Vermilion Bird's Flight (朱雀乘风)
Vermilion Bird's Flight (朱雀乘风) is a unique pattern in Bazi, standing in contrast to "White Tiger's Poise (白虎持势)." Here, "Vermilion Bird" specifically refers to the Bing (丙) and Ding (丁) Day Masters, both belonging to the Fire element. "Riding the Wind" (乘风) shares the same meaning as "Poise" (持势), indicating that the Day Master enjoys a favorable position or momentum. The essence of this pattern lies in Bing and Ding Fire Day Masters sitting atop the auspicious deities of Metal (Wealth) and Water (Officer) within the Earthly Branches. Fire, by nature, rises and can easily become restless if unchecked. When balanced by Metal and Water—representing Wealth and Officer—the result is the esteemed state of Water-Fire Harmony (水火既济), making this a noble pattern.
Identification
This pattern is exclusive to the following six Day Pillars: Bing-Zi (丙子), Ding-Hai (丁亥), Bing-Shen (丙申), Bing-Chen (丙辰), Ding-You (丁酉), and Ding-Chou (丁丑). In all these, the Bing or Ding Fire Day Master (朱雀) sits atop the auspicious deities of Wealth (Metal) or Officer (Water), with the Day Master and Wealth/Officer energies in relative balance.
Details are as follows:
The Six Days of Vermilion Bird's Flight:
- Bing-Zi (丙子) (Day sits on Executive [Direct Officer])
- Ding-Hai (丁亥) (Day sits on Executive [Direct Officer])
- Bing-Shen (丙申) (Day sits on Venturer [Indirect Wealth])
- Bing-Chen (丙辰) (Day sits on Talent [Eating God], with hidden Officer [Direct Officer] in the branch)
- Ding-You (丁酉) (Day sits on Venturer [Indirect Wealth])
- Ding-Chou (丁丑) (Day sits on Talent [Eating God], with hidden Wealth [Direct Wealth] in the branch)
Key Criteria for Pattern Formation:
- Day Master Has Roots: The Bing or Ding Fire Day Master should have roots in other Earthly Branches (especially the Month Branch), such as Yin (寅), Mao (卯), Si (巳), or Wu (午), or receive strong support from Mentor (Direct Resource, i.e., Wood).
- Water-Fire Balance: For Bing-Zi and Ding-Hai days, the balance between Water and Fire in the chart should not be overly skewed. Achieving Water-Fire Harmony (水火既济) is considered optimal.
- Wealth and Officer Supported: If Wealth and Officer are used as useful gods, their energies must have sources or allies in the chart, rather than being isolated and unsupported.
Pattern Exception: On Ding-Wei (丁未) day, Fire is blazing and Earth is parched, with no presence of Wealth or Officer. This does not qualify for the pattern and is instead called "Vermilion Bird with Broken Wings (朱雀折足)," which is considered inauspicious.
Pattern Significance
Those born under the Vermilion Bird's Flight (朱雀乘风) pattern are typically cheerful, enthusiastic, talented, and charismatic—radiating positivity like a "little sun." Because the Day Master sits atop Wealth and Officer, these individuals are naturally endowed with management skills and business acumen, excel in social interactions, and often attract the support of benefactors. When the pattern achieves Water-Fire Harmony (水火既济), it further indicates exceptional intelligence and the ability to find balance amid contradictions—marking them as truly gifted. People with this pattern often achieve notable success in their careers, attaining both status and wealth.
However, this pattern is highly dependent on maintaining balance. If the Day Master is too weak, Wealth and Officer become detrimental, leading to being burdened by career and finances, resulting in a life of constant pressure. Conversely, if the Day Master is too strong and Wealth and Officer are weak, the person may become impulsive and impatient, experiencing greater ups and downs in life.
Pattern Preferences and Taboos
Favorable Factors:
- Strong and Supported Day Master: This is the primary requirement for the pattern to form. The Day Master must be robust to command Wealth and Officer, truly "riding the wind." The presence of Mentor (Direct Resource, i.e., Wood) for support is especially valuable.
- Water-Fire Balance: For Bing-Zi and Ding-Hai days, the chart should not be excessively cold or dry. Only when Water and Fire are in balance can Water-Fire Harmony (既济) be achieved.
- Prosperous Wealth and Officer: If the Wealth star (Metal) and Officer star (Water) are strong in the Month Branch or have sources (such as Talent [Eating God] generating Wealth) in the chart, the pattern is elevated to a higher level.
Unfavorable Factors:
- Weak Day Master: A weak Day Master is the fundamental cause of failure for this pattern. Weak Fire is extinguished by strong Water and depleted by strong Metal, both of which are inauspicious.
- Pattern Imbalance: If the Five Elements in the chart are heavily skewed toward either Fire or Water, the harmony is broken. Excess Water extinguishes Fire, leading to career setbacks and health issues; excess Fire dries up Water, resulting in restlessness and weak family ties.
- Clashes or Penalties to the Day Branch: The Day Branch is the foundation of the pattern and must not be harmed by clashes or penalties. If damaged, it is as if the wind has stopped and the Vermilion Bird loses its power, causing instability in career, family, and finances.
