By Janet Shin
When practicing saju, the ancient Chinese teaching, I am often asked what separates the philosophy from other readings. Some clients will even ask if it is comparable with blood types, as they feel their saju corresponds with the personalities associated with their type. It is meaningless to say which method is more accurate, as each has its own approach, but in general, saju seems to allow for many more complex reading than others ― avoiding simplification by welcoming thousands of varied scenarios for every life.
Saju is a complex reading because it analyzes the day master and the other elements, as well as the relationships between. The 10 stems and 12 branches can create 60 combinations, which further constitutes the four pillars ― year, month, day and time – of saju. Mathematically, the possible results number in the millions and, even if we only calculated based on the four pillars themselves, the statistics would remain extremely vast in number.
However, there are various methods of reading fate around the world. Astrology has been very popular not only in the West, but increasingly in Asia as well, as of late. There are many around the globe who try to read their fates through the zodiac signs.
Feng shui is yet another method. While saju analyzes the time structure of each person’s birth, feng shui analyzes the space and structure, reading lives from the chi (energy) flows in an environment. Another method is to read faces and palms, a way that dates back to ancient times. In the past, people once attempted to foresee the future by observing the yin, yang and the five elements in the body’s natural curves (whether in protruding or concave characteristics).
There is a saying in ancient Asia that prioritizes the following: First, saju. Second important is feng shui, while maintaining virtue is third and studying comes in at fourth. This colloquialism implies that fate, granted at one’s birth, is something permanent that cannot be altered (it is impossible to change one’s four pillars, i.e. exact birthday by year, month, day and time). However, one may try to improve their fate by applying good feng shui. Virtue can be gained by laying effort into one’s posture, which follows the bodily aspects of reading fate through physical features (such as one’s palms or face). Finally, those who truly aspire to grow as much as possible, but develop their inner selves through study and discipline.
Indeed, many of the great scholars in our history also studied saju and face reading in their academic lessons.
Due to the many layers of complexity of saju, it must be understood through serious study. As it depicts one’s destiny, saju must be read and translated prudently and accurately. It is impossible to give a full reading with just a zodiac sign, nor can it provide full information with only a birth month and day. Needless to say, it is vastly different from what one may learn through their blood type.
However, once one learns what his or her day master is, which is one of the 10 heavenly signs (stems), it is possible to know which natural figures can be related to, whether that means the mountains, river, trees, flowers, stones or stars. This is simply the beginning, however, with more detailed information given through birth day, time, etc. It is a highly accurate way to read one’s fate, more so than many of the other methods which comprise of only one of saju’s aspects.
Yet, in part because saju is so thoroughly based on the relationships between the elements and other variables (from palm reading to feng shui), it teaches its readers to learn not only as a single individual within the entire universe, but as the leading role in one’s own life, who must take charge and plan a path. One must learn to harmonize with others, become a part of the ebb and flow of all relationships; when there is a negative imbalance, one needs to find a leveraging solution to return the order.
As such, even through days of rose-colored lenses, we must be prepared for rainy days, and vice versa. Saju teaches us that no one is perfect, and that we must work in order to maintain balance and unity. It is impossible for the four pillars of our destiny to fully satisfy the demands of the yin, yang and five elements, so it is up to use to be aware of the best solutions for ourselves.
Info : Are you interested in learning more about the ancient Chinese teachings of the “Four Pillars of Destiny”? A special saju workshop will be held this Saturday at 1 p.m. in Itaewon. For more information, contact Janet at 010-5414-7461 or email janetshin@hotmail.com.
The writer is the president of the Heavenly Garden, a saju research center in Korea, and the author of “Learning Four Pillars.” Visit www.fourpillarskorea.com.