Fundamentals
Among the chaos there exists peace and beauty.
One just needs to know where to look.
Core Fundamental Concepts
The world is an ever changing environment. The human race is constantly trying to understand more of the world we live in and the surrounding universe. Even in the early days of human kind we have been asking questions about our existence, the nature of things, and the various paths that our lives take. With modern day science we are able to break down the inner workings of physical nature and attain a heightened level of understanding that was never available to the human race in the past. However, time and time again we witness evidence that there is more to nature than just the physical. Some samples of things that cannot be measured using modern day scientific methods include our human intuition, spirituality, and the flow of life energy. Is there another science, then, that we can use as a tool to understand these concepts that so elude us? Can we say for certain that our understanding of these concepts were weaker before the advent of modern science? Or did modern science, and its widespread and common acceptance as truth, inhibit our understanding of human intuition, spirituality and the flow of life energy?
Before modern science there was Astrology, the study of the ever-changing energy that occurs within the universe and beyond and how it affects behaviour. This study is pertinent to all material things and is related to the timing of the movements of all matter. It has been used as a guide for human behavior for centuries. Culturally, the study of Astrology has some regional biases. However, it can be generally divided between Eastern and Western modes of thought.
Culturally different practices of astrology from around the world can be viewed in the same manner as culturally different foods – there are different tastes, ingredients, cooking methods and appearances, yet all foods are nutritious and pleasing to eat, not one being more real than the other. We cannot say Eastern Astrology is accurate and Western Astrology is inaccurate or vice versa, they are merely different ways to satisfy different needs, just as you would not look to Italian food if you are craving a curry dish.
Our goal is to introduce Eastern Astrology in a way that is understandable to someone adapted to Western culture, in a way that is more palatable and easily digested.
Yin & Yang
The ancient Chinese have observed that everything in existence has polar opposites or two extremities. These opposites are interdependent and cannot exist without each other. They are interrelated and intertwined. Yet nothing is completely pure so at their extremes the opposites still contain some trace of the other. This seemingly simple yet highly complex concept is called Yin and Yang. The dualities of things such as light and dark, positive and negative, high and low are just some of the physical manifestations of Yin and Yang. Both are equally important and necessary, very much unlike the concept of good and evil where good champions all.
Yin
All things soft, passive, yielding, slow, cold, dark; and is associated with water, the earth, the moon, night time and femininity is what represents Yin.
Yang
On the other hand, all things hard, aggressive, focused, fast, hot, bright; and is associated with fire, the sky, the sun, daytime and masculinity is what represents Yang.
The Five Elements
According to Chinese metaphysics, all material substance in the universe is constituted of the five energetic building blocks: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. These energies are also called the Five Elements, Five Phases, or Five energies. The Theory of the Five Elements is a concept developed in China over 4000 years ago. Over time the theory has influenced, or been the outright basis for many arts. Arts that have been influenced include Feng Shui, Chinese astrology, acupuncture, and general practice of Chinese medicine. Foods, objects, behaviours, and emotions can be categorized into the Five Elements. In fact, the Five Elements gives one a paradigm that can be used for consistency between emotions, behaviours, and personality. They can also be described abstractly as representations of the transformation that occurs in the world around us, as metaphors for describing how things interact, relate, process and change. Their levels of intensity fluctuate with the changes of time and each other. If Yin and Yang can be thought of as polar opposites, then the Five Elements is just a simple system of gears. As a result, this theory provides an excellent basis for a holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle. Indeed, some principles of healthy living, taken from Chinese medicine practices, are discussed below.
The five elements themselves are taken both literally and metaphorically. The natural material substances of soil, metals, liquids, wood and combustion all represent their respective elements. However, since everything in existence is categorized as one of the five elements, it is not necessary for an object to be physically comprised of these materials. For example: the Goji Berry or Wolfberry is a small red fruit that can be found in Asian cuisine and herbal medicine. While its physical structure is comprised of mostly water, its elemental classification is actually wood. The colours of things also bear weight as to what elemental energy it carries. Items that are black, such as a black tea cup, will be classified as water.
Knowing the representations of each element and how they interact, you can modify the objects around you to change the flow of energy to your benefit. Let us take a closer look at each element.
Earth
It represents the root and foundation, the environment where all things begin life and return to at the end. Earth supports and nurtures. Its strength is wisdom, natural instinct, sturdy balance and fairness. People of the Earth element are loyal, supportive, practical, steady, patient, persevering, dependable, dedicated and full of inner strength. Associations with the Earth element include the colours of yellow, orange and brown; squares and other squat, sturdy shapes; clay, brick, cement and stone.
