Ge Ju (Patterns/Structures): The Framework of BaZi Analysis

Definition

Ge Ju (pattern/structure) is the core framework of BaZi analysis. Centered on the **month command** (the branch of the birth month), it establishes the chart's main axis and the direction of its useful god. Judging a pattern's success or failure is the foundation of Zi Ping's analysis of rank and quality.

Inner Patterns: Taken from the Month Command

When the month command's main qi — or a hidden stem of the month branch made transparent at the stems — sets the pattern. The common eight plus salary/robber give ten types: - [Direct Officer](/bazi/glossary/zheng-guan-ge), [Seven Killings](/bazi/glossary/qi-sha-ge); - [Direct Resource](/bazi/glossary/zheng-yin-ge), Indirect Resource; - [Eating God](/bazi/glossary/shi-shen-ge), [Hurting Officer](/bazi/glossary/shang-guan-ge); - [Direct Wealth](/bazi/glossary/zheng-cai-ge), [Indirect Wealth](/bazi/glossary/pian-cai-ge); - [Establishing-Salary](/bazi/glossary/jian-lu-ge), Month-Robber.

Outer Patterns: Special Structures

When the Day Master is extremely weak or strong and the ordinary rules no longer apply, the chart shifts to an outer structure: - [Follow patterns](/bazi/glossary/cong-ge) (follow Wealth, Killing, Output, momentum); - [Dominant-Element patterns](/bazi/glossary/zhuan-wang-ge) (Straight-Wood, Blazing-Fire, Harvest-Earth, Reform-Metal, Flowing-Water); - [Transformation patterns](/bazi/glossary/hua-qi-ge) (a stem-combination transforming into a structure).

Forming and Breaking

The Zi Ping Zhen Quan's master principle on the useful god: a pattern **forms** when the useful god is generated and the unfavorable god restrained; it **breaks** when the useful god is controlled and the unfavorable god runs free. The four auspicious spirits (Wealth, Officer, Resource, Output) are used "with the grain," the four inauspicious (Killing, Hurting Officer, Owl, Blade) "against" — configured well it forms, badly it breaks. Beyond success there is also "high vs. low."

Significance in Chart Analysis

The pattern is the first step — settle the pattern, then choose the [Useful God](/bazi/glossary/yong-shen), judge [strength](/bazi/glossary/qiang-ruo) and the cycles. Identify your pattern with the [free BaZi calculator](/bazi/chart) and study it in the [BaZi learning center](/bazi/learn).