Life of Twin Virtues (二德扶身)
The Life of Twin Virtues (二德扶身) refers to a Bazi pattern in which both the Heavenly Virtue Nobleman (天德贵人) and the Monthly Virtue Nobleman (月德贵人) stars are present in the natal chart. The "Twin Virtues" are not part of the Ten Gods, but are special auspicious stars (神煞) derived from celestial phenomena, embodying the refined and benevolent energies of Heaven and Earth. Their core function is to support the individual, dispel misfortune, and act as innate guardians within one's destiny. As the ancient texts say, "When the sun and moon converge and shine together, what darkness or evil could possibly remain?" Thus, these are considered the most benevolent and auspicious of all stars.
How to Identify the Pattern
Both Heavenly Virtue Nobleman and Monthly Virtue Nobleman are determined based on the Month Branch (月支) of birth. If any of the Heavenly Stems (天干) or Earthly Branches (地支) in the Four Pillars (Year, Month, Day, Hour) correspond to the criteria below, the chart is said to possess these stars.
The identification methods are as follows:
Heavenly Virtue Nobleman (天德贵人) Identification (using the Month Branch to check all Four Pillars' Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches):
- Yin (寅) month: presence of Ding (丁)
- Mao (卯) month: presence of Shen (申) Monkey
- Chen (辰) month: presence of Ren (壬)
- Si (巳) month: presence of Xin (辛)
- Wu (午) month: presence of Hai (亥) Pig
- Wei (未) month: presence of Jia (甲)
- Shen (申) month: presence of Gui (癸)
- You (酉) month: presence of Yin (寅) Tiger
- Xu (戌) month: presence of Bing (丙)
- Hai (亥) month: presence of Yi (乙)
- Zi (子) month: presence of Si (巳) Snake
- Chou (丑) month: presence of Geng (庚)
Monthly Virtue Nobleman (月德贵人) Identification (using the Month Branch to check all Four Pillars' Heavenly Stems):
- Yin (寅), Wu (午), Xu (戌) months: presence of Bing (丙)
- Shen (申), Zi (子), Chen (辰) months: presence of Ren (壬)
- Hai (亥), Mao (卯), Wei (未) months: presence of Jia (甲)
- Si (巳), You (酉), Chou (丑) months: presence of Geng (庚)
Meaning of the Pattern
Those whose charts form the Life of Twin Virtues pattern are naturally compassionate, kind-hearted, empathetic, and possess a strong sense of morality. The greatest hallmark of this pattern is its ability to "turn misfortune into blessing." Even when the individual encounters obstacles or dangers throughout life, they are often able to overcome adversity and transform calamity into auspicious outcomes—hence the saying, "With one virtue supporting, all evils are resolved." Such people are frequently protected by higher powers, making them less susceptible to harm from petty or malicious influences. Their life path tends to be relatively smooth, with fewer dramatic ups and downs.
If the Twin Virtues also happen to be the chart's favorable elements (such as Wealth, Officer, Resource, or Talent), their blessings are multiplied. Not only does this enhance the individual's noble character, but it also brings tangible prosperity and achievement. However, the core function of the Twin Virtues is to "rescue" and "support"—they raise the lower limits of one's destiny, but do not infinitely elevate the upper limits. If the original chart is fundamentally weak or of low quality, the Twin Virtues can help avert major disasters and mitigate some misfortune, but may not be sufficient to bring great wealth or high status.
Favorable and Unfavorable Factors
Favorable:
- Coexisting with Other Auspicious Stars: This pattern is most auspicious when accompanied by other beneficial stars such as Wealth Star (禄神), Officer, Resource, Talent, Heavenly Benefactor (天乙贵人), etc. The combination of multiple auspicious influences can significantly elevate the overall quality of the chart.
- Present in the Day Pillar: If the Twin Virtues appear in the Day Pillar ("Twin Virtues on the Day"), their supportive power is most direct and personal, ensuring a lifetime free from major dangers or worries.
- Three Combinations Team or Six Harmonies: If the Heavenly Stem or Earthly Branch containing the Twin Virtues forms a Three Combinations Team (三合) or Six Harmonies (六合) within the chart, its noble influence is further stabilized and its blessings become more enduring.
Unfavorable:
- Punishment, Clash, Break, or Harm: Like all special stars, the Twin Virtues are most vulnerable when their corresponding Heavenly Stem or Earthly Branch is subject to punishment, clash, break, or harm within the chart or during luck cycles. If the Nobleman star is clashed, its protective power is greatly diminished or even nullified.
- Void Star (空亡): If the Heavenly Stem or Earthly Branch containing the Twin Virtues falls into the Void Star, the Nobleman is rendered ineffective and the blessings become insubstantial, greatly reducing the ability to turn misfortune into fortune.
- Overpowered by Unfavorable Elements: If the Twin Virtues are severely restricted or entangled by unfavorable elements in the chart, their positive influence is also limited.
