Author: Stephanie Stewart

Monthly Meetup – Wood Monkey Month

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

The 甲申 Wood Monkey Month opens on August 7th and we’ve got a Full Moon for the next Monthly Meetup on Saturday August 9th from 9-10 am GMT-7. That’s Seattle time in case you want more clarification!

You can find more information or sign up here. As usual, we will use my Monthly Guide as the jumping off point for discussion but we are not limited by that. Some possible topics include Hexagrams 63 and 64, endings/completions vs process, Elon (again), Harry S. Truman, some bazi pillars that express inner conflict and what that might be like, what we might expect from a Monkey month in a Snake year…

And a little study of the bazi of Rudy Giulani who was born in a Wood Monkey year in an Earth Snake month. People used to think he was a great guy back in 2001. What changed? Maybe the Hungry Ghosts got in his head.

I hope to see you there!

Hexagram 47 困 : Beset

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

What if the problem is, wherever you go, there you are? What do you do when wherever you go, you are there with the same concerns, the same problems, the same worries?

Hexagram 47 困 Kun corresponds to the Water Sheep pillar. Since we’re in a Water Sheep month, let’s consider it first in that context. The name can be translated in different ways, but for now it feels right to me to think of Kun as “Beset”.

On top of Hexagram 47 we have 兌 Dui, the youngest daughter. On the bottom is 坎 Kan, the middle son. Lake over Abyss. That’s a lot of Water. Earthquakes and flooding are likely this month, and/or you could say a feeling of instability and strong tides of emotion are rampant. “Alligator Alcatraz” seems related to this hexagram.

Sometimes we cast the coins because we feel at a loss as to how to proceed, or maybe you want to know what to expect so you can prepare. When you’re in that mind state, you likely have concerns that you are headed into a difficult situation.

The hexagram you cast may tell you different, but casting Hexagram 47 will confirm this: you are headed into a difficult situation, and your actions and choices have brought you here. Now you will have to decide what to do about it – or let the chips fall where they may. I usually recommend the former. In my experience, sometimes this hexagram comes up in the context of divorce or breakup, although that outcome is not guaranteed.

If you are going through a loss, or you think you are about to, surely there were prior indications that this outcome was merging with possibility. Maybe ask yourself if this was true, you know, for future reference.

If Hexagram 47 describes your situation, you would have already noticed you’re existing in or even generating the kind of energy that could lead to three years of punishment, isolation, and restriction. Will you be imprisoned? Probably not, but it might feel that way.

Remember that in this world of metaphysics, we’re working with metaphors that mirror our life, and we usually see their meanings through the lens of our preferences. When you remember this, you might realize you could still find a way out of your stuckness, within certain limits. You could step outside of preferences and find some new possibilities. Or you could choose to act based on your preferences and get what you want – or not. Will you take the chance?

If the energy of Kun relates to your current physical or mental state, ask for advice from a trusted source. Look for a spiritual solution such as meditation, prayer or divination. At some of the most scary times of my life, I’ve made some deals with the Universe myself about what I was committed to doing to shape or soften fate. I take that kind of ask very seriously so I don’t do it often. I think we know when the time is right to ask for that kind of assist.

“Kun refers to a deep pit dug on Zhou battlefields to imprison a wild and belligerent, defeated enemy officer. Kun means isolation, oppression and entanglement. For the captive, loss is made repeatedly worse by struggling against the odds.” Liu Ming

The ideograph for Kun 困 shows a tree (wood) trapped in a box. There’s nowhere to grow or go. Wood is meant to move and expand infinitely, but it cannot. Its elemental nature is neutralized.

Kun expresses the limits of every possible human action. Change is always going to come. Acceptance might bring a more positive outcome. Acceptance is not the same as giving up, and forgive me for using a very extreme example, but I think Kun does speak to possibly choosing death as a way of escape, including suicide. Feeling stuck can do that a body. When you let yourself feel the feels, you will pass through this moment into the next. What the next moment brings will be different than now. Kun is also sometimes translated as Distress or Exhaustion which are temporary states regardless of outcome. Don’t forget that.

If you’d like to read the text from the Book of Changes, there’s a PDF of Wu Jing Nuan’s translation available online. The text is the same as the print book. Go to page 191 of the PDF to read the text for Hexagram 47.

