+----------------------------------------------+  | |  | |  | /\ /\ |  | / \ / \     |  | / \ / \ | | /\ /\ / \ |  | / \/ \ | | / \/ \ / /\ \ |  | / \| |/ \/ /   |  | \ \ / /| |\ \ /\ \_/ / |  | \ \ / / | | \ \ / \  / |  |  \/  \/ / / |  | /  \ Version 3.52 / / |  | / /\ \     |  | \ \  / \ / \ /\ /\ |  | \  \ / \_/ \ / \_/ \ |  |   \ \/ _ \/ \ |  | \ \/ /\ / \ /\ / |  | \ / \ / \ / \ / o |  | |  | - THE ART OF CHINESE ASTROLOGY - |  | |  | |  | BY |  | |  | |  | K E I T H N. N I C H O L S O N |  | |  | |  +----------------------------------------------+ CONTENTS THE LEGEND OF BUDDHA............................................4 THE CHINESE NEW YEAR............................................4 HOW TO USE THIS PROGRAM.........................................4 DAYLIGHT SAVING TIMES...........................................5 OTHER OPTIONS...................................................6 QUITTING THE PROGRAM......................................6 ENTERING A NEW BIRTH-DATE.................................6 F1 - PERSONALITY SUMMARY..................................6 THE RAT PERSONALITY.................................7 THE OX PERSONALITY..................................7 THE TIGER PERSONALITY...............................8 THE HARE PERSONALITY................................8 THE DRAGON PERSONALITY..............................9 THE SNAKE PERSONALITY...............................9 THE HORSE PERSONALITY..............................10 THE SHEEP PERSONALITY..............................10 THE MONKEY PERSONALITY.............................11 THE ROOSTER PERSONALITY............................11 THE DOG PERSONALITY................................12 THE PIG PERSONALITY................................12 F2 - ELEMENTS OF PERSONALITY.............................13 F3 & F4 - THE LIFE CYCLE CHART...........................13 THE MEANINGS OF THE FIVE FORCES....................14 F5 - FORECAST FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.......................15 F6 - PRINT A MING SHU CHART..............................15 FINAL NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR....................................16 FURTHER READING................................................17 THE LEGEND OF BUDDHA One year, more than five centuries before Jesus Christ, Buddha invited all the animals in creation to come to him. However, almost all of them ignored the call of the Divine Sage. Only twelve animals did go to him. They were, in order of appearance, the Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig. To thank them Buddha offered each a year which would be dedicated to him alone through the ages. This year would carry the animal's name, and express his symbolic character and specific psychological traits, marking the personality and behaviour of people born during that year. Such is the legend. THE CHINESE NEW YEAR Contrary to the West, the Far East constructed a lunar astrology based on the annual cycle of the Moon's movements. Isn't it a known fact that the Moon has a direct influence on the movement of the tides and the obscure depths of human psyche? (The term "lunatic" has a precise and clinical meaning!). Unfortunately, this means the Asian New Year never falls exactly on the same date. Also, some months have to be repeated to bring the calendar into line with the seasons of the year. (e.g. the third month in 1993 has 59 days!) This is complicated further when you realise that in Asia the day begins at 23:00 and not midnight. Fortunately you now have a program that does all your calculations - just enter your Western date and time of birth. HOW TO USE THIS PROGRAM Starting the program is easy. WorkBench Place your pointer on the "Ming Shu" icon and quickly press the left mouse button twice. CLI/Shell If you have a CLI window open simply type: Ming_Shu [remember to press the return key] NB. The "_" symbol is usually a shifted minus sign. When the program has loaded press a key to remove the messages and you will be asked to enter your time and date of birth in four stages. This is to minimise any errors. (e.g. 31st February) If you don't know the time of birth enter mid-day (or just press return) which will use an average - but remember, some of the results will probably be inaccurate. DO NOT make any time-zone adjustments (Local time is always used for Ming Shu astrology). The only adjustments you need to make will be for daylight saving time, if applicable (see next page). 