Time, Qi and the Chinese Calendar
Understanding
the Chinese Lunar–Solar Calendar in Chinese Metaphysics
Time is not simply a
way of measuring days, months and years.
In Chinese
Metaphysics, Time is closely
connected with Qi. The Chinese calendar therefore plays an important
role in understanding and applying systems such as BaZi,
Zi Wei Dou Shu, Feng Shui and traditional Date Selection.
Master Ray Goh of Ziwei
Bazi Academy, Malaysia, has explored this subject in an IFSA Resource
entitled:
“Time,
Qi and the Chinese Calendar”
The article was published by the International Feng Shui Association (IFSA) as a reference for understanding the relationship between time, Qi and the traditional Chinese calendar.
The
Chinese Calendar Is More Than a Lunar Calendar
The Chinese calendar
is often referred to simply as the “Chinese Lunar Calendar”. However, this
description is incomplete.
The traditional
Chinese calendar is a lunisolar
calendar, incorporating both lunar cycles and the solar
movement through the seasons.
This distinction is
particularly important in Chinese Metaphysics because different systems may use
different calendrical principles when determining the beginning of a year,
month or seasonal period.
For practitioners and
students of BaZi, Zi Wei Dou Shu, Feng Shui and Date Selection, understanding
these distinctions is fundamental.
Why
Time Matters in Chinese Metaphysics
Chinese Metaphysics
does not treat time as an arbitrary sequence of numbers.
The movement of time
reflects changes in Qi, seasons and the
interaction of Heaven, Earth and Man.
This is why accurate
calendrical information is important when:
- calculating a BaZi chart;
- determining the appropriate time and seasonal
boundaries;
- studying Zi Wei Dou Shu;
- selecting dates for important activities;
- analysing Feng Shui activations;
- understanding annual and monthly Qi;
- studying the relationship between solar terms and
Chinese Metaphysics.
A small difference in the understanding or calculation of time can therefore have a significant effect on the interpretation or application of a metaphysical system.
One of the most
important features of the traditional Chinese calendar is its relationship with
the 24 Solar Terms (二十四节气).
The Solar Terms
follow the movement of the Sun and divide the solar year into significant
seasonal stages.
This is one reason
why the beginning of a Chinese metaphysical year should not automatically be
equated with the first day of the Lunar New Year.
For example, the
beginning of a year in certain BaZi and Feng Shui applications is associated
with Li Chun (立春) rather than simply
the Lunar New Year date.
Understanding these
differences is essential for anyone who wants to study Chinese Metaphysics
seriously rather than treating the Chinese calendar as merely a list of lunar
dates.
From
Traditional Knowledge to a Digital Calendar
With the development
of digital technology, traditional calendrical knowledge can be made more
accessible without losing sight of its underlying principles.
To support students,
practitioners and anyone interested in Chinese Metaphysics, MYFAD has developed the MYFAD
Chinese Lunar–Solar Calendar.
The calendar brings
together lunar and solar calendrical information in a practical digital format.
It can be used as a
convenient reference for observing:
- Lunar dates;
- Solar dates;
- Lunar phases, including the waxing and full moon;
- Solar Terms;
- important calendrical information used in Chinese
Metaphysics.
Explore
the MYFAD Lunar–Solar Calendar
Visit:
www.myfad.my
The objective is not
simply to provide another calendar, but to make traditional time and
calendrical information more accessible for modern users.
An
IFSA Resource by Master Ray Goh
The full article, “Time,
Qi and the Chinese Calendar”, is available through the International Feng Shui
Association.
The article examines
the importance of understanding traditional Chinese calendrical principles and
their relationship with Qi and Chinese Metaphysics.
Read
the full IFSA Resource:
Time,
Qi and the Chinese Calendar — Master Ray Goh
> >> IFSA RESOURCE PDF <<<
Continuing
the Tradition Through Modern Practice
At Ziwei
Bazi Academy, we believe that the study of Chinese Metaphysics
requires more than memorising formulas or using software.
Understanding the
underlying principles of Time, Qi
and the Chinese Calendar provides an important foundation for the serious
study and application of BaZi, Zi Wei Dou Shu, Feng Shui and Date Selection.
Traditional knowledge
can continue to evolve in its presentation and application while maintaining
respect for its classical foundations.
The MYFAD
Lunar–Solar Calendar, developed by Hin Ney for MYFAD, brings traditional calendrical
knowledge can be brought into a modern digital environment for easier reference
and practical use.
Master
Ray
Principal
Ziwei Bazi Academy | MYFAD
Malaysia
Chinese
Metaphysics • BaZi • Zi Wei Dou Shu • Feng Shui • Date Selection
Related
Resource
MYFAD
Chinese Lunar–Solar Calendar
Explore
the calendar at www.myfad.my
