I Ching astrology – part 1

In my previous article ’Energy cycles – the Feng Shui way’ we looked at the trigrams which are the fundamental energy building blocks of our world and the cycles that they go through.  In this article we are going to look at how these same building blocks can be applied to each of us individually in what’s called I Ching Astrology.

Also known as 9 Star Astrology or 9 Star Ki the source of this type of astrology is lost in time but one theory is that it was originally based on the seven stars of the Big Dipper constellation and the two stars that form its handle.

As with all types of astrology, I Ching astrology is based on your date of birth.  This date will give you three stars that are descriptive of your character, your strengths and weaknesses, your relationships with others, can advise on the best days to perform certain activities and also explain how you interact with the universal energy cycles described in my previous article.

To make it easier to follow, all eight trigrams and the Tai Chi centre have been numbered from 1 – 9:

1 Water (Middle Son)

2 Earth (Mother)

3 Thunder (Eldest Son)

4 Wind (Eldest Daughter)

6 Heaven (Father)

7 Lake (Youngest Daughter)

8 Mountain (Youngest Son)

9 Fire (Middle Daughter)

5 Tai Chi (Centre) - No Trigram

 
In Part 1 of this series we are going to look at the first star which is known as your Birth Star or Principal Number.

Your birth star is based on the year you were born and describes your inherent energy: slice you open and your core will be what is reflected in your Birth Star.  When you are young the qualities of your birth star may not always be apparent.  It’s an energy we often grown into but, irrespective of your upbringing, education, friends and family, it is your essence.

How to calculate your birth star

The calculation is quite simple but, to make it even easier, the table below will show you your birth star.  The only thing you have to remember is that, like many other things in Feng Shui, I Ching Astrology stars the year on 4^th February so, if your birthday is between 1^st January and 3^rd February you should take the star of the year before.

All you do is find your year on the table below and the corresponding number on the top row is your birth star.  For example, if you were born on the 1^st June 1974 your birth star would be 8.  However, if you were born on the 22^nd January 1974 your birth star would be 9 because it is prior to the 4^th February and the star for 1973 is taken.

Star →	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
Year after 4th Feb ↓	1928	1929	1930	1931	1932	1933	1934	1935	1936
	1937	1938	1939	1940	1941	1942	1943	1944	1945
	1946	1947	1948	1949	1950	1951	1952	1953	1954
	1955	1956	1957	1958	1959	1960	1961	1962	1963
	1964	1965	1966	1967	1968	1969	1970	1971	1972
	1973	1974	1975	1976	1977	1978	1979	1980	1981
	1982	1983	1984	1985	1986	1987	1988	1989	1990
	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999
	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017

Now you’ve found your star let’s see what it means.  The characteristics of each star are very closely linked to the characteristics of the corresponding trigram as detailed in my previous article.

1 Water

The middle son plays the role of peacemaker and arbitrator.  Water is its governing element so flexibility is a key strength and also the ability to blend in and be all things to all people.  If you’re a 1 Water you’ll have no problem fitting in with most situations and understanding what people want.  Your intuition is strong and you’ll always attempt to negotiate a win-win situation for all.  You don’t like conflict but you’ll attempt to sort it out if necessary and you definitely don’t like rules and controls over your life.

2 Earth

This is the mother energy.  Nurturing and caring for others, often at your own expense, shows a grounded energy.  People feel secure with you, trust you and know they’ll be looked after.  Service to others is important to you.  Dependable may sound a little unexciting but you’re a calm oasis when things get rough outside.  You can turn your hand to most things, do what has to be done to get the job done and your energy is strong and consistent.  Earth is your governing element which keeps your feet firmly on the ground.

3 Thunder

The energy of the eldest son is impetuous and fearless.  You can switch from being creative to destructive and the amount of energy you have is legend. For your friends and family, what you see is what you get.  You’re straight forward and straight speaking.  Once you connect with something your passion drives you and may sometimes cloud your judgement.  Sometimes you also need to know when to let things go.  Wood is your governing element so movement and growth is important to you.

4 Wind

Have you ever tried to grasp the wind and hold onto it?  The energy of the eldest daughter is hard to pin down.  There is a responsible side to you and sometimes you like to nurture but then, when the fancy takes you, things can be dropped and you’re off somewhere else.  Your curiosity takes you to new places and new directions.  This comes from the wood element that governs you.  You love change and have just as much fearlessness and energy as the 3 Thunder star but it’s less focussed.  You can be emotional and you can be fickle but you rarely take things to heart.

5 Tai Chi

As the centre you have a charisma that draws others to you.  Being in the centre can make you self centred and your confident nature puts you very firmly in control.  Earth is your governing element which gives you a tenacity and determination to achieve your goals.  Whether you are the manager, the spokesperson, the team captain or the supervisor you will be all these things and take on central roles with ease.

6 Heaven

Here we have the father.  As a 6 heaven you will automatically take responsibility for situations, circumstances and people.  You have an authoritarian air about you which can be charismatic or can be jobsworthy.  You’re pragmatic, rational and straightforward.  With a strong yang energy your focus and clarity is sharp which is supported by your governing element of metal.  Although not as charismatic as the 5 Tai Chi you do have leadership ability that can be developed.

7 Lake

The youngest daughter is all about fun, relaxation and looking at the lighter side of life.  You’re sociable, like to be with people and look good.  Some people would dismiss you as shallow but that’s not correct because the flair you have for communicating with people and expressing yourself is an important strength.  You can make people smile and that’s a good talent to have.

8 Mountain

The youngest son is extremely independent and, at times, uncommunicative.  You prefer your own company and certainly need solitude to keep you going.  You are governed by the element of earth which, combined with the mountain, is extremely grounded.  In fact so grounded that stubborn may be a better word to use.  Inside you there is a revolutionary trying to get out.  You want to break new ground but, if you do it will be a solo effort rather than a team enterprise.

9 Fire

Finally we have the middle daughter.  A 9 fire is sparky and certainly can’t hide themselves away – as if they’d want to!  Street wise, enlightened, inspiring and expressive, you are happy to blow your own trumpet but too much focus on this brings pride into the equation.  Once people have met you, you will be remembered.

This is the first part of your I Ching astrology.  In the next part we are going to look at your inner star which will add other aspects and nuances to your birth star.

Jackie Notman is a copywriter, feng shui consultant and e-commerce retailer.  This article is from her blog ‘Life – and everything else’ where you’ll find an eclectic mix of articles and information.

 This Feng Shui information is general for everybody. However, there are deeper levels of Feng Shui which take into account you and your specific business or home environment. 

 If you would like to find out more about living in harmony with your environment, and using energy to your advantage, contact Jackie Notman on 07920 461574 or through her website www.fs168.co.uk

WANT TO PUBLISH THIS ARTICLE?
You have permission to publish this article as long as the tagline (above) with links is included and no changes are made to the article. A courtesy copy of your publication or link would be appreciated.

About these ads