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In Spirituality 4 Mins Read

Week 2: Hexagram 2 – Kun / The Receptive (坤)

Key Symbolism: Earth, Mare, Nurturing, Patience, Surrender
Structure: Six broken yin lines (䷁)

Core Meaning

  • Traditional Interpretation: Kun embodies the energy of the Earth—yielding, receptive, and enduring. It represents humility, support, and the power of strategic stillness. The judgment advises “The Receptive brings about sublime success; perseverance in a mare furthers,” emphasizing patience and alignment with natural cycles.
  • Modern Interpretation: In a world obsessed with productivity, Kun teaches the revolutionary act of grounded surrender. It invites reflection on:
    • Balancing action with rest.
    • Leading through listening, not dominating.
    • Trusting organic growth over forced outcomes.

Changing Lines Interpretation

Line 1 (Bottom Line Changing: Yin → Yang)

Traditional Text: “When there is frost underfoot, solid ice is not far off.”

Modern Insight: Lay Strong Foundations. Early challenges signal the need to prepare.

Example: A freelancer builds savings before launching a passion project.

Resulting Hexagram: 24 (Fù / Return) – Return to core values.

Practical Advice: Audit one area of your life (finances, health, routines) for stability.

Journal Prompt: “What foundational step have I neglected? How can I strengthen it?”

Line 2 (Second Line Changing: Yin → Yang)

Traditional Text: “Straight, square, great. Without effort, all prospers.”

Modern Insight: Integrity as Power. Stay true to your values despite external pressure.

Example: A manager rejects unethical shortcuts, earning long-term trust.

Resulting Hexagram: 7 (Shī / The Army) – Signifying disciplined, collective action.

Practical Advice: Organise your efforts for a collective goal; define roles if working with others.

Journal Prompt: “What personal ‘campaign’ requires more discipline or a clearer strategy from me right now?”

Line 3 (Third Line Changing: Yin → Yang)

Traditional Text: “Hidden excellence. Serve the king; stay devoted.”

Modern Insight: Quiet Mastery. Excellence doesn’t need applause.

Example: An employee masters skills quietly, earning promotions organically.

Resulting Hexagram: 15 (Qiān / Modesty) – Representing humility and quiet strength.

Practical Advice: Focus on developing your skills without seeking immediate recognition; let your competence speak for itself.

Journal Prompt: “How can I practice true humility in my work or actions today, allowing my efforts to contribute without needing the spotlight?”

Line 4 (Fourth Line Changing: Yin → Yang)

Traditional Text: “A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise.”

Modern Insight: Discretion Protects Energy. Guard early-stage ideas from premature criticism.

Example: A writer keeps a novel draft private until polished.

Resulting Hexagram: 16 (Yù / Enthusiasm) – Indicating a time for generating enthusiasm, preparing for action, and inspiring others.

Practical Advice: While being discreet, prepare for a future moment of sharing or action; gather your inner resources and build positive anticipation.

Journal Prompt: “What am I quietly preparing that could spark enthusiasm in myself or others when the time is right?”

Line 5 (Fifth Line Changing: Yin → Yang)

Traditional Text: “A yellow skirt brings supreme good fortune.”

Modern Insight: Humility Unites. Lead through service, not authority.

Example: A CEO adopts “servant leadership” to unify teams.

Resulting Hexagram: 8 (Bǐ / Union) – Success through cohesion.

Practical Advice: Practice active listening in all conversations today.

Journal Prompt: “Where can I lead with humility instead of ego?”

Line 6 (Top Line Changing: Yin → Yang)

Traditional Text: “Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow.”

Modern Insight: Boundaries Prevent Burnout. Protect your energy from draining conflicts.

Example: A caregiver sets limits to avoid resentment.

Resulting Hexagram: 23 (Bō / Splitting Apart) – Signifying decay, necessary endings, and the need to let go of what is no longer tenable.

Practical Advice: Identify what needs to be released or let go of to prevent further loss or damage; focus on preserving what is essential.

Journal Prompt: What ‘battle’ is actually a sign that something needs to end or be stripped away in my life?”

