Night Warden's Grace (六乙鼠贵)
Night Warden's Grace (六乙鼠贵) is one of the most renowned "hidden patterns" in the realm of special Bazi structures. The "Six Yi" refers to the six specific Yi (乙) Day Masters, while "Rat Grace" points to the Heavenly Benefactor—Zi (子) Rat—present in the Hour Pillar. This pattern is exclusively for charts where a person is born on one of the six Yi days and at the hour of Bing (丙) and Zi (子) (Bing Zi). The core lies in the "Rat Grace" of the Hour Pillar, which, through a series of subtle remote combinations or unique energetic formations, draws in the aura of officialdom and nobility—even when no Executive (Direct Officer) or Warlord (Seven Killings) stars are present in the chart. As stated in the "Likes and Dislikes" chapter: "When Yin Wood (Yi) alone meets Zi hour, it is the realm of Night Warden's Grace."
How to Identify This Pattern
This pattern requires a Yi (乙) Day Master born on one of the six Yi days (Yi Chou, Yi Mao, Yi Si, Yi Wei, Yi You, Yi Hai) at the hour of Bing Zi (丙子). Furthermore, none of the Four Pillars may contain Executive or Warlord stars (Metal), nor any clashing or penalizing branches (Wu, Mao). Only when the Day Master is robust and vigorous does the pattern truly manifest.
Detailed criteria:
- Day and Hour Restriction: Must be one of the six Yi days, born at Bing Zi hour.
- No Executive or Warlord Stars: The Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches of all Four Pillars must not contain Geng (庚), Xin (辛), Shen (申), or You (酉). The presence of these "fills" the pattern and breaks it.
- No Branch Clashes: The Earthly Branches should not include Wu (午) Fire. Zi (子) and Wu (午) directly clash, undermining the foundation of the "Benefactor"—Zi Water.
- No Branch Penalties: The Earthly Branches should not include Mao (卯) Wood. Zi (子) and Mao (卯) penalize each other, damaging the noble aura.
- No Branch Entanglements: The Earthly Branches should not include Chou (丑) Earth. Zi (子) and Chou (丑) combine, entangling the Benefactor and causing it to "forget its grace in pursuit of union."
- Strong Day Master: Ideally, the Month Branch is in Yin (寅), Mao (卯), Hai (亥), or Zi (子)—places where Water and Wood are abundant—ensuring the Day Master is strong enough to carry the pattern.
Meaning of the Pattern
Those whose charts fall under Night Warden's Grace (六乙鼠贵) are typically intelligent, elegant, highly talented, and possess noble character. Classical texts suggest this pattern can subtly attract the Executive (Direct Officer) star, specifically Shen (申) Metal, thus bestowing nobility. On a deeper level, this configuration forms the ideal image of "Scholar's Flame (木火通明)": the Day Master, Yi (乙) Wood (representing flowers and plants), stands on solid ground, nourished by the Resource (Direct Resource) star—Zi (子) Water (rain and dew)—from the Hour Branch, and illuminated by the Bing (丙) Fire Maverick (Hurting Officer) (sunlight) from the Hour Stem. This allows one's refined aura to circulate and talent to shine fully. As a result, individuals with this pattern often excel in education, the arts, or scientific research, gaining widespread recognition—truly a "pure and noble" pattern. The Hour Pillar represents "fruition and destination," so Bing Zi as the useful god also indicates smooth fortunes later in life and accomplished, virtuous offspring.
However, this pattern is extremely refined and demands a high degree of balance. If the Day Master is weak, the Maverick (Hurting Officer) drains it excessively, leading to depleted talent and poor health. If the pattern is broken, all noble qualities vanish, and the individual is prone to disputes and slander.
Favorable and Unfavorable Factors
Favorable:
- Strong Self and Resource: Birth in spring (Wood is prosperous) or winter (Water is prosperous) is most beneficial, as ample Water and Wood provide a solid foundation for the Day Master.
- Multiple Zi (Rat) Branches—Gathered Grace: Unlike some hidden patterns that dislike repetition, this pattern welcomes multiple Zi (子) Water branches, known as "Gathered Grace," which further strengthen the foundation and blessings of the pattern.
