Tempered Metal Pattern (从革格)
The Tempered Metal Pattern (从革格) is a unique form of the "Purely Prosperous Pattern" (专旺格) in Bazi. The term "从革" embodies the essence of Metal—signifying "yielding to transformation." It symbolizes the ability of metal to be melted, reforged, and shaped into tools, highlighting its resolute and disciplined nature, as well as its association with justice and severity. The core of this pattern lies in having a Day Master of Geng (庚) or Xin (辛) Metal, with the Earthly Branches across all Four Pillars forming a powerful Metal configuration. The entire chart is saturated with pure, vibrant Metal Qi, and the Day Master's energy aligns harmoniously with this Metal dominance. Since Metal governs "righteousness," those with this pattern are often decisive, courageous, and exude a strong sense of loyalty and justice.
Identification
This pattern centers on a Geng (庚) or Xin (辛) Metal Day Master, born in autumn (the months of Shen (申) Monkey or You (酉) Rooster), with Earthly Branches forming either the "Shen-You-Xu" (申酉戌) Western Metal Three Meetings Team or the "Si-You-Chou" (巳酉丑) Metal Three Combinations Team. The Four Pillars must not feature strong and prosperous Officer or Warlord (Fire) stars that would break the pattern.
Tempered Metal – Perfect (从革格·真):
- Day Master is Geng (庚) or Xin (辛) Metal, born in the months of Shen (申) or You (酉), when Metal is in seasonal command.
- Earthly Branches fully form either the Shen-You-Xu (申酉戌) or Si-You-Chou (巳酉丑) Metal configuration.
- The Four Pillars do not contain strong or prosperous Officer or Warlord (Fire) stars (Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Si (巳), Wu (午)). If there is only a faint trace of Fire, it can actually help "temper" the Metal, but Water is still needed to protect it.
- The presence of Water (Talent/Maverick) to channel and refine the Metal (creating "A Crystalline Mind"), or Earth (Mentor) to nourish and support it, further enhances the pattern.
Tempered Metal – Flawed (从革格·假):
- Even if not born in autumn (such as in Chou (丑) Ox or Xu (戌) Dog months), the Earthly Branches still form a strong Metal configuration.
- The chart may contain Officer or Warlord (Fire) stars, but their power is weak, or there is moist Earth (Chen (辰) Loong, Chou (丑) Ox) and strong Water to suppress and dim the Fire's influence.
- The pattern is less pure, but Metal Qi still dominates. Prosperity depends on favorable luck cycles that remove the underlying issues.
Note: The distinction between "Perfect" and "Flawed" is not an absolute judgment of good or bad. Rather, it differentiates the degree of purity and the conditions required for achievement. A perfectly conformed Tempered Metal Pattern is inherently more noble and prosperous, while a flawed one relies more on supportive luck cycles for success.
Pattern Significance
Those born under the Tempered Metal Pattern (从革格) are marked by a resolute spirit, a strong sense of justice, and decisive action. Thanks to the pure and abundant Metal Qi throughout the chart, such individuals are loyal, keep their promises, act with courage, and are undaunted by adversity. If the Metal Qi is refined by Water (Talent/Maverick), forming "A Crystalline Mind," it indicates exceptional intelligence and literary talent. If tempered by a trace of Fire, it suggests the ability to withstand trials and achieve great accomplishments—especially suited for positions of authority in the military, law enforcement, judiciary, or finance, making them natural leaders or figures of power. The main drawback is that excessive Metal Qi can lead to stubbornness, lack of compassion, and a tendency toward aggression.
Favorable and Unfavorable Elements
Favorable:
- Water (Talent/Maverick): The best outlet for the brilliance of this pattern. Strong Metal, when met with Water, can have its sharpness channeled, transforming rigidity into wisdom and talent—this is the nobility of "A Crystalline Mind."
- Earth (Mentor): Earth nourishes Metal, strengthening the foundation of the pattern. Moist Earth (Chen (辰) Loong, Chou (丑) Ox) is especially favored, as it both generates and moistens Metal.
- Metal (Peer/Rival): Encountering more Metal in luck cycles further supports the pattern's prosperity, signifying assistance from friends and peers.
Unfavorable:
- Fire (Executive/Warlord): The greatest taboo for this pattern. If strong Fire appears in the natal chart or during luck cycles, it directly attacks the purely prosperous Metal, resulting in "offending prosperity"—severely damaging the pattern, bringing misfortune, legal troubles, or physical harm.
- Wood (Earner/Venturer): Overly strong Metal will attack Wood. If strong Wood appears in luck cycles, it can trigger "Rival's Greed," leading to financial loss, career instability, and discord with family.
- Clashes and Punishments: If the Earthly Branches forming the Metal configuration (Shen (申), You (酉), Xu (戌), Si (巳), Chou (丑)) are severely clashed or punished in the natal chart or luck cycles, the foundation of the pattern is damaged, which is also inauspicious.
