Setting Up the Chart: Yang and Yin Dun
Determining the Chart Number
Hour-based Qi Men Dun Jia determines the chart according to the solar term: after the Winter Solstice, use Yang Dun (arranging the Six Instruments forward and the Three Wonders in reverse); after the Summer Solstice, use Yin Dun (arranging the Six Instruments in reverse and the Three Wonders forward). The specific chart number (1–9) is then determined by the three periods (upper, middle, lower) of the solar term.
The Debate Between Two Major Chart-Setting Methods
| Method | Rule | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Chai-Bu method (拆补法) | Based on the actual moment of solar term transition; no intercalation; the Fu-Tou follows the solar term | Concise, currently mainstream, and adopted by this site |
| Intercalation method (置闰法) | Inserts an intercalary chart for adjustment when the Fu-Tou runs too far ahead of the solar term | Traditional ancient method, upheld by some schools |
| Mao Shan method (茅山法) | Calculates continuously based entirely on the moment of solar term transition | Another standard |
Different chart-setting methods at the same moment may produce different charts — this is a normal divergence between schools, just like the true solar time issue in Zi Wei Dou Shu. Knowing which standard you're using matters more than arguing over which is right.
Rotating Board vs. Flying Board
- Rotating Board Qi Men (转盘奇门 / 转盘法): Stars, Gates, and Deities rotate around the palaces to determine their positions; used by this site, mainstream since the Qing Dynasty
- Flying Board Qi Men (飞盘奇门 / 飞盘法): Stars, Gates, and Deities are arranged by flying through the Nine Palaces; forms a separate system
The two methods produce different chart layouts and have their own lineages — they must not be mixed in interpretation.
Choosing the Moment to Set Up the Chart
- Set up the chart at the moment of inquiry: The moment the thought arises and the question forms — the energy field is most responsive
- Auspicious time selection: Pre-selecting an auspicious time and date to conduct affairs (auspicious date selection)
- Event moment: Setting up the chart at the time the event occurred for retrospective analysis (e.g., accidents, contract signing moments)
This site defaults to setting up the chart at the current moment, but you may also specify any arbitrary time for retrospective analysis.