- Maverick (Hurting Officer) and Talent (Eating God) in Favorable Positions: For robust charts, favorable luck cycles are those in the south (Si (巳), Wu (午))—the Fire regions. Fire enhances the Bing (丙) Maverick (Hurting Officer), providing the Day Master with the best outlet for their refined qualities, leading to brilliance during these periods.
Unfavorable:
- Executive and Warlord Stars Mixed In: This is the greatest taboo for the pattern. If Geng (庚), Xin (辛), Shen (申), or You (酉) appear in the natal chart or during luck cycles, it forms "Authority's Bane (伤官见官)," breaking the pattern and indicating lawsuits or misfortune.
- Wu (午) Clashing the Benefactor: Zi (子) and Wu (午) clash directly, destroying the foundation of the pattern, causing the benefactor to depart, missed opportunities, and unstable fortunes.
- Chou (丑) Earth Entangling: Chou (丑) combines and entangles Zi (子) Water, preventing it from functioning, resulting in blocked talent, stalled opportunities, and emotional frustration.
Classical Text
From "San Ming Tong Hui" (三命通会)
《喜忌篇》云：“阴木独遇子时，为六乙鼠贵之地。”乙以子申为贵神，独遇子者用鼠不用猴也。乙用庚金为官星，得丙子时，以子上丙火遥归巳中本禄，巳来合申，申来动子，是谓申子辰三合会贵，谓申中带将庚来，乙日得官星，用申时则官星显露，所以不取。若子字多，谓之聚贵，尤妙。年月中有午冲丑绊，则子不能遥禄，申庚为官露，酉辛为杀露，被丙伤，子反不中矣。岁运同。
此格要月通木局，日下支神皆是木旺之地，水印亦可，忌见金火，若岁运逢申酉，凶悔，东方渐退，午运则亡。如一命：壬寅、辛亥、乙未、丙子合格，若乙丑日绊子，乙酉日杀伤，则减分数。一子字怕见卯刑丑绊，多则不妨，透辛字不旺，再有丙丁合克，丙合辛化水，运顺行不伤贵。如己丑、丙子、乙卯、丙子，两子夹一卯；丁巳、壬子、乙丑、丙子，两子夹一丑，虽犯上忌，却是交夹贵中生，故皆大贵。
若生夏令，只以伤官论。生七八月，贫下。如得庚申月，运北地，却以官论。生四季，有财库，喜水局、伤官、食神、南运亦吉。凡月令见财官印旺，即以财官取用，不以午冲子为祸。如合鼠贵，柱有未合午，略有损坏，富而虚名。《相心赋》云：“六乙鼠贵，遇午冲而贫如颜子。”《真宝赋》云：“鼠贵带食，早为藩省紫垣之相。”
诗曰：“乙木生临丙子时，要无午破卯刑之。四柱不逢申酉丑，管教年少拜丹墀。” 又：“六乙鼠贵在生时，杀官冲破不相宜。月中通得真三木，方可当元利禄奇。” 又：“乙日生人得子时，名为鼠贵最为奇。切嫌午字来冲破，辛酉庚申总不宜。” 又：“六乙生人时遇子，既带官星复用此。庚申辛酉马牛欺，一位逢之为丐子。” 又：“乙日时逢丙子旬，官星不要月中存。乙丙能生扶羊刃，丙得刑庚至贵神。”
其格不宜逢刃午于中，亦惮见庚辛。若推岁运，如其理无破，清闲享福人。《西江月》：“乙日生逢丙子，名为鼠贵幽元。无冲无破福周全，印食旺多显。子多名为聚贵，略逢冲破有愆。生春印地福滔天，岁运金乡克战。”
Explanation:
The "Likes and Dislikes" chapter states: "When Yin Wood (Yi) alone meets Zi hour, it is the realm of Night Warden's Grace." For Yi (乙) Wood, both Zi (子) Rat and Shen (申) Monkey are considered Heavenly Benefactors, but here only Zi (子) is used—hence, the "Rat" and not the "Monkey." Yi (乙) Wood takes Geng (庚) Metal as its Executive (Direct Officer) star. When Bing Zi (丙子) hour is present, the mechanism is that the Bing (丙) Fire atop Zi (子) Water remotely connects to its own root in Si (巳), which then combines with Shen (申), and Shen (申) in turn activates Zi (子). This forms the Three Combinations Team (申子辰三合会贵), with Shen (申) bringing Geng (庚) Metal, allowing Yi (乙) Day Masters to receive their Executive star. If Shen (申) hour is used directly, the Executive star is too exposed and thus not preferred. When there are multiple Zi (子) branches, it is called "Gathered Grace," which is especially auspicious. If Wu (午) clashes or Chou (丑) entangles appear in the Year or Month Pillars, Zi (子) Water cannot remotely connect to its official position. If Shen (申) Geng (庚) Metal is exposed as the Executive, or You (酉) Xin (辛) Metal as the Warlord (Seven Killings), and they are attacked by Bing (丙) Fire, Zi (子) Water loses its effect. The same logic applies to luck cycles.