Final Reflection

Kun’s surrender is not weakness but strategic alignment. Whether preparing quietly (Line 1) or setting boundaries (Line 6), it teaches the power of grounded presence.

Next Week: Hexagram 3 – Zhūn / Difficulty at the Beginning (屯).

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In Spirituality 4 Mins Read

Week 1: Hexagram 1 – Qian / The Creative (乾)

Key Symbolism: Heaven, Dragon, Dynamic Energy, Leadership, Innovation
Structure: Six unbroken yang lines (䷀)

Core Meaning

Traditional Interpretation: Qian represents pure creative force, associated with the heavens and the archetype of the Dragon. It signifies strength, initiative, and the power of beginnings. The judgment advises “Perseverance furthers,” emphasizing steadfast action aligned with purpose.

Modern Interpretation: In today’s fast-paced world, Qian teaches sustainable creation, balancing bold vision with disciplined execution. It challenges the glorification of “hustle culture” and invites reflection on:

  • How to lead without ego.
  • When to act versus when to refine.
  • Aligning ambition with ethical responsibility.

Changing Lines Interpretation

When Qian appears with moving lines (yang changing to yin), its energy shifts. Below are interpretations for all six lines.

Line 1 (Bottom Line Changing: Yang → Yin)

Traditional Text: “Hidden Dragon. Do not act.”

Modern Insight: Strategic Patience. Your idea or project is in its infancy. Premature action could undermine its potential.

Example: A startup founder validates their concept privately before seeking investors.

Resulting Hexagram: 44 (Gòu / Coming to Meet) – Prepare for unexpected alliances.

Practical Advice: Journal your vision daily but delay sharing publicly for 1-2 weeks.

Journal Prompt: “What am I rushing to launch? How can incubation strengthen it?”

Line 2 (Second Line Changing: Yang → Yin)

Traditional Text: “Dragon appearing in the field. Favorable to meet the great person.”

Modern Insight: Seek Mentorship. Visibility attracts support. Share your work with trusted advisors or peers.

Example: An artist shares early drafts with a mentor to refine their technique.

Resulting Hexagram: 13 (Tóng Rén / Fellowship) – Success through collaboration.

Practical Advice: Identify 1-2 mentors or collaborators this week.

Journal Prompt: “Who can help me elevate my vision? Am I open to feedback?”

Line 3 (Third Line Changing: Yang → Yin)

Traditional Text: “Superior people remain watchful all day. At night, alert as if in danger. No blame.”

Modern Insight: Avoid Burnout. Momentum requires mindful pacing. Overexertion risks long-term failure.

Example: A project manager balances deadlines with team wellness checks.

Resulting Hexagram: 10 (Lů / Treading Carefully) – Prioritize sustainable progress.

Practical Advice: Schedule “energy audits” to identify and eliminate drains.

Journal Prompt: “Where am I overextending? What can I delegate or pause?”

Line 4 (Fourth Line Changing: Yang → Yin)

Traditional Text: “Leaping dragon in the depths. No blame.”

Modern Insight: Calculated Risk-Taking. Growth demands courage, but align risks with your values.

Example: A writer submits a manuscript despite fearing rejection.

Resulting Hexagram: 9 (Xiǎo Chủ / Small Restraint) – Temporary obstacles refine focus.

Practical Advice: List 3 risks aligned with your goals—take one this week.

Journal Prompt: “What fear holds me back? What’s one step I can take today?”

Line 5 (Fifth Line Changing: Yang → Yin)

Traditional Text: “Flying dragon in the sky. Favorable to meet the great person.”

Modern Insight: Peak Momentum. You’re in alignment—double down on efforts while staying humble.

Example: A CEO finalizes a product launch with focused intensity.

Resulting Hexagram: 14 (Dà You / Great Possession) – Success invites abundance.

Practical Advice: Block 2-3 hours daily for deep, distraction-free work.

Journal Prompt: “Where am I thriving? How can I sustain this momentum?”

Line 6 (Top Line Changing: Yang → Yin)

Traditional Text: “Arrogant dragon. There will be cause for remorse.”

