Day's Virtue (日德)
The Day's Virtue Pattern (日德格) refers to a specific configuration in Bazi where the Day Pillar is one of five particular Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch combinations: Jia Yin (甲寅), Bing Chen (丙辰), Wu Chen (戊辰), Geng Chen (庚辰), or Ren Xu (壬戌). The term "Day's Virtue" draws on the idea of the sun's benevolence shining upon all things, symbolizing an inherently kind and virtuous nature in the individual, as well as deep-seated good fortune. At its core, this pattern bestows an auspicious aura upon the Day Pillar, granting the person a compassionate heart, a gentle spirit, and a life marked by stability and the ability to turn misfortune into blessing. As the classical text puts it: “Those with Day's Virtue possess a kind heart, are steady and sincere, and act with compassion.”
Identification
This pattern is exclusive to the five Day Pillars: Jia Yin (甲寅), Bing Chen (丙辰), Wu Chen (戊辰), Geng Chen (庚辰), and Ren Xu (壬戌). The auspiciousness or challenges of the pattern depend on how many times Day's Virtue appears within the Four Pillars.
The details are as follows:
The Five Days of Day's Virtue:
- Jia Yin (甲寅)
- Bing Chen (丙辰)
- Wu Chen (戊辰)
- Geng Chen (庚辰)
- Ren Xu (壬戌)
Differences by Quantity:
- Single Day's Virtue (only the Day Pillar is Day's Virtue): This pattern benefits from the support of Earner (Direct Wealth) and Executive (Direct Officer) stars, leading to prosperity and status.
- Multiple Day's Virtue (Day's Virtue also appears in the Year, Month, or Hour Pillar, e.g., Wu Chen Day and Wu Chen Month): This is called "Overlapping Day's Virtue." Here, the pattern is already strong and does not benefit from further Earner or Executive stars; purity is preferred.
Dipper's Will (魁罡) Taboo: The greatest taboo for this pattern is the presence of other Dipper's Will (魁罡) stars (Geng Chen, Geng Xu, Ren Chen, Wu Xu) in the Four Pillars or during Luck Cycles. The benevolence of Day's Virtue and the fierce energy of Dipper's Will are fundamentally at odds—when they meet, the pattern is broken and misfortune may follow. This is especially problematic when a Dipper's Will star clashes with the Day Pillar (e.g., Geng Chen Day meeting Geng Xu).
Pattern Significance
Those born under the Day's Virtue Pattern are naturally compassionate, broad-minded, steady, and sincere. They often possess a robust and dignified appearance, show empathy for the less fortunate, and respect the elderly. They are free from malice or cruelty. The greatest blessing of this pattern is the ability to "find rescue in adversity and solutions in difficulty," as if protected by an unseen guardian, allowing them to avoid major calamities and enjoy abundant fortune. When the pattern is pure and well-composed, the individual not only enjoys high moral character and the respect of others but may also attain significant social status. The main drawback lies in the antagonism with Dipper's Will (魁罡). If the natal chart or Luck Cycles are unfavorable and Dipper's Will is triggered, the pattern collapses: the heart of virtue is wounded by fierce energy, leading to erratic temperament, a turbulent fate, or even disaster.
Pattern Preferences and Taboos
Favorable:
- Prosperous Luck Cycles: The pattern thrives during periods when the Day Master is strong, further highlighting the individual's kindness, steadiness, and compassion, and making their fortune more secure.
- Pattern Purity: Especially in cases of "Overlapping Day's Virtue," purity is prized—absence of Earner (Direct Wealth), Executive (Direct Officer), or conflicting/criminal stars ensures noble fortune and longevity.
- Single Day's Virtue with Wealth and Authority: If only the Day Pillar holds Day's Virtue, it is auspicious for the chart to be balanced with Earner and Executive stars, indicating prosperity and status.
Taboo:
- Dipper's Will (魁罡): This is the foremost taboo. Whether in the natal chart or during Luck Cycles, if Dipper's Will clashes with Day's Virtue, the pattern is broken, fortune vanishes, and disaster may follow.
- Punishments, Clashes, Breaks, and Harm: The Day Pillar holding Day's Virtue should not be subjected to punishment, clash, break, or harm. If its foundation is shaken, fortune becomes unstable and character may be affected.
- Multiple Day's Virtue with Wealth and Authority: If the chart already contains multiple Day's Virtue, the pattern is sufficiently strong. Introducing Earner or Executive stars at this point disrupts its purity and breaks the pattern.
