Based on Ming Dynasty’s 《永乐大典》 and Qing Dynasty’s 《四库全书》, the earliest established text that talks about 4 pillars of Ba Zi (“四柱八子”) is from 《玉照定真经》.
Compared to later works on destiny reading, 《玉照定真经》 is said to be an easier read as the language is less poetic and the main emphasis revolves around the interplay of 5 elements. It is worthy to note that the Gods and Sha (“神煞”) has been much downplayed in this book. This text is said to be written by Guo Pu (“郭璞”) but later studies have deduced this text to be written after Guo Pu’s era.
When it came to the Tang Dynasty, there was a well-known metaphysician that is known by the name of Li Xu Zhong (“李虚中”). He wrote a destiny reading book called 《李虚中命书》. Legend has it that this book leads to a new era of 4 pillar reading of higher precision than before.
The techniques in this book seems to suggest a higher reliance on Na Yin (“纳音”) 5 elements and the relationship between the stems and branches, thus forming the San Yuan 三元 in a Ba Zi chart – stems, branches and Na Yin. Although there is less emphasis on Gods and Sha similar to 《玉照定真经》, the book mentioned the use of conception origins (“胎元”). The book seems to suggest that the 4 pillars are arranged with the conception origins in front, replacing the year pillar in the Ba Zi chart. It is also mentioned that Li Xu Zhong is the first guy who uses the daymaster as the reference point for reading.
Nevertheless, understanding the book and interpreting its contents is not a walk in the park. Cryptic verses are always barriers to the retrieval of true knowledge from the originator.
During the Song Dynasty, we come to know of Xu Zi Ping (“徐子平”).Xu Zi Ping is known for using purely the year, month, day and hour as the basis for reading. He does not adopt the use of Na Yin and conception origins as Li Xu Zhong but he based the analysis on the usage and interplay of 5 elements.
Reviews from later generations who have access to both Li Xu Zhong and Xu Zi Ping have commented that the latter is more systematic and the approach more logical. It is also with Zi Ping Ba Zi technique that gives birth to the other latter books such as 《渊海子平》,《子平真诠》and《神峰通考》.
The above books have been known to mark the various turning points in which the use and emphasis on Ba Zi changes. It is worthy to note that the use of Gods and Sha are minimal in these techniques.
