The Four Transformations · 四化

The four transformations (四化) are what turn a static Zi Wei Dou Shu chart into a moving one. Each year stem attaches four transformations to four specific stars: Hua Lu 化祿, which opens and supplies; Hua Quan 化權, which grants authority and force; Hua Ke 化科, which brings recognition and reputation; and Hua Ji 化忌, which binds, obstructs and holds attention.

Because the attachment follows the stem, the same natal chart transforms differently in every major limit (大限) and every annual period (流年). That is the mechanism by which timing is read. A star carrying Hua Ji natally and a star receiving Hua Ji only in a given year are two very different statements, and conflating them is among the most common errors in casual chart reading.