Introduction to Seven Sovereigns and Four Excesses Astrology(Chinese Vedic Astrology)

The system of "Seven Governors and Four Remainders" (known as 七政四余 in Chinese) is a profound astrological framework rooted in ancient Chinese cosmology. This sophisticated method integrates astronomical and metaphysical principles and evolved significantly over centuries, starting from the Tang Dynasty. While its early foundations were influenced by Buddhist and Indian astrology, the system became uniquely Chinese as it adapted to local cosmological concepts.

What Is Seven Governors and Four Remainders?

The Seven Governors (七政) refer to the seven visible celestial bodies: the Sun (日), Moon (月), Mercury (水星), Venus (金星), Mars (火星), Jupiter (木星), and Saturn (土星). The Four Remainders (四余) are virtual or shadow points: Ziqi (紫炁), Yuebei (月孛), Rahu (罗睺), and Ketu (计都). Together, these elements form the basis for predicting human destiny and fortune.

Rooted in ancient Chinese reverence for celestial phenomena, the system observes these bodies' positions across twelve houses and their interaction with the 28 lunar mansions. The analysis reveals a person's potential blessings, challenges, and overall fate based on the birth date and time.

Historical Evolution

The Seven Governors and Four Remainders system, also known colloquially as "Guolao Star System" (果老星宗), matured during the Ming Dynasty, drawing from earlier practices while synthesizing folk techniques and astrology. Multiple historical texts, such as the "Star Studies Compendium" (《星学大成》) and "Guolao Star Treatise" (《果老星宗》), documented its principles and methodologies.

Key Historical Influences:

1. Indian Astrology: The system adopted concepts such as the 12 zodiac houses and planets governing each house, first introduced through Buddhist scriptures like the "Sutra of the Sun" (《日藏经》) during the Sui and Tang Dynasties.

2. Integration of Yin-Yang and Five Elements: Unlike Indian astrology, Qizheng Suyu incorporated these quintessentially Chinese concepts to align with local metaphysical practices.

3. Astronomical Adaptations: Ancient Chinese astrologers tailored the system by referencing real star groupings (28 lunar mansions) and adjusting techniques to match traditional lunar-solar calendars.

Methodology and Chart Systems

The system’s methodologies evolved through different dynasties, leading to distinct charting techniques:

1. Ecliptic Sidereal System (Pre-Song Dynasty): Divided the ecliptic into 12 equal sections, closely aligned with Indian and Western astrology.

2. Equatorial Sidereal System (Yuan Dynasty): Shifted focus to Earth’s equatorial plane, introducing the Five Elements (五行) and Yin-Yang concepts.

3. Pseudo-Ecliptic Sidereal System (Ming Dynasty): Reinterpreted the ecliptic using projected equatorial data, leading to unequal house sizes and more localized adaptations.

4. Ecliptic Tropical System (Qing Dynasty and Beyond): Influenced by Western astrology, this system started at the vernal equinox, with dynamic house shifts due to axial precession.

Extensive Use of Shen Sha (神煞)

A defining feature of Qizheng Suyu is its extensive use of Shen Sha (神照), or "spiritual configurations," which are a series of symbolic stars and patterns used for interpreting celestial influences. These Shen Sha are unique to Chinese astrology and distinguish Qizheng Suyu from Western and Vedic astrology, which primarily rely on planetary placements and aspects.

Shen Sha represent abstract or virtual points, deities, and energies calculated based on a person's birth data. Examples include stars that signify fortune, misfortune, authority, romance, and obstacles. These symbolic stars act as modifiers to the interpretation of the primary celestial bodies, allowing for a highly nuanced and multi-layered reading of an individual’s destiny.

This feature makes Qizheng Suyu deeply symbolic and intricate, as practitioners must carefully calculate and interpret the placement of dozens of Shen Sha alongside the Seven Governors and Four Remainders. The method adds a layer of metaphysical depth, connecting celestial phenomena to moral and spiritual dimensions of human life.

While Shen Sha are occasionally referenced in other Chinese astrological systems, their application in Qizheng Suyu is far more extensive and complex, underscoring the system's unique richness and depth.