4 MING SHU: The Art Of Chinese Astrology DAYLIGHT SAVING TIMES Daylight Saving (e.g. British Summer Time) has been in force on and off around the world for years. The table given below shows British Daylight Saving dates. For other countries, check a relevant time change book. Times change at 2 am and local time was one hour ahead of the zone standard time for the date shown. So, basically, if your birthday fell between 2 am of the given dates subtract one hour. The exceptions to this are:- ¹ = Change at 12 am. ² = Change at 3 am and subtract two hours. ³ = Subtract two hours. 1916-1920 Daylight Saving only observed in England and Scotland. 1921- Daylight Saving also observed by the Channel Islands, Isle Of Man, Northern Ireland and Wales. 1916 21.5 - 1.10 1944 1.1 - 31.12 1974 17.3 - 27.10 1917 8.4 - 17.9 1944 2.4 - 17.9² 1975 16.3 - 26.10 1918 24.3 - 30.9 1945 1.1 - 7.10 1976 21.3 - 24.10 1919 30.3 - 29.9 1945 2.4 - 15.7² 1977 20.3 - 23.10 1920 28.3 - 25.10 1946 14.4 - 6.10 1978 19.3 - 29.10 1921 3.4 - 3.10 1947 16.3 - 2.11 1979 18.3 - 28.10 1922 26.3 - 8.10 1947 13.4 - 10.8³ 1980 16.3 - 26.10 1923 22.4 - 16.9 1948 14.3 - 31.10 1981 29.3 - 25.10 1924 13.4 - 21.9 1949 3.4 - 30.10 1982 28.3 - 24.10 1925 19.4 - 4.10 1950 16.4 - 22.10 1983 27.3 - 23.10 1926 18.4 - 3.10 1951 15.4 - 21.10 1984 25.3 - 28.10 1927 10.4 - 2.10 1952 20.4 - 26.10 1985 31.3 - 27.10 1928 22.4 - 7.10 1953 19.4 - 4.10 1986 30.3 - 26.10 1929 25.4 - 6.10 1954 11.4 - 3.10 1987 29.3 - 25.10 1930 13.4 - 5.10 1955 17.4 - 2.10 1988 27.3 - 23.10 1931 19.4 - 4.10 1956 22.4 - 7.10 1989 21.3 - 29.10 1932 17.4 - 2.10 1957 14.4 - 6.10 1990 25.3 - 29.10 1933 9.4 - 8.10 1958 20.4 - 5.10 1991 ?.3 - ?.10 1934 22.4 - 7.10 1959 19.4 - 4.10 1992 ?.3 - ?.10 1935 14.4 - 6.10 1960 10.4 - 2.10 1993 28.3 - 24.10 1936 19.4 - 4.10 1961 26.3 - 29.10 1994 27.3 - 23.10 1937 4.4 - 3.10 1962 25.3 - 28.10 1995 1938 10.4 - 2.10 1963 31.3 - 27.10 1996 1939 10.4 - 19.11 1964 22.3 - 25.10 1997 1940 25.2 - 31.12¹ 1965 21.3 - 24.10 1998 1941 1.1 - 31.12 1966 20.3 - 23.10 1999 1941 4.5 - 10.8² 1967 19.3 - 29.10 2000 1942 1.1 - 31.12 1968 18.2 - 31.10.71 1942 5.4 - 9.8² ***************** 1943 1.1 - 31.12 1972 19.3 - 29.10 1943 4.4 - 15.8² 1973 18.3 - 28.10 NOTE: After performing these calculations, you may find that the GMT time carries the Birth Date back to the previous day. Be sure to use this new adjusted date for all further calculations - not the given birth date. For the time being my program will only accept dates from February 19th, 1901 to December 31st, 2000 inclusive - But that should cover all the years you're likely to need. MING SHU: The Art of Chinese Astrology 5 OTHER OPTIONS Once you have entered the relevant date of birth further options are available by pressing certain Function keys [F1 to F10]. A full list and description of these options are given on the following pages. They are available every time you hear a "Ping". My apologies for using such an unfriendly system. But you must have a basic understanding of Chinese Astrology to get the most out of my program and this was the only way of forcing you to read the manual. Should you need a reminder of which key does what pressing "Help" will display all the available options. Sometimes you will be presented with more than one page of data. This is indicated by a red "Cont..." in the bottom right corner of the text window. All activity is suspended until you press a single key (this includes the function keys, but they will NOT select their relevant options). QUITTING THE PROGRAM You may leave the program at any point by pressing "Ctrl" and "C" simultaneously. This is the standard escape route for AMOS programs, and is much safer than using one key (such as "Esc"). ENTERING A NEW BIRTH-DATE If you have more than one chart to construct, press the return key (the bent arrow on your keyboard or "Enter" on the keypad) and you will be returned to the beginning of the program. The previous time/date and any calculations will be lost. F1 - PERSONALITY SUMMARY This option is displayed automatically whenever you enter a Birth- date, but may be reviewed at any time simply by pressing "F1". To keep the program length as small as possible (more room for expansion) I've only used a summary of the overall animal's qualities. The full descriptions, as used by Derek Walters in his excellent book "Ming Shu, The Art And Practice Of Chinese Astrology" (PAGODA), are given in this manual. There are other factors affecting your personality, not just a twelve yearly cycle. For example, if you were born in 1966 you are a "Fire-Horse" and may be different to someone born in 1978 who is an "Earth-Horse". Although you are both basically the same animal type, subtle differences are introduced by the element also governing the year. This element may balance, enhance or cancel out certain qualities. Finally, you will be given a couple of sentences explaining how the hour of birth will influence that particular sign. Can I also say: please forget the Western habit of using animal names as insults. e.g. "You lazy pig", "She's a bit of a dog", "He's a rat", etc. All the animals, just like their real life counterparts, have good and bad qualities. 