The energy of this month will pass, meanwhile I encourage everyone to connect however you can with loved ones, especially if you are feeling trapped, or you know they are feeling trapped. We can gather each other up.

What you have to say or offer now could make a crucial difference in someone else’s life whether you know it or not. Don’t wait for an emergency to show your care. Part of emergency preparation is connecting with people who are important to you when there is no emergency. This will bolster your courage and resolve for the time when the big changes come.

Coincidentally(?) we have two Heavenly Pardoning Days* this month, an unusual opportunity which suggests that asking for forgiveness or giving it might be all you need to do to set the changes in motion – to clear the stuckness. This is best done by invoking ancestors who we might respectfully ask for guidance or amnesty, or perhaps we might be forgiving them and recognizing their intentions. They want resolutions too. The solution might be as simple as that if you’re feeling the energy of Hexagram 47 in your life.

Unpopular opinion: the best solutions are not complicated. Adding complexity might be something like saying no. Adding complexity creates exclusion. When we can’t accept the simple, do we really want change? Or do we just want to move on without changing? Good luck with that. What can you say yes to? This is the way.

*The Heavenly Pardoning Days are Thursday July 24th and Thursday August 7th. If you like to keep track of these things, may I suggest my Monthly Guide?

Autumn Enrollment for BaZi Students

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

In the cycle of Five Elements autumn is the time of Metal: the time of harvest, contraction, defining, and calculation. It’s both heady and cerebral. Metal is playful and competitive, but not the same kind of playfulness of Fire in the summer.

Autumn is a great time to start or learn something new that you can continue with when winter comes. Whatever your level of learning, I can meet you where you are, whether you are a beginner or somewhere past that.

The seasons help us to understand elements as processes or movements. If you’ve ever been in an elevator, you know how the movements of Fire and Water feel in your body. Fire moves up, Water moves down. In summer we become more active and expansive, in winter we are less active and more introspective. Pretty much any thing or experience can be approached from an elemental perspective.

If you’re curious about that, you’re already connecting to one of the most important core principles of Chinese Metaphysics. Are you ready to learn BaZi? Enroll in my intensive introductory level Foundations of BaZi course. There are two spaces available.

Alternatively, you can enroll for one of my topic based classes or book an hour (or two) to ask questions related to your independent studies.

In the Chinese Calendar, autumn begins with the Monkey month, which seems fitting as the Monkey is often teaching us some lesson. This year, we have a Wood Monkey month which begins Thursday August 7th. If you are ready to learn, please visit my Study page for more information on class formats and topics. Send me an email if you have any questions.

12 Animal Fortunes for the Water Sheep Month

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Water Sheep 癸未 Month
July 7th 04:05-August 7th 13:51

Here are the Animal Fortunes for the month of the Water Sheep. To get the most out of the fortunes you’ll want to know all four of your pillars which are based on your birth year, month, day and time.

If you don’t know your Four Pillars, just ask! Each of the four animals of your BaZi correlates with an aspect of your life. Start with that interpretation.

If you’d like to know more about how your natal chart works, or what to expect in 2025, you can book a reading here.

Year Pillar
Has to do with your physical body and what you do with it, ancestors, family traits. In terms of luck the year pillar is said to take the first “hit” of any event, good or bad.

Month Pillar
Relates to career, work environment, training, age mates and peers, siblings, exes and your modus operandi

Day Pillar
Yourself and true partner; your immediate environment and home life.

Hour Pillar
Your innermost self, your children, future, hopes and dreams.

The Fortunes

未 Sheep
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Month: July roughly.
It’s a big ask for the Sheep this month – to break ancestral patterns or perpetuate them? Shelter or to cast out? Imprison or restore? Be a bully? Or be a victim? So many decisions to make.
Hint: You’re setting up for 2027 every day in this revolution.

申 Monkey
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Month: August roughly.
Like last month, Monkeys are working on things they would like to get out of the way. This could be about learning, home/health related, and what you do to feel free.
Hint: Have you thought much about how your mother has shaped your role in this revolution?

酉 Rooster
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Month: September roughly.
Something old and something new for the Rooster. Watch for lucky breaks and debts repaid. Make the plans, set your eye on a personal prize. Maybe keep your business to yourself for now.
Hint: Traveling for the revolution? That works too.