Core Computational Techniques

1. Life Palace (命宫) Calculation: Determines the ascendant by identifying the Sun’s position at birth.

2. Body Palace (身宫) Calculation: Often based on the Moon’s location, reflecting physical well-being.

3. Virtual Stars (四虚星): Calculated using unique algorithms. Rahu and Ketu derive from lunar orbital nodes, while Ziqi and Yuebei follow ancient Chinese definitions.

4. Planetary Movements: Tracks retrograde, stationary, and direct motions of celestial bodies to understand their effects.

Influence of the 28 Lunar Mansions

The 28 lunar mansions (二十八宿) serve as celestial markers, divided into four groups, each associated with a celestial animal. Listed below are their Chinese and English names:

1. Eastern Azure Dragon (青龙):

   • 角 (Horn)

   • 亡 (Neck)

   • 氐 (Root)

   • 房 (Room)

   • 心 (Heart)

   • 尾 (Tail)

   • 簏 (Winnowing Basket)

2. Northern Black Tortoise (玄毛):

   • 斗 (Dipper)

   • 牛 (Ox)

   • 女 (Maiden)

   • 虚 (Void)

   • 危 (Danger)

   • 室 (House)

   • 壁 (Wall)

3. Western White Tiger (白虎):

   • 奎 (Legs)

   • 娄 (Bond)

   • 胃 (Stomach)

   • 昝 (Hairy Head)

   • 毗 (Net)

   • 觹 (Turtle Beak)

   • 又 (Three Stars)

4. Southern Vermilion Bird (朱雀):

   • 井 (Well)

   • 鬼 (Ghost)

   • 柳 (Willow)

   • 星 (Star)

   • 张 (Extended Net)

   • 翼 (Wings)

   • 轏 (Chariot)

Each mansion's influence depends on its associated "determinant star" (距星) and spans varying lengths along the ecliptic, reflecting ancient Chinese stargazing precision.

Rarity and Modern Resurgence

In modern times, Qizheng Suyu has become a rare art compared to popular systems like Bazi (八字) and Zi Wei Dou Shu (紫微斗数). These latter systems gained widespread appeal due to their simpler charting methods and accessibility. Their knowledge has been broadly disseminated through textbooks and mainstream instruction, making them more approachable for amateur practitioners.

In contrast, Qizheng Suyu was historically guarded closely by its practitioners. Its complex methodologies and intricate charting requirements made it less accessible, and fewer texts were devoted to its detailed instruction. The need for precise astronomical calculations further added to its exclusivity, making it impractical for most to learn without advanced tools.

However, the advent of modern technology has sparked a resurgence in interest. Sophisticated software and computational tools have simplified the charting process, enabling enthusiasts to generate precise Qizheng Suyu charts with ease. These advancements have renewed scholarly and practical engagement with the system, allowing a new generation of practitioners to explore its depth and accuracy.

Ancient Chinese Astrological Readings

In ancient China, a comprehensive astrological reading conducted by master astrologers of the imperial court often combined multiple divinatory methods. Qizheng Suyu, with its intricate celestial calculations, was frequently integrated into these sessions to provide a detailed understanding of a person's destiny.

This reading was typically paired with other predictive systems, such as the fate prediction method of Bazi (八字), which analyzed a person’s life path through their birth date and time using Yin-Yang and Five Elements theories. Additionally, physical physiognomy techniques like face reading (面相) and bone feeling (摸骨) were employed to complement the astrological insights. These methods allowed the astrologers to discern characteristics and potential life outcomes based on physical traits and structural patterns.

The synergy of these practices ensured that the readings were not only comprehensive but also deeply personalized. Imperial court astrologers were highly trained in each discipline, and their interpretations were held in high esteem, influencing major decisions for emperors and nobles.

Practical Applications and Modern Tools

Today, Qizheng Suyu benefits from advanced computational tools, such as Moira, an astrology software that streamlines chart generation. However, variations in historical interpretations mean that practitioners must remain cautious about discrepancies between classical texts and modern outputs.

Recommendations for Practitioners

To fully grasp the depth of Qizheng Suyu, practitioners should focus on studying primary texts like "Guolao Star Treatise" and "Star Studies Compendium." Cross-referencing historical methodologies ensures a comprehensive understanding and avoids reliance on oversimplified modern interpretations.