An Eight-Character Analysis of Zhu Yuanzhang

Wu-Chen · Ren-Xu  Chou · Ding-Wei

According to the Comprehensive Compendium of the Three Fates (San Ming Tong Hui), with Wu presiding over Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, this is the chart of a Son of Heaven founding a dynasty.

The earth qi of the four directions all returns transparently to the head of the year stem, like the Son of Heaven summoning the generals of the four quarters — the principle is quite apt. Moreover, the day master Ding sits on Chou: what is called fire-earth Hurting Officer. If the Officer star is fully controlled, there is an indication of entering the imperial gate — for the Officer is Ren water, all controlled by earth; this is the principle. Yet it receives the clash of Wei earth, which corresponds to the fates of Di and Yunwen.

The popular claim that any chart containing Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei is an emperor's eight characters is incorrect.