Chinese Astrology

Lesson 3: Forecasting The Future Using The Four Pillars Analysis

How to Use the Chinese Almanac

The traditional Chinese almanac, or Tong Shu, has long been consulted by Chinese families on a daily basis to determine the lucky or unlucky days for performing common activities. An abbreviated form of these almanac that identifies "clothes cutting" days (in the ancient texts, the first two words were "Cut Clothes") can be found on pages 94-95 of the Interpretations book of your Chinese Astrology Kit. You can use the wheel method provided in your kit, or go to one of the web based almanacs that are available either free day-by-day, or based on subscriptions.

One such site gives you three days free, the day of your question as well as the day before and after: http://www.dragon-gate.com/resources/Fen... . To use this almanac, consult the day's 4 Pillars and analyze them in the same manner we used for the decade analysis against your day stem. Next, look at the bottom to see whether the day is favorable or not for your yearly animal sign. Auspicious and inauspicious directions are given, along with the directions for key deities for wealth, etc that can be effectively used by making sure you face these directions when performing key activities. The daily purple-white flying star is given - we will discuss this further in later lessons. Auspicious and inauspicious ages are given as well.

The result of many careful calculations, the Tong Shu also gives indications at the top of what activities are auspicious for the day, and which ones are not. As this is an ancient calendar, many of the listed activities do not apply in our modern world (today, for example, I was supposed to not dress in sackcloth).

Of particular importance in the practice of Feng Shui is the daily calculation of the position of the God of Wealth, this information is used to place strategically located items thought to bring wealth to the family in that corner of the home. The calculations that are required to create the Tong Shu are highly complex and do vary among versions created by different Chinese families. It is important to consult a Tong Shu from a highly respected source to ensure the accuracy of the information.

Different versions of the Tong Shu exist online, and for purchase. It is considered very good luck to keep a bound Tong Shu in your home! The Tong Shu also shows the direction of the God of Wealth for the Chinese New Year, a most auspicious time.

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