The universe around us is energy which we have an effect on and which we are effected by, for the main constitute of everything around us is the atom which we consider as energy.

Such energy and knowledge was never neglected by the east. The great eastern scientists had studied the effect of plants, stars and their positions around us. The fruits of  their efforts, which lasted for for thousands of years was a great science called nine star ki which helped us in better understanding our personalities, tendencies, feelings, weak and strong organs in our bodies and the best food to strengthen those weak organs. 

Macrobiotics and Nine Star Ki 

Macrobiotics and Nine Star Ki are twins. Nine star ki is the guide to Love relationships, Health and Work.

By studying the energy sent from the Universe to Us, It'll be easy to understand the main features of the Personality. 

The Scientists of the East had noticed that there are 9 cycles in the atmosphere, these nine cycles are repeated every 9 days, 9 months and 9 years. Although some Planets as far from Earth as Nipton, Oranose, Pluto were discovered recently, they were well known to the East Scientists Before that and they put Nine Star Ki in relation to the nine Planets in our Solar System. 

According to Nine Star Ki we have three Stars allocated to our date of birth.
The first two Stars are Time related and extracted from your year and month of birth. The third Star is related to the direction your first Number is found in your birth chart of the Luo Shu.

Originally, the third Star was also Time related as it depicted the Qi of the day of birth.

Although its full developments are still fairly obscure, what we know is that Nine Star Ki originates from ancient Chinese astrology systems. In turn Chinese astrology systems originated from Mesapotamia and Sumer.

It is sometimes called Japanese Astrology since in 1924 Shinjiro Sonoda simplified its technique. Simplified does not mean less accurate.
Nine Star Ki is called Jiu Xin in Chinese and Kyu Sei Ki in Japanese. It is the study and application of 9 Stars.

Nine Star Ki is much more than astrology, as its astrological implications are connected to astronomical realities (precession cycle) and our biological-physiological condition and health, as this discourse will show.

We use Nine Star Ki for:

No-one can say for sure where the 9 Stars originated from. Origins are hidden in obscure stories telling us of tortoise shells having emerged from rivers, with distinct patterns of white and black dots on them. Of course this can only lead to mystification of systems like Nine Star Ki and Xuan Kong Feng Shui, that both extensively use the 9 Stars.

The ancients where far from hippies and we can rest assured that they did not come up with some alternative ideas of how our cosmos functions. The ancient masters where sages with specific knowledge of mathematics, physics, asterisms, sun physics, definite astronomical realities and geomagnetism and they possessed deep insight into many other exact sciences.

Mostly, the 9 Stars are said to have been subtracted from the Big Dipper (Bei Dou), but no-one will be able to convincingly tell us where the 9 Stars originated from. For the purpose of this discourse we will say that the 9 Stars are associated with the Stars in the Big Dipper.

Seven out of nine stars are located in the Big Dipper itself, two of them are called Assistant Stars and many light years away.

Although 9 Stars uses Numbers, Nine Star Ki and Xuan Kong Feng Shui are far from numerological systems. Numbers show quality, rather than quantity.

Numbers used are to codify Universal Qi in its ever changing dynamic of waxing and waning. Stars are further associated with the trigrams we find in the Yi Jing (Book of Changes).

The Big Dipper

Each year, month and day breaths a specific Qi, governed by either of these 9 Stars and your personal Nine Star Ki energy map gives you three Numbers, e.g. 9.4.1.

After getting you through some basic tables, we will show you your basic characteristics and how to do some basic divination using the Magic Square.

Please note that Nine Star Ki is a Japanese system that, except in the case of 5 Earth, does not distinguish between Numbers for men and women.

Here, the system strictly differs from the Chinese Ming Gua system typically used in Xuan Kong Feng Shui. The Ming Gua system distinguishes and differentiates between men and women. In the Ming Gua system, only during a 3 Wood year will men and women have the same first Number.

Both systems use the Chinese solar calendar and agree that a year starts at either 4 or 5 February of a year, right through 3 or 4 February of the following year. If your birth falls in the Gregorian period of 1 January to 4 February, you are considered as having been born in the previous year.

Finding your first Number

Before we show you a simple equation, you may use this table to find your first Number.
 

Finding your second Number

After you found your first Number, use this table to find your second Number. This Number comes from your month of birth.

Calculating first Numbers for men, women and years in Nine Star Ki

Both men and women calculate their first (annual) Nine Star Ki Number, or the Number of any year AD for that matter, using the following equation:

Add all four Numbers of the year concerned, reduce to 1 digit and deduct result from 11. Examples:

If the outcome is 5, then men adopt Number 2 and women adopt Number 8. The system is based on Trigrams from the Yi Jing (I Ching or Book of Changes). Number 5 belongs to the center and does not have a Trigram.

However, in addition to the adopted Numbers, both men and women also stick to the Number 5 to find Nine Star Ki character and emotions of 5 Earth that – although 5 has no trigram allocated to it - are quite specific indeed.