Modern Insight: Ego Check. Overconfidence alienates allies. Lead with humility and openness.

Example: A leader dismisses team feedback, leading to disengagement.

Resulting Hexagram: 43 (Guài / Breakthrough) – Radical honesty is required.

Practical Advice: Ask for candid feedback from a colleague or friend.

Journal Prompt: “Where does my confidence border on arrogance? How can I recenter?”

Final Reflection

Qian’s Dragon energy thrives in balance. Whether you’re hesitating (Line 1) or overreaching (Line 6), the hexagram invites you to align action with purpose.

Next Week: Hexagram 2- Kun / The Receptive (坤).

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In Spirituality 4 Mins Read

A Timeless Compass – An Introduction to the Yi Jing (I Ching) Blog Series

In a world of relentless change, the Yi Jing (I Ching), or Book of Changes, remains one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring guides to navigating uncertainty. For over 3,000 years, this ancient Chinese text has served as a mirror for the human condition, offering wisdom that transcends culture and era. Its 64 hexagrams—symbolic combinations of broken and unbroken lines—reflect the dynamic interplay of opposites: light and dark, action and stillness, chaos and order.

This blog series reimagines the Yi Jing for modern life. Each hexagram is unpacked through a dual lens: its traditional roots and its relevance to contemporary challenges, from workplace dynamics to personal growth. Whether you’re new to the Yi Jing or a seasoned practitioner, these posts are designed to be a practical toolkit for self-reflection, decision-making, and finding balance in turbulent times. The Yi Jing is not a fortune-telling device but a framework for understanding patterns. As Carl Jung wrote, it’s a method to “step into the stream of time” and align with the Tao—the natural flow of life. Let’s begin.

How to Use This Yi Jing Blog Series

  1. For Daily Reflection
    • Meditate on one hexagram each morning. Ask: What energy does this symbolize in my life today?
    • Use the journal prompts to uncover subconscious patterns.
  2. For Decision-Making
    • When facing a crossroads, cast a hexagram (see instructions below).
    • Study its changing lines and resulting hexagram for layered insight.
  3. For Personal Growth
    • Apply the “Practical Advice” sections to real-life challenges.
    • Track recurring themes (e.g., Hexagram 51’s “shock” or Hexagram 64’s “transition”) to identify growth areas.
  4. For Collective Learning
    • Discuss hexagrams in teams or communities to navigate group dynamics.
    • Use modern examples to spark dialogue about ethics, leadership, or societal change.

How to Cast a Hexagram

Traditional Three-Coin Method

  1. Formulate a Question: Focus on an open-ended query (e.g., “What energy should I lean into this week?” vs. “Will I get the job?”).
  2. Assign Values
    • Three identical coins (e.g., pennies).
    • Heads (Yang)=3 Tails (Yin)=2.
  3. Cast Six Lines (Bottom to Top)
    • Toss all three coins.
    • Add their values:
      • 6 (Old Yin): –→ (Changing line)
      • 7 (Young Yang): – (Static)
      • 8 (Young Yin): — (Static)
      • 9 (Old Yang): ← (Changing line)
    • Repeat five more times to build the hexagram.
  4. Interpret
    • Identify your primary hexagram (e.g., Hexagram 22 – Grace).
    • Note any changing lines (Old Yin/Yang), which create a second “resulting” hexagram.
    • Read both hexagrams for a dynamic interpretation.

Hexagram Index

Below is a list of all 64 Hexagrams covered in this series. As posts are released weekly, you’ll be able to click through to each one.

