(313) Read your own destiny

By Janet Shin

What makes saju a science is the fact that it symbolized heavenly and earthly elements and derived ways to plot the corresponding signs of one’s birth to explain the destiny of those who were born at specific moments ― the hour, date, month and year, influenced by the cosmic energies. This is how the four pillars of destiny are generated from one’s birth and we study to decode their secret traces. In that way, it can teach the principles of cosmological changes and is called the study of heaven, earth and humans.

The fundamental logic behind this is that we all are given our destiny from the universe, which, of course, cannot be altered. It may literally sound that humans are powerless and lead to a passive attitude. However it actually suggests ultimate freedom by acknowledging its limitation and we can lead a proactive life within it.

The destiny is written as Cheon myeong(天命), meaning the order of heaven. As per an old saying, the age of 50 is called Ji cheong myeong(知天命), which means “awareness of what we are destined for.” By this way, we may realize the boundary between what we can do and what we cannot. This is closely related with the concept of time. By studying it, humans reach a true peace and satisfaction of life.

Why did I study saju? When I am asked, my answer is because I wanted to know my own destiny. By reading the saju, I tried to prove the cause and effect of specific incidents and explain their ups and downs and the sorrows and pleasures of my life.

In this respect I always advise my students to experiment with their own saju. It is the best way to study. It is you who knows best about your past and present. It is you who should be most curious about the future. Compare your own biography to saju readings, particular incidents, such as deaths of your dear family members, significant moves, success or failure of important competitions, marriage, meeting or parting with your love and promotions or retirements.

There is a saying that a fortune teller can’t actually read his or her own destiny. This blames some sloppy fortune tellers who are not accurate in readings. It is usually attested to when they live a tacky life. It may not be the case for all fortune tellers, but we have seen many who were sometimes insecure and other times disgraceful.

Due to the ethnocide of Japanese imperialism and political suppression having been through the rapid economic growth after the Korean War, and placing heavier reliance on the occidental scientific civilization, saju and feng shui as subjects of national schools education have disappeared. They were driven out to the backstreets.

They had been prevalent since ancient days and taught through the academic curriculum during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Scholars were able to study and practice them within established institutions. However people’s perception that they were antiquated superstitions replaced their academic esteem, so promising youths didn’t want to learn them anymore.

Consequently, saju was erroneously practiced and misled by social misfits in back alleys and fell down to corruption as filthy sorcery in Korea. Whereas, many other global masters who are studying and practicing oriental philosophies have cultivated their own careers with dignity and possess an honorable life.

It doesn’t mean that the frustrated shouldn’t study saju. Actually, it is just the opposite. Those who have experienced a winding life have the very reason to investigate what happened to their lives. However, in order to be a professional and successful fortune teller or a so-called sincere life coach, one should be responsible for their own lives and try to achieve a trustworthy one.

It is shameful to read an article that a fortune teller or a shaman deludes people with fraudulent readings. Especially “gut,” or exorcism and “bujeok,” or talisman, that require ridiculously expensive costs.

Nowadays, owing to advanced IT, the fortune telling market expanded rapidly with on-line readings. Compared to traditional fortune telling, the on-line saju is an affordable indulgence. Accordingly its market has been growing to a huge scale.

Honestly I don’t encourage people to access these websites. If I am against them, it is because of their shallow and meaninglessly bulky content. In order to respond to large numbers of clients, they have developed an auto-response data base producing copied readings. If you would like to do something for fun, just pay them a small amount but you can’t expect serious advice.

Under this polarized situation, what should you do at your times of disturbance? How can you get constructive counsel, whether it is oriental or other types of fortune telling? Of course, you indeed try to find a trustworthy advisor.

I actually recommend you study the teachings yourselves, as it is not always applicable to reach reliable fortune tellers. It doesn’t have to be saju or feng shui. However it should be something logical and rational.

There are some moments in your life path when you are in need of knowing the truth. Having a journey to get to know yourself and the truth of life is a truly worthwhile investment.

Are you interested in learning more about the

ancient Chinese teaching about the “Four Pillars

of Destiny”? For further information, visit

Janet’s website at www.fourpillarskorea.com,

contact her at 010-5414-7461 or email janetshin@

hotmail.com. The writer is the author of

“Life’s Secrets.”