Mountain's Call (六壬趋艮)
Mountain's Call (六壬趋艮) is one of the most esteemed noble patterns among the special configurations in Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny). The term "Six Ren" refers to the six Ren Water days: Ren Zi (壬子), Ren Yin (壬寅), Ren Chen (壬辰), Ren Wu (壬午), Ren Shen (壬申), and Ren Xu (壬戌). "Approaching Gen" points to the hour pillar aligning with the Gen Palace, specifically the Yin (寅) hour in the Earthly Branches. At the heart of this pattern is the Yin (寅) Wood Talent (Eating God), which acts as a pivotal hub—secretly drawing in the Day Master's Grace (Hai 亥, the Ren's Wealth Star), and activating both the Executive (Direct Officer) and Mentor (Direct Resource) stars. This convergence of auspicious elements signals a destiny of wealth and nobility. As the classic Xiang Xin Fu (《相心赋》) states: “Six Ren Approaching Gen, wisdom and benevolence in abundance.”
How to Identify Mountain's Call
This pattern is established when a person is born on any of the Six Ren days during the Yin (寅) hour, with none of the Four Pillars containing Wealth or Executive (Fire or Earth), nor any clashes or punishments (Shen 申). The purest forms are found on Ren Yin and Ren Chen days.
Explanation:
- Day and Hour Requirement: The Day Master must be one of the Six Ren days, and the birth hour must be Yin (寅)—that is, Ren Yin hour. Among these, Ren Yin and Ren Chen days are considered the most authentic, as the Day Master sits on a strong root, making the pattern exceptionally pure.
- Hidden Grace, Not Revealed: The Earthly Branches in all Four Pillars must not contain Hai (亥). Hai is the Grace (Wealth Star) of Ren; the nobility of this pattern lies in the "secret union." Should the Grace Star become overt—"revealed"—the pattern is broken. Ancient texts warn, "If Hai month appears, poverty follows."
- No Harm to the Useful God: The Earthly Branches should not contain Shen (申) Metal. Yin and Shen directly clash, which would destroy the Yin Wood, the linchpin of this pattern.
- Pattern Purity: The Heavenly Stems should not show Wu (戊) or Ji (己), which are Executive and Warlord (Direct Officer and Seven Killings). Their presence disrupts the pattern, leading to a muddled chart and a life of hardship.
- Talent Unbroken: The Heavenly Stems should not reveal Geng (庚) Metal. Geng is the Mystic (Indirect Resource), which overcomes the Jia (甲) Wood Talent (Eating God) within Yin, damaging the very source of the pattern’s brilliance.
The Meaning of the Pattern
Those born into the Mountain's Call (六壬趋艮) pattern are marked by exceptional intelligence, kindness, and remarkable talent. Mechanistically, this is an outstanding example of the "Genius Unbound (食伤泄秀)" structure, embodying the image of "Water and Wood in Pristine Harmony (水木清华)." It signifies that the Day Master's innate wisdom (Ren Water) is perfectly expressed through creativity and talent (Yin Wood), leading to widespread fame and artistic excellence.
Classical sources note that the Yin (寅) in this pattern is not only the Talent (Eating God), but also secretly draws in the Grace (Hai 亥), and further activates the Executive (Yin's Jia combines with Ji, the Direct Officer) and Mentor (Yin's Bing combines with Xin, the Direct Resource) stars. This unites Grace, Executive, and Mentor—three great auspicious stars—in one chart, bestowing profound fortune and nobility. People with this pattern are often revered scholars, artists, or upright officials, enjoying both longevity and abundant blessings.
However, the pattern is highly dependent on the strength of Yin Wood. If Yin Wood is damaged, or if the Day Master is too weak, the structure collapses—talent is depleted, and the individual may suffer from poor health and lack of vitality.
Favorable and Unfavorable Factors
Favorable:
- Strong Day Master: This pattern thrives when the Day Master has a strong root (such as sitting on Zi (子) or Chen (辰)), or receives support from Metal or Water. Only with a robust self can one harness the Talent (Eating God) to transform creativity into fortune and status.
- Scholar's Flame (木火通明): If the Day Master is extremely strong, it is highly beneficial to encounter Fire in major luck cycles. This creates a smooth flow where Talent (Eating God) generates Wealth, leading to great fame and prosperity.
- Pattern Purity: The absence of Hai (亥), Shen (申), Wu (戊), Ji (己), and Geng (庚)—all disruptive elements—in the natal chart is key to the highest level of this pattern.
Unfavorable:
- Revealed Hai (亥) Grace: This is the greatest taboo for this pattern. If Hai appears in the natal chart or during luck cycles, the secret Grace becomes overt, breaking the pattern and greatly diminishing fortune.
- Shen (申) Clashing Yin (寅) Wood: If Shen appears in the natal chart or luck cycles, it directly undermines the foundation of the pattern, leading to career setbacks and a turbulent life.
- Executive and Warlord (官杀) Mixed In: The presence of Wu (戊) or Ji (己) Earth in the natal chart or luck cycles not only breaks the pattern, but also forms "Talent Encounters Executive (食神见官杀)," which brings disputes and misfortune.
- Geng (庚) Mystic (Indirect Resource): If Geng appears in the natal chart or luck cycles, it attacks the Jia (甲) Wood within Yin, resulting in "Mystic's Shadow (枭神夺食)," which blocks talent, brings frustration, and reduces blessings.
