I
first discovered Four Pillars years ago during a Compass
Feng Shui training program. Because of its similarities
with Archetypal Psychology, which I had studied years
before, I soon recognized its potential as a healing and
counseling tool.The Four Pillars system is extremely accurate.
It is predominantly used by Chinese masters as a method
of divination and is considered to reveal a person's destiny.
A Four Pillars chart can accurately depict the energy
that is present through a person's life including changes
over time. The information provided can be likened to
the type of information that is now being derived by examining
a person's DNA. As with DNA the key is in the interpretation
of the data it reveals.
There
was quite a bit of superstition linked to Four Pillars.
It was believed that whatever destiny was revealed within
the chart, depicted the exact outcome of the subject's
life. Because of my experience with other methods of divination,
I found it difficult to accept this. I had learned that
methods of divination, could predict dynamic trends in
a person's life but that like results determined through
DNA many other factors came into play. The actual outcome
depended largely on the subject's actions and choices
as well as on environmental factors.
I
began to work with Four Pillars in a different way than
had been prescribed. It became a blend of many disciplines
I had studied and received training in. These included
psychological counseling, coaching and divination methods.
The result is a protocol that can be adapted to helping
people in many situations and primarily offered cousel
in living our most joyful and productive lives.
So
what exactly is the distinction between Chinese Hroscopes
and Four Pillars? Basic Chinese hroscopes gives a reading
that is based on the animal associated with an individual's
year of birth. Each animal is one in a cyccle of twelve.
This cycle repeats infinitely.
The
animals are metaphoric representations of the 12 energy
cycles. They are an integral part of an ancient Chinese
system that describes the nature and movement of life force
energy(chi/qi), and its influence on manifested reality.
Knowledge of these 12 energies and their influence existed
in China long before they were given their animal names.
Four
Pillars is a more complex system that allows for a more
specific view of the individual. Along with the "12
Energy Cycles" the Four Pillars system utilizes the
"Five Elements" and "Yin/Yang". These
come together through careful calculations to form a natal
chart. They can also present the individual's chi or life
force as it will unfold through decades. Charts can be drawn
for a specific year, month, day or even hour.This system
has been used for many years by people of Chinese descent
as a means of better understanding the forces that move
through a person's life.
The
natal chart is drawn in four columns referred to as pillars.
The Year Animal is only one part of the Year Pillar called
an Earthly Branch. Once we include the Element of the year,
called the Heavenly Stem, we are looking at a more complete
view of that year. The Heavenly Stem for this year is Yang
Water. Each animal of the Earthly Branch has one or more
elements associated with it. These are always the same for
reach animal. In the case of this year's Dragon the element
is Yang Earth. The pillar for this year can then be called
Yang- Water-Dragon-Yang Earth. The Dragon also carries the
minor elements Yin Wood and Yin Water.
In
addition to the "Year Pillar" each natal chart
contains a "Month Pillar", a "Day Pillar"
and an "Hour Pillar". Each contains a Heavenly
Stem, consisting of a Yin or Yang Element and an Earthly
Branch consisting of a Chinese Animal Archetype and its
associated element or elements. By knowing a persons time,
date and place of birth, a chart can be drawn that accurately
describes the condition of chi (qi) at the instant of birth.
Four
Pillars is a powerful tool for divination which is often
seen as a rigid prediction of things to come. I prefer to
see it as a useful way to forecast energy trends so that
better choices can be made. More like a weather forecast.
Once we have a better understanding of what can be expected,
we are well positioned to make the best choices for any
situation. Destiny can then unfold according to those better
informed choices that we are making.
This
system is relatively new to the West. As such, it has been
taught more as an academic pursuit than for the powerful
tool that it is. Providing an accurate interpretation of
a Four Pillars chart is part art, part science and part
opening up to divine influences. The methods are not always
easy for a novice to learn.
After
years of research and practical usage of Four Pillars, I
was eager to share what I had discovered. I created a series
of classes that greatly simplify the process of learning.
The lessons emphasize the functional knowledge required
to interpret charts accurately and the practical skills
needed to be able to counsel a client using Four Pillars.
The classes are supported by many years of research in the
field, many years of profound involvement in healing modalities
and a great deal of practical experience with Four Pillars
The
training program is user friendly and provides a step by
step approach that promotes understanding at a rate that
does not overwhelm. The more complex material is not presented
until the basic material has been integrated. All the work
is supported with hands on practical experience. As the
student becomes proficient in basic interpretation, more
advanced work is introduced; resulting in a comprehensive
array of tools for chart interpretation.
Four Pillars is also an excellent adjunct to any other healing
modality. It can in fact facilitate work of any practitioner
working with people.
Please
be welcomed to write or call with any questions you may
have about Four Pillars or Chinese astrlogy.
yashamail@msn.com
917-608-6913
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