This pattern requires the Month Branch to form a Wood team or for the supporting branches beneath the Day Pillar to be places where Wood is prosperous. Water Resource (Direct Resource) stars are also acceptable. Metal and Fire are to be avoided. If luck cycles bring Shen (申) or You (酉), misfortune and regret may follow; eastern (Wood) luck cycles bring gradual decline; Wu (午) luck cycles can bring disaster. For example, a chart of Ren Yin (壬寅), Xin Hai (辛亥), Yi Wei (乙未), Bing Zi (丙子) is qualified. If the Day is Yi Chou (乙丑), Chou (丑) entangles Zi (子); if Yi You (乙酉), You (酉) Metal Warlord (Seven Killings) harms the Day Master—both reduce the pattern's quality. With only one Zi (子), Mao (卯) penalty or Chou (丑) entanglement is feared; with multiple Zi (子), these are less concerning. If Xin (辛) Metal Warlord (Seven Killings) is exposed but not strong, and Bing (丙) or Ding (丁) Fire combines and restrains it (e.g., Bing combines with Xin to transform into Water), and luck cycles flow smoothly, noble qualities remain intact. For instance, the chart Ji Chou (己丑), Bing Zi (丙子), Yi Mao (乙卯), Bing Zi (丙子) has two Zi (子) flanking one Mao (卯); Ding Si (丁巳), Ren Zi (壬子), Yi Chou (乙丑), Bing Zi (丙子) has two Zi (子) flanking one Chou (丑). Although these violate some taboos, the benefactor is generated amid the flanking, resulting in great nobility.
If born in summer (Fire is prosperous), the pattern is interpreted as a Maverick (Hurting Officer) pattern. If born in the seventh or eighth month (Shen (申) or You (酉), Metal is prosperous), it indicates poverty. If born in Geng Shen (庚申) month and luck cycles move north (Water), the pattern is interpreted as Executive (Direct Officer). If born in the four seasonal months (Chen (辰), Xu (戌), Chou (丑), Wei (未)), with Wealth Vaults present, Water, Maverick (Hurting Officer), Talent (Eating God), and southern Fire luck cycles are also auspicious. Whenever the Month Branch shows strong Wealth, Executive, or Resource stars, use those patterns directly, and Wu (午) clashing Zi (子) is no longer a concern. If the chart fits Night Warden's Grace but has Wei (未) combining with Wu (午), the pattern is slightly damaged, indicating wealth but hollow fame. As "Xiang Xin Fu" says: "Night Warden's Grace, when clashed by Wu (午), brings poverty like Yan Hui." "Zhen Bao Fu" says: "Rat Grace with Talent (Eating God), early on becomes a high-ranking official."