戌 Dog
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Month: October roughly.
This month it’s the Dog who may realize that a relationship is ending. Wherever this energy lands for you, are you going to pass it on? Or let it pass through? Surprise yourself with your service.
Hint: What patterns can you break in this revolution?

亥 Pig
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Month: November roughly.
Now that you know where all the pieces are on the board, give yourself a moment to create and participate in community. Start early this time.
Hint: What could happen in this revolution that you want to be lasting? Facilitate it.

子 Rat
Years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Month: December roughly.
Rats: be in the moment and you’ll know the exact right thing to do in this revolution. I know you know how to move upward when you want to.
Hint: Explore ways to be softly impulsive.

丑 Ox
Years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Month: January roughly.
The challenges of the revolution continue for the Ox, who could feel injured by the lack of routine these days. The lack of routine is the new routine.
Hint: Health care or recovery may be on your agenda. Give yourself a moment.

寅 Tiger
Years: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Month: February roughly.
Tigers play. Explore dreams and woo woo. The spirit world might be safer than the physical at the moment. Watch the world go by from your favorite high place.
Hint: There are certain prizes in the revolution. It’s okay to take some.

卯 Rabbit
Years: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Month: March roughly.
Rabbits are back on solid ground in the revolution. Don’t let whatever went down last month distract you from the wealth and success that is available now.
Hint: It’s not size that matters.

辰 Dragon
Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Month: April roughly.
They say you are the remedy for the Bullying Punishment Dragon. Will you accept the role? Be open, ask questions, make requests. Trust?
Hint: Keep it on the yang side. Extend your attention to the revolution.

巳 Snake
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Month: May roughly.
Long term goals may be on hold this month for Snake. That means you can make yourself for filling in for different roles in the revolution. Bask in the warmth when you can.
Hint: Let things move forward; enable moving forward.

午 Horse
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Month: June roughly.
Mistakes will be made in this revolution Horse, and I know some of yours happened last month. You can laugh at yourself, move on, learn, or all three! A month should be enough to recover.
Hint: Be respectful to those who stick by your side through it all.

Monthly Meetup – Water Sheep Month

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Join us on Zoom Saturday July 12th from 9-10am GMT-7 for a one hour group discussion about Chinese Astrology and the month of the 癸未 Water Sheep. The jumping off point for this discussion is the Monthly Guide.

Some of this month’s topics include the nature of the Water Sheep, the bazi of Zohran Mamdani (yay!!), Hexagram 47 and what to do about it, earthquakes (again), and of course, the Bullying Punishment aka the Earth Punishment. Spontaneous discussion and questions from the group are always welcome. For me that might be the best part. I am most interested in application.

If you’re not a subscriber, you can get a copy of the current Monthly Guide here. For subscribers and others who purchase the Guide, you can expect it to land in your inbox on or before Thursday July 7th which is the first day of the Water Sheep Month.

San Fu Tian Treatment Dates 2025

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Part of the sophistication and subtlety of Chinese medicine is the understanding of time and season. The San Fu treatment combines medicine with electional astrology in order to harness the seasonal yang qi.

Solar Fortnight 小暑 Xiao Shu (Slight Heat)
Monday July 7th 2025 04:05
Solar Month 癸未 Water Sheep

When we get to Solar Fortnight Slight Heat, it’s time to ask your acupuncturist about San Fu Tian treatments. They can tell you if it would be helpful or not for you. The next Solar Fortnight is Great Heat. The one after that is the Limit of Heat. See where this is going? You want to get the timing correct, that is, do it when the Fire is strong.

The San Fu cold moxa treatment combines Chinese electional astrology with Chinese Medicine, that is to say, it’s efficacy depends upon the proper timing. It’s a once a year opportunity. I’ve noticed some acupuncturists are offering it as a treatment for long Covid and elementally that makes sense to me.

Some Chinese doctors say that the San Fu Cold Moxa reinitiates your growth phase – yes I mean the one that stopped probably in your early 20s. I don’t know if that is true, however I have done this treatment and I can tell you that it has changed the baseline of my health for the better. It fit me.

My Experience of San Fu Tian

This is the third year I am receiving the San Fu treatment. Since late 2019 I have had “mysterious health issues” and in early 2020 I was very ill. I will never know for sure, but logic suggests Long Covid. I attribute the extent of my recovery mostly to Chinese medicine, herbs and acupuncture. San Fu Tian has been one of the most impactful treatments for me.

