Zi Wei Dou Shu (Purple Star Astrology) (紫微斗數)

Zi Wei Dou Shu (紫微斗數, "Numbers of the Purple Star of the Northern Dipper") is one of two principal systems of classical Chinese astrology alongside Ba Zi (#10).

Origin. Its origin is traditionally attributed to the Daoist immortal Chen Tuan, who lived during the Five Dynasties era (10th century CE), although modern scholars point to a later systematization.

A court practice. Historically, the system was considered a court practice and was accessible only to the imperial court.

12 Palaces — the Foundation

12 palaces (宮, Gong) arranged in a square. Each governs a specific sphere of life:

• Life, Siblings, Spouse, Children
• Wealth, Health, Travel, Servants
• Career, Property, Karma, Parents

Stars in the palaces. Into each palace "arrive" stars — principal and secondary — depending on the birth parameters.

Zi Wei — the main star. The main star — the Purple Star Zi Wei, the "Polaris" of Chinese astrology — determines the type of destiny.

Star Structure

• 14 major stars
• ~100 minor ones

A unique astral portrait. Their configuration across 12 palaces creates a unique "astral portrait" of the person.

What interpretation requires. Knowledge not only of individual star meanings but also of their:

• Interactions
• Transformations (四化, si-hua)
• "Flights" into other palaces

Decadal limits. Decadal limits (大限, da-xian) — 10-year periods, analogous to Da Yun in Ba Zi — are also factored in.

Place in Errarium

Alongside Ba Zi. In Errarium, ZWDS (#37) stands alongside Ba Zi (#10) and Qi Men Dun Jia (#38) as a Chinese metaphysical system.

Key difference from Ba Zi.

• Ba Zi describes nature through elemental balance
• ZWDS — through an astral map of palaces and stars

Strong side. ZWDS is considerably more detailed regarding specific life spheres and lends itself more readily to direct "event-level" interpretation.