An Tian Xing Tian Yao Xing Jue

Overview

The "An Tian Xing Tian Yao Xin Jue" is a crucial formula in Zi Wei Dou Shu (Purple Star Astrology) used to place the two minor stars, Tian Xing and Tian Yao, on the natal chart based on the native's birth month. The original formula states: "Tian Xing starts from You Palace in the first month, and is placed by counting forward to the birth month; Tian Yao starts from Chou Palace in the first month, and stops when counting forward to the birth month." This specifies the starting palaces and counting methods for both stars. In different schools of thought, there can be subtle differences in counting "forward" (顺) and "backward" (逆): some schools insist that Tian Yao should be counted backward to the birth month, while others, including modern interpretations, unify it as counting forward. Tian Xing belongs to Yang Fire, symbolizing order, laws, and self-discipline; Tian Yao belongs to Yin Water, representing emotion, indulgence, and temptation. Their positions on the chart not only relate to the native's fortune in legal matters and interpersonal conflicts but also reflect their personality's self-restraint and impulsive tendencies.

Terminology and Basics

Twelve Palaces and Earthly Branch Order

The Zi Wei Dou Shu natal chart is divided into twelve palaces according to the Earthly Branches. The commonly used order of Earthly Branches is:

Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai

When applying the star placement formula, palace movements are made by counting "forward" (clockwise) or "backward" (counter-clockwise) according to this order.

"Forward" and "Backward"

Forward (顺): Moving sequentially forward from the starting palace according to the Earthly Branch order. Backward (逆): Moving sequentially backward from the starting palace according to the inverse Earthly Branch order. Different schools of thought vary in their use of "forward" and "backward" when placing Tian Yao, requiring reference to the specific school's formula.

Tian Xing Placement Formula

Original Text and Starting Point

The Tian Xing star starts from You Palace in the first month, and is placed by counting forward to the native's birth month.

Starting Point: You Palace (the palace corresponding to the You Earthly Branch) Counting Method: The first month is the first step. Starting from You Palace, count "forward" sequentially to the palace corresponding to the Earthly Branch of the birth month. The palace reached is where Tian Xing is placed.

Example

• If the native is born in the third lunar month:

  1. The first month starts in You Palace, counting forward to Xu (1), Hai (2), Zi (3).
  2. Tian Xing is placed in Zi Palace.

Meaning Interpretation

Tian Xing governs justice, discipline, and punishment. When auspiciously aspected, it helps people act righteously; when afflicted by inauspicious stars, it can lead to legal troubles or lawsuits.

Tian Yao Placement Formula

Original Text and Starting Point

The Tian Yao star starts from Chou Palace in the first month, and stops when counting forward to the native's birth month.

• Starting Point: Chou Palace (the palace corresponding to the Chou Earthly Branch)
• Counting Method: Some schools insist on "forward counting," while other scholars advocate "backward counting" to the birth month before stopping. When using, refer to your learned school of thought.

Example (Forward Counting School)

• If the native is born in the fourth lunar month:

  1. The first month starts in Chou Palace, counting forward to Yin (1), Mao (2), Chen (3), Si (4).
  2. Tian Yao is placed in Si Palace.

Example (Backward Counting School)

• If the native is born in the fourth lunar month:

  1. The first month starts in Chou Palace, counting backward to Zi (1), Hai (2), Xu (3), You (4).
  2. Tian Yao is placed in You Palace.

Meaning Interpretation

Tian Yao belongs to Yin Water, governing emotion, temptation, and indulgence. When placed in an auspicious palace, it can enhance literary talent and social opportunities; when afflicted by inauspicious stars, it can lead to excessive pleasure-seeking and emotional troubles.

School Differences and Suggestions

• Southern School: Mostly places Tian Xing and Tian Yao by "forward counting," with both stars counting forward from their respective starting palaces to the birth month.
• Zhongzhou School/Northern School: Mostly counts Tian Xing forward and Tian Yao backward, to reflect the opposition of Yin and Yang.
• Modern Popular Version: To simplify teaching, it often unifies both stars as forward counting. When using, the school of thought should be noted to avoid misunderstanding.

Application Suggestion: Beginners can first follow the star placement method used by their natal chart software or taught by their instructor, and practice with actual cases before trying other variations, to ensure accuracy and consistency with the school of thought.