For the Western mind, these animal images are appealing in their rough similarity to the twelve signs of the Zodiac used in Western Astrology, and in their folkloric charm and immediacy.
Chinese Astrology, however, even in its most commonly used forms, properly contains many other cycles, some as short as 120 minutes, some lasting as long as 180 years. These various cycles include traditions of astrology and cosmology rooted in the pre-history of China, as well as adaptations and borrowings from the many tribal, national, and religious cultures which make up the 5000 year recorded history of China.
Some of the cycles are broad in scope; others have very specific application to the successful pursuit of certain activities or purposes. Some are simply markings of the obvious but profound alternations of light and dark, as the change from day to night, or the turning of the seasons. Some are doorways into divination, the meanings of which vary from each individual's point of view.
Most of the cycles include an evaluation of their parts, some "lucky", some "unlucky", that is to say, favorable or unfavorable to taking action, inaugurating projects, or holding important events. Used together, these cycles of time and auspiciousness interlock and overlap into a system which is intricate in detail, and yet surprisingly practical in use.
VARIABILITY OF TIME
Astrological systems in general share the notion that Time shows variability in its character, which can be read as texture, pattern, or grain -- what the Chinese call LI. Chinese Astrology also involves the notion of Fate, or MING. This MING is not a pre-destination of actions or events, but is viewed rather as an expression of inherent limits and achievable potentials. The MING of a human being and the LI of Time come together to form the ground in which the Actions (XING) and Energies (QI) of moment-to-moment living take place.
The MING of the individual and the LI of Time are beyond the scope of human influence. The Actions available at any time may be seriously limited or inappropriate. But the QI of the moment can be noticed, studied, and affected through responsive interaction.
This "attention to QI" is fundamental to the traditions and practices of Daoism, which have so deeply influenced the classical arts, and sciences of China. Poetry, painting, calligraphy, architecture and design, martial arts, medicine, and the rest, are all, in this since, elements of what might more broadly be called "QI-Studies". In each, properly reading the QI, and artfully responding to it, lead to results of great practicality and subtle beauty. In each appears an opening to "The Way". Each is a proper vehicle for the spontaneous experience of oneself within Nature, and the leisurely balance of human energies between Heaven and Earth.
Among these "QI-Studies", the divinatory arts are the broadest in scope and application. They are traditionally given the greatest weight in considering choices, or implementing actions, whether momentous or incidental. In their power to make large-scale forces readable in an immediate context, they have long been regarded as essential in conserving QI, and thus promoting health and longevity. In helping to make visible the greater context of one's actions, they are seen as invaluable in the full expression of one's MING, making possible the experience of the fullness of life.
In the West, the YI JING, or Book of Changes, is probably the most familiar example of this divinatory use of "reading the QI". Chinese Astrology is, of course, one of these divinatory arts. It has deep interconnections with two others: FENG SHUI (Geomancy) and MING LI (Fate Calculation).
FENG SHUI is the study of QI in spatial form, flow, and orientation. The QI of a site or building is considered with the MING of its occupants, and the demands of its appropriate uses. A variety of techniques can be applied to "rectify the QI" of the site, bringing about a more balanced flow of QI as it moves and pauses.
MING LI concerns itself with the shaping of QI through birth into patterns of limits and potentials: the MING of the individual. Through its calculations, the "personal chart" of an individual is developed and interpreted. The relation of the individual to society and to Nature can be examined in energetic terms.
Chinese Astrology, in this connection, is the study of the flow of QI in Time. Its cycles are the markings of the "temporal weather" in which events take place. Its calculations make it possible to view a sort of "weather map" of energies and influences for a given time. Comparing these calculations to experience enables one to recognize and respond to the QI in its patterns of movement, obstruction, and opportunity.
THE TRADITION OF THE TONG SHU
Of course, the determination by astrological calculation of the many cycles affecting a specific time in question is a daunting task, even for those familiar with the mathematics and considerations involved. The practical and popular solution to this difficulty has, for over 2200 years, been the annual publication of the Astrological Almanacs: the Tong Shu. Appearing through the centuries under various titles, they have been published in a wide range of formats and editions as the times and tastes have demanded. Despite periods of Imperial suppression and governmental disfavor, their popularity has continued undiminished.
