Bazi basics

What is Bazi (the Four Pillars)?

By Inti Foundation · updated 1 October 2026

Bazi, also called the Four Pillars, is an Eastern interpretive system based on four birth markers: year, month, day, and hour. Each pillar contains a Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch, creating a Five-Element map for observing a person's temperament, life rhythms, and prominent lessons. In Inti Soul, Bazi serves as a structured layer of reflection: data is calculated first, and interpretation must follow the resulting chart without inventing stars, elements, or conclusions about destiny.

Try it now: Bazi chart online by birth time

Four Pillars

Birth year, month, day, and hour are the chart's four main anchors.

Stems and Branches

Each pillar has a Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch, forming Bazi's underlying language.

Five Elements

Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth are read as a rhythm of balance for reflection.

What does Bazi read?

A Bazi chart typically examines the Day Master, Five-Element relationships, birth season, strength and weakness, and relationships among Stems and Branches. These factors help readers reflect on how they use energy, handle pressure, develop abilities, and choose a more suitable pace of action.

Do not examine just one isolated factor; Bazi must be read within the chart's entire structure.
Birth time clarifies the Hour Pillar, especially for detailed or long-term themes.
Results should be understood as prompts for self-observation, not fixed verdicts.

How does Inti Soul use Bazi?

Inti Soul places Bazi alongside Numerology, Tử Vi Đẩu Số, and Western Astrology so users do not become trapped in a single label. Bazi readings prioritize clear, humane interpretations and practical suggestions for the next 7 days or 12 months.

What data should you prepare?

Have your birth date, time, and place as accurate as possible. If the time is uncertain, acknowledge that uncertainty instead of forcing the chart into an overly certain conclusion.

View your Bazi chart

Create a birth profile so Inti Soul can calculate your chart and read Bazi within a broader life-path context. The first reading is available according to Inti Soul's current policy.

Create a Bazi profile

For self-understanding and reflection — not a verdict.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bazi absolute fortune-telling?

No. Inti Soul uses Bazi as a symbolic map for reflecting on energy rhythms and personal lessons, not as prophecy or an absolute scientific conclusion.

Can I get a Bazi reading without knowing my birth time?

A partial reading is possible, but the Hour Pillar will be missing or less certain. Responsible interpretations should clearly identify uncertain parts.

How does Bazi differ from Tử Vi?

Bazi focuses on the Four Pillars' Stems and Branches and the Five Elements; Tử Vi Đẩu Số uses 12 palaces, stars, and major-cycle and annual layers. The two can illuminate each other but should not be mixed arbitrarily.