Classical Texts
From San Ming Tong Hui (《三命通会》):
此格乃六壬日见甲寅时，合出亥中壬禄，即暗禄格。经云：“明禄不如暗禄”是也。忌亥字填实，怕冲刑克破。壬寅、壬辰二日为正，见寅字多者大富，以寅中甲木食神生丙火长生之财，财旺生官，故美。忌官杀损身，申庚伤甲，不能生财，为凶。又曰：“壬日多见寅字，用寅中甲木暗邀己土为壬官星，寅中丙火暗邀辛金为壬印绶，怕午合申冲，忌财官填实，喜身旺地。岁运同。”《相心赋》云：“六壬趋艮，智足多仁。”《真宝赋》云：“六壬趋艮，透财印为奇。官杀来侵，反为贫穷下贱。”
诗曰：“六壬趋艮喜非常，壬日寅时是贵乡。大怕刑冲并克制，逢甲岁运有灾殃。”
Explanation: This pattern is formed when any of the Six Ren days coincide with the Jia Yin (甲寅) hour (note: for Ren day, the stem should be Ren; here, "Jia Yin" broadly refers to the Yin hour, symbolizing the Talent (Eating God)). Through Yin, the hidden Ren Water Grace (Wealth Star) in Hai (亥) is secretly combined, creating the so-called "Hidden Grace" pattern. As the classics say, "Overt Grace is not as auspicious as Hidden Grace." The appearance of Hai in the chart is strictly forbidden, as is any form of clash, punishment, or destruction.
Ren Yin and Ren Chen days are considered the purest forms. The more Yin branches present, the greater the wealth, because the Jia Wood Talent (Eating God) within Yin generates Bing Fire (Wealth), and Bing Fire is in its Birth (长生) phase in Yin, making wealth abundant and able to support the Executive (官). This is highly favorable.
The pattern is broken if Executive and Warlord (官杀) harm the Day Master, or if Shen (申) or Geng (庚) damage the Jia Wood in Yin, preventing the generation of wealth—this is considered inauspicious. Another interpretation is: "On Ren days with multiple Yin branches, use the Jia Wood within Yin to secretly combine with Ji (己) Earth as the Executive (官星) for Ren, and the Bing Fire within Yin to secretly combine with Xin (辛) Metal as the Mentor (印绶) for Ren. Beware of Wu (午) combining and Shen (申) clashing; avoid overt Wealth and Executive, and favor strong self-support in major luck cycles. The same principles apply to annual and ten-year cycles."
As Xiang Xin Fu (《相心赋》) says: "Those born into the Mountain's Call pattern possess abundant wisdom and deep kindness." Zhen Bao Fu (《真宝赋》) adds: "If Wealth and Mentor stars appear in the Heavenly Stems, it is a rare pattern. If Executive and Warlord invade, it leads to poverty and low status."
The poem states: "Mountain's Call is truly delightful; being born on a Ren day during the Yin hour leads to a noble path. Most feared are punishments, clashes, and restrictions; if the luck cycle brings Jia (甲) Wood (overabundant Talent), misfortune may follow."
FAQ
What is Mountain's Call pattern in Bazi astrology?
Mountain's Call (六壬趋艮) is a rare and noble configuration in Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny) astrology. It occurs when a person is born on one of the Six Ren Water days—Ren Zi, Ren Yin, Ren Chen, Ren Wu, Ren Shen, or Ren Xu—during the Yin (寅) hour. The pattern is renowned for bestowing exceptional intelligence, creativity, and benevolence. It unites auspicious stars like Talent (Eating God), Grace (Wealth Star), Executive (Direct Officer), and Mentor (Direct Resource), signaling a destiny of wealth, fame, and scholarly achievement. Individuals with this chart often experience artistic success and high social standing.
How to identify Mountain's Call pattern in a Bazi chart?
To identify the Mountain's Call pattern in a Bazi chart, first check if the Day Master is one of the Six Ren Water days and the birth hour is Yin (寅). Ensure none of the Four Pillars contain Wealth or Executive elements (Fire or Earth), and avoid clashes or punishments with Shen (申) Metal. The pattern is purest on Ren Yin and Ren Chen days, where the Day Master sits on a strong root. Additionally, the branches should not reveal Hai (亥), Wu (戊), Ji (己), or Geng (庚), as their presence disrupts the auspicious structure.
Why is Yin Wood strength critical for Mountain's Call pattern?
The strength of Yin Wood is essential for the Mountain's Call pattern because it acts as the Talent (Eating God), channeling creativity, wisdom, and vitality from the Day Master. If Yin Wood is damaged by clashes or weakened, the pattern loses its brilliance, resulting in depleted talent and poor health. Maintaining strong Yin Wood ensures the harmonious union of auspicious stars, maximizing the individual's potential for success, longevity, and nobility in life.
What are the practical benefits of having Mountain's Call in a Bazi chart?
Having Mountain's Call in a Bazi chart offers practical benefits such as enhanced intelligence, artistic talent, and benevolence. People with this pattern are often recognized as scholars, artists, or upright officials, enjoying widespread fame and respect. The configuration also brings fortune, longevity, and a stable life path. Its harmonious structure supports personal growth, creativity, and the ability to attract mentorship and executive support throughout life.
When does Mountain's Call pattern become unfavorable in Bazi analysis?
Mountain's Call pattern becomes unfavorable in Bazi analysis when the chart contains disruptive elements like Hai (亥) Wealth Star revealed, Shen (申) Metal clashes, or visible Wu (戊), Ji (己), or Geng (庚) in the stems. These factors break the secret union of auspicious stars and weaken Yin Wood, leading to loss of talent, poor health, and hardship. The pattern also fails if the Day Master is weak or lacks strong roots, reducing the overall fortune and nobility promised by Mountain's Call.