General Introduction to the Trường Sinh Cycle and the Tử Star
In Tử Vi Đẩu Số (Purple Star Astrology), the Trường Sinh cycle is an important star cycle consisting of 12 stars: Trường Sinh, Mộc Dục, Quan Đới, Lâm Quan, Đế Vượng, Suy, Bệnh, Tử, Mộ, Tuyệt, Thai, and Dưỡng. This cycle mirrors the life journey of a person from birth, growth, peak, decline, illness, death, burial, and rebirth in the next life. The Tử star is the 8th stage in the cycle, marking the end of a life cycle.
The Tử star, as its name suggests, signifies cessation, ending, inactivity, and ultimate stillness. However, in Tử Vi, the Tử star is not entirely negative. Its meaning depends on the palace position, accompanying stars, and many other factors. To understand the Tử star fully, one must consider the entire Trường Sinh cycle and its position on the chart.
Origin and Philosophy of the Trường Sinh Cycle
The Trường Sinh cycle originates from the philosophy of Âm Dương Ngũ Hành (Yin-Yang and Five Elements) and the concept of cosmic operation. The ancients believed that all things go through stages of birth, existence, decay, and extinction. The Trường Sinh cycle reflects this law in human life: from conception (Thai), nurturing (Dưỡng), birth (Trường Sinh), bathing (Mộc Dục), growing up, taking office (Quan Đới, Lâm Quan), reaching the peak (Đế Vượng), then declining (Suy), illness (Bệnh), death (Tử), burial (Mộ), and rebirth (Tuyệt, Thai).
The Tử star stands in the 8th position, right after the Bệnh star and before the Mộ star. It symbolizes the complete end of a life. In the Five Elements, the Tử star belongs to the Water element, but in a static state, no longer flowing.
Meaning of the Tử Star in Various Palaces: Mệnh, Thân, and Limits
Tử Star in the Mệnh Palace
When the Tử star is in the Mệnh (Life) Palace, the person tends to be quiet, reserved, and dislikes noise. They are introverted, preferring stillness over competition. However, if it meets bright stars like Thiên Cơ, Thiên Lương, or stars from the Tử Phủ Vũ Tướng group, they can be deeply intelligent, philosophical, and profound. Conversely, if it meets malign stars, they may become pessimistic, discouraged, or have escapist thoughts.
The Tử star in the Mệnh palace may also indicate less robust health, frequent fatigue, or minor ailments. However, if aided by stars like Thiên Đức, Nguyệt Đức, or Hồng Loan, they can overcome these issues.
Tử Star in the Thân Palace
The Thân palace represents the period after age 30, reflecting maturity and achievements in the latter half of life. The Tử star here suggests that after 30, the person tends to slow down, reduce material desires, and focus more on spiritual life. They may shift to fields like research, philosophy, religion, or spirituality. With additional auspicious stars, they could become teachers or spiritual guides for others.
Tử Star in Other Palaces
- Huynh Đệ (Siblings) Palace: The Tử star here may indicate distant or non-intimate relationships with siblings, possibly with a sibling who is estranged or leaves the family early. However, with other favorable stars, there can still be support from siblings.
- Phu Thê (Spouse) Palace: The Tử star here is generally not favorable for marriage. It may bring coldness or distance in the marital relationship. The spouse might have weak health or a quiet disposition. If mitigated by other stars, the marriage can last but may lack warmth.
- Tử Tức (Children) Palace: The Tử star here may suggest few children, or children who are quiet and less close to their parents. If other stars are favorable, children may still be obedient but less lively.
- Tài Bạch (Wealth) Palace: The Tử star here indicates moderate spending, not wasteful. The person may not be extremely wealthy but knows how to save. However, if meeting malign stars, there could be financial losses, especially in later life.
- Quan Lộc (Career) Palace: The Tử star here may indicate limited career advancement, or work in fields related to endings, such as funeral management, historical research, or archaeology. With favorable stars, they may perform well but lack grand ambitions.
- Điền Trạch (Property) Palace: The Tử star here may suggest modest housing or delays in property matters. With other favorable stars, they may still have a home but not overly spacious.
