Four Pillars (Saju) Guide
Saju (Four Pillars of Destiny, 四柱八字) is the core system of traditional Eastern fortune analysis. It represents the year, month, day, and hour of your birth as four pillars, each consisting of a Heavenly Stem (天干) and an Earthly Branch (地支), forming a total of eight characters that reveal your innate temperament and the flow of your fortune.
What Are the Four Pillars?
The 10 Heavenly Stems correspond to the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and Yin/Yang. The 12 Earthly Branches align with the Chinese zodiac animals and also connect to the Five Elements. Together they form 60 possible combinations (the Sexagenary Cycle), which repeat every 60 years.
Each of the four pillars (Year, Month, Day, Hour) receives one Heavenly Stem and one Earthly Branch, so a person's Saju chart consists of eight characters in total — hence the name “Eight Characters.”
Input Fields Explained
Date of Birth
Enter your birth date in Solar (Gregorian) or Lunar calendar. If your birthday falls on a Lunar leap month, be sure to check the leap month option for accurate calculation. Confirm your exact date from official records or family records for the best results.
Time of Birth
The birth time is needed to calculate the Hour Pillar. Traditional time divisions use 2-hour blocks, so even an approximate time works. If you don't know your birth time, select 'Time Unknown' and the reading will use three pillars instead.
Place of Birth
The birthplace is used for True Solar Time correction based on longitude. Different cities may have slight time differences that affect the Hour Pillar calculation.
How to Read Your Results
The Day Master
The Heavenly Stem of your Day Pillar is called the 'Day Master' and is the most important character in your chart. Its associated element determines your core personality traits and natural tendencies.
Five Element Balance
The element distribution chart shows how the Five Elements are spread across your four pillars. Wood represents growth and patience, Fire represents passion and expression, Earth represents stability, Metal represents decisiveness, and Water represents wisdom and flexibility. If one element is excessive or lacking, the reading will include personality tendencies and suggestions for balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Should I use Solar or Lunar calendar?
If you know your exact Solar (Gregorian) date, use that. If you only know the Lunar date, select Lunar and the system will automatically convert it.
Q. What if I don't know my exact birth time?
Select 'Time Unknown' and the reading will use the Year, Month, and Day pillars only. The core personality and fortune flow can still be analyzed without the Hour Pillar.
Q. Is my destiny fixed by Saju?
No. Saju reveals tendencies and energy patterns, not a fixed future. Use it as a tool for self-understanding and reflection, not as a prophecy.