Classical Text
From "San Ming Tong Hui" (三命通会):
此格止有五日：甲寅、丙辰、戊辰、庚辰、壬戌。取甲丙戊庚壬五阳干，甲坐寅得禄，丙坐辰官库，庚作辰财印两全，壬坐戌三奇俱备。寅为三阳之首，辰戌为魁罡之地，干支异于别位，故名“日德”也。查吉神一百二十五位，无日德，或者别有取义，余则未晓。日德要多，二三位并踏同者方用。若只一位，还以月令财官印食取之。何者得位得时，何者被害失时，可用者取之，不可用者去之。若合日德，主为人性格慈善，体貌魁梧，有怜贫敬老之心，无毒害克剥之意，逢凶有救，遇难有解，不遭非横，福必丰厚。
《赋》云：“日德心善多稳厚，而作事慈祥”是也。运临身旺，大是奇绝，若旺气已衰，行遇魁罡必死；或未及发福，格局既好，运至魁罡，必生祸患，一脱乎此，亦能再发，终力微。此格只一位，喜财官日德重叠，不宜见财官及刑冲破害、空亡、魁罡会合加临，皆为大忌。
诗曰：“壬戌庚辰日德官，甲寅戊丙要骑龙。运逢身旺心慈善，日德居多福自丰。” 又：“日德不喜见魁罡，化成煞曜最难当。局中重见须还疾，运限逢之必定亡。” 又：“丙辰切忌见壬辰，（壬丙同辰，是就位克一水一火，故忌。）壬戌提防戊戌临，（壬戊同戌，是就位克一水一土。）日坐庚辰畏庚戌，（纳音同金，辰戌对冲尤重。）甲寅还且虑庚辰。（金木相克是日德畏魁罡也。）” 又：“日德重重免祸殃，官星且忌见财乡。更无冲破空亡处，堪作朝中一栋梁。” 又：“日德喜杀害身强，不喜财星官旺乡。为性温柔更慈善，一生福寿喜非常。”
如张烛运同：甲申、戊辰、戊辰、壬戌，由学官而腰金衣紫，得五品官诰，是此格也。一命庚辰、己卯、戊辰、甲寅，三位日德，作此格论，但甲寅忌见庚辰，运行壬午财乡之地，午中阳刃持权，皆犯日德，所忌丁巳年，寅巳相刑，四月死，寿止三十八，平生性重，亦不慈善，恶疾久缠。再考日德，有丙子、壬午、辛卯、丁酉等日，又有乙巳、乙酉、乙丑等日，恐未然。
Explanation:
This pattern is found only on five specific days: Jia Yin (甲寅), Bing Chen (丙辰), Wu Chen (戊辰), Geng Chen (庚辰), and Ren Xu (壬戌). These correspond to the five Yang Heavenly Stems: Jia (甲), Bing (丙), Wu (戊), Geng (庚), and Ren (壬). Jia Wood sits on Yin (寅), which is its position of Maturity; Bing Fire sits on Chen (辰), which is the storage for its Executive (Water) star; Geng Metal sits on Chen, which holds both its Earner (Wood) and Mentor (Earth) resources; Ren Water sits on Xu (戌), which contains all three treasures: Earner, Executive, and Mentor. Yin is the leader of the three Yang branches, while Chen and Xu are the domains of Dipper's Will (魁罡). These combinations are unique, hence the name "Day's Virtue."
If a chart qualifies for the Day's Virtue Pattern, it indicates a person of kind character, robust and dignified appearance, compassion for the poor, and respect for elders, free from malice or cruelty. They are able to find rescue in adversity and solutions in difficulty, rarely suffering unexpected disasters, and are blessed with abundant fortune. Among the 125 auspicious stars, there is no separate "Day's Virtue," or perhaps it is interpreted differently; beyond this, I am unsure. The Day's Virtue Pattern is best when it appears multiple times—two or three pillars holding Day's Virtue are ideal. If only the Day Pillar qualifies, then the pattern should be judged by the Month's Earner, Executive, Mentor, or Talent stars, considering which of the Ten Gods are in position and timely, and which are harmed or out of time; use what is beneficial, discard what is not.
The classic says: “Those with Day's Virtue are kind-hearted, mostly steady and sincere, and act with compassion”—this is the essence of the pattern. When Luck Cycles bring prosperity to the Day Master, it is especially auspicious. If the Day Master's strength wanes and a Dipper's Will period arrives, death may follow; or, if fortune has not yet blossomed but the pattern is good, entering a Dipper's Will period will still bring misfortune. Escaping such a period may allow for renewed success, but with diminished strength. If the pattern appears only once, it is favorable to see Earner and Executive stars; if Day's Virtue overlaps, it is not suitable to see further Earner, Executive, or conflicting/criminal stars, Void Star, or Dipper's Will—these are all major taboos.