An interesting side effect of the San Fu treatment (for me) is that it feels like a psychedelic experience. I feel very open and energized. I would attribute that to the effect of the treatment on my natural deficiencies, but also to the use of Mugwort which is known to promote or enhance dreams and lucid dreaming.

The cold moxa is applied as a paste to the appropriate points and taped in place. You leave the paste on until it feels too warm or too itchy or for 6 hours – whichever comes first. An hour or a little more works for me. Everyone has different reactions to the treatment. I get blistering, and it’s very itchy for days afterward. Apparently some who work with this method consider the blister to be a sign of successful treatment.

For Practitioners of Chinese Medicine

Because the San Fu days are determined by particular days within two seasons, there is a calculation you can learn to figure out when the San Fu days occur in any given year. If you want to do it yourself you can use the Hsia Calendar (10,000 year Calendar) or the Tong Shu.

If you’re not comfortable using the Hsia calendar, the Fu days for 2025 are noted in my 2025 Wood Snake Almanac to make them easy for you to identify. I will also be including the 2026 dates in my 2026 Fire Horse Almanac which will be available in the fall.

To do the calculation yourself, you want to find the yang Metal 庚 days in the Hsia calendar within the appropriate time span. In Qi Men Dun Jia, 庚 signals where the trouble is. I find that very interesting since yang Metal is cold and San Fu treatment is like applying Fire for an extended period of time.

Date Selection for San Fu Tian

After the summer solstice, the third 庚 day in the calendar is called 初伏 Chu Fu, meaning Initial Treatment Day. In 2025 Chu Fu is Sunday July 20th.

Because there are 10 Heavenly Stems, the next 庚 day is 10 days later. That’s the 中伏 Zhong Fu or Middle Treatment Day. In 2025 Zhong Fu is Wednesday July 30th.

Mo Fu 末伏 is the third and Final Treatment Day. It is the first 庚 day after Solar Fortnight 立秋 Li Qiu (Autumn begins). Mo Fu in 2025 is Saturday August 9th.

In some years there is an extra Fu day before the final one, but not in 2025.

I’ll just leave you with another reminder that your acupuncturist or herbalist is the one to ask about this treatment. Don’t do it without expert guidance.

Wishing you the best possible health for the future!

Mugwort growing in Portland Oregon

For more information about the San Fu treatment itself, I have found Heidi Lovie to be a great source for information as well as the San Fu herbs.

Hexagram 57 : Compliance

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Hexagram 57 is called Xun. Xun is most often translated as Wind but right now I like the translation by Liu Ming: Compliance.

The trigrams on the top and bottom of Hexagram 57 are the same. Xun represents the oldest daughter, the one who is designated to take on motherly duties. One of my teachers said they remember what the Xun trigram looks like because they associate it with hips – a woman’s hips.
(also note there are two tiny snakes on the top of the ideograph 巽 – remind you of anyone?)

Compliance

Compliance has been the theme of the year, hasn’t it? In the USA, the compliance of our elected officials has been a lever for people doing power and money grabs. Our human inclination towards compliance in general as a less troublesome route might be a problem too. So here we are, in a Water Horse month with the matching Hexagram being called Compliance. I should also say, another translation is Submission.

When the Yi Jing is contradicting your expectation, this means you may have made it outside of your usual sources of information and use of logic. Usually this is a positive thing. I was expecting resistance to be the thing to cultivate but…

Hexagram 57 starts by recommending compliance or submission instead of resistance, that is, going with the advice of diviners, maybe consulting many sources. In place of the concept of diviners, you could name this energy as higher authorities in any field. When you see the phrase “advantageous to see the Great Man”, it’s time to get some advice from someone with special powers or knowledge.

You might ask the Universe for guidance, or if you are a religious person you could follow your own traditions. The first thing to do is consult the sources you trust for advice. It’s important to remember though, there is such a thing as too much information, and most decisions are pretty simple if you know what you want.

The name of Hexagram 57 might also be translated as Proceeding Humbly, meaning we accept help and advice from others; we take care of and guide ourselves as much as we can. In some ways, we are all playing an infinite game of telephone with the Universe. The message we receive is shaped by unconscious desires and fears. Relationships will help you to know which one is influencing you at any given time.

Hexagram 57
Gua Ci
SUN: Small sacrificial offerings.
Advantageous to have a place to go to. Advantageous to see the Great Man.