Classical Text Reference
From "San Ming Tong Hui" (《三命通会》):
丙丁火属南方，谓之朱雀，乘风，亦持势之义也。丙丁喜居金水之乡，身旺有托富贵。如丙子、丁亥，水火既济，又合胎元，受气之贵，官旺财旺为上。丙丁有申子辰水局，亦为既济。《赋》云：“火旺得水，以成既济之功。”须水火相停，不致偏枯方是。丙申、丙辰、丁酉，丁丑，得身有托，生气相扶，财官旺相，俱吉。有以丁未日时名朱雀折足，大不利六畜，亡散死伤，或患疮疾，有甲乙则有子孙。
Explanation: Bing (丙) and Ding (丁) Fire belong to the South and are thus called the "Vermilion Bird." "Riding the Wind" (乘风) also means "Poise" (持势). Bing and Ding Day Masters favor being born in months or places where Metal and Water are abundant. If the Day Master is strong and has support, it signifies wealth and nobility. For example, Bing-Zi and Ding-Hai days represent Water-Fire Harmony (水火既济), aligning with the noble energy of the natal origin, with both Officer and Wealth stars being strong—this is considered top-tier. If the Bing or Ding Day Master has the Three Combinations Team of Shen (申), Zi (子), and Chen (辰) (a Water formation), this also counts as Water-Fire Harmony. The classic text says: "When Fire is strong and receives Water, it achieves the merit of Water-Fire Harmony." However, this requires Water and Fire to be in relative balance, without one side being overly dominant. Bing-Shen, Bing-Chen, Ding-You, and Ding-Chou days, if the Day Master is supported and vitalized, with strong Wealth and Officer stars, are all auspicious. If born on Ding-Wei day or hour, it is called "Vermilion Bird with Broken Wings (朱雀折足)," which is highly unfavorable for livestock, often resulting in loss, death, or illness. However, if there is Jia (甲) or Yi (乙) Wood (Mentor/Direct Resource), descendants can still be expected.
FAQ
What is the Vermilion Bird's Flight pattern in Bazi
The Vermilion Bird's Flight (朱雀乘风) is a unique Bazi pattern exclusive to Bing (丙) and Ding (丁) Fire Day Masters. This pattern occurs when the Fire Day Master sits atop auspicious deities of Wealth (Metal) or Officer (Water) within specific Day Pillars: Bing-Zi, Ding-Hai, Bing-Shen, Bing-Chen, Ding-You, and Ding-Chou. When Water and Fire elements are harmoniously balanced, it creates Water-Fire Harmony (水火既济), signifying a noble and gifted chart. Individuals with this pattern are often talented, charismatic, and excel in leadership or business roles.
How to identify if my Bazi chart has the Vermilion Bird's Flight pattern
To identify the Vermilion Bird's Flight pattern in your Bazi chart, check if your Day Master is Bing (丙) or Ding (丁) Fire. Next, confirm your Day Pillar is one of the six specific days: Bing-Zi, Ding-Hai, Bing-Shen, Bing-Chen, Ding-You, or Ding-Chou. Ensure the Day Master is well-rooted and supported by Wood in the chart, and that there is a balance between Water and Fire elements. Wealth (Metal) and Officer (Water) energies should be present and supported, not isolated. Use a reliable Bazi calculator for accurate chart analysis.
Why is Water-Fire Harmony important in the Vermilion Bird's Flight pattern
Water-Fire Harmony (水火既济) is crucial in the Vermilion Bird's Flight pattern because it represents a balanced relationship between opposing elements, which enhances the Day Master's strengths. This harmony ensures that the positive qualities of the pattern—such as intelligence, charisma, and management ability—are fully realized. Without this balance, the pattern's benefits diminish: an overpowered Day Master can lead to impulsiveness, while a weak Day Master can result in overwhelming pressure from career and finances. Achieving Water-Fire Harmony brings out the noble and successful traits of this pattern.
What are the benefits of having the Vermilion Bird's Flight pattern in Bazi
Having the Vermilion Bird's Flight pattern in your Bazi chart is associated with several benefits. Individuals with this pattern are often cheerful, enthusiastic, and possess strong leadership and business skills. They tend to attract support from mentors and benefactors, excel in social situations, and achieve balance between status and wealth. When Water-Fire Harmony is present, their intelligence and adaptability are enhanced, making them more likely to succeed in both career and personal life. This pattern is considered noble and auspicious in Bazi analysis.
When does the Vermilion Bird's Flight pattern fail to form in a Bazi chart
The Vermilion Bird's Flight pattern fails to form if key criteria are not met. Specifically, if the Day Master (Bing or Ding Fire) is weak and unsupported, or if Wealth and Officer elements are isolated without allies, the pattern does not manifest. An example is the Ding-Wei (丁未) day, where Fire dominates and there is no presence of Wealth or Officer—resulting in the inauspicious "Vermilion Bird with Broken Wings." Lack of Water-Fire balance or absence of roots for the Day Master also prevents the formation of this noble Bazi pattern.