CHINESE ALMANAC ASTROLOGY
Commentary and compilations by Jamie Shulander,
All notes from class notes/works by Liu Ming
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LUNAR YEAR: YANG WOOD DRAGON (1844, 1904, 1964, 2024) ‘Laughing Dragon’
“Wood Dragons are artistic, righteous and ingenious. They survive difficult childhoods to become caring parents. They are persuasive, humorous and easily make friends. Jealousy haunts them. They are productive artists. Their fortune steadily improves throughout their life. In old age they will cultivate elegance and own a considerable amount of property. They are prone to lung and liver disharmonies due to suppressed anger. They are susceptible to possession when passing through damp forested areas.”
LM Notes: 60 Characters
LUNAR MONTH: YANG FIRE TIGER (1866, 1926, 1986, 2046, 2016) ‘Forest Tiger’
“Fire Tigers are risk-takers and landmines of emotion and passion. Uncontrolled drama and half-baked scheming make their lives calamitous and their fortune dark. They are suited to warfare, but do not make good soldiers (lack education, discipline and respect). Many Fire Tigers die with more fate entanglements than they had at birth. A teacher/mentor can be a savior. They are likely to die young from wounds or accidental injury. If they live long their powerful constitutions make them insensitive to minor signs and symptoms that accumulate to crippling respiratory and circulatory illness in later years.”
LM Notes: 60 Characters
QI NODE: 2 Rain Water
New Yang and Old Yin
"Rain Water is the gentle, first yin response to the new, emerging yang. Heaven and Earth renew their active relationship. The moisture of the first spring rains refreshes the Earth. This Yin rain gives the Yang trapped in Earth (seeds, grains) nourishment. If the response of the Yang of Earth is weak, or if rain does not come, decay, rot and mold may occur. If yang responds well seed break open underground.
Yang is ‘jump started’ in this qi node, but there may still be very few signs. Yang has survived another winter. Though Spring Festival is over, fresh offerings are made at ancestor and Earth altars to support Yang. This is the gan ying principle. Yin is weak and yang is still unformed, effort or exertion must be avoided.
During this qi node qi is best at 4am. One should practice neigong just before dawn facing the sun as it rises in the northeast. Do not exert yourself, but let the yang and yin play - this renews us and gives us longevity. When the sun is up walk about the courtyard with arms akimbo. Loosen up. The environment is becoming very ‘friendly’ and ‘yangish’ - it is no longer pernicious, but it is our own impulsiveness (inner yang) that is dangerous. Impulse is the renewal but caution, rather than enthusiasm, makes it work.
Yang is also beginning to move on its own. Mild and inspired, new actions are auspicious and rewarding. Avoid being ‘very productive’. Cultivate the qi of spring by reading new fiction, watching the latest film, go for short walks outdoors and enjoying and/or playing music."
LM The Way of Three Treasures
LUNAR HEXAGRAM: 42 Yi: Increase
“Yi is about the natural progress of things when it is enhanced by the best of conditions. Sun and water and good soil help the tree grow strong; yet a tree is also subordinate to the warmth, the rain and the soil. The tree also naturally "knows” what to take and leave. Yi is the “knowledge” of nature.”
LM Changing: Zhouyi 42 Yi
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Hexagram 25 Wu Wang: No Expectations
“Fire Rabbits are quiet, but stiff and regal. They think very little of the knowledge or teachings of others and have a high opinion of their own opinions and thoughts. They are painfully idealistic. Their lack of trust conflicts with their strong sexual appetite and this often leaves them isolated and lonely. They marry more than once. Despite repeated calamities in their lives, they have good fortune and will be comforted by wealth and position. Though strong, they often acquire unusual diseases - difficult to diagnose and treat. They are particularly susceptible to pernicious cold.”
LM Notes: 60 Characters
“Relax plans, open up and let go of goals. When Wu Wang is divined, good fortune is based on being free of fear and expectation but ready to act if an easy opportunity arises. Do not over focus on goals and gains and you can avoid disaster. Just let things happen naturally."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 25 Wu Wang
“Auspicious activity: It is auspicious to build and buy new property. It is an especially good day to get married. It is favorable for divination, signing contracts, romance/courtship and all forms of partnership. Good auspice is especially related to festive group events, banqueting, family gatherings and/or community celebrations. It is an excellent day to take office (begin a new job).
Contraindicated Activity: It is not auspicious for funerals/burials (become unsettled: ghosts). Seclusion or isolation is unfavorable (miss opportunity).”