The poems say: “Ren Xu and Geng Chen are Day's Virtue with official energy; Jia Yin, Wu Chen, and Bing Chen must ride the dragon (Chen). When Luck Cycles bring prosperity, the heart is kind, and with multiple Day's Virtue, fortune is abundant.” Another says: “Day's Virtue dislikes Dipper's Will, which turns into fierce Sha and is hard to withstand. If Dipper's Will appears repeatedly in the chart, illness is certain; if it appears in Luck Cycles, death is inevitable.” Another: “Bing Chen must avoid Ren Chen (as both are on Chen, with Water and Fire in direct conflict); Ren Xu must beware of Wu Xu (both on Xu, Water and Earth in conflict); Geng Chen fears Geng Xu (both Metal, Chen and Xu in strong clash); Jia Yin must be wary of Geng Chen (Metal and Wood in conflict—this is why Day's Virtue fears Dipper's Will).” Another: “Multiple Day's Virtue brings immunity from disaster; at such times, Executive and Earner stars are to be avoided. If there are no clashes or Void Star, one can become a pillar of the court.” Another: “Day's Virtue, with a strong Day Master, favors the Warlord (Seven Killings); it does not like Earner or Executive stars in abundance. The person is gentle and kind, blessed with fortune and longevity.”
For example, the chart of Zhang Zhu Yuntong: Jia Shen, Wu Chen, Wu Chen, Ren Xu—he rose from scholar-official to high rank, attaining the fifth-rank official title, which is a manifestation of this pattern. Another chart: Geng Chen, Ji Mao, Wu Chen, Jia Yin, with three Day's Virtue, is also judged as such. However, Jia Yin must avoid Geng Chen; the Luck Cycle entered Ren Wu, the land of wealth, and Wu contains the Yang Blade in power—these all violate the taboos of Day's Virtue. In the forbidden year of Ding Si, Yin and Si clashed, and the person died in April at age thirty-eight. Throughout life, the temperament was harsh, lacking in kindness, and plagued by chronic illness. Upon further investigation, some claim that Bing Zi, Ren Wu, Xin Mao, Ding You, or Yi Si, Yi You, Yi Chou are also Day's Virtue days, but this is likely incorrect.
FAQ
What is the Day's Virtue Pattern in Bazi
The Day's Virtue Pattern in Bazi refers to a special configuration where the Day Pillar is one of five specific Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch combinations: Jia Yin (甲寅), Bing Chen (丙辰), Wu Chen (戊辰), Geng Chen (庚辰), or Ren Xu (壬戌). This pattern is associated with inherent kindness, virtue, and good fortune. People with the Day's Virtue Pattern are believed to possess a compassionate heart, steady temperament, and the ability to overcome adversity. The pattern is highly regarded in Chinese metaphysics for attracting positive energy and life stability.
How to identify Day's Virtue in a Bazi chart
To identify Day's Virtue in a Bazi chart, examine the Day Pillar and check if it matches any of the following combinations: Jia Yin (甲寅), Bing Chen (丙辰), Wu Chen (戊辰), Geng Chen (庚辰), or Ren Xu (壬戌). If your Day Pillar is one of these, you have the Day's Virtue Pattern. If the same combination appears in other pillars (Year, Month, or Hour), it's called Overlapping Day's Virtue. Always analyze the chart for the presence of Dipper's Will (魁罡) stars, as their interaction can break the pattern’s auspiciousness.
Why is Day's Virtue considered auspicious in Bazi astrology
Day's Virtue is considered highly auspicious in Bazi astrology because it symbolizes benevolence, stability, and the ability to turn misfortune into fortune. People with this pattern are thought to be protected by positive energies, enabling them to avoid major setbacks and enjoy a smoother life path. The Day's Virtue Pattern also brings respect, social status, and enduring good luck, especially when the chart remains pure and free from conflicting stars such as Dipper's Will (魁罡).
When does Day's Virtue lose its positive influence in a chart
Day's Virtue loses its positive influence when the chart contains Dipper's Will (魁罡) stars, such as Geng Chen, Geng Xu, Ren Chen, or Wu Xu, either in the Four Pillars or during Luck Cycles. The fierce energy of Dipper's Will clashes with the benevolent nature of Day's Virtue, breaking the auspicious pattern. This clash can lead to instability, erratic behavior, or misfortune, especially if the Dipper's Will directly opposes the Day Pillar.
Where is Day's Virtue most beneficial in a Bazi chart
Day's Virtue is most beneficial when it appears solely in the Day Pillar with supporting stars like Earner (Direct Wealth) and Executive (Direct Officer), indicating prosperity and status. In cases of Overlapping Day's Virtue, the pattern is strongest when it remains pure and free from conflicting or criminal stars. The pattern thrives during prosperous Luck Cycles, especially when the Day Master is strong and the chart avoids the influence of Dipper's Will (魁罡) stars, ensuring noble fortune and longevity.