Line 1
Advantage for a military man to arrive at the divination.

Line 2
The wind present under the bed.
Use annualists, wizards, and numbers like them. Good fortune. No error.

Line 3
The incessant wind, regrets.

Line 4
Regrets vanish.
In the field, captured in hunting, three kinds of game.

Line 5
The divination, good fortune. Regrets vanish.
Without doubt advantageous, without a beginning there is an end. Before the change, three days; after the change, three days.
Good fortune.

Line 6
The wind present under the bed.
Lost his valuables and axe. The divination: misfortune.

(from the Yi Jing translated by Wu Jing-Nuan ISBN 0-9673272-0-2)

Before you go further, take a moment to appreciate the uncanny relevance of Xun to our current situation. I know you can think of multiple correlations easily.

By the Lines

For interpreting Xun right now, I think the line to focus on is line 3. Too much compliance has led us here. Instead of committing to their own values, people have spread their force too thin by trying to follow too many “higher powers”.

“We can’t ignore the [Tyrant’s] desires.” JD Vance March 28 2025

This is such a telling phrase regarding relationships in general. When someone has been abused over a period of time, this might be what we hear them say about their abuser. This is the kind of outcome to expect. Unfortunately, total compliance quickly turns into enabling. When people stay in an abusive relationship, this is what can happen. When people cover up for abusers, this is what happens. There are some interesting parallels here in the case of Sean Combs.

Why is it so hard for people to leave an abusive relationship? I still don’t know, but I promise you the devil you know is not better than the devil you don’t. At least, don’t accept that false logic anymore.

Line 3 has a special relationship with line 4, which says that this month we have opportunities to take actions that lead to success. Or to be more accurate, the idea is that successes come from nonaction, which I usually take to mean as being open and aware of what you want and what kind of events that attitude can lead to.

When I have been able to take that approach, unexpected things that I wanted were brought to life. I think the key was not pushing for it, but just recognizing timing, preparing for the possibility you see, and doing a few nudges of communication with others. As always though, the Tao that can be spoken of is not the Tao. lol

At line 5, there’s a suggestion that during a span of 7 days this month we could see some doubling up of good fortune. That would center somewhat around the summer solstice. Let it be so!

I also think a lot of portents we see this month tell us about September 2025.

Opposite Gua

The Opposite Gua is sometimes called Shadow Gua or Complementary Gua. If you’ve been subscribing to my Monthly guide (see the Monthly Guide for Wood Pig Month – November 2024 for example), you may recall that the Opposite Gua matches pillars that are opposite each other on the compass.

In a Water Horse Month, it will be helpful to remember that the Water Rat is opposite on the compass. The Water Rat is associated with Hexagram 51, Thunder over Thunder. Every line is different than Hexagram 57.

When you cast the coins and get Hexagram 51, a big shakeup is coming; a tension release. When it’s the Opposite Gua, you’ve got some suggested context to work with.

In relationship to the Water Horse month, Hexagram 51 Zhen (Thunder or Shock) 震 is the Opposite Gua.

We have a Water Rat day on June 12th, right after the Full Moon on the west coast of the US.*

What can be learned from the Opposite Gua?

When every line of the Hexagram is changing, of course we can expect big changes! How does Compliance turn to Thunder? How does Submission turn to Shock?

In addition to this broad interpretation, the Opposite Gua can provide clues about what is counter indicated, given the situation you’re in, or it might offer a “shadow” side of the situation. The shadow side could be related to hidden motivations, distractions, wrong ideas, delusions or fantasies. The Opposite Gua reveals how you might play yourself.

*Most of the text in this post went out in my Monthly Guide, sent to subscribers on June 3rd. On June 10th Greta Thunberg was “deported”. On June 12th Senator Alex Padilla of California was arrested, on June 13th Israel began bombing Iran. Early on June 14th there were political assassinations and attempted assassinations in Minnesota, later that same day the saddest birthday parade ever was outshined by civil protests across the US.

12 Animal Fortunes for the Water Horse Month

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Water Horse 壬午 Month
June 5th 17:56-July 7th 04:05

Here are the Animal Fortunes for the month of the Water Horse. To get the most out of the fortunes you’ll want to know all four of your pillars which are based on your birth year, month, day and time.

