Condolence Guest (吊客): A BaZi Spirit-Star

Definition

Diao Ke (the Condolence Guest) is an inauspicious [spirit-star](/bazi/glossary/shen-sha), paired opposite [Sang Men](/bazi/glossary/sang-men), signifying condolence, grief, disputes, and emotional trouble, used mostly for the **annual year**. This site derives it from the **year branch**.

Derivation

Diao Ke takes the branch two positions behind the year branch (a Zi year gives Diao Ke at Xu), mirroring Sang Men (two ahead). For annual readings, the year's branch is compared against the natal chart.

Meaning and Use

- Relates to grief, visiting the sick or bereaved, disputes, and low mood, read with Sang Men and [Pi Ma](/bazi/glossary/pi-ma). - Mostly annual: in a Diao Ke year, regulate emotion, be cautious entering places of illness or mourning, and guard against disputes. - Whether it manifests depends on triggering and the whole chart — no worry over one star.

Common Misconception

**"A Diao Ke year means a funeral."** It is more about emotional and interpersonal lows — a "regulate this" cue, not a fated misfortune.

See your chart's stars with the free BaZi calculator. (Stars are supplementary.)