Women Numbers in Chinese Gua System

Women use another calculation. The resulting Number is called Gua, but used for Feng Shui purposes only, not for Nine Star Ki.

Note that women use this for applications of compatibility and directionology in Chinese Feng Shui, but still refer back to their Numbers given by the ‘male’ equation for Nine Star Ki purposes.

This may be confusing at first, but you will find that using female Gua for Nine Star Ki purposes – description of character and in applying directionology - is highly inaccurate.

There has been so much interest in both Feng Shui and Nine Star Ki in recent years, that you may wonder why you are a certain Number in one system and another Number in yet another system. Let us not add to the confusion and give you the equation used for women in Ming Gua.

Note that women use this for applications of compatibility in Chinese Feng Shui, but still refer back to their Numbers given by the ‘male’ equation for Nine Star Ki purposes.

Again, add all Numbers of the year concerned, reduce to 1 digit and add 4.

If the outcome is 5, then men adopt Number 2 and women adopt Number 8.
The system is based on trigrams. Number 5 belongs to the center and does not have a trigram.

Here is a much easier list to find Numbers for years, males and females. Note that the male cycle is yang – descending – and the female cycle is yin – ascending – and that both cycles coincide at 3 Wood.

Each of the 9 Stars is allocated an organ.

As believed in Traditional Chinese Medicine ‘organs produce emotions’.

Therefore, an organ demonstrating good Qi flow will produce certain positive characteristics and temperament. When Qi flow in an organ is affected, there will be a tendency towards some of the negative characteristics associated with that organ.

Given your time of birth, certain organs will be your stronger ones.

When in sound health, your body organs and functions will tend to produce favourable emotions.
When Qi in organs stagnates or becomes deficient, tendency may be more towards unfavourable emotions.

First check emotions belonging to your fist and second number. Also check emotions produced by your other organs.

5 Soil women may also refer to 8 Soil emotions; if you are a 5 Soil man, also refer to 2 Soil emotions. These are Nine Star Ki Numbers, not Ming Gua.
 

Fortunate      Fluent, independent, intuitive, concentrating, diplomatic, adaptable, cool, serious, careful, insightful, social, self-protective, industrious, patient, hardworking, intimate, self-conscious, courage, willful, self-assertive, confident, inspired, serene, reflective.

Unfortunate  Stagnant, contemptuous, manipulative, stubborn, obstinate, unadaptable, tenacious, worrisome, disdainful, overbearing, insecure, fear, victim, defensive, paranoid, solitude, loneliness, overconfident, isolation
 

Fortunate      Steady, solid, delicate, serving, caring, sacrificing, dependent, diligent, maternal, accurate, supportive, feminine, shrewd, conservative, nourishing, observing, provincial, dedicated, devotion, systematic, detail-minded, social, sympathy, understanding, compassionate, receptive, methodical

Unfortunate  Dependant, meticulous, provincial, conservative, envious, irritated, suspicious, egotistical, cynical, sceptical, jealous, shrewd, irritable, stubborn, discriminating, cool, doubtful, fastidious
 

Fortunate      Patience, flexible, tolerant, susceptible, stamina, insightful, outgoing, accessible, active, optimistic, progressive, creative, advancing, frank, straightforward, growing, intensive, passionate, development, intense, sensitive, talkative, passionate, extrovert, uncomplicated

Unfortunate  Explosive, inflexible, intolerable, brash, frank, bold faced, aggressive, impatient, rash, hasty, self-pity, upset, alienating, prejudice, preoccupied
 

Fortunate      Tender, confident, controlled, reputable, prudent, adaptable, liberal, flexible, compassionate, smooth mannered, emotional, harmonious, open, creative, social, affectionate

Unfortunate  Impulsive, stubborn, evasive, calculating, uncontrolled, changeable, unadaptable, reckless, hypersensitive, moody, inflexible, scattered, self-centered, impractical, manipulative, meticulous, indecisive
 

Fortunate      Independent, strong, self assertive, constructive, controlling, indomitable, proud, persistent, humane, determined, resolute, talented

Unfortunate  Haughty, egoistic, bold, destructive, late maturing, stubborn, destructive, forceful, irritated, aggressive, self indulgent, calculating, unadaptable
 

Fortunate      Complete, holistic, leadership, will power, organized, stylish, judicious, loyal, faithful, prudent, perfectionist, magnanimous, dignified, perseverance, convinced, trustworthy, proud, rational, ethical, determined, merciful, nobility, considerate

Unfortunate  Depressive, non sociable, controlling, stubborn, opinionated, sadness, complaining, hurt, melancholy, stubborn, rigidity, sentimental, defensive, calculating, offensive, moralist, inconsiderate, tenacious, insecure, merciless, uncompromising
 

Fortunate      Easy going, joyful, happiness, social, flexible, talkative, energetic, sensitive, passionate, polished, entertaining, indulgent, resourceful, expressive, persuasive, uncomplicated, optimistic

Unfortunate  stubborn, stormy, egoistic, extravagant, hyper sensitive, haughty, nervous, complicated, calculating, shy, wanton, over indulged, spoiled, self-centered
 