If you don’t know your Four Pillars, just ask! Each of the four animals of your BaZi correlates with an aspect of your life. Start with that interpretation.

If you’d like to know more about how your natal chart works, or what to expect in 2025, you can book a reading here.

Year Pillar
Has to do with your physical body and what you do with it, ancestors, family traits. In terms of luck the year pillar is said to take the first “hit” of any event, good or bad.

Month Pillar
Relates to career, work environment, training, age mates and peers, siblings, exes and your modus operandi

Day Pillar
Yourself and true partner; your immediate environment and home life.

Hour Pillar
Your innermost self, your children, future, hopes and dreams.

The Fortunes

午 Horse
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Month: June roughly.
All eyes on you: will you maintain your position or are you looking for the exits? Commit to one and you’ll come unstuck.
Hint: Bring your emotions to the revolution to mitigate your self clash. It’s safe.

未 Sheep
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Month: July roughly.
Having found their direction in the revolution, the Sheep is making way for short term and long term plans at the same time.
Hint: Maybe harvest isn’t as far away as you thought.

申 Monkey
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Month: August roughly.
Monkeys ask to be tested again. Wasn’t last month enough? I know you will pass, but how does this serve the revolution?
Hint: I’m guessing you have a route mapped out. [People] just don’t understand.

酉 Rooster
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Month: September roughly.
Water and Fire at the same time could feel just right. You’re in a place to make requests to the Universe on behalf of yourself, and the revolution of course!
Hint: Set your high bar Rooster.

戌 Dog
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Month: October roughly.
Dog settles in to new domestic (and other) situations. Think about what this next phase will ask of you. It might seem like nothing is changing…but you know, change is constant.
Hint: Are you protecting the right boundaries in the revolution?

亥 Pig
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Month: November roughly.
Dust yourself off Pig. However you feel, there are people who see you as prominent and a source of strength this month. If you’re feeling vengeful, channel that as creativity on behalf of the revolution.
Hint: Seek intimacy with relationships – family or otherwise. You commit too.

子 Rat
Years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Month: December roughly.
Water doesn’t run out, it relocates. This is why the Rat might ignore important lessons about caring and caretaking. Hovering isn’t helpful for the revolution. You know this. Encourage freedom.
Hint: What if the thing you are afraid of doesn’t destroy you?

丑 Ox
Years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Month: January roughly.
If you’re an Ox who is still feeling too soggy for the revolution, this month will help. There’s someone who is here to help you dry and warm.
Hint: Don’t hurt people for telling you their truth. It doesn’t have to be yours, but it will be helpful in some way.

寅 Tiger
Years: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Month: February roughly.
The Tiger’s expansion bursts into a bright flame in this year of revolution. Your ideas are also your power now. Act on them from wherever you are.
Hint: Roam if you want to!

卯 Rabbit
Years: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Month: March roughly.
It could be that close relationships aren’t feeling solid this month, but there are other gifts for you right now in the revolution. Create.
Hint: Be curious. Spread information: what you know and what you think. Be clear about the difference.

辰 Dragon
Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Month: April roughly.
It’s a month of ups and downs for the Dragon. Keep subbing in for some of the mundane tasks of the revolution. Maybe you’re creating a new narrative.
Hint: Keeping communication flowing will dissipate relationship tension.

巳 Snake
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Month: May roughly.
Normally this would be the time for the Snake to have a little break, but this is a revolution year and it belongs to you. If you want progress, hibernate for a few days, then get back to business. Repeat.
Hint: August could be great for that break.

The Opposite of Forgetting

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Is there such a thing as ultimate truth? Is truth an end in itself? These are things you might think about when it’s a Snake month in a Snake year.

The ancient Greek concept of ἀλήθεια (aletheia) implies that truth, meaning reality, is the antonym of forgetting; truth is a state of being unhidden or unforgotten. Martin Heidegger, a philosopher, took this concept further to describe ἀλήθεια as a process of revelation: reality is the process of revealing truth. It happens through actions, not words alone. Whoa.

As for me, I think that the truth keeps changing, that is, I haven’t found any truths that apply to every situation, except that caring matters. How about you?

If you have a Snake in your Ba Zi, this might be a good time to revisit the 2025 Animal Fortune for the sign of Snake.