6 MING SHU: The Art Of Chinese Astrology  THE RAT PERSONALITY In any description of the Rat-personality, the key-word is "charm". Indeed, anyone who begrudges being thought of as a Rat can take heart from the fact that, in Chinese, the word for rat is also used for mouse, mole, hamster, and several other small furry creatures. The Rat is adaptable and creative, not lacking in flair or inventiveness. But, quick-witted, bright and sociable, the Rat also tends towards ostentatiousness and name-dropping in pursuit of what is today often euphemistically called "upward mobility". The Rat's outward personality is certainly appealing: but below the surface there often abides a crafty and opportunist character, who tends to 'use' friends before eventually losing or dropping them, for one reason or another. In financial matters, Rat-personalities are erratic; scrimping, cutting corners and budgeting carefully when money is scarce, but spending lavishly instead of saving in times of plenty. Bright and gregarious, with a well-developed taste for gossip, the Rat's intellectual versatility is not always immediately apparent. In particular, Rat's have a remarkable commend of abstract notions, such as numbers, and in a business situation they make great planners, especially when detailed and complex calculations are involved.  THE OX PERSONALITY The Ox is steadfast and methodical, and though some may find this down-to-earth practicality routine to the point of dullness, the Ox deserves high regard for being reliable and sensible. It is a pity, however, that a desire to conform often stifles an innate inventive- ness, for the Ox is not without creative imagination. But, suspicious of anything that is untried and unproven, the Ox fears taking the initiative. Being so thoroughly dependable, the Ox may rise to positions of authority; but here too, conservatism prevents promotion to the highest administrative posts where quick-thinking and a flair for making immediate decisions are essential. Indeed, being passed over by the more smartly dressed and glibly-tongued will often make the Ox feel sullen and resentful. The Ox may be unromantic, but there is no lack of affection for a few select friends. Preferring such company to a wide circle of acquaintances, the Ox can be both loyal and possessive. In business, the Ox often brings prosperity - not through entrepre- neurial imagination and risk, but as a result of logical thought, resolute practicality and honest endurance. What others achieve through flair and invention is but a shadow of what the Ox achieves through routine and patience. MING SHU: The Art of Chinese Astrology 7  THE TIGER PERSONALITY The Tiger is truly the embodiment of animal magnetism; a born leader, fiercely competitive, never afraid to fight. Not easily influenced, the Tiger's natural authority is seldom disputed. The Tiger is also a great stimulant to others, either through brilliant conversation, where unexpected and novel ideas are con- stantly paraded, or by sheer physical presence, since appearance is often designed to overawe the less confident. But while bravery, rashness and impetuosity are the hall-marks or the Tiger-personality, Tigers can nonetheless be warm, sincere, and even ardent in love. In this and other respects, the Tiger is unlikely to be restrained by convention. However, since the Tiger is essen- tially a symbol of masculinity and virility, the Chinese tend to distrust women born in the Tiger year, although doubtless the Tigress- personality would be to the fore of the Feminist Movement today. The Tiger's competitive streak is excellent material for those business activities where aggression rather than diplomacy is likely to bring more favourable returns. Tigers are likely to succeed in sales, personnel management and uniformed careers. They should take care, however, that their manner does not gain them enemies along the way.  