  1. Qian / The Creative (乾)
  2. Kun / The Receptive (坤)
  3. Zhūn / Difficulty at the Beginning (屯)
  4. Mèng / Youthful Folly (蒙)
  5. Xū / Waiting (需)
  6. Sòng / Conflict (訟)
  7. Shī / The Army (師)
  8. Bǐ / Union (比)
  9. Xiǎo Chǔ / Small Restraint (小畜)
  10. Lǚ / Treading Carefully (履)
  11. Tài / Peace (泰)
  12. Pǐ / Stagnation (否)
  13. Tóng Rén / Fellowship (同人)
  14. Dà You / Great Possession (大有)
  15. Qiān / Modesty (謙)
  16. Yù / Enthusiasm (豫)
  17. Suí / Following (隨)
  18. Gǔ / Decay (蠱)
  19. Lín / Approach (臨)
  20. Guān / Contemplation (觀)
  21. Shì Kè / Biting Through (噬嗑)
  22. Bì / Grace (賁)
  23. Bō / Splitting Apart (剝)
  24. Fù / Return (復)
  25. Wú Wàng / Innocence (無妄)
  26. Dà Chǔ / Great Restraint (大畜)
  27. Yí / Nourishment (頤)
  28. Dà Guò / Great Exceeding (大過)
  29. Kǎn / Abyss (坎)
  30. Lí / Radiance (Clinging to Fire) (離)
  31. Xián / Influence (咸)
  32. Héng / Duration (恆)
  33. Dùn / Retreat (遯)
  34. Dà Zhuàng / Great Power (大壯)
  35. Jin / Progress (晉)
  36. Míng Yí / Darkening of the Light (明夷)
  37. Jiā Rén / Family (家人)
  38. Kuí / Opposition (睽)
  39. Jiǎn / Obstruction (蹇)
  40. Xiè / Liberation (解)
  41. Sǔn / Decrease (損)
  42. Yi / Increase (益)
  43. Guài / Breakthrough (夬)
  44. Gòu / Coming to Meet (姤)
  45. Cuì / Gathering (萃)
  46. Shēng / Ascending (升)
  47. Kùn / Exhaustion (困)
  48. Jǐng / The Well (井)
  49. Gé / Revolution (革)
  50. Dǐng / The Cauldron (鼎)
  51. Zhèn / Thunder (Shock) (震)
  52. Gèn / Mountain (Stillness) (艮)
  53. Jiàn / Gradual Progress (漸)
  54. Guī Mèi / The Marrying Maiden (歸妹)
  55. Fēng / Abundance (豐)
  56. Lǚ / The Wanderer (旅)
  57. Xùn / Wind (Gentle Influence) (巽)
  58. Duì / Joy (兌)
  59. Huàn / Dispersion (渙)
  60. Jié / Limitation (節)
  61. Zhōng Fú / Inner Truth (中孚)
  62. Xiǎo Guò / Small Exceeding (小過)
  63. Jì Jì / After Completion (既濟)
  64. Wèi Jì / Before Completion (未濟)
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Lunar 7th Month Offering
In Community 5 Mins Read

Misconceptions Regarding the Lunar 7th Month

There are many misconceptions and taboos surrounding the lunar 7th month and more often than not, the lunar 7th month has often been portrayed by the media (movies, dramas, news and etc.) to be a very scary month. Now, I must say this, there is no such thing as the, “hungry ghost festival”. If you do a literal translation of “hungry ghost festival” from English to Mandarin, it is 饿鬼节, and it makes no sense to have a festival whereby we celebrate “hungry ghosts”. Furthermore, many people mistakenly believe that the entire seventh lunar month is the Zhongyuan Festival 中元节, which is incorrect. The Zhongyuan Festival 中元节 specifically refers to the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, just as we wouldn’t say the entire eighth lunar month is the Mid-Autumn Festival 中秋节.

However, yes, hungry ghosts do exist but not the celebration of it. Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify and share some thoughts from a Taoist perspective.

The following is a literal translation from what a Taoist Priest has shared in Mandarin and I have taken the liberty to share it here:

The 15th day of the seventh lunar month is known as the Zhongyuan Festival 中元节 in Taoism. It marks the birth of the Earth Official Deity 地官大帝, one of the Three Officials 三官大帝 in Taoist belief. In Taoism, it is believed that the Heavenly Official 天官大帝 bestows blessings, the Earth Official 地官大帝 forgives sins, and the Water Official 水官大帝resolves difficulties. Therefore, Taoist priests usually offer vegetarian meals on this day to pray for forgiveness for departed souls. In Chinese folk tradition, there is also the custom of ancestral worship and seeking forgiveness from the Earth Official 地官大帝 for the sins of ancestors. It is a day to honour all departed spirits.