It’s a Metal Snake month in a Wood Snake year. I’ve got my mind on the 巳 and the 巳 on my mind. I am thinking about Snake matters, mostly about Truth and the role of Truth as something that can heal if it’s given in the proper dosage. There’s an overdose of truth happening in the world right now. It feels poisonous – but could it literally be a homeopathic remedy? I don’t mean to be callous, however, I see what is happening now as a normal process in the cycles of time and space. Don’t take that to mean that I prefer it. Do take it to mean I will try to learn from it.

All of the things we were worried about happening…now we know in detail how they are happening, and yet not everyone agrees about what is true, or does with the truth what you would expect. Life has always been like this but until it’s the leopard eating our own face, most of us seem incapable of believing in evil even when we see it or live with it on a daily basis. We don’t expect evil for the most part.

I say evil, because it feels evil in the way that evil doesn’t particularly care about or favor anyone. Evil is an equal opportunity experience and some of us are luckier than others.

You could say the same thing about the Tao too though. I don’t think the Tao cares about or particularly favors anyone either. Caring (or hating) is human business and some of us are luckier than others.

Teaching and Truth

I once asked one of my teachers if the Tidal Guas were tied to the lunar month, as opposed to the solar month. It seemed pretty obvious to me that just by being called a Tidal Gua, it would be tied to the Moon, not the Sun. My teacher said that I was incorrect but mostly I think they were just tired of me. I wasn’t completely buying that I was wrong, but I decided not to push back.

In addition, I doubted myself and what logic dictated was true; a pattern to which I am prone. I can’t even count how many times I have held myself back from freedom by doing this. The worst instance of this happened in late 2019/early 2020. I’m not blaming anyone. I have gotten better realizing no one can limit me, but at my worst, I don’t require anyone to hold me back because I do it best.

Now I am a teacher and I understand how it’s not always easy to be graceful when people don’t appreciate how much time and effort you’ve put into your preparation for their exasperation. I think of a student’s exasperation and frustration (which I have also experienced) as part of the learning process. There is a magical point in any process where you can surrender to failure and not give up. If you do that once, you are more likely to do it again. You are more likely to continue in your studies or other efforts.

In my life, when I’m not paying attention to how much truth I’m dealing out or my attitude about it, I’m usually about to be the recipient of some misdirected anger. I feel that I don’t ask for that (who does?), however, I must have a role in this repeating pattern. It’s probably that my appearance of certainty is triggering for some because they want to fight and I am not ready to fight.

I don’t feel like I need to prove the truth and I can see how that would be perceived as arrogant. Coming off as arrogant is also a fundamental mistake and theme of my life. I don’t think it’s arrogant to assume that once people know the truth they will change what they are doing, however, I will admit that is usually not what happens. It’s baffling.

I annoy people by pointing out things that I think are obvious, not realizing that it’s not obvious to them. Some people call my habit of doing this rebellious. I don’t disagree, but I think that’s how the truth feels – like a revolution. I have learned to be better at recognizing what is not obvious to others, even though it’s still baffling to me that it’s not.

As I said, I have lots to learn too. I am too quick with the truth – too quick for anyone’s comfort and often too quick in the sense of time. There have been times I wanted to use truth as a weapon, sometimes to defend or explain myself. I have done all of these things.

If you tell people the truth too soon, they might want to hurt or suppress you. At the very least they want to ignore you. If you have this experience as a child, I encourage you to explore your idea that the truth is problematic. Is it problematic for you or do others perceive you that way due to their discomfort? There were many lessons I learned about truth telling as a child that upon reexamination, did not have anything to do with truth. I’m still unlearning. It’s a process.

Denial is the most common way we shield ourselves, so stay open if you want relationships. When we can’t acknowledge the truth, it’s hard to have relationships that last. Without truth there are problems that cannot be solved. Common truths lay the foundation for trust and intimacy.

Metal Snake Month Hexagrams

 

Hexagram 1
Hexagram 14

If you agree that the Tidal Gua is related to the lunar month and the Moon, then Hexagram 1, being the Tidal Gua, matches with the lunar month Metal Snake. Hexagram 14 matches with the solar month of Metal Snake.

Would you agree that Hexagram 1 is giving us a yin perspective? If the Month Pillar Hexagrams are related to the solar month and the Sun, would you agree that they give a yang perspective?

