Shadow of Serpent (丑遥巳禄)
The Shadow of Serpent (丑遥巳禄) is a rare and subtle pattern, closely related to the Whispers of Serpent (子遥巳禄), and is specifically discussed for the days of Xin Chou (辛丑) and Gui Chou (癸丑). At its core, this pattern revolves around the concepts of "remote activation" and "breaking open": by leveraging the combined strength of multiple Chou (丑) Ox Earthly Branches in the chart—and in the absence of any Executive (Direct Officer) stars—it covertly triggers or connects with the Si (巳) Snake Fire, drawing out the hidden official fortune (官禄) within for the benefit of the Day Master. This is considered a path to nobility and distinction. As stated in the "Preferences and Taboos" chapter: "On Xin and Gui days, encountering many Chou branches is favorable, but the presence of Executive (Direct Officer) stars is not. If Zi (子) Rat or Si (巳) Snake appear in the year or hour, it leads to empty fame and hollow gain."
How to Identify the Pattern
This pattern is centered on the days of Xin Chou (辛丑) and Gui Chou (癸丑). If there is one or two additional Chou (丑) Ox branches in the Four Pillars, and no Executive (Direct Officer) stars (Bing (丙) Fire, Wu (戊) Earth, or Si (巳) Snake) are present to "fill the gap," the collective power of the Chou branches can remotely break open and draw out the hidden official fortune from Si (巳) Snake.
The criteria are as follows:
- Day Stem Restriction: The Day Master must be Xin Chou (辛丑) or Gui Chou (癸丑).
- Multiple Chou Branches: In addition to the Day Branch, it is ideal to see one or two more Chou (丑) Ox branches among the Four Pillars, gathering the strength needed for remote activation.
- No Executive Stars Present: The Four Pillars must not contain Bing (丙) Fire, Wu (戊) Earth, or Si (巳) Snake. Their presence "fills the gap," breaking the pattern and resulting in empty fame and hollow gain.
- No Earthly Branch Clashes: Avoid the appearance of Wei (未) Goat, as Chou (丑) and Wei (未) clash, undermining the foundation of the Chou (丑) Ox that initiates the remote connection.
- No Earthly Branch Entanglements: Avoid Zi (子) Rat, as the combination of Zi (子) and Chou (丑) can entangle and weaken the Chou (丑) Ox, causing it to "cling to the near and forget the remote," thus losing its effectiveness.
- Favorable to See Shen (申) Monkey or You (酉) Rooster: This is a key to forming the pattern. If Shen (申) or You (酉) appears in the pillars, they can form a Six Harmony or Three Combinations Team with the remotely activated Si (巳) Snake (Si-Shen combine, or Si-You-Chou Three Combinations Team), "locking in the noble energy" and preventing the official fortune from dissipating, making it stable and accessible to the Day Master.
Pattern Significance
Those whose charts fall into the Shadow of Serpent (丑遥巳禄) pattern are typically honest, patient, and resilient. They are able to quietly accumulate strength and, through long-term perseverance and careful planning, achieve success and status. Chou (丑) Ox is known as the "Treasury of Metal" and represents moist Earth, with qualities of inclusiveness and great virtue. Thus, people with this pattern often hide their talents, only to amaze others at critical moments. If the pattern is pure, it signifies a person who is both wealthy and noble, steady and trustworthy, earning the confidence of many. The main drawback is that the path to success with this pattern tends to be slow and subtle; if the pattern is impure or broken, it can lead to a reserved personality, missed opportunities, and much effort with little reward. Especially if Si (巳) Snake Fire "fills the gap," it indicates "empty fame and hollow gain"—outward glory without real power or tangible benefit.
Favorable and Unfavorable Factors
Favorable:
- Seasonal Strength: Xin Chou (辛丑) days are best born in autumn (when Metal is prosperous), and Gui Chou (癸丑) days are best born in winter (when Water is prosperous). A strong Day Master is better able to harness the remotely activated Executive (Direct Officer) star.
- Support from Metal and Water: If Metal and Water are strong in the chart, they can nourish the Day Master and the Chou (丑) Ox (the Treasury of Metal), making the pattern more stable.
- Noble Unions with Shen (申) or You (酉): The presence of Shen (申) Monkey or You (酉) Rooster is crucial for the pattern's success. They can combine with the remotely activated Si (巳) Snake, locking in the noble energy and ensuring it does not escape—a finishing touch to the pattern.
Unfavorable:
- Executive Stars Filling the Gap: The appearance of Bing (丙) Fire, Wu (戊) Earth, or Si (巳) Snake in the chart or during luck cycles is the greatest taboo, indicating a life of toil with only empty fame and little real achievement.
- Zi (子) Rat or Wei (未) Goat Clashes: The presence of Zi (子) Rat (entangling Chou) or Wei (未) Goat (clashing with Chou) in the chart or luck cycles disrupts the pattern, leading to missed opportunities, many obstacles, and wasted effort.
