BaZi Concepts
What Is a Chart Pattern (Ge Ju) in BaZi?
Also called: Ge Ju
Plain Explanation
A Chart Pattern describes the main arrangement of relationships in a BaZi chart. First identify the relationship at the center of the analysis, then examine how other Stems and Branches support, restrain, or protect it. The way a pattern is identified depends on the method being used.
The Ten Gods describe relationships relative to the Day Master. Chart-pattern analysis also examines how those relationships work together across the whole chart.
Example
Consider Officer and Resource. With Officer at the center, “Direct Officer supported by Resource” examines how Resource helps Officer perform its role. With Resource at the center, “Resource using Officer” examines how Officer works with Resource. Both analyses involve Officer and Resource, but the presence of the same Ten Gods does not make them the same chart pattern.
This comparison illustrates the center of analysis. It does not establish that a particular chart has formed a pattern.
What It Is Used For
A chart pattern gives the analysis a focus for examining the roles of other Stems and Branches and whether the needed function can work. Distinguishing the center from the surrounding relationships helps avoid treating superficially similar Ten God combinations as the same judgment.
Common Misunderstandings
A Ten God name is not a chart pattern name
A Direct Officer label identifies a Ten God relationship; that label alone does not establish a Direct Officer pattern. A pattern assessment also examines the chart’s actual relationships according to the method being used.
A chart pattern cannot be determined by Day Master strength alone
In methods that identify patterns through the Month Command, first establish the relationship between the Day Stem and Month Command, then examine the other Stems and Branches. Strength is a condition to consider, not a substitute for the pattern itself. Different methods may use terms and useful factors differently, so identify the method before comparing conclusions.
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Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial Policy