- Phúc Đức (Blessings) Palace: The Tử star here indicates a deep spiritual life, possibly religious faith, but sometimes prone to worry and pessimism. With auspicious stars, they live peacefully with few desires.
Tử Star Combined with Other Stars
Tử Star with Auspicious Stars
When the Tử star meets auspicious stars like Thiên Đức, Nguyệt Đức, Giải Thần, Hồng Loan, or Thiên Hỷ, its negative influence is reduced, bringing peace. A person with this configuration may face many events but ultimately overcome them, finding inner calm.
Tử Star with Malign Stars
If the Tử star accompanies malign stars such as Kình Dương, Đà La, Hỏa Tinh, Linh Tinh, Kiếp Sát, Địa Kiếp, or Địa Không, the negativity increases. The person is prone to accidents, serious illnesses, or major shocks in life. Especially if the Tử star is in the Mệnh or Thân palace with malign stars, one must be extremely cautious about health.
Tử Star with Mộ and Tuyệt Stars
The Tử star combined with Mộ and Tuyệt forms a trio related to endings. If in unfavorable palaces, it may indicate many obstacles and loneliness in later life. But if in the Phúc Đức or Mệnh palace, it may suggest an affinity for spiritual practice and seeking liberation.
The Trường Sinh Cycle and How to Place the Stars
The Trường Sinh cycle is placed based on the birth month and the earthly branch of the birth year, as follows:
- For Yang years (Tý, Dần, Thìn, Ngọ, Thân, Tuất), Trường Sinh is placed starting from the Dần palace for the first lunar month, counting forward.
- For Yin years (Sửu, Mão, Tỵ, Mùi, Dậu, Hợi), Trường Sinh is placed starting from the Thân palace.
After placing the Trường Sinh star, the subsequent stars are placed either in a forward direction (for Yang males, Yin females) or backward (for Yin males, Yang females). The Tử star will be in the 8th position, depending on the direction.
The table below illustrates the order of the 12 stars in the Trường Sinh cycle:
| Order | Star Name | Stage Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trường Sinh | Birth, beginning |
| 2 | Mộc Dục | Bathing, immaturity |
| 3 | Quan Đới | Maturity, taking office |
| 4 | Lâm Quan | Official, having rank |
| 5 | Đế Vượng | Peak of power |
| 6 | Suy | Beginning decline |
| 7 | Bệnh | Illness |
| 8 | Tử | End, death |
| 9 | Mộ | Burial, interment |
| 10 | Tuyệt | Non-existence, extinction |
| 11 | Thai | Conception, rebirth |
| 12 | Dưỡng | Nurturing, awaiting birth |
Meaning of the Tử Star in Limits and Major Periods
In Tử Vi, when examining limits (hạn), encountering the Tử star often raises concerns about misfortunes, especially health. However, the Tử star is not always bad. If in a limit the Tử star appears but is accompanied by saving stars, it may only indicate minor obstacles or the end of one phase to open a better new one.
For example, if a person is in a major period with the Tử star but also has Hóa Khoa or Thiên Khôi, Thiên Việt, they might end an old job to move to a more meaningful one. Or if they are in research, they could complete a project and start a new research direction.
Comparing Eastern and Western Views on Endings
While Eastern Tử Vi regards the Tử star as part of the natural cycle, Western astrology has similar concepts, such as Pluto, symbolizing death and rebirth. Both view endings not as absolute conclusions but as transitions to new cycles.
However, their approaches differ. Tử Vi emphasizes the position of the Tử star in specific palaces and periods, while Western astrology often examines planetary movements through zodiac signs. Nevertheless, both acknowledge the operation of time and destiny.
Conclusion
The Tử star in the Trường Sinh cycle is not simply a bad star. It is an inevitable part of natural law, helping people realize the finiteness of life and thus live more meaningfully. When understanding the true meaning of the Tử star, Tử Vi practitioners can view difficult phases as opportunities for transformation rather than excessive fear.
Chart interpretation must consider many factors holistically, not rely on a single star. Wherever the Tử star is, it should be examined in relation to other stars, the palace position, and the entire Trường Sinh cycle. Only then can its meaning be fully and accurately understood.