinese Calendar which
is approximately 5,000 years old.
The year, month, day and hour make up the Four Pillars.
These four 'units' of time consist of four pairs of Chinese characters
known as "pillars".
The characters equal eight in all and are known as "Eight Characters"
or Part Chi / Ba Zi / Pa Zhi, depending on the various Chinese dialects
and spelling preferences.
The character at the top is known as the "Heavenly Stem" and the
bottom character is known as the "Earthly Branch".
The 12 Chinese Animals represent the Earthly Branches and are coupled
with the 10 Heavenly Stems representing the 5 Elements as either Yin
or Yang.
These fundamentals are paired accordingly -- Yin Stems with Yin Branches
and Yang Stems with Yang Branches -- resulting in 60 different possible
combinations.
Thus, the 60-year cycle in the Chinese calendar.
The ways in which the Four Pillars are applied and interpreted vary
from Astrologer to Astrologer.
Basically, the personal element is established first and then the calculations
move on to other areas of the life generally determined by the elements
of the Stems in the 'Day' and other "Pillars".
Further calculations involve the 'Fate Cycles' in order to determine
the cycles at any given time.
These indicate "fortune-wise", where we might have been, where we
might be at and where we might be going next.
I say "might" because some of us have the character (as in personality
traits) to apply ourselves and our knowledge/wisdom in ways that DO
make a positive difference in the outcome of our "fates" or "destinies".
In general, if one is in a favorable fate cycle, one is more apt to make
good decisions and conversely, if in an unfavorable fate cycle, one's
judgement could likely be off.
Cycles and lucky periods come and go.
Good character, therefore, is a surer way to staying out of trouble and
to getting to wherever you may want to go.
That's why the Chinese say: "Character IS Fate!"
Please see related write-up:The Four Pillars of Destiny.
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February 4, 2000
