Guides

Some say Strength is the foundation of foundations. Others say Pattern School doesn't even look at it. So how important is Strength? Here's an objective assessment and the scenarios where it matters most.

When a luck cycle's elemental force enters the chart, the Day Master's Strength level can shift qualitatively. This article unpacks the mechanics and when to re-grade.

The month-branch isn't a fixed 50% — it fluctuates between 30% and 60% depending on clashes, combinations, and seasonal factors. The real numbers behind the '50% rule.'

The line between moderately strong and extremely strong is thin but the strategy flips across it. Moderately strong can be controlled or drained. Extremely strong can only be drained. Here's the diagnostic line.

Root grade determines whether the Day Master has real strength. How big is the gap between primary root, mid root, and residual root? And why can't a Follower chart have strong root?

Having the Month's Command isn't just about the month-branch element — the hidden stem duty roster decides whether the Day Master truly holds the command. This article lays out the full judgment framework.

When a Five Element or Ten God completely absent from the natal chart arrives in a luck cycle — it's 'virtual,' not real. You can use it temporarily, but it won't last. The xu-shi distinction explained.

Are there ways to read a chart that don't depend on Strength/Weakness analysis? Blind School image methods and Pattern School methods are prime examples. Here are several direct-reading paths and when to use them.

A ben-qi root in the Month Branch isn't the same as a ben-qi root in the Hour Branch. Position multiplies strength. Here's the full root-force grading system with positional weighting.

When the Day Master has no root, the Resource star's support goes right through — like a bucket with a hole. When Resource support works, when it's wasted, and when it actually hurts.