By: Gudrun Wu Snyder

Founder, Doctor of Acupuncture

DAc, LAc, Dipl.Ac (NCCAOM), MSAc

Many of us know our Chinese zodiac sign—maybe you’re a proud Tiger or a steady Ox. But did you know that your birth year tells only part of the story?

Rooted in thousands of years of tradition, Chinese astrology offers something far more nuanced and personal: the Four Pillars of Destiny, also known as Bazi. This system maps out not one, but four animal and element combinations—one each for your year, month, day, and hour of birth. These are your four “pillars,” and together, they form a unique energetic blueprint that guides you through life.

What Are the Four Pillars?

Each of your Four Pillars includes both an animal sign and one of the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, or water. These energies are drawn from the moment you entered the world, capturing the cosmic currents that were in motion at your first breath.

The year pillar reflects your broader social persona and ancestral influences. The month gives insight into your career tendencies and relationship with parents. The day—often called the “Day Master”—reveals your core self, your truest essence. And the hour opens a window into your dreams, children, and inner world.

So rather than one animal to define your path, you have four—each offering wisdom and balance.

An Inner Ecosystem of Archetypes

Imagine someone born in mid-July at dawn. Their month pillar might be the introspective Goat, guiding how they work and relate to others, while their hour pillar could be the enthusiastic Dragon, influencing their aspirations and internal drive.

At first glance, these archetypes might seem to clash—but in reality, they complement. The Dragon’s boldness can fuel the Goat’s creative sensitivity. As life unfolds, different pillars take the lead: you might feel most aligned with your Rabbit energy as a teen, and later find strength in your grounded Ox qualities during parenthood or major transitions.

It’s a reminder that we are not fixed beings. We are richly layered, fluid, and always becoming.

A Zodiac of 60 Possibilities

Each animal (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig) pairs with one of the five elements, repeating in a cycle of 60. Every pairing—like Metal Tiger or Water Snake—represents a distinct energetic personality.

These archetypes offer guidance on everything from relationships to resilience. Some signs are more intuitive; others, more action-driven. Some teach patience, others spark transformation.

Understanding your personal Bazi chart can feel like unlocking a map you’ve always carried but never fully read.

Want to Discover Your Four Pillars?

At Moon Rabbit, we’re always honored to help people deepen their self-understanding. If you’re curious about your Bazi chart—or if you’re wondering why you’ve always felt more “Monkey” than “Rooster”—reach out. While online tools can give you a rough overview, your exact Four Pillars depend on lunar calendar conversions and sometimes even your birthplace.

We’re here to help you navigate those details with care and clarity.

Because when you align with the energies that shaped you, you don’t just learn more about your past—you gain new tools for your future.