THE HARE PERSONALITY The Hare craves company, and needs to belong to an established crowd. Safely within their social circle, Hares feel protected and secure; outside it, they are reserved and quite possibly withdrawn. However, even within the group, the Hare maintains a certain independ- ence and, though hardly extrovert, can often become the focus of attention by being visibly on the edge of events. Thus, a gregarious and social disposition does not prevent the Hare from remaining aloof. The typical Hare will be submissive, even humble, in a constant effort to avoid all confrontations. Happiest with friends, if somewhat inclined to gossip, this kind and benevolent lover of conversation, reading and literary pursuits may appear rather too meek but can be remarkably brave when faced with danger. Traditionally associated with clear-sightedness, the Hare is an excellent judge of character, with an instinct for recognising sincerity in others and an almost uncanny ability for sensing falsehoods. In personal relationships, even the most innocent decep- tions will be identified almost at the moment they are perpetrated. Another traditional belief accredits the Hare with the recipe for the divine elixir of life; and accordingly Hare personalities are often gifted healers, both of emotional and physical maladies. NB The Hare, or Rabbit, in some traditions (specifically Korea) is replaced by the Cat. 8 MING SHU: The Art Of Chinese Astrology  THE DRAGON PERSONALITY A lover of the exotic, the Dragon is one of the most flamboyantly extrovert characters of the Chinese astrological calendar. Elegant and with a good eye for spotting the latest trends. Dragon-types are always to the forefront of the fashion scene, ever ready to adapt what is à la mode to suit a very individual sense of style. Blessed with an extraordinarily fertile imagination, the Dragon is forever dreaming up fresh schemes and ideas for new ventures, few of which are wholly practical. Such a mercurial character can be the despair of friends, and at work may even cause chaos if not surrounded by people capable of picking up the fragments of abandoned projects, albeit resentfully. Strong and decisive, resolute in a determination to follow interesting tracks which may lead nowhere, Dragons would become wealthy were it not for the fact that spectacular gains are as often as not offset by money wasted elsewhere. The sign of the Dragon is an indication of an interest in the mysterious, the supernatural, and the occult. Dragon-types are also surrounded by an aura of good fortune which, however, disappears immediately a Hare approaches. Dragons delight in any form of adulation, and both socially and in business they tend to seek out the bright lights. They are thus ideally suited to careers on the stage, but in general any sphere where there is close contact with the public provides a rewarding domain.  THE SNAKE PERSONALITY The Snake is the astrological companion to the Dragon; the Yin to the Dragon's Yang. However, while sharing many of the Dragon's exotic qualities, the Snake is more restrained, and more refined; insinuating rather than extrovert. Indeed, in matters of taste and style, the Snake admires subtlety, preferring elegance of line to boldness of colour. Snake personalities often make their way to the top, but they are by no means pushy, using others to get them there. They ensure that they are in the right place at the right time, which means when the right people are there as well. Snake-types are also adept at giving the impression that they know far more about a subject than they intend to divulge; and while a strict sense of propriety prevents them from telling lies, they are not adverse to double-dealing when it suits them. Fond of scandal, they are not above creating it, vicariously enjoying the frissons of others' disreputable behaviour. The Snake's ability to gather up information suggests an aptitude for research, detection or academia, all areas which should satisfy the Snake's analytical brain. Social or domestic activities, mean- while, will generally need to be tailored to allow for powerful sensuality. MING SHU: The Art of Chinese Astrology 9  THE HORSE PERSONALITY It is acknowledged throughout the Far East that certain Years of the Horse may breed tyrants, revolutionaries and vandals with no greater desire than simply to charge forward. Thankfully, not everyone born in 1906 or 1966 will turn out to be an Attila or Genghis; but collectively, those born in these years could prove formidable. Whether male or female, Horse personalities feel more comfortable in the company of their own kind. The Horse may be afraid of the opposite sex, overawed by them, worship them, or disdain them, but relate to them - never. Sporty and sociable, the Horse is the sort of person for whom clubs were invented. But sociability does not rule out competitiveness, although in sports the Horse prefers to be part of a team effort rather than perform as an individual. This is due in part to the importance which the Horse attaches to social standing. The Horse needs to feel successful, and to be seen as one of the gang. Horse-types are good talkers, never short of conversation, though less quick with ready ideas. The latest news is always a good opening gambit, and the Horse is always keen to hear other people's opinions. Deep-seated prejudices, however, are hard to dislodge. Love of social contact remains the most important force in the Horse's life; and whatever career is chosen, ideally it will involve close liaison with others.  