Classical Text Reference
From "San Ming Tong Hui" (《三命通会》):
庚辛日见巳酉丑局，须带丙丁巳午一二位，方成其器，但不可火多。如辛巳、辛酉、辛丑三日不喜五月生，被火所傷，宜八月或水土養育食神印綬為吉。 诗曰：“白虎但逢巳酉丑，格乎从革名偏厚。丙丁巳午少逢之，贵气炼成官最久。” 又：“金居从革贵人钦，造化清高福最深。四柱火来相混杂，空门艺术谩经纶。”
Explanation: On Geng (庚) or Xin (辛) days, if the Earthly Branches form the Si-You-Chou (巳酉丑) Metal Three Combinations Team, it is necessary to have one or two instances of Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Si (巳), or Wu (午) Fire in the chart to temper the Metal into something useful, but not too much Fire. For example, on the days of Xin Si, Xin You, or Xin Chou, being born in the fifth month (Wu (午) month) is unfavorable, as the Metal would be harmed by excessive Fire. It is best to be born in the eighth month (You (酉) month), or to have Water (Talent) and Earth (Mentor) to nurture and support, which is auspicious.
The poem says: "The White Tiger (Metal), when it meets the Si-You-Chou Three Combinations Team, forms the Tempered Metal Pattern, renowned for its weight and substance. If it encounters a little Bing, Ding, Si, or Wu Fire, the noble energy tempers the Metal, making for a long and distinguished official career."
Another verse states: "Metal in the Tempered Metal Pattern is admired by the noble; its destiny is lofty and its blessings deep. If Fire is mixed in the Four Pillars, the pattern is lost, and one may end up in religious or artistic pursuits instead."
Case Study
Wu Shen (戊申), Xin You (辛酉), Geng Xu (庚戌), Yi You (乙酉)
In this chart, the Day Master is Geng (庚) Metal, born in the month of You (酉) Rooster, when Metal is in command. The Earthly Branches—Shen (申), You (酉), and Xu (戌)—form the Western Metal Three Meetings Team, creating an extremely strong Metal force. In the Heavenly Stems, Wu (戊) Earth (Mentor) nourishes the Day Master, and Xin (辛) Metal (Rival) further strengthens it. There is no Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Si (巳), or Wu (午) Fire in the entire chart to disrupt the pattern. This is a pure Tempered Metal Pattern, with Metal Qi at its peak, signifying righteousness and authority—thus, such individuals often hold military or high-power positions.
FAQ
What is the Tempered Metal Pattern in Bazi
The Tempered Metal Pattern (从革格) is a specialized Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny) chart configuration featuring a Geng (庚) or Xin (辛) Metal Day Master, with the Four Pillars dominated by strong Metal elements. This pattern typically forms when the person is born in autumn (Shen or You months) and the Earthly Branches create powerful Metal combinations like Shen-You-Xu or Si-You-Chou. The Tempered Metal Pattern signifies strength, justice, decisiveness, and leadership qualities, making it highly sought after in Bazi analysis for those aiming for positions of authority or influence.
How to identify a Tempered Metal Pattern in a Bazi chart
To identify a Tempered Metal Pattern in your Bazi chart, first check if your Day Master is Geng (庚) or Xin (辛) Metal. Next, see if your birth month is Shen (申) or You (酉), which are the autumn months when Metal is at its peak. Examine the Earthly Branches across all Four Pillars to confirm the presence of strong Metal formations like Shen-You-Xu (申酉戌) or Si-You-Chou (巳酉丑). Ensure there are no strong Fire (Officer or Warlord stars) overpowering the Metal. Minor traces of Fire are acceptable if Water is present to refine the Metal Qi.
Why is Water considered favorable for the Tempered Metal Pattern
Water is highly favorable for the Tempered Metal Pattern in Bazi because it channels and refines strong Metal Qi. When Water is present, it helps transform the rigidity of Metal into intelligence, talent, and adaptability—often described as creating "A Crystalline Mind." This balance prevents excessive stubbornness and allows the individual’s abilities to shine, fostering wisdom, creativity, and harmonious personal development.
When does a Tempered Metal Pattern become flawed in Bazi analysis
A Tempered Metal Pattern is considered flawed if the Day Master is not born in autumn or if the Metal configuration is incomplete. It also becomes flawed when the chart contains strong Fire elements that weaken Metal, unless balanced by moist Earth or strong Water. In these cases, Metal Qi is less pure, and the individual’s success depends more on favorable luck cycles that mitigate the disruptive influences, rather than inherent chart strength.
What personality traits are associated with the Tempered Metal Pattern
Individuals with the Tempered Metal Pattern in Bazi are known for being resolute, just, and courageous. They are often decisive, loyal, and exhibit leadership skills, making them well-suited for careers in law, military, finance, or management. However, if Metal Qi is excessive or unrefined, these individuals may also show stubbornness, lack of flexibility, and a tendency toward aggression. Proper elemental balance, especially with Water, helps channel these traits positively.