Sources
Sources & References
Traditional BaZi references
The following classical Chinese texts form the foundational reference framework for Elemental Fate's BaZi calculation methodology and archetype interpretations:
《三命通會》San Ming Tong Hui
Ming Dynasty comprehensive reference on destiny analysis. One of the most complete classical texts covering the interactions between Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, and the Five Elements in BaZi interpretation.
《滴天髓》Di Tian Sui
Classical text on Heavenly Stems and destiny interpretation. Known for its concise, poetic approach to understanding the nature of each Stem and its role in chart analysis.
《子平真詮》Zi Ping Zhen Quan
Foundational text on the Zi Ping method of BaZi analysis. This is the methodology that Elemental Fate follows — using the Day Master as the central reference point for all chart interpretation.
《窮通寶鑑》Qiong Tong Bao Jian
Reference on seasonal element strength and the interplay between birth month and Day Master. Essential for understanding how the same Day Master behaves differently depending on the season of birth.
Five Elements and Wu Xing
The Five Elements (五行 Wu Xing) framework predates BaZi and is documented in numerous Chinese philosophical and medical texts. The foundational text is the 《黃帝內經》(Huangdi Neijing / Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine), which established the productive and destructive cycles that govern element interactions.
Elemental Fate uses the standard Wu Xing productive cycle (Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth bears Metal, Metal collects Water, Water nourishes Wood) and destructive cycle (Wood parts Earth, Earth absorbs Water, Water quenches Fire, Fire melts Metal, Metal chops Wood) in its element balance analysis.
Chinese calendar system
The Sexagenary Cycle (天干地支) of 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches is the foundational calendar system used in BaZi calculations. It has been in continuous use for over 2,000 years and remains the basis for traditional Chinese date-keeping.
Solar terms (節氣) — 24 divisions of the solar year based on the sun's longitude — determine the boundaries between BaZi months. This is distinct from the lunar calendar and is critical for accurate Month Pillar assignment.
Modern BaZi references
In addition to classical texts, Elemental Fate draws on the work of contemporary BaZi educators who have made traditional Chinese metaphysics accessible to English-speaking audiences:
- Joey Yap — Contemporary BaZi educator and author of numerous books on Chinese metaphysics, including BaZi profiling and the Ten Gods system
- Jerry King — Modern BaZi interpretation resources focused on practical application
- Various Chinese-language BaZi educational platforms and forums that preserve and discuss classical interpretation methods
Calculation methodology
Elemental Fate's calculation engine converts Gregorian dates to Chinese calendar dates using established astronomical algorithms for solar terms (節氣). The Day Master identification, Five Elements distribution counting, and Ten Gods mapping all follow standard Zi Ping methodology as described in the classical texts listed above.
For a detailed explanation of the calculation process, see our Methodology page.
Open data
Chinese calendar conversion tables, solar term data, and Heavenly Stem / Earthly Branch interaction tables are based on publicly available astronomical data and traditional reference tables that have been verified across multiple independent sources.
Disclaimer
The sources listed here inform our calculation methodology and content framework. Elemental Fate does not claim endorsement by any author, publisher, or institution listed above. Classical texts are referenced for methodological transparency — they represent the traditional knowledge base, not a claim of authority or certification.