THE SHEEP PERSONALITY The Sheep is traditionally regarded by Chinese astrologers as embodying the essence of the Yin principle. It is, therefore, the most 'feminine' of the animal signs, associated with affection, caring, trust and selflessness. The positive side of the Sheep-nature is best seen in its artistic talent. This usually, however, finds expression in craftsmanship rather than originality. Sheep can also be a touch too fastidious, which in many respects explains why their creative natures are bot normally explored. Complacent and avoiding confrontation whenever possible, such an inoffensive character would get nowhere in life were it not for a personable and ingratiating quality. The Sheep is ever diplomatic and often succeeds where active aggression would fail. The Sheep is a follower rather than a leader, and thus operates best in the company of others. No Sheep, however, is happy when being directed by others, preferring a democratic community, where decisions are shared. In times of crisis, the Sheep urgently needs guidance and direction, although offers of assistance will probably be staunchly resisted. The Sheep may be involved, either professionally or voluntarily, in social work of some description, while a sensitivity for the arts may well lead to a career in music or a craft. However, it often takes a strong motivation, such as providing for a family, to bring out any spirit of industry. 10 MING SHU: The Art Of Chinese Astrology  THE MONKEY PERSONALITY An inventive and agile mind, together with an insatiable curiosity, produce a quick-witted schemer, always able to manoeuvre successfully round awkward situations. The Monkey is never at a loss for words, or ideas; but, alas, scruples are often in short supply. Projecting an image of audacity and mischief, the Monkey hides a fundamental insecurity behind a mask of impudence. Despite apparent popularity, the Monkey is never taken seriously, and this lack of recognition often leads to frustration. Since the Monkey detests being thwarted, resentment and pent-up anger can lead to bouts of depression. But once the Monkey learns how to deal with others on their own level - and it may take longer than expected to work this out - longed-for respect and approbation will follow. Older and wiser Monkeys are able to channel their energetic and fertile imaginations into the solving of extremely complex problems; and such skills might be used by the micro-surgeon or the counterfeiter. Generally, the Monkey is extremely versatile and can do well at almost anything. Success, however, can easily go to the Monkey's head, bringing out a latent arrogance which often alienates friends. But it is rarely long before the Monkey's agreeable humour and other engaging sociable qualities win them back again.  THE ROOSTER PERSONALITY Although the Rooster is a male bird, astrologically this is a Yin or 'feminine' sign, the counterpart of the Monkey. Even so, the qualities it reveals - determination, pride, and confidence - apply equally to either sex. Abrasive and bordering on the aggressive, the Rooster frequently alienates people who interpret frankness as rudeness, and style as affectation. These qualities, however, are the prerequisites for anyone as resolute as the Rooster in pursuing a career. A shrewd business sense will not prevent the Rooster from making seemingly extravagant gestures: but in fact there is usually an underlying motive not immediately apparent to the casual observer. The Rooster is alert, joining a fundamental punctiliousness with precise attention to detail. The problems arrive when so many projects are taken on that, inevitably, the less troublesome get lost in the sheer volume. This happens, not just in business, but in personal relationships as well, when the quieter, more reserved members of the Rooster's social circle or family may be neglected or forgotten. Stamina in business and vitality in play contribute to making the Rooster a stimulating companion - for those who can measure up to the mark. The Rooster has high ideals and, being a perfectionist, has little tolerance for people whose standards are second-rate. MING SHU: The Art of Chinese Astrology 11  THE DOG PERSONALITY Fidelity, honesty and humour are among the predominant traits of a typical Dog-character. Such a likeable personality easily makes friends, usually long-lasting; and, being a steady worker, the Dog becomes a trusted and valued member of any community. The Dog, however, is handicapped by conservatism, tolerating consid- erable hardship and inconvenience rather than choosing to make major changes. When circumstances force the issue, it takes a long time to adjust, no matter how improved conditions may be, and nothing is really ever as good as it was "in the old days". Intensely defensive where friends and family are concerned, the Dog will not stand by while others are maligned: but sometimes a refusal to listen to warnings regarding the behaviour of children or other loved-ones can lead to severe domestic problems. The Dog has a sympathetic ear for other people's woes and is always ready with a shoulder to cry on. Rare displays of violent anger are almost always justified; but wrongs are quickly forgotten, and resentment only borne against those outside the intimate circle of family and friends. Very active and liking sports of all kinds, the Dog can always be relied on to join in at social events, especially if these are outdoors. This can, however, lead to friction at home unless the partner is particularly understanding of the Dog's eagerness to mix.  THE PIG PERSONALITY The last of the twelve astrological animals, the Pig is the symbol of conclusion and completion, too. Accordingly, the Pig's ambitions are concerned not so much with career, but the benefits which come at the end of it. While the Dog (the Pig's complementary sign) remi- nisces, the Pig looks forward to retirement. Much more pleasant creatures than the Western use of the term would perhaps suggest, Pigs are home-lovers whose prime concern is the family. They are particularly natural beings, shunning displays or pretence, and enjoying company and jollity generally. Caring and industrious, Pigs are far from lazy; and their homes will bear ample evidence of an aptitude for carpentry, needlework, and other domestic skills. In business, too, Pigs are the finishers, the ones who put the last necessary touches to a project, and in this respect they may become extremely successful financially. On the debit side, they are naive and trusting, falling easy prey to the confidence trickster. Pig personalities who opt for a career, as distinct from a job, enjoy such caring professions as nursing or counselling. Otherwise the Pig's genuine concern for others will become apparent through voluntary work and, locally, the Pig will almost certainly be known as a good neighbour. Hard-working, hospitable and trusting, the Pig gets on well with most people, generally possessing a large and varied collection of friends. Inevitably some will take advantage; but though this may cause distress, the Pig will not wallow in self-pity nor harbour grudges. 12 MING SHU: The Art Of Chinese Astrology F2 - ELEMENTS OF PERSONALITY You may have noticed the Four Pillars in the top left hand corner of your monitor. Your birthday is represented (reading from left to right: Hour, Day, Month & Year) in a special form consisting of a STEM (numbered from 1 to 10) and a BRANCH (numerals from I to XII). To each of these STEM/BRANCH combinations (there are sixty alto- gether) are attached three Elements. Since there are five different Elements and the total number of occurrences in the chart is twelve, the Elements can never be equally represented. Ratings of two or three, however, are ideal, as an even proportion of the Five Elements indicates a well-balanced and fruitful life. When there is a rating of two, it is usual for some other Element to have a very high, positive rating. Such imbalances can be countered, however, by striving to develop the recessive qualities of one's character. A rating of four shows where strengths lie, and where success is likely to be found. If a rating is above four, care must be taken not to allow this elemental quality to become overbearing. If not channelled correctly, this potential strength could turn into obsession, unyielding ambition or self-indulgence. WOOD represents the creative and caring side of the personality. It is concerned with well-being, as well as love and family matters. FIRE symbolises intelligence and enthusiasm, and is concerned with decision