Metal
It represents new direction, innovation, solidity, autumn, strength, and the ability to conduct and contain. People of the Metal element are firm, resolute, organized, independent, intuitive, serious and sometimes stubborn. Associations with the Metal element include the colours of white, silver and gold; round and dome-like shapes; all metallic objects and hardware.
Water
It represents communication, flow, the inner self, winter, and the ability to nurture and support. People of the Water element are persuasive and are adept in diplomacy, empathetic, intuitive, flexible and adaptive, artistic, sociable and sometimes sensitive. Associations with Water include the colours of blue and black, curvy and flowing shapes, all forms of liquids.
Wood
It represents actions, growth, expansion, education, spring, flexible strength and versatility. People of the Wood element are energetic, enthusiastic, outgoing, can take direction and turn it into action. Associations with Wood include the colours of green, turquoise and teal; tall, column-like shapes; trees and all plant life; wooden materials including paper.
Fire
It represents honour, fairness, aggression, action, summer, timing and execution. People of the Fire element are passionate, inspiring, action-oriented, innovative, humorous and sometimes impatient. Associations with Fire include the colours of red, pink and purple; triangles and spire shapes; light, warmth, and all sources of fire and heat.
THE Elemental Cycles
There are two cycles of most importance in the Five Elements: the Cycle of Creation and the Cycle of Destruction. In the Creative Cycle, one element nourishes, grows, or leads to the next Element. Remember that there is both a literal and a spiritual flow of these five elements. First comes Water. Water is at the base of the Creative Cycle, and helps to start the growth of Wood. Most of the Water is used up when it nourishes Wood, but not all. There is always a little left over. At this stage of the Five Elements Theory, the rising of Yang begins. Wood grows because of its supply of Water, and Wood then brings about Fire. The Fire element is at the height of Yang, representing the building up of energy and growth. After Fire, the Yin, or relaxing of energy begins. Fire results in Earth. Earth is generally at the center of all Elements and all phases lead back to Earth. Earth supports all of us, and all things lead back to Earth. From Earth, we get Metal. Metal often represents the harvesting of agriculture, and the creation of belongings and generation of money. In classic China, Metal is melted, leading to Water. But on a more general level, the Metal Phase (Element) proceeds & brings about the Water Phase (Element). At least half of each element’s energy goes into the next element in the Creative Cycle. The cycle continues over and over in an endless circle. The cycle can represent one’s day to day life, a company, a community, a nation, or the environment in general.
Elemental Cycle of Creation
The above image shows the path in which the elements flow into each other, creating harmony. Inside of the earth are minerals and metals. Metal enriches water. Water nourishes plants and trees. Wood fuels fire. Fire burns combustibles into ash which returns to the earth.
Elemental Cycle of Destruction
The above image shows the conflict between elements and how they overcome each other. The soil is parted by tree roots. Earth turns water to mud and creates dams. Water extinguishes fire. Fire, if hot enough, can melt metal. Metal can chop down trees.
THE Body Source Code
The Chinese Sexagenary Cycle is a 60 year cycle with each year, month, day, and hour being represented by specific Chinese characters. Each character embodies the properties of Yin and Yang as well as the five elemental energies. Each year, month, day and hour are represented by a pair of Chinese characters, one being the Heavenly Stem and the other being the Earthly Branch. This system of stems and branches is a method of time keeping. A person’s exact moment of birth (year, month, day and hour) will be classified by four pairs of stems and branches, which equates to a total of eight characters called Body Source Code [八字], also known as the Four Pillars of Destiny or Bazi.
The 9 Sector Grid
The elemental energy that flows in and around a structure or landscape can be located and measured by using the 9 Sector Grid, showing each element type in the 9 square sections. Furthermore, the diagram below also shows numbers and icons. These elements represent the people who thrive to the various locations of the 9 sectors. These two indicators of elemental energy form what is called the AC and DC energies, and is further explained in the book Body Source Code (Available on Google Play and Apple iBooks).