LM Notes: The Bow
On this day progress is envisioned but we learn that pausing and even loss may be part of process. Though moving forward is immanent there is a shedding of skin on this day that puts a pause in the forward progress. The qi-teeter-totters and, in adjusting, exposes our vulnerable or immature state and we are unable to press forward. The young leader (fresh yang) does not want to leave the safety of his mother (big yin) who still protects him. What haunts this qi state is aggression - imagining that you are ‘ready’ for action, progress or pressing forward….
"Holding back on this day is related to deeper self-reflection, education of all sorts and consulting with experts and elders - rather than forward action. It is not about immature reluctance or cowardice but about shedding inessentials."
LM Notes: Divide
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QI NODE: 3 Insect Stirs
Yang Rises
"Insect Stirs is a time of 'awakened movement'. The cold ground softens. Insects awaken from their hibernation. The heat rises up from below and cool wind descends from Heaven. Wind has the subtle freshness of spring but no great or abiding force. The hibernation of dragons ends. In winter dragons (the symbol of spring) are locked in frozen alpine lakes. Their stirring cracks the ice and causes thunder and lightning. The world is startled. Rivers and creeks swell.
Below the surface of Earth the insects stir - wake from their hibernation. In this qi node the insects do not reproduce, develop or burst out of the ground - they only stir. The union of Heaven and Earth is an occasional temperate wind - invisible and inconsistent.
During this qi node qi is best in the hours around dawn. One should practice neigong facing the rising sun. Do not exert yourself, but let the neiqi wiggle and play - this renews us and gives us longevity. Be creative, follow your instincts in neigong.
There is a slightly mischievous quality to the qi of insect stirs. When the baby reaches for the stove, one has to admire curiosity, but curtail enthusiasm."
LM The Way of Three Treasures
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TUESDAY March 5, Yang Earth Dragon 25
“Earth is the native element of the Dragon Earthly Branch. Earth Dragons have a distinguished and regal character. They are powerful, popular and broad-minded and suited to leadership. Their fortunes rise and fall. They achieve power, wealth and position but indulge in the rewards of success to excess. Their troubles are that they cannot stay within ordinary (social, political) boundaries and cannot listen to advice. Their physical constitutions are iron-clad. They are rarely if ever ill.”
LM Notes: 60 Characters
“In this hexagram, the source of clarity and the strength that bring true success is subordination to fate - the act of following. When your efforts are rewarded it is stopping that brings success. Getting caught up in pursuit for its own sake will make you mad and diminish your resources."
LM Changing: Zhouyi: 17 Sui
“Good auspice relies heavily on inclusiveness, following custom (manners), social convention and guileless loyalty. Good fortune comes through the natural ‘chain of command’. Misfortune is directly related to breaking taboos, ignoring family, conventions and/or defaulting on commitments of any kind. Lie still, move slowly and methodically and the snake won’t strike.
“It is auspicious to continue routine work and to uphold and support your superiors. It is auspicious for religious rituals (not ancestral), divination (and compliance), family gatherings and celebrations. It is favorable for sponsoring and/or attending public and cultural events.
“It is very unfavorable for marriage (cause chronic illness and premature death for both partners), funerals and burials. It is inauspicious for traveling far from home. Buildings begun today become money pits (need constant repair) and the construction will cause injuries and/or accidental deaths.”
LM Notes: The Wings
On this day progress is envisioned but we learn that pausing and even loss may be part of process. Though moving forward is immanent there is a shedding of skin on this day that puts a pause in the forward progress. The qi-teeter-totters and, in adjusting, exposes our vulnerable or immature state and we are unable to press forward. The young leader (fresh yang) does not want to leave the safety of his mother (big yin) who still protects him. What haunts this qi state is aggression - imagining that you are ‘ready’ for action, progress or pressing forward….
"Holding back on this day is related to deeper self-reflection, education of all sorts and consulting with experts and elders - rather than forward action. It is not about immature reluctance or cowardice but about shedding inessentials."
LM Notes: Divide
Lunar Mansion: The Chariot / Earthworm
Solar Indicator: Full
“Earth Snake is determined, talented and successful. Their fortune is very bright. They have a “Midas Touch” (everything turns gold), but also a pride that inspires jealousy in their enemies. Sudden reversals of fortune can mean that they die far from where they were born. There is never a dull moment outside, but a sturdy self-confidence within. They are lucky in matters of health rather than strong or healthy. They meet with good physicians and learn to heal themselves, but cannot avoid illness and injury.”
