Progress and prosperity bloom at the intersection of labor and receptivity
In the realm of astrology, a unique system known as Saju, or the Four Pillars of Destiny, holds significant importance in East Asian cultures. This traditional metaphysical approach, deeply rooted in Chinese and Korean traditions, offers a comprehensive and personalised analysis of an individual's life trajectory.
The Four Pillars are constructed using four key components: the year (Heavenly Stem, Earthly Branch), month, day, and hour of birth. Each pillar is represented by a pair of Chinese characters—one from the Heavenly Stems (ten celestial symbols) and one from the Earthly Branches (twelve animal signs). By mapping these pillars, a Saju reading interprets personality, life events, fortune, compatibility, and more.
The balance or imbalance of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) in one’s chart is believed to influence health, wealth, career, relationships, and general fortune. The years corresponding to each zodiac sign are as follows:
- Rat: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996
- Ox: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997
- Tiger: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
- Rabbit: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
- Dragon: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
- Snake: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
- Horse: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
- Sheep: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
- Monkey: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
- Rooster: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
- Dog: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
- Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
It is essential to note that Saju is distinct from the Western zodiac and the Indian (Vedic) astrological systems. While both Saju and the Western zodiac use the 12 animal signs, they are not the same as Western zodiac signs, and the two systems operate on fundamentally different principles.
In contrast, Western astrology and Vedic astrology focus on the path of the Sun (Western) or the Moon (Indian) through the 12 zodiac signs over the course of a year. Each of these systems has its own set of elements, planetary rulers, and meanings—but these are not directly related to Saju’s structure or methodology.
The principles of analysis in Saju include the evaluation of destiny and fortune, health, wealth, love, and relationships. By analysing the balance of the Five Elements in a person’s chart, Saju provides insights into overall luck, life trajectory, health predispositions, career success, and compatibility between two people.
In addition, Saju readings are often updated annually, with the current year’s “flying stars” or elements interacting with your natal chart—a practice somewhat analogous to “transits” in Western astrology.
In summary, Saju (Four Pillars of Destiny) offers a highly personalised, element-based analysis distinct from zodiac sign systems. While similar in some ways, it operates on fundamentally different principles, providing insight into an individual's fate and character in a manner unique to this ancient East Asian tradition.
- A Saju reading can offer valuable insights into a person's career success, which is one of the principles of analysis in this ancient East Asian tradition.
- For those interested in health predispositions, Saju's evaluation of the balance of the Five Elements in a person's chart can provide useful information.
- Buying a new car or making big financial decisions might be influenced by a Saju reading, as it offers insights into an individual's fortune and wealth.
- If you're planning a trip, knowing your zodiac sign and the years related to it in the Saju system could add an interesting layer to your travel plans.
- Cultivating a healthy lifestyle, nurturing relationships, and taking care of pets can also be guided by the principles of Saju, as it provides insights into love, relationships, and general fortune. Additionally, annual updates in Saju readings can help with making the best decisions for your home and garden, similar to the concept of "transits" in Western astrology.