making. EARTH reveals practicality and reliability. It also signals the ability to pursue a project to its conclusion as well as being a sign of a good physical constitution. METAL represents both money and conflicts, showing competitiveness and business acumen. It concerns financial security. WATER symbolises communication, whether in words, writing, or travelling. It may also indicate legal matters. F3 & F4 - THE LIFE CYCLE CHART According to Chinese astrology, the life span is divided into twelve distinct phases (from conception to burial) known as the "Life-Cycle Palaces". These represent significant stages in life and career, and are as follows:- VIII Conception XII Adolescence IV Retirement IX Babyhood I Kuan Tai V Decline X Infancy II Adulthood VI Final Years XI Childhood III Maturity VII Burial NB Kuan Tai (Matriculation) is considered to be the zenith of the chart, and occurs roughly at the age of twenty-one. The varying importance of the twelve stages in life depends on the impact of Five Forces known as Fate, Seal, Official, Wealth, and Opportunity. The Four Pillars dictate which Forces are assigned to each of the stages, and a display of your actual "Life-Cycle Chart" can be obtained by pressing "F3". MING SHU: The Art of Chinese Astrology 13 Each Force reaches a zenith at different times in life (represented by the boxes on a "Life-Cycle Chart") but will actually have some effect on more than one of the twelve phases. To determine the relevance of these Forces, two factors must be considered: 1. The rating of the associated Element will indicate how strong the actual Force is. (If the rating is one, or zero, then it can be virtually ignored). 2. The nature of the Element also gives an indication of the manner in which the Force can be expected to materialise. A computer can't really interpret these influences (as with most 'esoteric' subjects intuition plays a major part) but by pressing "F4" you should get a breakdown following some simple rules which will prove to be remarkably accurate. Try these birth-dates: Elvis Presley 04.35 1st January 1935 Bruce Lee 07.30 27th November 1940 Margaret Thatcher 09.00 13th October 1925 Madonna 07.00 16th August 1958 Princess Anne 11.50 15th August 1958 (BST) The interpretations attempted by my program are presented in the following way:- IN RED- THE PERIOD OF LIFE CONCERNED IN YELLOW- Events possible during this period based on the positions of the FORCE and/or ELEMENT. IN BLUE- Influences of this ELEMENT on the whole of the Life Cycle. If you wish to go into the Life Cycle Chart in more depth please refer to my "recommended reading" list on the last page of this document. Now that Chinese Astrology has become popular there is a wealth of information to be found from various sources - but Derek Walters is one reliable authority in the Western World.  THE MEANINGS OF THE FIVE FORCES The Fate determines the relative positions of the other four Forces and is thus the key to the Life-Cycle Chart. It indicates the moment when the direction of life is settled: a stroke of fortune, or a tragedy, the scale and nature of the change being indicated by the rating of the associated Element. The Seal represents family and general happiness. At the end of life, it reveals a contented retirement without regrets. At the beginning, it compensates if other forces are weak; and, whenever it occurs, a strong Seal indicates good health and a happy family life. The Wealth represents riches and material rewards. If it appears around the "Kuan Tai" Palace and its associated Element has a high rating, then the querent is destined to become rich (please get in touch with the author!!). If the Wealth appears at "Conception", this suggests a prosperous start rather than a life in which money will be earned. Alternatively, an individual whose wealth is indicated at "Burial" could be destined to make money without being able to enjoy the benefits. 14 MING SHU: The Art Of Chinese Astrology Opportunity offers that unexpected chance which proverbially only knocks once. It differs from Fate in that is in no sense inevitable, but is entirely dependent on what is made of it. For this reason, it is obviously better for Opportunity to be present during early adulthood. If it appears in infancy, then this indicates the continua- tion of a strong family tradition; if at the end of life, the chance may be passed on to descendants. The Official is a rather more abstruse concept, a legacy from the days when China was ruled by the Mandarins and promotion to office depended on the 'Official' examinations. Today, however, it can be taken to meaning