Classical Texts
From "San Ming Tong Hui" (三命通会):
天月二德，乃日月会合照临，有何阴昧邪暗敢容其间？故奸盗息，恶献潜，神明扶，邪鬼遁，此天地德秀之气，化凶为吉之神，人命带之，大为福德。更禄马、贵人、印绶相扶，或二德就为财官印食，合诸贵格，再遇三奇五行生旺，无伤克破坏，官荣禄显，一生不遭凶横。若犯伤破，作事无成，命不合格，贫贱凶恶，见此亦有救解。
又曰：天德宜月将相扶。正月丁喜亥将，忌见癸伤丁。二月坤宜戌将，忌寅破。三月壬宜酉将，忌戊伤。四月辛宜申将，忌丁伤。五月乾宜未将，忌己破。六月甲宜午将，忌庚伤。七月癸宜巳将，忌己伤，八月艮宜辰将，忌申破。九月丙宜卯将，忌壬伤。十月乙宜寅将，忌辛伤。十一月巽宜丑将，忌亥破。十二月庚宜子将，忌丙伤。
月德寅午戌月丙合辛，忌壬伤。亥卯未月甲合忌，忌庚伤。申子辰月壬合丁，忌戊伤。巳酉丑月庚合乙，忌丙伤。若卯此忌，不成德合矣。二德以天德为重，月德次之，变财官、印绶则加一倍福力。或日干就是，尤吉。
《秘诀》云：“天月二德临日，主一生无险无虞。更遇将星，名登相府。” 《鬼谷》云：“一德扶持，众凶解释。男逢平步青云，女值福寿俱全。” 《玉鉴》云：“卦逢生气天德合，在世长年。” 《三命钤》云：“天月德者，阴阳同类异位之德也。凡人遇之，文学超群，仁宦清显。” 《三车》云：“天月二德扶持，利官少病。” 《心镜》云：“天月二德为解救，百灾不为害。” 《相心赋》云：“二德印生，作事施恩布德。” 《幽微赋》云：“慈祥敏慧，天月二德呈祥。” 《奥旨赋》云：“命亏杀旺，要天敕二德吉祥。”
诗曰：“天原来大吉昌，若逢时日最为良。修文必定登科甲，庶俗营谋百事强。” 又：“人命若还逢月德，百事所求多利益。士农工商各相宜，兄弟妻儿无破克。” 又：“阴阳二命杀星通，化杀为权德在中。时日若逢天月德，男当一品妇褒封。” 又：“天月二德喜重逢，贵比汾阳富石崇。祖荫丰肥承福厚，不然年少步蟾宫。” 又：太阳躔度众星，居垣入局，如正月生，每日得子时，二月亥，三月戌，四月酉，五月申，六月未，七月午，八月巳，九月辰，十月卯，十一月寅，十二月丑，得此时生，更与日干支有关涉者，最吉。
Explanation:
Heavenly Virtue and Monthly Virtue are the places where the sun and moon shine together, leaving no room for darkness, secrecy, or evil. Thus, those with the Twin Virtues in their chart are shielded from treachery, theft, and malice; they receive divine protection, and evil spirits are repelled. This is the refined and virtuous energy of Heaven and Earth, a spirit that transforms misfortune into blessing. If a person’s chart carries these stars, it is a sign of great fortune and virtue. When further supported by the Wealth Star, Travel Horse, Heavenly Benefactor, or Resource, or if the Twin Virtues themselves are Wealth, Officer, Resource, or Talent, and the chart aligns with other noble patterns—especially when the Three Wonders or Five Elements are in a flourishing state, and there is no harm or destruction—then the individual will enjoy honor, prosperity, and a life free from calamity. If, however, the Twin Virtues are damaged or destroyed, endeavors will fail. Even if the chart is otherwise weak or inauspicious, the presence of the Twin Virtues can still provide some relief.
Another perspective: The Heavenly Virtue Nobleman is best when supported by the Monthly General. For example, in the first lunar month (Yin), the Heavenly Virtue is Ding (丁), which favors the presence of Hai (亥) as the General, but is harmed by the appearance of Gui (癸). In the second month (Mao), the Heavenly Virtue is Shen (申), which favors Xu (戌) as the General, but is harmed by Yin (寅). This pattern continues for each month, with specific favorable and unfavorable combinations as detailed in the classical text above.
For the Monthly Virtue, in Yin, Wu, and Xu months, Bing (丙) combines with Xin (辛), but is harmed by Ren (壬). In Hai, Mao, and Wei months, Jia (甲) combines with Ji (己), but is harmed by Geng (庚). In Shen, Zi, and Chen months, Ren (壬) combines with Ding (丁), but is harmed by Wu (戊). In Si, You, and Chou months, Geng (庚) combines with Yi (乙), but is harmed by Bing (丙). If these taboos are present, the "Virtue Combination" cannot be formed. Among the Twin Virtues, Heavenly Virtue is considered superior, with Monthly Virtue as secondary. If the Twin Virtues also happen to be Wealth, Officer, or Resource in the chart, their blessings are doubled. If the Day Stem itself is one of the Twin Virtues, this is especially auspicious.