The Three Officials

The custom of worshipping the Three Officials 三官大帝 dates back to ancient China when the emperor performed rituals to worship the heavens, the earth, and the waters. However, over time, this tradition has taken on a more eerie and terrifying tone, perhaps influenced by the popularity of horror movies in the 1970s and 1980s. Thus, tracing the origins, you might find significant differences between the ancient and contemporary observances of the Zhongyuan Festival 中元节.

What is the belief in the Three Officials 三官大帝 about?

The birthdays of the Three Officials 三官大帝 in Taoism are the 15th day of the first lunar month (Shangyuan Festival 上元节), the 15th day of the seventh lunar month (Zhongyuan Festival 中元节), and the 15th day of the tenth lunar month (Xiayuan Festival 下元节). Their status is highly revered in the hierarchy of Taoist deities because they are believed to oversee the three realms of heaven, earth, and water, maintaining balance and dispensing rewards and punishments.

The Zhongyuan Festival 中元节 also has its roots in ancient worship of the heavens, earth, and waters, which were considered essential elements for sustenance.

Hence, the Three Officials 三官大帝 were seen as the deities governing human fortune and misfortune.

As early as the Eastern Han Dynasty (25–220 CE), there existed the “Three Officials Handbooks 三官手书” for confession and repentance in the Zhengyi Dao of Taoism. The “Records of the Three Kingdoms: Biography of Zhang Lu” 三国志·张鲁传 explicitly states: “Write the names of the sick, express the intention of confessing sins, make three copies, send one to the heavens, place one on a mountain, bury one in the ground, and sink one in water; these are called ‘Three Officials Handbooks’.” “书写病人姓名，说服罪之意，作三通，其一上于天，著山上，其一埋于地；其一沉于水，谓之三官手书。”

This practice involved writing three confession letters, asking for forgiveness from the heavens, and hiding them on a mountain, burying them in the ground, and sinking them in water. These documents, known as “Three Officials Handbooks,” 三官手书 were offerings to the Three Official Deities 三官大帝.

During the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912), there was a saying that “Zhongyuan 中元 sweeping is even better than Qingming 清明.” Families made various types of offerings to their ancestors during this time, while Taoist temples held rituals to rescue spirits and light lanterns to guide them.

In essence, during the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1912), the focus was on ancestor worship and salvation of souls. However, Chinese folk culture evolves over time, leading to complexity and changes.

Influenced by horror movies and drama shows, many individuals are unfamiliar with the Zhongyuan festival 中元节 and might even find it frightening. This fear of the “ghost month” in the seventh lunar month has led to a variety of “tips for good luck and avoiding misfortune” and related merchandise. However, whether these are based on religious texts or rooted in culture requires a wise interpretation.

In reality, the Zhongyuan Festival 中元节 is more about Chinese people honouring their ancestors and remembering them. It’s a day for chanting scriptures, offering food, and praying to the Earth Official 地官大帝for forgiveness and transcendence of sins. In Buddhism, the Ullambana Festival 盂兰盆节 is also significant for practicing filial piety. Buddhists make offerings to the Three Jewels (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha) and dedicate the merits to the well-being and longevity of their parents and ancestors. It’s a ceremony to help the departed find their way to a better afterlife.

Regardless, it’s essential not to forget the spiritual significance behind these festivals. For instance, the Zhongyuan Festival 中元节 is a day to honour the divine and ancestors, and we should approach it with reverence, not fear.

The seventh lunar month also features the beautiful story of the Cowherd and Weaver Girl 牛郎织女, so July isn’t necessarily ominous; it can even be considered a romantic month.

How Should One Make Offering During the Lunar 7th Month?

  1. Be considerate towards our environment and neighbours when burning offerings.
  2. Burn smaller amounts of joss paper to reduce smoke and ashes.
  3. Please clear up your offerings after prayers.
  4. Consider joining communal prayers in nearby temples.
  5. Burn responsibly, please don’t toss or scatter the joss paper.
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In Editor's Picks 4 Mins Read

How to Find Your Spirit Animal

It’s 2020, so you’ve probably heard of the expression “spirit animal” up until now. What you may not know is that this is no mere Internet meme — we’re talking about an ancient tradition that goes back to the time of the Native Americans.

