Chapter 3: Deep Analysis of the Time Dimension

'In-depth Analysis of "Destiny Chart" vs. "Hourly Chart" in Qi Men Dun Jia: The Spacetime Philosophy of Constants and Variables'

'An in-depth analysis of the core differences between the "Destiny Chart" (Lifetime Chart) and "Hourly Chart" (Hourly Qi Men) in Qi Men Dun Jia. We explore the similarities and differences between these two systems from the dimensions of time, analytical logic, application scope, and philosophical essence, revealing the dialectical relationship between constants and variables in Yi learning prediction.'

January 28, 2026 7 min read PDF Markdown

"Time" is the soul of Qi Men Dun Jia. The handling of the time dimension in the Destiny Chart and Hourly Chart reflects the dialectical relationship between "Pre-heaven" and "Post-heaven," "Constants" and "Variables" in traditional Chinese philosophy.

3.1 Destiny Chart: The "Folding" and "Unfolding" of Time

Although the Destiny Chart is a slice of the moment of birth, it folds the time of a lifetime. When analyzing the Lifetime Chart, we usually use the Flowing Year Method to unfold time.

Major Luck & Flowing Years: Similar to Ba Zi, the Qi Men Destiny Chart can also arrange Major Luck cycles. Usually, one palace governs ten years (or determined by the Bureau number), pushed forward or backward.
Flowing Years & Flowing Months: The Stem and Branch of every year will enter the Destiny Chart to produce effects.
- For example, this year is the Bing Wu Year. We look at where "Bing" and "Wu" are in the Destiny Chart.
- If "Bing" in the Destiny Chart falls in a palace with Si Men and Bai Hu, and is clashed by the Flowing Year Tai Sui, then the person is prone to disaster this year.
Principle: The Destiny Chart is like a precise circuit board covered with various switches (symbols). The Flowing Year is like current; wherever it flows, it lights up the lamp there (triggering events).

3.2 Hourly Chart: The "Focusing" of Time and "Response Period"

The Hourly Chart focuses on the present. Its timeline is very short. When analyzing the Hourly Chart, we focus on the Response Period (Ying Qi - when it happens).

Determining Response Period: Infer the specific time point (Year, Month, Day, Hour) when the event will occur based on chart information.
Clash/Harmony Method: The day when the Zhi Shi Gate's palace is clashed or combined is often the response period.
Horse Star Method: When the Horse Star moves, the event moves.
Principle: The Hourly Chart is like a blip on a radar screen. We calculate when it will hit the target by calculating the speed and direction of the blip.