Qi Men Timing in Practice: When to Sign, Travel, Interview
Choosing the right moment (择吉) is one of the oldest and most practical
uses of Qi Men Dun Jia — the same action taken at different hours draws
different charts and different odds. Here's how to actually use it.
The basic logic
Each double-hour generates one chart. Timing = casting a chart for
each candidate moment and picking the strongest. This is not the
almanac's "today favors signing" — that's one-size-fits-all. Qi Men
timing is tailored to *you plus this specific thing*.
Different matters, different points to watch
| The matter | Prioritize | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Signing / partnership | Prosperous Kai Men (开门) and Liu He; palaces generating the Day stem | Bai Hu / Xuan Wu on the significator (deception signatures) |
| Interview / job hunt | Kai Men strong and generating Day stem; Zhi Fu empowered | Du Men blocking the door, Si Men |
| Travel | The direction's palace auspicious; Xiu Men / Sheng Men present | Jing Men, Shang Men on the direction palace |
| Negotiation | Your Day stem controls their significator | Their significator controlling your Day stem |
| Grand opening | Sheng Men / Kai Men prosperous with good formations | Door-press, entombment, void |
Universal bonuses: auspicious formations (Dragon-returns-head,
Flying-bird-drops-into-cave…), the three wonders empowered, significator
outside void. Universal penalties: door-press, entombed significator,
Bai Hu / Xuan Wu entangling it.
The practical workflow
- Bound the window with reality first — the client can only do
Tuesday or Thursday, the flight is morning or evening. Timing isn't
searching for perfection, it's picking the best of the feasible
- Cast one chart per candidate hour (just enter the time on the
casting page) and note the significator's state
- Compare and decide: the strongest wins; if all similar, take the
soonest — Qi Men's answering power is strongest for near-term matters
The honest posture
Timing is a probability edge, not a guarantee. Picking a beautiful
hour to negotiate doesn't replace preparation — the chart gives you a
tailwind, not someone else rowing for you. Use it as a multiplier on
top of due diligence, not a substitute.
Enter any moment on our casting page to see that hour's chart — cast
for your candidate times, compare the significator palaces, decide in
five minutes.