The handy Tong Shu have traditionally been produced in easy-reference formats. They contain daily notations of a wide range of astrological and divinatory cycles, with practical guidance in their interpretation and use: the lunar calendar and its festivals, the turning points of the year's seasons and weather changes, cycles of numerological divination, daily correspondences to feng-shui and the Hexagrams of the Yi Jing, lists of favorable activities and auspicious days and hours, and much more. Many editions are replete with sections containing protective amulets, moral tales, agricultural advice, astronomical explanations, divinatory texts, and instruction in palmistry and face-reading.
The value of the Tong Shu remains highly appreciated in the Chinese world today. The next year's editions appear each Fall in the shops, and disappear in brisk trade. To have the Tong Shu in one's home is to have a talisman of good fortune and protection from evils. To consult the Tong Shu in one's decisions is to respect the wisdom of the past, and invest in the productivity of the future. To use the Tong Shu in one's regular affairs is to study a practical workbook in Timeliness.
The MING LI TONG SHU Online continues this tradition, presenting for the first time in English, a wide variety of seasonal, daily and hourly cycles in a quick-reference and easy-to-use "24-hour" format. It contains a selection of the most important and commonly used systems of Chinese Astrology, drawn from classical and contemporary sources, in an edition created for the use of those in the West with an appetite for the great continuities of Chinese culture. As has always been true of the Chinese edition of the Tong Shu, the MING LI TONG SHU Online is equally accessible to those newly interested in its treasures, and to those long-versed in its uses.
USING THE TONG SHU Online
The TONG SHU Online is designed to make it particularly easy to:
| • | Read the over-all quality of QI for the day in question. |
| • | Find the best times for planning activities and rest. |
| • | Make the best energetic use of times available. |
The daily page displays twelve astrological and calendric cycles, some of prominent importance, others more limited in strength of influence, or narrower in use. A system of Dots (in red and black) indicates the quality of QI through each of the cycles. Red indicates that the QI is bright, flowing, and favorable to activity. Black indicates that the QI is soft, still, and favorable to inactivity.
 | Most Favorable to Action |
 | Favorable to Action |
 | Neutral to Action |
 | Adverse to Action |
 | Most Adverse to Action |
Looking over the page, one can see the over-all "brightness" or "darkness" of the QI of the day. Using the Date-Book daily, one can see the patterns of QI as they shift and transform, and gradually learn to read their meanings and influences, particularly as they relate to one's own experience and MING.
The best instruction in the use of any Tong Shu comes through long-term comparison of the daily notations with one's own daily experiences. However, as a starting point with the TONG SHU Online, or as a technique for quick reference to each day, the following steps are suggested:
| 1. | Note the Dots for the LUNAR LODGE and SOLAR INDEX: (Above and below the western-calendar date for the day.)These are principle cycles for the day, as they influence everyone fairly equally, and are broad in their range of concerns. The LUNAR LODGE can be viewed as a basic energy "signature" of the day, descriptive of the day's temperament and "atmosphere." The SOLAR INDEX is an indicator of how much (and in what ways) the day's energy can be put to use. |
| 2. | Scan the FAVORABLE and ADVERSE activities. Some listings are more suggestive than exact, and can be read with creativity. An item can be indicated in more than one cycle. When it shows up twice or three times in the list, then the indication is much stronger. When it shows up in both FAVORABLE and ADVERSE lists, the cycles disagree, and the activity may proceed with balance, but also with higher internal tension (rather like driving with the parking brake on!) |
| 3. | Note the "bright" (red) and "dark" (black) hours on the Hours-Page: "Dark" hours are particularly good for rest and recuperation; activities which fall in them go best if dealt with lightly, and with lower expectations. "Bright" hours can be used more energetically; important or strenuous activities will benefit from the "flowing" QI |