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Bazi, Zi Wei Dou Shu or I Ching: Which Fits Your Question?
Bazi (Four Pillars) and Zi Wei Dou Shu both start from your birth date and time, and they describe a whole life. The I Ching starts from a question, and it describes one situation and its direction. If you want to understand yourself over the years, start with a birth-chart method. If you face a decision now, the I Ching often fits better. This guide compares the three side by side.
The three methods at a glance
| Bazi (Four Pillars) | Zi Wei Dou Shu (紫微斗数) | I Ching (易经) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starts from | Birth date, time and place | Birth date and time (lunar calendar) | A question you are asking now |
| How it is built | Four pillars: year, month, day, hour, each with a heavenly stem and an earthly branch | Stars placed in twelve palaces of life (career, wealth, marriage and so on) | A hexagram of six lines, cast with coins, numbers or time |
| What it studies | Your elements, Day Master and ten-year Luck Pillars | The strengths and tendencies in each area of life | One matter and the likely direction of that situation |
| Time frame | Years and decades | Years and decades | The coming weeks or months |
| Best for | Self-understanding, career fit, timing of life phases | A view of how each area of life is set up | A decision or situation you are facing now |
| Offered here | Yes: online reading, 60 minutes, up to 10 questions, written report | No | Yes: online consultation, 60 minutes, one main question and up to 3 follow-ups |
Which one should you choose?
| Your question | A good starting point |
|---|---|
| What kind of person am I, and what are my strengths? | Bazi |
| Which career direction suits me, and when are the better years? | Bazi. See Bazi for career |
| Should I accept this offer or make this decision now? | I Ching. See What questions can I ask the I Ching? |
| How is this project or relationship developing? | I Ching |
| I want a general view of every area of my life | A birth-chart method: Bazi or Zi Wei Dou Shu |
Many people use both: a birth-chart method for the bigger picture, and the I Ching for a specific decision.
What each method needs from you
- Bazi: birth date, birth time and birth city. If you do not know the time, see Bazi without a birth time.
- Zi Wei Dou Shu: birth date and time, converted to the lunar calendar.
- I Ching: one clear question and a short background. Birth details are not normally needed.
What we offer
Master Mandy Lim offers an online Bazi reading and an online I Ching consultation. We do not offer Zi Wei Dou Shu readings. Prices are on the pricing page. Each method offers guidance and possible trends, not guaranteed outcomes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Bazi and Zi Wei Dou Shu?
Both use your birth date and time. Bazi builds four pillars of stems and branches and studies the five elements and Luck Pillars. Zi Wei Dou Shu places stars in twelve palaces, one for each area of life.
Is the I Ching different from Bazi?
Yes. Bazi reads your birth chart over the years. The I Ching reads one situation and its likely direction, and it starts from a question, not from your birth details.
Which should I choose for a career decision?
For the long-term direction of a career, Bazi fits well. For a specific decision you face now, such as an offer, the I Ching often fits better.
Do you offer Zi Wei Dou Shu?
No. We offer an online Bazi reading and an online I Ching consultation.
Can I use more than one method?
Yes. Many people use a birth-chart method for the bigger picture and the I Ching for a specific decision.
Keep reading
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Online Bazi reading, US$65 · SGD 89 · RM 268: 60-minute video consultation, up to 10 questions and a written report.