The "Secret Formula" states: "When Heavenly Virtue and Monthly Virtue appear in the Day Pillar, one’s life will be free from danger or worry. If further supported by the General Star, one may attain high office."
The "Guigu" text says: "With even one Virtue supporting, all evils are resolved. For men, this means a smooth ascent; for women, it brings both fortune and longevity."
The "Jade Mirror" says: "If the hexagram meets the vital energy and Heavenly Virtue combines, one enjoys long life in the world."
The "San Ming Qian" says: "Heavenly and Monthly Virtue are the refined energies of yin and yang in different positions. Those who encounter them excel in learning and are renowned for their benevolence and official status."
The "Three Chariots" says: "With the support of the Twin Virtues, one benefits in officialdom and suffers little illness."
The "Heart Mirror" says: "The Twin Virtues are saviors; a hundred disasters cannot harm."
The "Xiang Xin Fu" says: "When the Twin Virtues act as Resource, the person bestows kindness and virtue in their actions."
The "You Wei Fu" says: "Those with the Twin Virtues are compassionate, intelligent, and wise—signs of auspiciousness."
The "Ao Zhi Fu" says: "If the chart is weak and the Warlord (Seven Killings) is strong, the Twin Virtues are needed to bring good fortune."
Poetry says: "Heavenly Virtue is a star of great fortune and prosperity; if found in the Hour or Day Pillar, it is most excellent. Scholars will surely succeed in examinations, and ordinary people will find all endeavors strong and prosperous."
Another poem: "If a person’s chart encounters Monthly Virtue, most pursuits will be successful. Suitable for all professions, with harmony among siblings, spouse, and children."
Another: "Regardless of gender, even if the chart contains Seven Killings, the Twin Virtues can transform danger into authority and virtue. If the Twin Virtues appear in the Hour or Day Pillar, men may attain the highest rank, and women may receive noble titles."
Another: "The Twin Virtues delight in reunion; their nobility rivals that of Guo Ziyi (Prince of Fenyang), and their wealth matches Shi Chong. Either blessed by ancestral merit or achieving early academic success."
Another perspective: According to the sun’s movement among the stars, the most auspicious birth times for each lunar month are as follows: for those born in the first month, Zi (子) Hour; second month, Hai (亥) Hour; third month, Xu (戌) Hour; fourth month, You (酉) Hour; fifth month, Shen (申) Hour; sixth month, Wei (未) Hour; seventh month, Wu (午) Hour; eighth month, Si (巳) Hour; ninth month, Chen (辰) Hour; tenth month, Mao (卯) Hour; eleventh month, Yin (寅) Hour; twelfth month, Chou (丑) Hour. If the birth hour’s Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch are also harmoniously connected with the Day Pillar, this is considered most auspicious.
FAQ
What is the Life of Twin Virtues in Bazi astrology?
The Life of Twin Virtues (二德扶身) is a special Bazi pattern where both the Heavenly Virtue Nobleman (天德贵人) and Monthly Virtue Nobleman (月德贵人) auspicious stars appear in a natal chart. These stars are not part of the Ten Gods but are derived from celestial phenomena, representing benevolent energies that offer support, dispel misfortune, and act as innate guardians. People with this pattern often experience smoother life paths, greater protection from adversity, and a heightened ability to turn challenges into blessings.
How to identify the Twin Virtues pattern in a Four Pillars chart?
To identify the Twin Virtues pattern in Bazi, examine the Month Branch (月支) of birth and compare it with all Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches in the Four Pillars (Year, Month, Day, Hour). Specific combinations indicate the presence of Heavenly Virtue Nobleman and Monthly Virtue Nobleman. For example, if born in a Yin month with Ding present, or a Wu month with Hai present, the chart possesses these auspicious stars. Detailed tables are used for accurate identification.
Why is the Life of Twin Virtues considered auspicious in Bazi readings?
The Life of Twin Virtues is highly valued in Bazi astrology because these stars offer powerful protection and support. They help individuals overcome adversity, resolve misfortune, and attract blessings, making life smoother and less prone to dramatic setbacks. The pattern also enhances personal virtues such as compassion and morality, and when combined with other favorable chart elements, can multiply prosperity and achievement.
When does the Twin Virtues pattern bring the most benefits in a natal chart?
The Twin Virtues pattern brings the greatest benefits when it coexists with other auspicious stars, such as Wealth Star, Officer, Resource, Talent, or Heavenly Benefactor. If Twin Virtues appear in the Day Pillar or align with the chart’s favorable elements, their positive influence is significantly amplified. This combination can elevate the overall quality of the chart and provide stronger protection and support throughout life.
Where are the Twin Virtues stars located in a Bazi Four Pillars chart?
In a Bazi Four Pillars chart, the Twin Virtues stars can be found by analyzing the presence of specific Heavenly Stems or Earthly Branches in any of the Four Pillars—Year, Month, Day, or Hour—using the Month Branch as the reference point. Their location within the chart, especially if present in the Day Pillar, influences the strength and effectiveness of their auspicious effects on an individual’s destiny.