all things to do with public office, closely linked with success in examinations, or other 'establishment' spheres, such as politics. Coming at the zenith of the Life-Cycle, at the age of twenty-one, it indicates the promise of a particularly successful career. In infancy, it reveals a natural talent; or at the close of life, the promise of public recognition, or even honours. F5 - FORECAST FOR THE CURRENT YEAR It's all very well receiving an interpretation of your Life-Cycle Chart, but what has the immediate future got in store for you? How will your sign fair during the current year? Before loading the "Ming Shu" program you must ensure that the date has been set if you intend using this option. Those of you with internal clocks can simply open a Shell/CLI and type:- SetClock Load This is usually done for you in most WorkBench Startup-Sequences. The rest of you should use the Date command or Preferences tool (Check your Amiga manual for more details). Now, whenever you press "F5", the window will display the name of the current year's animal sign and a three or four line description of what to expect. You should also be told the first and last days for the Chinese New Year (providing the current year falls within the limits of the program). There is, of course, nothing stopping you from setting the date one year ahead and finding out what to expect in twelve months time! F6 - PRINT A MING SHU CHART IMPORTANT! You MUST ensure that your Printer is connected and turned on before using this option. If you intend doing any printing ensure you have the following files installed on your boot disk:- SYS:L/Port-Handler SYS:Devs/Printer.Device SYS:Devs/Parallel.Device SYS:Devs/Printers/Generic (Or appropriate Printer driver) All the necessary files should be included on most Workbench disks - just be cautious with PD compilations and magazine coverdisks. MING SHU: The Art of Chinese Astrology 15 If you choose this option by mistake, or realise you've forgotten to plug in your Printer, simply enter EXIT instead of the querent's name. You will then be free to select another option. The Charts are designed to be printed on A4 paper (or a maximum of 64 lines) using a font of 10 c.p.i. If you can change your printers default character set do not choose a larger or proportional font. For reference, you will be asked to enter the name of the person whose Ming Shu Chart you are constructing. This will be printed exactly as you enter it and can be anything you like (except anything beginning with the word exit - see above) and in any format you choose:- Bruce Lee - The Little Dragon PRESLEY, Elvis Aaron (US53310761) Mrs. Margaret Thatcher HRH The Princess Royal Squidgy etc... The charts, like the "Ming Shu" program, are Freeware so you can copy them, pass them around, throw them away, do whatever you like with them - except charge a fee (I'll allow you to recover ink and paper costs but that's it!). FINAL NOTES FROM THE AUTHOR If you should find any bugs or incorrect information please let me know. I must have made some mistakes typing in all the data, but I haven't got the time or inclination to double check everything. Please also get in touch if you can fill in any blank spaces (or point out any mistakes) on the British Summer Time table. Also, if you know of any other countries using a different Summer Time system and would be prepared to type it out, again, please contact me. I will do my best to include it in future releases of this manual. My address is in the ReadMe file on the disk and can usually be found in the s/Startup-sequence. I hope you find this program both interesting and useful. KEITH N. NICHOLSON pp. ManjiDo Productions 16 MING SHU: The Art Of Chinese Astrology FURTHER READING For more information on ancient Chinese astrology and horoscopes look for these titles in your local library or book shop: Chinese Astrology, Interpreting the Revelations of the Celestial Messengers............................................by Derek Walters Aquarian Press, Wellingborough (1987) The Chinese Astrology Workbook........................by Derek Walters Thorsons Publishing Group, (1988) Chinese Zodiac Signs...............................by Catherine Aubier Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. (1988) Ming Shu, The Art and Practice of Chinese Astrology...by Derek Walters Pagoda Books (1987) Also, keep your eyes open for "Zodiac: You, Your Stars and the Mystic Arts", a Marshall Cavendish part work. It's a few years old now (they may be repeating it soon) but you can usually find it at Car Boot/Jumble sales. MING SHU: The Art of Chinese Astrology 17