Introduction to Saju (Four Pillars of Destiny)
Saju (์ฌ์ฃผ, ๅๆฑ), also known as the Four Pillars of Destiny, is an ancient divination system that originated in China and has been practiced in Korea for over a thousand years. The term "Saju" literally translates to "four pillars," referring to the four components of your birth time: year, month, day, and hour.
The Philosophy Behind Saju
At the core of Saju lies the concept of the Five Elements (ไบ่ก, Ohaeng): Wood (ๆจ), Fire (็ซ), Earth (ๅ), Metal (้), and Water (ๆฐด). These elements interact with each other in cycles of creation and destruction, influencing every aspect of our lives.
Each person's birth chart contains a unique combination of these elements, expressed through the Heavenly Stems (ๅคฉๅนฒ) and Earthly Branches (ๅฐๆฏ). The balance and interaction of these elements determine your:
- Personality traits and natural tendencies
- Career aptitudes and professional success
- Relationship compatibility with others
- Health patterns and vulnerabilities
- Fortune cycles throughout your life
The Four Pillars Explained
Year Pillar (ๅนดๆฑ, Yeonju)
Represents your ancestral influences, social position, and early childhood environment. It shows how the world perceives you and your relationship with society.Month Pillar (ๆๆฑ, Wolju)
Reflects your parents' influence, career path, and young adult life. This pillar often indicates your primary profession and public achievements.Day Pillar (ๆฅๆฑ, Ilju)
The most important pillarโit represents your core self, your spouse, and your adult life. The Day Master (ๆฅไธป, Ilju) is considered your true essence.Hour Pillar (ๆๆฑ, Siju)
Represents your children, creativity, later years, and legacy. It shows what you leave behind for future generations.How Saju Differs from Western Astrology
While both systems analyze birth time, Saju and Western Astrology have key differences:
| Saju | Western Astrology |
| Based on lunar calendar | Based on solar calendar |
| Uses Five Elements theory | Uses planetary influences |
| 60-year cycle (sexagenary) | 12-month zodiac cycle |
| Focuses on elemental balance | Focuses on planetary aspects |
Understanding Your Saju Reading
A professional Saju reading analyzes:
- Day Master strength: Is your core element strong or weak?
- Elemental balance: Which elements are excessive or lacking?
- Favorable elements: Which elements support your success?
- Luck cycles (ๅคง้, Daeun): 10-year periods of fortune
- Annual fortune (ๆญฒ้, Seun): Yearly energy influences
Practical Applications
Saju is used in Korea for:
- Naming children: Choosing characters that balance the child's chart
- Marriage compatibility: Analyzing if couples are harmonious
- Business decisions: Timing important ventures
- Career guidance: Finding suitable professions
- Health management: Understanding vulnerabilities
Conclusion
Saju offers profound insights into your life's blueprint. While it doesn't predict fixed destinies, it reveals tendencies and potentials that can guide your decisions. Understanding your Saju is the first step toward living in harmony with your natural energy patterns.
Ready to discover your Four Pillars? Try our AI-powered Saju analysis for personalized insights.