The origin of Ba Zi is attributed to Scholar Li Xuzhong of the Tang Dynasty (A.D
618-907). It was practiced by Xu Ziping in the Song Dynasty (A.D 960-1279).
This ancient Chinese Art is derived from the text of the I-Ching or the Book
of Oracles used for fortune telling. It is based on the same principles,
using the 5 primordial elements for fortune telling. This Chinese system
fortune-telling is been in used, consistently, for thousand of years through
the winding course of its civilization. It is true to say that Ba Zi has
shaped the cultural practises and philosophy of the Chinese people as much
as Confucianism has shaped the character and mind of the people of China and
its worldwide Diasporas. In the olden days, the Chinese people seeking to
their destinies and fortune travel far and wide to great temples to have
their destinies revealed to them by masters of fortune reading. In other
words, consulting a fortune-teller is a common practice and very much a part
of the Chinese culture.
The Chinese believes that the universe came into being from the 5 primordial
elements. Stephen Hawking, the renown physicist, in his essay, 'Is
Everything Determined?' subscribes to the view that everything in the
universe is governed by the set of rules. From this perspective, the Chinese
people have believed in such a worldview since a long time ago. It can be
agreed on that the universe must follow a set of rules. Man, being a tiny
part of the universe, and comprising of the 5 elements, is also subject to
such fixed rules and order.
We therefore believe that human fate and destiny is determined by "the
invisible forces of the universal". Until recently most Ba Zi masters were
only Chinese speaking. The emergence of new masters proficient in the
English Language has opened up this fascinating system of fortune telling to
the entire English-speaking world. The Internet helps to provide the access
and delivery of Ba Zi system across the world at the touch of a button.
Why is Ba Zi more accurate?
The Ba Zi system is reputed as the most authentic for the prediction of an
individual's destiny. The system is based on the 12 stages of the life cycle
and the interrelationship of the constructive and destructive cycles of the
5 elements. As a fortune-telling system, Ba Zi is still widely used today as
it was before. Whilst other methods of fortune telling are based on the
celestial formations such as the planets and the stars in the galaxies, Ba
Zi
as a fortune-telling system is based on the movement of the solar system.
Even as the planets course around the sun, it is known that human existence
is powerfully shaped by the rising and the setting sun. The solar system has
an abiding influence on all living beings.
Indeed, it is clear why the sun is such a powerful influence on mankind. It
is the centre of the universe after all! A sun-centric system of
fortune-telling will certainly be more accurate as the sun is the centre of
the galaxies, whereas the stars and planets including earth are only parts
of
Chinese cultures worldwide have a rich history in Bazi - the Chinese
Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) and
spiritual methods of influencing the world around them. Everywhere is no
exception, and Bazi - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) abounds in world.
Bazi - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) methods vary widely, from the well-known Feng Shui
(geomancy) to the, Zi Wei Dou Shu, Bazi, I Ching (divination by eight diagrams)
to divination by features of the face. There is even Chinese palmistry - similar
and yet very different from it's Western counterpart. In the links above we have
basic details on the most common forms to be found in Taiwan.
For the tourist, Bazi - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) is a fantastic way to have a truly
unique Chinese experience. Night markets, especially the fixed, main ones, offer
a variety of different fortune tellers. Additionally, sometimes they can be
found with tables set up on the street. Some, especially those specializing in
areas particularly important to weddings and business (like Feng Shui) have
offices. For most tourists, the easiest way to find a fortune teller is to visit
one of the night markets, preferably with a local to assist in translating. The Chinese use of fortune sticks, known as ‘Chien Tung? is considered the
oldest known method of Bazi - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology). The Chinese perform this ritual
not as a "fortune-telling game" for self amusement, but as a historically
practiced and religious art. It is generally said that a person’s future becomes
his past through the present: the successful man is one who understand well what
has happened, experiences acutely what is happening, and comprehends what is
indicated in the future.
The 12 animals are further flavored by the pervading element of that
particular year (elements also revolve as a separate cycle). It is said that
Buddha is responsible for the 12 animals as they were the only ones who came
to bid him farewell into the next life. Chinese Astrology is concerned with
nature and its traits, the signs progress year by year, whereas Western
Astrology cycles monthly. The consideration of Yin and Yang is a very great
influence upon this subject, Yin being passive, female and receptive while
Yang is aggressive, male and exploratory. The various permutations of these
two essential forces in nature, places, organizations, events and humanity and
the quest to achieve balance so that both operate together in harmony rather
than opposing or canceling each other out are an essentially Oriental
viewpoint and quest, they form the basis of many Far Eastern traditions and
other influences in Chinese Society such as Feng Shui.
The Bazi - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) method of ascertaining the future is based upon a
long known correlation of human and natural events and is accomplished
symbolically by means of fortune sticks. Using both hands, the fortune teller holds a bamboo or leather container
containing numbered sticks and shakes it, causing one of the sticks to rise and
fall out. The number on the stick is cross-referenced with ancient texts to
obtain a fortune.
These fortunes are generally short poems or rhymes and generally indicate the
possibilities and general conditions which lie ahead, not specific details about
events. This in turn helps people order their lives to meet or prepare for those
conditions. The particular Bazi - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) indicates but does not
guarantee your future. Just as a road signs points your way, but you must decide
and travel the route yourself. These Bazi - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese
Astrology) make great gifts and are fabulous coffee table
conversation pieces. Bazi - the
Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology) is located at www.FengShuiFortuneTelling.com. So come and see what lies in your future with
Bazi - the Chinese Horoscope (Chinese Astrology).