For these indigenous cultures, spirit animals represented a unique embodiment of people’s spirits — something of an astral guide. These guides are prone to show themselves in many ways in order to catch our attention. However, they were said to appear most often in the form of an animal that’s familiar to us or carries some other unique trait that makes them close to us.

Most people have a single spirit animal, though there are those that feel like they are communicating with more than one spirit guide. These give you more confidence, faith in yourself and your choice, and more ease during your life in general.

If you’re wondering what your spirit animal is, don’t worry — we’ve got plenty of tips here that will aid you in finding out!

Listen To Your Dreams

There is an immensely crucial connection between your waking life and the spirit world discovered when we dream. That’s why your spirit animal will come to you most often when you’re asleep. With that in mind, try to remember or write down each time you spot a particular animal in your dreams — especially if this animal tells you something and keeps appearing regularly.

Consider Your Past

In many cases, our spirit animals are creatures that have something to do with our past lives. Perhaps you had a favorite animal when you were a kid – or a pet that you simply adored? Heck, it could be an animal from the wilderness or from a favorite cartoon. Still, it’s usually something that’s connected to your past — a creature that represents a specific period in your life.

Meditate

Finding your spirit animal takes more than merely thinking about animals from the past. You need to look deep into yourself — explore depths that you have not been privy to before. Take some time to meditate, and let your intuition take you where it wills.

At some point, you will simply feel a connection to a particularly significant animal. At that point, strip away all other layers of your consciousness, and ask yourself a single question — is this truly the animal that is my guardian spirit? And if so, think about what kind of message and lesson this animal wants to present to you. Spend some time ruminating on the meaning behind these things.

Quizzes

Of course, many people do all of the stuff that we’ve mentioned above, to no avail. If your dreams, meditations, and thoughts haven’t provided you with a clear-cut answer, there’s something else that you can do — take an online quiz. And no, we’re not joking; there are plenty of quizzes that are designed to give you a more structured perspective on the traits behind your spirit animal. For many, this is just the introspective push they need to figure out what their spirit animal is.

Heed Your Spirit Guide

Once you do find your spirit animal, it’s quite essential to heed its advice. Spirit animals are the flip side of our spiritual being; they are there to teach us things about our mind and soul that we couldn’t figure out on our own.

In many cases, spirit animals emanate those strengths and positive traits that we should try to promote throughout our lives. They can help you stay on the right path and aid you in charting the correct course. That’s one of the reasons why many people actually experience their spirit animal transforming and changing after some time.

Different Spirit Animals

Now that we’ve given you some advice on searching for your inner spirit animal, we’ll provide a cursory glance at the meaning behind most common spirit animals.

If you’ve got a spirit guide in the form of a bear, this is definitely a powerful spirit animal. Most often, it represents someone with an extremely emotional character — as well as a secure connection with the outdoors – and nature in general.

Many people also find that their spirit animal is a cat. This happens most often to people with a strong independent streak, someone looking for adventure and a person who’s forever curious. Additionally, these are usually patient individuals.

A dove is another commonly sighted spirit guide — it signals pacifism, turning a new leaf, and a general love for peace. It’s a spirit animal that’s optimistic and hopeful for the future — which is what it tries to inspire in you as well. And that wraps it up! Make sure you are staying safe and have a good one, folks!

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In Editor's Picks 3 Mins Read

Free Bazi Destiny and Fengshui Tools

This post might contradict my previous post somewhat because if something’s free, surely there’s some hidden costs or agenda. Thanks to the practitioners whom I have spoken/interacted with, they have willingly shared some free content which I feel will benefit those who are new to Chinese metaphysics and hence, I have provided some links below which I hope will be beneficial to those who aspire to learn this art.  

The number of Chinese metaphysics practitioners is on the rise, and this is a good sign because this shows that more people will learn and appreciate Chinese culture and ancient scriptures such as Yi Jing, Tao Te Ching, and the likes. However, there are also some people who learn Chinese metaphysics so that they can use it for other reasons.

