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Eight Gods

Chief

The Chief (Zhi Fu) heads the eight gods — the noble god Tian Yi, belonging to Earth. It governs leadership, patrons, and authority; in whatever palace it arrives, the baleful powers submit, and every affair gains a patron's guiding hand.

Classical Verse

天乙之神所在宫,大将宜居击对冲。(In the palace where the god Tian Yi resides the commander should take his post, and strike the palace directly opposite.)

《烟波钓叟歌 (Song of the Old Fisherman of the Misty Waves)》 · 三胜五不击 (Victory and the Five Not to Strike)

In Depth

The Chief (Zhi Fu) heads the eight gods: the noble god Tian Yi, belonging to Earth, supreme in dignity and rank. In Qimen the Jia stem hides behind the leader of the ten-day cycle, and the Chief serves as Jia's stand-in, flying through the nine palaces with the duty star — it has no fixed seat, and whichever palace it occupies becomes the pivot of the whole chart. Its imagery is the leader, the superior, the patron, official institutions, and core decision-makers, as well as objects of high value and figureheads. In the hierarchy it is greatly auspicious: the ancients said that wherever the Chief arrives, the baleful powers submit and every evil draws back — in its palace, good affairs grow better and bad ones abate. Strength and preferences: the Chief favors a strong landing palace, riding auspicious stars at auspicious doors, when patrons deliver and leadership's support is real; in a weak palace the patron is willing but powerless; it most dreads entering the grave (ru mu) and emptiness — entombed, the leader is trapped and the backer unseated; empty, promises dissolve and the support proves hollow. In practice: for audiences with the powerful, office-seeking, favors, and approvals, read the Chief's palace against the day stem — when the Chief generates the day stem, the patron promotes you unbidden; when the day stem generates the Chief, only diligent attendance and well-placed words win favor. In the art of war, hold the palace where the Chief stands and strike the palace directly opposite — the key of the maxim on victory and the five not to be struck. Caveat: auspicious as it is, when riding a baleful pattern at an evil door, authority turns into pressure — judge door, star, and pattern together.

Readings by Topic

Career

The Chief means leaders and patrons: expect a superior's appreciation and sponsorship from on high, with someone presiding fairly over contested promotions. Report to and align with the core decision-makers, and seek the top leader's open backing. When the Chief is entombed or empty, the backer's power lapses for now — build a record of results first, then ask for the introduction.

Wealth

Wealth arrives with a patron's help: large deals carry an authority's endorsement, and money made with officialdom or industry leaders flourishes most. Climb high, lean on the great tree, and price for the premium tier. When the Chief is weak the patron is willing but powerless — secure the contract protections yourself rather than staking everything on goodwill.

Relationships

Marriage prospects come through elders and well-placed matchmakers; the other party tends to be of good standing and superior means, and meeting the parents wins ready approval. In courtship, the counsel of elders is worth hearing. When the Chief is empty, the matchmaker's promises fall through — love must be tended by your own hand, and any social-climbing impulse is best reined in.

Health

In illness the Chief means meeting an authoritative physician with a sound treatment plan — even grave cases gain an anchor. Book the specialist consultation and go to a leading hospital, letting the attending expert's plan govern. When the Chief is entombed the renowned doctor is hard to reach: seek a referral through connections rather than lingering at a small clinic.

Travel

Travel enjoys a patron's care: transfers and receptions are thoughtfully arranged, and official visits carry proper protocol. Set out toward the Chief's direction for important audiences. Where approvals and visas are involved, someone coordinating from within clears the road; if the Chief is empty, guard against receptions falling through — confirm your contact repeatedly before departure.

Disputes & Lawsuits

With the Chief, expect a fair judge or an authoritative arbiter, and a senior figure's mediation can shrink a big matter to a small one. Engage a seasoned lawyer and appeal through formal channels, treating an authoritative expert opinion as your key chip. When the Chief rides a baleful pattern, power can turn into pressure — never butt heads with the presiding judge.

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