- Excess Fire and Earth (Officer and Mentor): It is unfavorable to go through luck cycles dominated by Fire or Earth. Fire represents Executive (Direct Officer) and Warlord (Seven Killings), which "fill the gap" and break the pattern; Earth represents Mentor (Direct Resource), which can suppress Gui (癸) Water or bury Xin (辛) Metal, bringing no benefit and instead increasing obstacles.
Classical Text Reference
From "San Ming Tong Hui" (三命通会)
《喜忌篇》云：“辛、癸日多逢丑地，不喜官星，岁时逢子巳二宫，虚名虚利。“此格只有辛丑、癸丑二日，辛以丙为官，癸以戊为官，丙、戊禄在巳，惟丑能破巳，柱中多逢丑地，则丙戊之禄出，辛癸遥合得官星，忌见子绊未冲，巳字填实，不过虚名虚利而已。岁运同论。
辛丑日宜生秋月，癸丑日宜生冬月，柱中金水多方合此局，再见申酉，得一合住巳字，不致贵气走出为妙。无丙丁巳午，辛日之纯粹；无戊己巳午，癸日之纯粹，再无冲绊，为人淳厚，富贵双全；略见损伤，亦主富足。若生辰戌丑未月，当以杂气取用，逢卯辰申酉亥时，亦不作此格。如辛日生丙寅、丙午、丙戌月，只以官星论。如生甲寅，以木取火，可用财官。癸日土多，以官杀论；见癸亥时，以拱禄论；生金旺月，以印绶论；生火旺月，以财星论。如生甲寅月，伤官不妨，宜行官星得地及身旺运，多贵。此格与辛亥、癸亥、飞天禄马大同。经云：“辛癸日合禄，平生富有余。”
诗曰：“辛日癸日多逢丑，名为遥巳合官星。莫言不喜官星旺，谁信官来反有成。” 又：“辛丑癸丑二日干，丑能破巳巳藏官。丑字多见方为妙，不宜子字住中间。” 又：“辛癸无官众丑遥，巳中丙戊禄来朝。支元喜见酉申合，入格应须贵禄饶。辛忌丙丁兼巳午，癸嫌戊己马蛇枭。子来绊丑心真懒，格局如轻福亦消。” 又：“丑遥巳格事如何，辛癸偏官丑字多。申酉癸逢官会舍，鼠蛇愁见福消磨。辛人怕与丙丁遇，癸日难将戊己和。前戒不临八字上，也应独步占高科。”
Explanation:
The "Preferences and Taboos" chapter states: "On Xin and Gui days, if the Earthly Branches contain many Chou (丑) Ox, it is best not to see Executive (Direct Officer) stars. If Zi (子) Rat or Si (巳) Snake appear in the year or hour, it leads to empty fame and hollow gain." Only the days of Xin Chou (辛丑) and Gui Chou (癸丑) qualify for this pattern. Xin Metal takes Bing (丙) Fire as its Executive (Direct Officer), and Gui Water takes Wu (戊) Earth as its Executive (Direct Officer); both Bing (丙) Fire and Wu (戊) Earth have their fortune (禄) hidden in Si (巳) Snake, and only Chou (丑) Ox can (covertly) act upon Si (巳) Snake. If the Four Pillars contain many Chou (丑) Ox, the fortunes of Bing (丙) Fire and Wu (戊) Earth can be drawn out, allowing Xin and Gui days to remotely connect and obtain the Executive (Direct Officer) star. It is taboo to see Zi (子) Rat entangling Chou (丑), or Wei (未) Goat clashing with Chou (丑), or Si (巳) Snake directly appearing to fill the gap; if any of these occur, it results only in empty fame and hollow gain. The same logic applies to luck cycles.
Xin Chou (辛丑) days are best born in autumn, and Gui Chou (癸丑) days in winter. The pattern is only fulfilled if Metal and Water are abundant in the Four Pillars. If Shen (申) Monkey or You (酉) Rooster is also present, they can combine with the remotely activated Si (巳) Snake, preventing the noble energy from escaping, which is ideal. For Xin days, if there is no Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Si (巳), or Wu (午), the pattern is considered pure; for Gui days, the absence of Wu (戊), Ji (己), Si (巳), or Wu (午) also ensures purity. If there are no clashes or entanglements, the person will be honest and reliable, enjoying both wealth and nobility; even if the pattern is slightly damaged, it still indicates prosperity. If born in the months of Chen (辰), Xu (戌), Chou (丑), or Wei (未), one should use the Mixed Qi Wealth and Officer pattern. If born in the hours of Mao (卯), Chen (辰), Shen (申), You (酉), or Hai (亥), this pattern does not apply. For example, if Xin days fall in the months of Bing Yin (丙寅), Bing Wu (丙午), or Bing Xu (丙戌), only the Executive (Direct Officer) pattern applies. If born in Jia Yin (甲寅), since Wood can generate Fire, both Wealth and Executive (Direct Officer) can be used. For Gui days, if there is much Earth in the chart, use the Warlord (Seven Killings) pattern; if the hour pillar is Gui Hai (癸亥), use the Supporting Wealth pattern; if born in months when Metal is strong, use the Mentor (Direct Resource) pattern; if born in Fire-prosperous months, use the Wealth pattern. If born in Jia Yin (甲寅) month, Hurting Officer (Maverick) is not a problem, and it is best to go through luck cycles where the Executive (Direct Officer) star is strong and the Day Master is robust, which often leads to high status. This pattern is largely similar to the Fortune Aloft (飞天禄马) pattern found on Xin Hai (辛亥) and Gui Hai (癸亥) days. The classics say: "Those who enter the Combined Fortune pattern on Xin and Gui days will enjoy a lifetime of abundance."
