History of BaZi: 2,000 Years of Chinese Astrology
From Shang-Zhou divination to modern AI — 2,000 years of Chinese astrology.
Shang-Zhou · Origins of Divination
Shang-era oracle bone inscriptions recorded heavenly stems and earthly branches extensively, for both divination and keeping dates. The system of ten stems and twelve branches took shape in this period.
Tang Dynasty · Li Xuzhong's Three-Pillar Method
Li Xuzhong interpreted charts from the year, month, and day pillars alone, and was later revered as the founding father of Chinese astrology. At this stage, readings used only three pillars — the hour pillar had not yet been added.
Song Dynasty · Xu Ziping's Four-Pillar Method
Xu Ziping added the hour pillar to Li Xuzhong's three-pillar system, establishing the four-pillar (year, month, day, hour) method that became the foundation of Ziping BaZi. Xu left no writings himself; his teachings were compiled by followers in Yuan Hai Zi Ping.
Ming Dynasty · Wan Yuwu's Synthesis
Wan Yuwu compiled San Ming Tong Hui, gathering the finest of earlier Chinese astrology. It remains one of the richest collections of case studies — and an essential reference for researchers today.
Qing Dynasty · Shen Xiaozhan's Pattern Method
Shen Xiaozhan wrote Zi Ping Zhen Quan, focused entirely on pattern analysis and selecting the favorable element — a must-read classic. In the same era, Ren Tieqiao annotated Di Tian Sui; together they form the twin classics of Ziping study.
Qing Dynasty · Qiongtong Baojian Temperament Method
Yu Chuntai compiled Qiong Tong Bao Jian, devoted entirely to five-element temperament adjustment (remedy through the favorable element), analyzing favorable and unfavorable elements by day stem and birth month.
Republic Era · The Craft Goes Public
During the Republic era, Chinese astrology texts were mass-printed, moving from master-to-apprentice secrecy to public education. Scholars such as Yuan Shushan, Wei Qianli, and Xu Lewu flourished.
Modern Era · AI Chart Reading
The rise of large language models brought traditional Chinese astrology knowledge together with AI — giving birth to chart reading products like FateRead, and carrying millennia of wisdom to modern audiences.