THE Zeus Sensor
One of the most ancient and accurate systems is the Chinese astrology system of Zi Wei Dou Shu. The Zeus Sensor is based on this ancient Chinese system. Its main component is the Life Chart, akin to a road map and weather forecast combined that helps you to discover virtually everything you need to know about yourself. The information is derived from over 100 points in the celestial sky known as “stars” and their locations during your exact moment of birth. As a result, the Zeus Sensor is a complex and detailed system of interpretation that allows us to view the blueprint of our lives by accurately describing our past, present and future.
Unlike other systems based on Chinese astrology, the interpretations within the Zeus Sensor have been updated to include aspects of Western Culture and Astrology. All the stars feature English names and descriptions, with the fourteen Primary Stars adopting the names of correlating deities in the Greek Pantheon. These deities were chosen based on their likeness to the ancient traits of the 14 Primary Stars. Just as Greek deities have their Roman equivalents, the same can be witnessed in the 14 Primary Stars of the Zeus Sensor. Both the Eastern and Western worlds are taken into account when using this ancient Chinese system, therefore the exact moment of one’s birth is calculated using the concept of Apparent (or True) Solar Time before converting one’s exact birth time to the Chinese Lunar Calendar equivalent. Our lives are influenced in every way by the Five Elements Theory therefore it is heavily incorporated in the Zeus Sensor system. To aid in the understanding of our core natural instincts this system portrays them as prehistoric animals.
By analysing the stars not only can you better understand your personality, but also relationships can be predicted and specific life events can be forecasted. Understanding the Five Elements Theory can also help improve your life balance. When utilizing the wisdom of the Zeus Sensor you can positively transform every aspect of your life.
THE 14 Primary Stars
ZEUS [紫微]
Yin Earth Element
Ruler of the Gods. Lord of the sky, thunder and lightning. Zeus reflects nobility, strength, leadership and wisdom. A regal fountain of knowledge.
Athena [天機]
Yin Wood Element
Goddess of wisdom, warfare, and crafts. Athena reflects intelligence, cleverness, intuition and quick adaptation. Displays alertness, courage and fortitude. Shows an interest in obscure subjects.
Apollo [太陽]
Yang Fire Element
God of sun, music, poetry and healing. Apollo, the archer, represents truth, integrity, optimism, wealth and longevity. Indicates an ethical personality. Will always lend a helping hand to the needy.
Ares [武曲]
Yin Metal Element
God of war and bloodshed. Ares represents authority, strength and efficiency. Shows extraordinary ambition, strong personality, outstanding talent and an attractive appearance. Success is possible in both civil and military fields.
Dionysus [天同]
Yang Water Element
God of epiphany, wine, and ecstasy. Dionysus reflects joy, gentleness and extraordinary achievements. Shows independence, unique views and ideas, strong curiosity and a tender personality.
Hera [廉貞]
Yin Fire Element
The Queen of the Gods. Reflects fairness. Hera shows high ambition and bold innovative ideas. Is a determined, decisive, and competitive hard worker. Able to distinguish right from wrong. Goddess of marriage, women and childbirth.
Hades [天府]
Yang Earth Element
Lord of the underworld, riches and the dead. Hades is protective, talented and capable. Reflects treasure, fortune and prosperity.
Artemis [太陰]
Yin Water Element
Goddess of the moon and the hunt. Artemis represents intelligence and tenderness. Reflects a wise, protective, soft, gentle and artistic personality. Indicates good fortune.
Aphrodite [貪狼]
Yang Wood Element
Goddess of love, physical beauty and sexual desire. Aphrodite indicates an unstable, jealous, flirtatious and romantic personality. A sign of versatility and mental or physical dexterity.
Hermes [巨門]
Yin Water Element
Messenger of the Gods. God of travellers. Hermes reflects being an eloquent lecturer or persuader with strong communication skills. A sign of being an organizer, manager and loner.
Hestia [天相]
Yang Water Element
Goddess of hearth and home. Hestia reflects being well mannered, courteous, polite, gentle and intelligent. Indicates self-control and confidence that daily needs will always be met.
Demeter [天梁]
Yang Earth Element
Goddess of agriculture, harvest and the land. Demeter represents longevity, wealth, wisdom and determination. Is honest, straightforward and decisive.
Hephaestus [七殺]
Yang Metal Element
God of fire, metal and technology. Hephaestus represents an enforcer, strategist or planner. Shows bravery, courage, intelligent behaviour, good memory and a stubborn personality. A difficult personality to understand.
Poseidon [破軍]
Yin Water Element
God of the sea and water. Poseidon reflects a pioneer, warrior or hero. A soldier may become a General or a person may move up in status.