The poetry says: "On Xin and Gui days, if many Chou (丑) Ox appear, it is called the Remote Si (巳) Snake Combination with the Executive (Direct Officer) star. Do not think this pattern dislikes a strong Executive (Direct Officer); who would believe that the arrival of the Executive (Direct Officer) in secret brings true achievement?"
Another verse: "On Xin Chou (辛丑) and Gui Chou (癸丑) days, Chou (丑) Ox can act upon Si (巳) Snake, which hides the Executive (Direct Officer) star. The more Chou (丑) Ox, the better; it is not favorable to have Zi (子) Rat in the mix (as it entangles Chou)."
Another: "On Xin and Gui days with no Executive (Direct Officer) star, relying on multiple Chou (丑) Ox for remote connection, the Bing (丙) Fire and Wu (戊) Earth fortune hidden in Si (巳) Snake will come forth. It is best to see You (酉) Rooster or Shen (申) Monkey in the branches, as those who fit the pattern will be wealthy and noble. Xin days dislike Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Si (巳), or Wu (午); Gui days dislike Wu (戊), Ji (己), Wu (午) Horse, or Si (巳) Snake. If Zi (子) Rat comes to entangle Chou (丑), the heart for remote connection becomes lazy, and if the pattern is weakened, blessings are diminished."
And another: "What is the Shadow of Serpent (丑遥巳禄) pattern? It is when Xin or Gui days have many Chou (丑) Ox. If Shen (申) Monkey or You (酉) Rooster appear, they can combine with the Executive (Direct Officer) star. If Zi (子) Rat (entangling Chou) or Si (巳) Snake (filling the gap) appear, blessings are worn away. Xin days fear encountering Bing (丙) or Ding (丁); Gui days find it hard to coexist with Wu (戊) or Ji (己). If none of these taboos appear in the Eight Characters, one can stand out and achieve high honors."
FAQ
What is the Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 pattern in BaZi charts?
The Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 is a rare BaZi pattern found specifically on Xin Chou (辛丑) and Gui Chou (癸丑) days. It involves having multiple Chou (丑) Ox Earthly Branches in the Four Pillars, with no Executive (Direct Officer) stars present. This pattern remotely activates the hidden official fortune (官禄) within the Si (巳) Snake Fire, benefiting the Day Master. Those with this configuration are believed to be honest, patient, and able to achieve status through perseverance. The pattern is considered a path to nobility and steady success in Chinese metaphysics.
How to identify the Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 in a BaZi chart?
To identify the Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 in a BaZi chart, look for a Day Master of Xin Chou (辛丑) or Gui Chou (癸丑). Ensure there are one or two additional Chou (丑) Ox branches in the Four Pillars. The chart should not contain Bing (丙) Fire, Wu (戊) Earth, or Si (巳) Snake, as these Executive stars break the pattern. Also, avoid Wei (未) Goat and Zi (子) Rat branches, which can clash or entangle with Chou. Presence of Shen (申) Monkey or You (酉) Rooster is favorable, helping to stabilize the noble energy for the Day Master.
Why is the Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 pattern considered valuable in BaZi analysis?
The Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 pattern is valuable because it signifies hidden potential for nobility, wealth, and resilience in BaZi analysis. It enables the Day Master to tap into concealed official fortune (官禄) through remote activation of the Si (巳) Snake Fire, without interference from Executive stars. This leads to steady and trustworthy success, often achieved through patience and long-term planning. The pattern is associated with honest character and the ability to surprise others with strength at critical moments, making it highly sought after in Chinese astrology.
When does the Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 pattern become ineffective in BaZi charts?
The Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 pattern becomes ineffective if Executive stars such as Bing (丙) Fire, Wu (戊) Earth, or Si (巳) Snake are present in the Four Pillars, as they "fill the gap" and disrupt remote activation. Additionally, if Wei (未) Goat or Zi (子) Rat appears, they can clash or entangle with the Chou (丑) Ox, weakening the pattern. Impure configurations may result in empty fame, missed opportunities, or a reserved personality, reducing the chances for real success and tangible benefit.
Where in the Four Pillars should Shen Monkey or You Rooster appear to support the Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 pattern?
Shen (申) Monkey or You (酉) Rooster should ideally appear in any of the Four Pillars—year, month, hour, or supporting branches—in a BaZi chart featuring the Shadow of Serpent 丑遥巳禄 pattern. Their presence helps form a Six Harmony or Three Combinations Team with the Si (巳) Snake, "locking in" noble energy and ensuring the hidden official fortune remains stable and accessible to the Day Master. This combination strengthens the positive impact of the pattern and protects against the dissipation of beneficial energies.