LM Notes: 60 Characters
"A Zhou leader was both a warrior and a sage, not a brute. Good leaders know that it is their own miscalculations and poor management that lead to the need for a strong use of force (war). When we resort to harsh punishments we must do so cautiously - even humbly."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 21 Shihe
“Auspicious Activity: Great success comes to anyone who initiates and continues industry. Business booms, all prosper. Building and remodeling go well (bring prestige). Marriages will inspire both partners to be their best and they will produce brilliant offspring. Funerals, memorials and burials will allow the dead true peace (and produce scholar offspring). Contraindicated activity: It is very unfavorable to procrastinate and/or postpone.”
LM Notes: The Chariot
“This is an optimum day for education, preparation, polishing, gathering resources and firming up plans. Confidence grows as the right time and necessary resources are now part of the vision. The qi is forming patterns and remaining in the channels. Practice and disciplined cultivation bring confidence. The prince (yang) is gaining support. Discipline in small matters succeeds. True confidence requires no aggression. Though nothing needs to be done, the natural maturation of strength occurs.”
LM Notes: Full
THURSDAY March 7, Yang Metal Horse 27
Lunar Mansion: The Horn / Crocodile
Solar Indicator: Level
“Metal Horses are active and talkative but not successful in completing projects. They are likeable but often offend others with their blunt and unsophisticated speech. Their fortune is uneven and their sense of themselves is often conflicted and full of struggle. They are well loved by family members, despite their characters and will often find protection from their uneven fate in family or friends. Staying home brings good fortune - travel is risky. They have weak immunity and are especially susceptible to viral and sexually transmitted diseases.”
LM Notes: 60 Characters
"Zhen indicates a time for a dramatic breakthrough from lethargy. Good fortune here has everything to do with staying calm. Zhen denotes a situation where, though things are in turmoil at first, they sort out and become beneficial in the long run. Whether you are the rebel leader or the deposed ruler there is good reason to proceed with standard protocol, good manners, and determination.”
LM Changing: Zhouyi 51 Zhen
“It is auspicious to begin or initiate any activity (marriage) or series of activities. It is a good day to buy property, plant a garden, apply for and/or begin a new job. It is ideal to apply to or enter school, begin a construction or remodeling project. It is auspicious for marriage proposals and making your case as asking permission is favorably received. All activities related to children and/or young people are auspicious. Its first appearance each year (or any Spring season) is particularly auspicious. A child born on this day will be intelligent and fortunate.
“Contraindicated activity: Funerals, memorials, constructing tombs and burials will bring about disaster to a family. It is not time for exerted effort or overcoming obstacles. The qi is fresh and unformed and therefore should not be pressed into fixation (slavery).”
LM Notes: The Horn
“This is a day when stable readiness and the qi of confidence blooms into activity. Youthful anxiety and ambition are replaced by personal strength and confidence. From this position all things look and are possible. Educated choices are easily acted upon. Others join you to enlarge the success of activity. The prince (yang) is mature, if inexperienced, but ready to act independently of his mother (yin). Pleasure is the outcome of disciplined practice. Yang qi’s previously renegade quality is matured, integrated and dominant.”
LM Notes: Level
FRIDAY March 8, Yin Metal Goat 28
Lunar Mansion: The Neck / Dragon
Solar Indicator: Settle
“Metal Goats are gentle, forgiving, and aesthetic characters. Their humility does not make them quiet - they gossip a lot. An uneven fortune, connected to enemies, visits them when young but is resolved. Old age brings a brighter fate. They find good partners, but often have no children or only difficult children. An oldest son born this year will not support his parents/siblings. Though physically strong, they have a weak memory and often suffer from kidney ailments.”
LM Notes: 60 Characters
“Good auspice has to do with withdrawing and transforming and not pushing forward. A willingness to learn and reform will bring good fortune.”
"It is an auspicious day to withdraw and plan, enter retreat (withdraw and not plan), practice meditation and seek inspiration. It is a good day to practice our initiate austerity, respect taboos and consult a healer or physician. One can easily recover if one rests and follows healing protocols.
"It is auspicious to comply with the orders of superiors and/or let assistants/helpers lead the way. The image is auspicious, in a preordained sense, but can be ruined by unnecessary effort. It is about the useful conventions of education. Collecting data before action.
"Contraindicated activity: Industry, marriages and weddings, signing contracts and starting or initiating production invite calamity. These activities will bring ruin over the following 10 days. Building on this day causes strokes for fathers and eldest sons. Burying the dead will cause the spread of disease. Going to battle is disastrous. Travel by sea invites shipwrecks."
LM Notes: The Neck
“Preparedness makes action timely and successful. Tradition, convention, training, education - all forms of readiness, inspire action. Forces join together and new alliances produce unexpected results. Action taken with such thorough preparation is bound to succeed. The qi of the day is stable, progressive and functional. Clarity and calm (yin) are not unseated by action (yang). Focus and repetition succeed. Procrastination and equivocation is contraindicated.”