Obviously, you don’t have to agree to any of this but if you do, it certainly makes for an interesting divination this month. Yin could be matters that are hard to look at or control; underlying causes perhaps, while the yang would be a response to that? Yin: patriarchy has gone overboard. Yang: the nature of wealth is to recirculate.

12 Animal Fortunes for the Metal Snake Month

Posted on by Stephanie Stewart

Metal Snake 辛巳 Month
May 5th 13:57-June 5th 17:56

Here are the Animal Fortunes for the month of the Metal Snake. To get the most out of the fortunes you’ll want to know all four of your pillars which are based on your birth year, month, day and time.

If you don’t know your Four Pillars, just ask! Each of the four animals of your BaZi correlates with an aspect of your life. Start with that interpretation.

If you’d like to know more about how your natal chart works, or what to expect in 2025, you can book a reading here.

Year Pillar
Has to do with your physical body and what you do with it, ancestors, family traits. In terms of luck the year pillar is said to take the first “hit” of any event, good or bad.

Month Pillar
Relates to career, work environment, training, age mates and peers, siblings, exes and your modus operandi

Day Pillar
Yourself and true partner; your immediate environment and home life.

Hour Pillar
Your innermost self, your children, future, hopes and dreams.

The Fortunes

巳 Snake
Years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Month: May roughly.
It’s time for Snakes to commit. This is how you will break through. Be decisive and firm for lasting results. This month brings one of the peak moments of the revolution. In terms of the year, you’re a Nobleman and THE boss.
Hint: Instead of reacting in ways that you usually would, go against the flow.

午 Horse
Years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Month: June roughly.
That familiar urge to burn things down has arrived again. Or maybe it never goes away? If you’re into that kind of work, the demand is growing in this revolution.
Hint: It’s hard for Fire not to be influenced about where it goes. Be careful out there.

未 Sheep
Years: 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
Month: July roughly.
The Sheep’s plate is full with family to support and their dreams of how revolution will heal the divisions they abhor. This month’s energy supports defining your visions. Live your truth.
Hint: Everything is in place for your plan.

申 Monkey
Years: 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016, 2028
Month: August roughly.
Push back Monkey, that is, if someone is pushing you. It might be hard to tell friend from foe. Cultivate your agency in the revolution. Now is your chance.
Hint: Start with words, documents and such.

酉 Rooster
Years: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, 2029
Month: September roughly.
Everyone sees your tracks are everywhere in this revolution. If you have past deeds or words you’d like to reject now is the time. Come clean and I bet you can move on without much negative change.
Hint: Let the light make you sparkle.

戌 Dog
Years: 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018, 2030
Month: October roughly.
Stop waiting Dog. If you want to go and you can go, then go! I know you’re probably restless, and maybe it’s getting too hot for comfort where you are? Pay attention to that this year.
Hint: Make a habit of staying cool in the revolution.

亥 Pig
Years: 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019, 2031
Month: November roughly.
If it’s a month of stuckness for the Pig in the revolution, you might want to be like King Wen and learn from whatever you can observe from where you are.
Hint: You’ll probably have lots of ideas that come from this time to fuel your creativity.

子 Rat
Years: 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020, 2032
Month: December roughly.
Rats may be feeling a little nervous without really being sure if it’s because they are scared of the revolution or want to oversee it. It’s a little late for that now, but no worries.
Hint: No one strategy works every time.

丑 Ox
Years: 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021, 2033
Month: January roughly.
I encourage the Ox to recognize their own success and toot their own horns in this revolution. While it’s true that you might never be “finished”, take a moment to recognize how far you’ve come.
Hint: Try on perceiving your accomplishments as others do.

寅 Tiger
Years: 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022, 2034
Month: February roughly.
Tigers are in a position to “punish” those in power, the timing is here. In the revolution we take it case by case. No blanket solutions.
Hint: Take up space and you might start a conflagration. Be sure you’re in the right place when it happens.

卯 Rabbit
Years: 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023, 2035
Month: March roughly.
In a sense, Rabbits are empowered to be the PR or marketing people of the revolution this month. This might involve some kind of investigative journalism or just spreading the word as you usually do.
Hint: This is a work from home job for the most part, if you want it to be.

辰 Dragon
Years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Month: April roughly.
Take a break if you can Dragon. Last month was too much cognitive dissonance even for you. If you’re landing in a new place, give yourself some time to explore.
Hint: Don’t expect your best work this month. I expect it’s still good enough!