Chinese Astrology
Qi Zheng Si Yu (Seven Governors and Four Remainders): An Introduction
An introduction to Qi Zheng Si Yu: the classical Chinese astrology system that maps the Seven Governors (Sun, Moon, and the five visible planets) and the Four Remainders (Yueh-bei, Lo-hou, Tsu-ki, Chih-ki) onto the 28 lunar mansions and 12 palaces.
How is Qi Zheng Si Yu different from ZiWeiDouShu?
Qi Zheng Si Yu uses real astronomical positions of the Sun, Moon, five planets and four shadow points within the 28 mansions. ZiWeiDouShu, in contrast, uses 紫微星 and a host of "virtual" stars placed by formula, not by physical astronomy. Qi Zheng is older (Tang dynasty roots) and astronomically denser; ZiWei is more rule-based and easier to systematize.
What are the "Four Remainders" exactly?
The Four Remainders (四余) are 月孛 (Yueh-bei, lunar apogee), 罗睺 (Lo-hou, ascending lunar node), 计都 (Tsu-ki, descending lunar node), and 紫炁 (Chih-ki, solar apogee). They are not visible bodies but mathematically derived points; classical texts treat them as influence vectors layered onto the Seven Governors.
Why is this called "Seven Governors"?
In classical Chinese astronomy 七政 ("Seven Governors") refers to the Sun, Moon, and the five visible planets (金/木/水/火/土星). They were considered the primary celestial movers governing terrestrial events; the system pre-dates the modern Western seven-day-of-week mapping but shares the same astronomical anchors.
Why is Qi Zheng Si Yu hard to calculate accurately?
A trustworthy Qi Zheng chart depends on precise planetary positions, the historical school being followed, and careful handling of edge cases. For most readers, the safest starting point is understanding the system before treating any chart as definitive.
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