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Qi Zheng Si Yu — Chinese astrology by real planetary positions
The seven luminaries and the four shadow planets placed by actual astronomical position at your birth, with the ascendant, life and body rulers, and annual timing.
Seven luminaries, four shadows
| Group | Members | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Qi Zheng seven luminaries | Sun, Moon, Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, Venus, Mercury | Visible bodies, moving at different speeds |
| Si Yu four shadows | Rahu, Ketu, Zi Qi, Yue Bo | Computed points, not luminous; slow-moving, so they set the theme of a long period |
Rahu and Ketu are the two lunar nodes — the points where the Moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic, which is exactly where eclipses happen. That is why a tradition without telescopes still tracked them.
Why this system is stricter about your birth data
Stricter than Zi Wei, and the reason is the ascendant:
- Birth time to the minute matters. The ascendant moves by degree, so half an hour can push it into the next sign. Zi Wei uses two-hour periods and tolerates far more.
- Birthplace is required. The ascendant depends on latitude and longitude — the same clock time in two provinces can give different results.
If you only know an approximate hour, cast a few nearby times and check each against events already in your life.
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Frequently asked questions
How does this differ from Zi Wei Dou Shu?
In what the “stars” are. Zi Wei places virtual stars by formula from the birth data. Qi Zheng Si Yu uses the real positions of the Sun, Moon and five planets. Zi Wei is stronger at mapping life areas; Qi Zheng Si Yu is stronger at timing and at how bright or weak a body is.
Is it the same as Western astrology?
They share the observed sky and the idea of an ascendant, but the frameworks differ: Qi Zheng Si Yu uses the 28 lunar mansions, the four shadow planets and Chinese rulership rules that have no Western equivalent.
Why do I need to enter a birthplace?
Because the ascendant is computed from the horizon at your location. Without coordinates there is no ascendant, and the life and body rulers have nothing to stand on.
What are Zi Qi and Yue Bo?
Two computed points on long cycles, used with Rahu and Ketu as the four shadow planets. Because they move slowly, they are read as the theme of an extended period rather than a passing influence.