How to Choose Auspicious Times and Directions with Qi Men Dun Jia

In Qimen Dunjia, once the situation is set, as long as it does not fall on the Five Unlucky Days, the Three Wonders entering the grave, or the Six Instruments striking punishment, then encountering any one of the Three Wonders together with any one of the auspicious doors (Open, Rest, Life) points to a favorable direction. If there is an auspicious door without a Wonder, it is called having the door but not the Wonder and is still auspicious and usable; if there is a Wonder without an auspicious door, it is having the Wonder but not the door and is likewise favorable; if neither the Wonder nor the door is present, the direction is unfavorable. For a more precise selection of time and direction, consider the auspicious and inauspicious configurations. First, examine the palace where the Qimen alignment falls; if it is not an inauspicious configuration, the direction is favorable. Second, check whether the auspicious doors—Open, Rest, and Life—though lacking a Wonder, sit in an auspicious configuration; if so, the direction is favorable. If there is neither an auspicious nor an inauspicious configuration, it remains usable; if there is an inauspicious configuration, it should not be used.

Jia signifies noble spirit and belongs to Yang, while Geng is Yang metal that restrains wood, so Dunjia most dislikes Geng. From Qimen’s inauspicious configurations, when the heavenly plate holds Geng, it often forms unfavorable patterns. Why must an auspicious direction feature the Three Wonders—Yi, Bing, and Ding? Yi represents Yin wood, the sister of Jia. When Yi combines with Geng, it is as if Jia marries Yi to Geng, thereby protecting himself—a beauty’s stratagem. Jia is Yang wood, Bing is Yang fire; wood generates fire, so Jia is the father of Bing and Bing the son. Bing fire can restrain metal and save Jia—like a strong, martial son who defends his father and overcomes his father’s enemies. Bing thus serves as Jia’s bodyguard and is considered auspicious. Jia is Yang wood, and Ding is Yin fire, the daughter of Jia; as Yin fire, Ding can also restrain Geng and save Jia, like a beloved daughter, so Ding is likewise auspicious.

The Ten Stems in Qimen Dunjia are expressed through the direct symbols, the Three Wonders, and the Six Instruments, so it is necessary to outline the characteristics and meanings of the Ten Stems:

• Jia: Represents heavenly fortune; strong and straightforward in nature; color blue; taste sour; voice deep and muddy; form long and square, with a sprouting effect. When timely, it can grow into a pillar of talent; when untimely, it becomes useless material. If severely restrained or harmed, it decays and becomes worthless. Yet it should not be overly prosperous, or it will drift without support. Its personality tends toward self-importance and pride, making it unapproachable and inexperienced in worldly affairs.
• Yi: Represents heavenly virtue; moist and flexible; color green; taste sweet-and-sour; voice melodious. Its physique is soft and adaptable, the perfect counterpoint to Jia.
• Bing: Represents heavenly might; humble yet intense in nature; color purple-red; taste bitter-spicy; voice strong and vigorous. Its form is prominent, like the ankle bone and the upper abdomen. Its function is to suppress and uplift. When timely, it shines brilliantly; when untimely, it resembles burnt ash. It can become a great talent but cannot last long. It promotes transformation. Its personality is highly subjective, obstinate, and difficult to approach, yet it never flatters or seeks to please.
• Ding: Represents the Jade Maiden; gentle and charming; color light red; taste refreshing; voice clear. Its form is beautiful and graceful. When timely, it can dissolve violence and discern treachery; when untimely, it leads to poverty and lamentation. It readily forms close ties with the unfulfilled, such as widows; however, if provoked, it can be very dangerous. Its personality is feminine and cunning, making it hard to see through.
• Wu: Represents heavenly martial prowess; impatient, strong, and principled; taste sweet-spicy; voice robust and powerful. Its physique is rough rather than smooth, deep rather than superficial. When timely, it is decisive and courageous, possessing a heroic spirit; when untimely, it becomes foolish and dull. Its personality is stubborn and cannot be forced.
• Ji: Represents the Bright Hall; broad, generous, straightforward, and sincere; taste sweet-spicy; voice gentle and appropriate. Its physique is steady and calm. When timely, it can guide and educate all things; when untimely, it becomes foolish and dull. Its personality is not stubborn and is magnanimous.
• Geng: Represents the Son’s Prison; strong, sharp, and impatient; taste spicy; voice powerful and piercing; form simple and clear. When timely, it is dictatorial and violent; when untimely, it loses its inherent might. It can only be influenced by seizing opportunities and using a light touch, not force. Its personality is decisive and stubborn; it can be subdued by others, but it will never willingly yield.
• Xin: Represents the Heavenly Court; sharp and bright; taste spicy; voice resonant. Its nature is calm, like a needle kept in a pocket. Its function is like polished jade: when timely, it produces harmonious and grand music; when untimely, it sounds like a cracked pot.
• Ren: Represents the Heavenly Prison; moist and unrestrained; taste salty; voice loud. Its nature is rounded and fluid. When timely, it benefits people and things; when untimely, it hinders the virtuous and harms the nation—the worse it gets, the more it snowballs. Its personality is soft yet treacherous; it can share hardships but cannot provide comfort.
• Gui: Represents the Heavenly Net and Heavenly Concealment; heavy and Yin in nature; taste murky and bright; form heavy and sinking. When timely, it rises with the powerful and exerts influence; when untimely, it fawns and begs without dignity. Its personality is simple and straightforward, focused only on resolving difficulties without distinguishing between good and bad people.