LM Notes: Settle
SATURDAY March 9, Yang Water Monkey 29
Lunar Mansion: The Root / Badger
Solar Indicator: Maintain
“Water Monkey is high-strung, sharp and observant. Their uneven fortunes come from an unpredictable and dramatic emotional character. Though an appearance of competence bring success and leadership, the Water Monkey is easily distracted and often loses all that is gained through silly negligence. They mesmerize competent helpers but are prideful and often ungrateful. Emotional turmoil gradually undermines their health. Nourishing food is the best method of healing.”
LM Notes: 60 Characters
“Yi is about the natural progress of things when it is enhanced by the best of conditions. Sun and water and good soil help the tree grow strong; yet a tree is also subordinate to the warmth, the rain and the soil. The tree also naturally "knows” what to take and leave. Yi is the “knowledge” of nature.”
LM Changing: Zhouyi 42 Yi
"It is auspicious to go to school, make offerings to ancestors, consult oracles and/or physicians. Avoid abandoned buildings and the wilderness (as spirits that cause illness are active). Comply with superiors and taboos (follow conventions/traditions).
"Contraindicated activity: Marriages and weddings bring accidental death. Contracts signed today invite betrayal and embezzlement. Travel by sea invites shipwrecks."
LM Notes: The Root
“Spontaneous action and inspiration (yang) become the new tradition (yin). Qi assertion (yang) is repeated again and again to hold and harden gains (yin). Establishing a new state is the focus. The qi of practice and the drilling of troops is awesome. Allies appear from all quarters. True majesty succeeds without pressing forward. Today success breeds more success and everyone may be included in the new victories. Generosity is a prophylactic to decline - giving is a sign of strength and cements alliances. It is the sun at noon.”
LM Notes: Maintain
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“Fire Rabbits are quiet, but stiff and regal. They think very little of the knowledge or teachings of others and have a high opinion of their own opinions and thoughts. They are painfully idealistic. Their lack of trust conflicts with their strong sexual appetite and this often leaves them isolated and lonely. They marry more than once. Despite repeated calamities in their lives, they have good fortune and will be comforted by wealth and position. Though strong, they often acquire unusual diseases - difficult to diagnose and treat. They are particularly susceptible to pernicious cold.”
LM Notes: 60 Characters
“The spontaneous use of force may work in some situations, but injury and difficulties surround the misuse of force. Being rambunctious leads to costly mishap, injury and failure, but also survival. The auspices are mixed.”
“The wise use great strength with great caution, because the know it is costly (great injury). In general, the authors of the Zhouyi give great strength no value, unless it is paired with wisdom.
However, it is also observed that even the weak, when in a desperate situation, naturally possess great strength - the will to survive. The force or instinct to survive has great strength and can have a successful result. This kind of great strength should not be confused with belligerence or mere violence."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 34 Da ZhuangSUNDAY March 10, Yin Water Rooster 1
Lunar Mansion: The Room / Hare
Solar Indicator: Destroy
“Water Rooster has a resourceful but unstable character. Indiscrete, gossipy and, though clever, they lack the articulate quality of other Roosters. Fond of socializing and traveling they lack the concentration and sensitivity to maintain friendships and partnerships until they grow old. Sometimes outright deceptive they also fall victim to deception quite easily. They consistently overestimate their power and resent others. They also suffer from chronic minor medical complaints (hypochondria) that are difficult to diagnose and treat.”
LM 60 Characters
“Zhun is favorable for young people, fresh thinking, new alliances, and gentle progress. Zhun is an inspired, delicate and new situation needing unpretentious leadership and experienced advice to grow. When Zhun is divined inexperience is the basis for difficulties, there are no real outside obstacles. Delays should be expected."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 3 Zhun"It is auspicious to make (sincere) offerings to ancestors, consult oracles, practice ritual and meditation, move home, begin construction and add rooms (remodel) to homes and shops. It is a good day for fengshui adjustments, acquiring luxuries, medical treatments (esp food/herb cures) and making investments. Success will visit anyone who studies and/or takes exams today. Funerals on this day benefit both the living and the dead. Straight-forwardness and sincerity bring success."
"Contraindicated activity: Finalizing divorce, excessive ambition and ingratitude. Exaggeration and hypocrisy bring disaster. Not a good day for taking leadership or management responsibilities."
LM Notes: The Room
“The successful prince as warrior must now lose his youthful ambitions and develop into a proper king….Today calculated loss (cancellation) succeeds”
LM Notes: Destroy
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