BaZi Concepts
What Is the 10-Year Cycle Start (Qi Yun) in BaZi?
Also called: Qi Yun, Qiyun
Plain Explanation
The 10-Year Cycle Start is the time when the first 10-Year Cycle begins. It is often described as the time elapsed since birth.
The start time varies from person to person. Beginning at that time, a new 10-Year Cycle starts every ten years.
Example
Suppose the first 10-Year Cycle begins two years after birth. Ten years later, or twelve years after birth, the second cycle begins.
| Point in time | Time elapsed since birth |
|---|---|
| First 10-Year Cycle begins | Two years |
| Second 10-Year Cycle begins | Twelve years |
What It Is Used For
The cycle start places the ten-year periods on an actual timeline. Once the start time is known, you can determine which 10-Year Cycle applies to a particular year and examine it together with that year’s Annual Cycle.
Common Misunderstandings
Qi Yun does not mean that good luck begins
In Qi Yun, qi (起) means the beginning of the first 10-Year Cycle. An earlier or later start does not itself indicate whether the cycle is favorable.
Separate elapsed time from displayed age
Two years after birth is an interval of time. When a page shows an age, distinguish Virtual Age (xusui, or Chinese reckoning) from age in completed years (zhousui). ChiBuddy displays the cycle start age using Virtual Age. Before comparing results, check which age convention is used.
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Updated 2026-10-16 · Editorial Policy