In the classic work Qianli Minggao by the Republican-era Bazi master Wei Qianli, the chart of Du Xizhen is recorded as a quintessential example of the Seven Killings (七殺格) pattern. The most striking feature of this chart lies in the Jia Wood Day Master being born in the winter season, where metal and water elements dominate. Despite the overwhelming pressure from the double Xin Metal Seven Killings, the chart demonstrates how such a configuration can be transformed into a path of resurgence and extraordinary achievement.
1. Structural Facts of the Seven Killings Pattern
Classical Bazi texts state: "The Seven Killings represent authority; when harnessed, it leads to nobility." The Seven Killings pattern typically describes a scenario where the Day Master is under intense pressure from the Seven Killings (偏官), but through proper regulation and balance, this "killing energy" can be transmuted into authority and decisiveness. In this chart, the Jia Wood Day Master is born in the Chou (丑) month, where the Xin Metal Seven Killings is prominently revealed in the Month Pillar. Furthermore, the Year Pillar's Xin Metal and the Hour Branch's You Metal provide robust support, amplifying the dominance of the Seven Killings. Without proper restraint, the Day Master would be completely suppressed, making success nearly impossible.
However, the chart features Gui Water as the Direct Resource (正印) in the Hour Pillar, forming a "Seven Killings and Resource mutually generating" structure. The Resource not only nourishes the Day Master but also curbs the excessive aggression of the Seven Killings. Additionally, the Day Branch's Wu Fire, though weak, plays a pivotal role in balancing the chart. It both supports the Resource and restrains the overpowering Seven Killings. This delicate interplay of generation and restraint allows the Seven Killings pattern to take shape, laying the foundation for the individual's eventual resurgence.
2. Major Cycles and the Flow of Power
Given the dominance of the Seven Killings in this chart, the trajectory of the Major Cycles plays a decisive role in the rise and fall of the individual's fortunes:
Early Years: Ren-Zi and Gui-Hai Cycles (Ages 1–20): The northern water cycles amplify the Seven Killings, resulting in a metal-water dominant environment where the Day Master is heavily suppressed. During this period, the individual may face family upheavals or early hardships, experiencing a profound sense of insecurity and frustration, akin to "a withered tree in frost, unable to move."
Middle Years: Jia-Zi and Yi-Chou Cycles (Ages 21–40): As the chart enters the wood cycles, the Day Master gains rooting support, and the Seven Killings' dominance is tempered. In the Jia-Zi cycle, Jia Wood reinforces the Day Master, allowing the individual to begin making their mark. In the Yi-Chou cycle, Yi Wood generates fire, bolstering the Resource, and the individual gradually gains authority and success in their career. During this phase, the pressure from the Seven Killings is transformed into decisiveness and leadership, enabling the individual to thrive despite adversity.
Later Years: Bing-Yin and Ding-Mao Cycles (Ages 41 and beyond): The southern fire cycles bring the Resource and Wealth elements to the forefront, further restraining the Seven Killings. The individual consolidates their power during this period, leveraging early setbacks as wisdom and experience to become a standout figure in their field. However, if the chart becomes overly dominant, caution is needed to avoid the risks associated with excessive ambition.
3. Modern Psychological and Behavioral Insights
From a modern psychological perspective, individuals with the Seven Killings pattern often exhibit a strong desire for power and a competitive spirit. The Seven Killings represent external pressures and challenges, while the Resource symbolizes inner wisdom and restraint. When the Seven Killings and Resource achieve balance, the individual can transmute external pressures into internal motivation, demonstrating exceptional leadership and decisiveness.
However, if the Seven Killings are too dominant and the Resource is insufficient, the individual may display excessive aggression or a hunger for power, making it difficult to build harmonious relationships. Conversely, if the Resource is too strong and the Seven Killings are weak, the individual may lack competitiveness and struggle to overcome adversity. Thus, individuals with the Seven Killings pattern must continuously cultivate inner wisdom to balance external challenges and pressures.
Du Xizhen's chart serves as an exemplary case, illustrating how the Seven Killings pattern can lead to extraordinary success through resilience and transformation. This is not only a testament to the wisdom of classical Bazi but also a valuable reference for modern individuals seeking to understand power, adversity, and personal growth.