If you are keen to learn the various Chinese divination systems such as Bazi, Yi Jing, Feng Shui, and Qi Men Dun Jia; there are many resources and information out there that are widely available. However, do be aware that there is also false information that is purposely uploaded online, and you will need to exercise some wisdom to discern whether the teachings are authentic since there are many self-taught practitioners.

Furthermore, because the Chinese metaphysics industry is mostly unregulated, anyone can claim to be a master after completing a Chinese metaphysics course that probably cost thousands of dollars. 

Say you need to undergo a surgery, will you let a self-taught person or an inexperienced person operate on you? Maybe, if you are concerned about costs (but that is not to say that those who charge low prices are not worth their salt). I do personally know of practitioners who charge affordable rates because they genuinely want to help others, and they have made it their life mission to better the lives of others through Chinese metaphysics. However, the same is also true. Those who charge ridiculously high prices may not necessarily be good, and they command a high price only because they know how to market themselves and are well-known. 

If you are interested to learn Bazi and you are not quite sure if you are willing to part with your hard-earned money, you should check out Eric’s Bazi Insider Channel as it will help to build your fundamental knowledge in Bazi.

On the other hand, if you are already practising Bazi/Feng Shui and you are looking for some free online tools that can help you; you should check out Jenson’s Bazi Calculator. Jenson also has got a free 24 Mountains Feng Shui Compass and an 8 Mansions Feng Shui Tool that new homeowners who are trained in Feng Shui can use too!

I firmly believe that by knowing and understanding your personal Bazi (4 pillars), you can have a good grip on your life purpose/destiny and make better life decisions/choices. Some practitioners have gone as far as six pillars to read and interpret charts but if all this sounds new to you, start from the basics!

Happy learning!

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In Editor's Picks 4 Mins Read

How Accurate Is Astrology?

As a student growing up, I would always flip to the horoscope section of the newspaper to have a read. While some of the predictions/forecasts amused me, I have never taken them seriously because I was reading them to pass the time.

However, since 2015, I developed a genuine interest in astrology, and I have used different astrology systems to read and interpret my natal chart. Some of the systems which I have used include Bazi, 9 Star Ki, Yi Jing, Zi Wei Dou Shu, Qi Men Dun Jia, Greek Astrology, Vedic Astrology, and Numerology and guess what?

They are all surprisingly very accurate, and they provide useful indicators of a person’s character, career, health, and relationships (both at home and work).

By knowing a person’s date of birth, you can tell certain traits of a person, and it is even more accurate than having them do an MBTI or DISC profiling assessment.

A person can change their responses/answers in an MBTI or DISC profiling assessment to work in their favour, but they cannot change their date of birth and natal chart. By knowing someone’s natal chart, you can tell a lot about the person and uncover many hidden secrets. The natal chart is like a blueprint, and knowing it inside out can help a person to unlock their destiny.

However, only trained/skilled practitioners will know how to interpret the natal charts, and there are rules that they have to abide by- such as charging fees for natal chart reading/divination.

Why must practitioners charge for natal chart reading/divination?

Practitioners like myself believe in the exchange of energies, that is exchanging advice for compensation. Without some form of exchange, a negative karmic debt will affect both parties, and the practitioner will pick up the customer’s bad luck and misfortune for interfering with the business of other beings (from the other realms).

Free reading is like giving away one’s life to the customer. The practitioner may pick up the customer’s karmic debt for “leaking heaven’s secret” without compensation, and thus it becomes an interference with the destiny of the customer for no reason. For example, if a practitioner observes that something untoward will happen to the customer and informs the customer about it such that the customer can do something to avoid it, it would be considered as the practitioner having interfered with the destiny of the customer.

It will be inauspicious to the customer who will owe a karmic debt to the practitioner, and this karma entanglement may cause unnecessary reincarnations to repay the karmic debts.

The amount of payment is not essential, but the flow and exchange of energies are. Hence, if a practitioner does not want to charge a poor customer or close friend, a symbolic payment inside a red envelope or a simple meal should be a minimum.