Poetry states: "Yi (乙) Wood born at Bing Zi hour, must avoid Wu (午) clash and Mao (卯) penalty. If the Four Pillars lack Shen (申), You (酉), or Chou (丑), one will ascend to high office at a young age." Another verse: "Night Warden's Grace depends on the birth hour; Warlord (Seven Killings), Executive, clash, and break are all unsuitable. Only when the Month Branch truly forms the Three Wood Combination can one attain this rare fortune." Another: "Those born on Yi (乙) days and at Zi (子) hour, named Night Warden's Grace, are most extraordinary. Wu (午) clash is deeply disliked, and Xin (辛), You (酉), Geng (庚), Shen (申) are all unsuitable." Another: "Yi (乙) day born, hour meets Zi (子); if the chart already has the Executive star, this pattern cannot be used. Geng Shen (庚申), Xin You (辛酉) (Executive and Warlord), and Chou (丑) (entangling Zi) all undermine this pattern; encountering any one of them may result in a life of poverty." Another: "Yi (乙) day and Bing Zi hour, the Executive star should not appear in the Month Branch. Yi (乙) and Bing (丙) can support the Blade (羊刃), Bing (丙) can restrain Geng (庚) to produce the noble star."
This pattern should not encounter the Blade (羊刃) Wu (午) in the chart, nor Geng (庚) or Xin (辛) Metal. If luck cycles follow the proper mechanism without being broken, one enjoys a peaceful and blessed life. As the "Xi Jiang Yue" poem says: "Yi (乙) day born at Bing Zi hour, named Night Warden's Grace, its logic is profound and mysterious. With no clashes or breaks, blessings are complete; when Resource (Direct Resource) and Talent (Eating God) are strong, one is often prominent. Multiple Zi (子) branches are called Gathered Grace, but even slight clashes or breaks can bring missteps. Born in spring or a Resource-rich place (winter), blessings are as vast as the sky. Yet, when luck cycles reach the Metal region (west), there will be a struggle."
FAQ
What is the Night Warden's Grace pattern in Bazi astrology?
Night Warden's Grace (六乙鼠贵) is a rare and refined hidden pattern in Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny) astrology. It applies exclusively to charts where the Day Master is one of the six Yi (乙) days, and the Hour Pillar is Bing Zi (丙子). This pattern is renowned for bestowing intelligence, elegance, and noble character, often linked to scholarly achievement and recognition. The presence of Zi (子) Rat in the Hour Pillar acts as a Heavenly Benefactor, attracting auspicious energy and supporting talent, especially when the chart is free of clashing or penalizing elements.
How to identify a Night Warden's Grace Bazi chart?
To identify a Night Warden's Grace pattern, check if the person was born on one of six Yi (乙) days—Yi Chou, Yi Mao, Yi Si, Yi Wei, Yi You, or Yi Hai—at the Bing Zi (丙子) hour. Ensure there are no Executive (Geng, Xin) or Warlord (Shen, You) stars in any pillar, and avoid the presence of Wu (午), Mao (卯), or Chou (丑) branches, which break the pattern. The Day Master should be strong, ideally supported by Month Branches like Yin (寅), Mao (卯), Hai (亥), or Zi (子), providing abundant Water and Wood.
Why is the Night Warden's Grace pattern considered auspicious in Chinese metaphysics?
The Night Warden's Grace pattern is considered highly auspicious in Chinese metaphysics because it symbolizes purity, nobility, and exceptional talent. When correctly formed, this structure subtly attracts the energy of officialdom and scholarly achievement, leading to success in education, the arts, or research. The harmonious interaction between Yi Wood, Zi Water, and Bing Fire creates a "Scholar's Flame," enabling the individual’s talents to flourish and their reputation to grow, especially in later life.
What are the unfavorable factors that can break the Night Warden's Grace structure?
Unfavorable factors that can break the Night Warden's Grace pattern include the presence of Executive (Geng, Xin) or Warlord (Shen, You) stars in any pillar, which disrupt the energetic balance. Earthly Branches like Wu (午) cause direct clashes, Mao (卯) create penalties, and Chou (丑) lead to entanglements with Zi (子), all of which undermine the noble qualities of the pattern. A weak Day Master also destabilizes the structure, resulting in loss of talent and increased vulnerability to disputes.
When is the best time of year to be born for a strong Night Warden's Grace pattern?
The best time of year to be born for a robust Night Warden's Grace pattern is during spring or winter. In spring, Wood is prosperous, and in winter, Water is abundant—both seasons provide essential support for the Yi (乙) Day Master. These conditions strengthen the pattern, allowing the individual’s talents and noble qualities to manifest fully, leading to better fortune and achievements in life.