Zi Wei Dou Shu Glossary
Explanation of common terms in Purple Star Astrology (Zi Wei Dou Shu)
Basic Concepts
Zi Wei Dou Shu (Purple Star Astrology)
An ancient Chinese divination system that uses the positions of stars on a celestial chart to interpret a person's destiny based on their birth date and time.
Birth Chart (La So)
A 12-palace celestial chart constructed from one's birth date and time, showing the positions of stars and the destiny palace.
Celestial Chart (Tian Pan)
A 12-cell square chart representing the 12 palaces, each corresponding to an aspect of life, where stars are positioned.
Types of Stars
Main Stars (Zheng Xing)
The 14 primary stars that determine the dominant characteristics of each palace: Zi Wei, Tian Ji, Tai Yang, Wu Qu, Tian Tong, Lian Zhen, Tian Fu, Tai Yin, Tan Lang, Ju Men, Tian Xiang, Tian Liang, Qi Sha, Po Jun.
Auxiliary Stars (Fu Xing)
Supporting stars that supplement the meaning of main stars: Zuo Fu, You Bi, Wen Chang, Wen Qu, Lu Cun, Tian Ma, etc.
Malefic Stars (Xiong Xing)
Stars carrying challenging energy: Qing Yang, Tuo Luo, Huo Xing, Ling Xing. However, in certain contexts, malefic stars can also have positive aspects.
Four Transformations (Si Hua)
Four transformative stars: Hua Lu (wealth), Hua Quan (authority), Hua Ke (fame), Hua Ji (obstacles). The Four Transformations have very powerful influences on the chart.
Palaces & Fortune
Soul Palace (Ming Gong)
The most important palace in the chart, representing the essential nature, personality, and overall destiny of the chart's owner.
Body Palace (Shen Gong)
The palace representing later fortune, from middle age onward. The Body Palace can share a position with any of the 12 palaces.
Decade Fortune (Da Xian)
Fortune periods in 10-year cycles. Each decade fortune corresponds to a palace, with transit stars providing an additional layer of information.
Annual Fortune (Liu Nian)
Yearly fortune based on the earthly branch of the year being examined to determine the annual fortune palace.
Monthly Fortune (Liu Yue)
Monthly fortune within a year, providing more detailed information about short-term fortune trends.
Five Elements & Destiny
Five Elements (Wu Xing)
The five fundamental elements: Metal (Jin), Wood (Mu), Water (Shui), Fire (Huo), Earth (Tu). Every star and palace belongs to one element, and their interactions of generation and overcoming influence interpretation.
Destiny Type (Ju)
Five element destiny types (Water 2, Wood 3, Metal 4, Earth 5, Fire 6) that determine the starting age of decade fortunes and influence the entire chart.
Interpretation Techniques
Brightness Levels
The brightness or dimness of a star in each palace. Miao (very bright), Wang (bright), De (moderate), Ping (average), Xian (dim). Bright stars perform well, dim stars lose their power.
Triple Harmony & Opposition
A method of examining the 3 triple harmony palaces and the opposing palace for a comprehensive view. For example: The Soul Palace's full aspect includes Soul, Wealth, Career, and Travel palaces.
Triple Harmony (San He)
Three palaces forming an equilateral triangle on the celestial chart, closely connected and mutually influential. Example: Soul - Wealth - Career.
Convergence & Aspect
When stars from triple harmony or opposing palaces 'aspect' into a palace, creating additional influence. Aspected stars have about 60-70% of the power of stars directly seated in the palace.