There are, however, exceptions to this and practitioners will not charge a fee for three groups of people:

1. People whose lives are about to end
2. People who are facing an unavoidable major disaster
3. People who will not have good luck for the remainder of their lives

There are also some other rules for fee-charging, and some of these rules include:

Charging the rich and famous more because people at these social levels have a more considerable influence on society and “leaking heaven’s secrets” to them will create more unintended impact (whether positive or negative) on society.

Charging the poor lesser because the influence of this group of people on society is smaller than that of the rich and “leaking heaven’s secrets” to them will not have much impact on society.

Also, there are four types of readings that practitioners don’t do:

1. No reading of other people’s private matter to avoid exploitation of people unknown to the practitioner.
2. No prediction of baby gender.
3. No forecasting or divination service for crooks due to obvious reasons.
4. No forecasting or divination service for insincere people.

If you are a practitioner like me, and you want to level up your Bazi Reading/Interpretation skill, you might want to check out the Bazi Course conducted by Jenson Goh (I don’t get any commissions/referral fees for recommending his course). I am only recommending Jenson’s course because his lessons are simple to follow, and there’s no fluff involved (you will get authentic learning and be able to apply it).

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The Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics Practitioners

Over the last 3 decades, I have witnessed many phenomenal happenings and miracles that even science sometimes cannot validate nor explain. During my trip to Wudangshan (Wudang Mountain) in April last year, I had a life-changing experience and my desire for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness grew even more than before.  

2019 was honestly a time of introspection for me and it was also the year that I started my venture into the 5 arts (五术) of Chinese metaphysics (中华玄学). The 5 arts of Chinese metaphysics comprises of 5 different areas of disciplines, namely, mountain (山), medicine (医), life (命), appearance (相), and divination (扑). 

The 5 Arts of Chinese Metaphysics have guided the Chinese people throughout the ages and the content of each of the five arts are complex and very difficult to master. This is why most Chinese Metaphysics Practitioners focus on one or two of the five arts and within the art, focus and specialise only on one or two disciplines within the art. 

About the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics

1. Mountain (山 – Shan) 

“Mountain (山 – Shan)” means Knowledge and Skills that are learned from training in the Mountains because in ancient time, a person need to go up to the mountain to receive such knowledge. Studies that fall under this art includes diet, physical health, martial arts, meditation and self-healing. Taoist Sorcery, Taoist Rituals and Taoist Talismans also belongs to Mountain (山). 

2. Medicine (医)

It includes all form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including acupuncture, medical prescriptions and soul healing. 

3. Life (命) 

The Chinese Art of Destiny Analysis or fate. It includes Eight Characters (子平八字 – Zi Ping Ba Zi ) and Purple Star Astrology (紫微斗数 – Zi Wei Dou Shu). 

4. Appearance (相 – Xiang)

The Chinese Study of Appearance/Physiognomy (相) which refers to the study of forms, meaning the study of good or bad of a form. The 2 well-known examples are Palmistry and Face Reading. Feng Shui also belongs to the study of Forms (相 – Xiang), including Feng Shi for Burial (阴宅 – Yin Zhai) and Feng Shui for the living environment (阳宅 – Yang Zhai). The study of Characters of Chinese Names of a person also belong to The Chinese Study of Appearance (相 – Xiang).  

5. Divination (扑 – Pu) 

Prediction and the Yi Jing (易经 – I Ching) feature prominently in this study. Other popular studies of this art includes Tai Yi (太易), Da Liu Ren (大六壬), and Qi Men Dun Jia (奇门盾甲). They rely on numerical analysis to reveal one’s path and future. 

My Experience

I have never felt so much affinity with Taoism and Chinese Metaphysics until last year and since then, I have made the conscious decision and effort to learn each of the 5 Arts and focus on 1 to 2 disciplines within each art.

Apart from learning the 5 Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, I have also studied other systems and modalities such as 9 Star Ki and Greek Astrology. This new Spirituality column will be where I share my innate thoughts and document my journey in the spiritual realm.

If you need some spiritual advise, feel free to drop me a message.

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