Fortunate      Seeking, striving, persistent, sympathy, wealthy, abundant, fortunate, saving minded, energetic, adventurous, tenacious, willful, curious, revolutionary, self motivating, ambitious

Unfortunate  Suspicious, antipathy, jealous, haughty, scepticism, opinionated, stagnated, self indulgent, avaricious, greedy, possessive, obstinate, straightforward, pretentious
 

Fortunate      Calm, proud, foresightful, honourable, intelligent, successful, generous, charismatic, enlightened, brightness, smooth, holistic, embracing, tasteful, stardom, medium, hospitable, fullness, intuitive, proud, enlightened, impulsive, vain, distinguished, colourful

Unfortunate  Stormy, self concerned, impulsive, vain, fickle, hyper nervous, flamboyant, stormy, silent, over emotional, inconsiderate, repetitive, superiority, self concerned

Each of the 9 Stars is linked to one of the Five Transformation phases. Do not look upon the Five Transformations in a static way. Also, Qi can be never classified as to exclusively ‘belong’ to a certain season, direction, organ.

Don’t look upon the Five Transformation as real objects.

Apart from the fact that there is no way of course in which we can divide One Qi into yet smaller ‘segments’, Qi cannot be quantified.

In our Nine Star Ki and Xuan Kong Feng Shui studies we follow Qi in its endless process of waxing and waning. In observing Qi in this process – and following Qi through the months of a year - we learn how to distinguish between Qi that is in its phase of waxing and Qi that is in its phase of waning, but Qi can never be classified as to exclusively belong to a certain season, direction, organ.

Yet, if you are a 9 Fire, you will probably feel strengthened by another 9 Fire person or feel strengthened in a 9 Fire Year.

As a 9 Fire, you may feel supported by a Wood person or the Wood months and you may feel controlled by a Water person, or you may feel constrained in Water years and months.

Keep in mind however that these typologies are relative and often cause for rather simplistic and rigid applications, where we do not also understand that no-one is just ‘such and such Number’, without also carrying the seed of all other Numbers.

When you were born in a 9 Fire year, it means nothing more than that Fire energy was in its prime. It does not mean that Fire was the only Qi you took in with your first breath. All other energies were present in this 9 Fire year, in whatever waxing or waning phase.

Suppose you were born in the Metal months (August, September, October) of a 9 Fire year, then – apart from Fire energy being prevalent - surely Metal s was waxing as well during these months.

This article can but touch on the very basics, but for anyone interested in yet deeper studies, there is a dynamic world of Qi studies out there.

We cannot divide Qi into segments.

Whenever we do so, it is merely because we need to be able to ‘communicate Qi’ or we need to do some ‘pushing hands’ with Qi in its consecutive phases of waxing and waning, for instance in our work as a teacher or consultant. We need to apply the dynamics shown here in diagnosis and treatments in Nine Star Ki and Feng Shui.

We purposely left out the seasons in the following diagram.

Mostly the Five Transformations are explained using seasons for the Northern Hemisphere. However, we cannot say that Wood is Spring, Fire is Summer, because the seasons are reversed on the Southern Hemisphere.

Instead, we show the months linked to the Five Transformations as the Five Elements were originally linked to the solar months of a year. If we then say that Wood governs and is the most prevalent Qi in February, March and April, this is true for both the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere, regardless of season or climactic considerations. No alterations should be allowed in the Luo Shu for either Hemisphere, for reason that the Luo Shu is not based on the seasons, but rather on Universal Qi – true for the entire globe – and on the earth orbit around the sun.

Also, we cannot say Qi is the Heart or Qi is the Bladder. We can only say Qi governs these organs.

The circle shows any system enclosed in itself, be it our cosmos, our solar year, our physical bodies, but it never fixes Qi in certain phases, seasons or directions.

April, July, October and January – although linked to their seasons – also belong to the Earth phase.

Follow the circle clockwise to find the Supporting Cycle

Application: you are 6 Metal and are supported by a 2 Earth year.
Follow the five star clockwise to find the Controling Cycle

Application: you are 6 Metal and are controlled a 9 Fire year.

Follow the circle anti-clockwise to find the Weakening Cycle

Application: you are 6 Metal and are weakened by Water energy.

Follow the five star anti-clockwise to find the Damaging Cycle

Application: you are 6 Metal and are damaged by Wood.

Sibling cycle

Last but not least the Elements can strengthen each other. Metal strengthens Metal, Fire strengthens Fire.. etc.

Exploring the 9 Magic Squares

Now that you know that you have three Numbers and you know that each Number is allocated to one of the Five Transformations, let us explore the system a bit more and introduce the Luo Shu, or Magic Square.
 

If your Numbers are 9.4.1 – and looking only at the first and second Numbers – you can see you were born in a year of Fire (9) and a month of Wood (4).

You can also see that both these Numbers are Yin, female.

Wood and Fire are in harmony as Wood engenders Fire.

If you Numbers are 6.3.8, your first and second Numbers are in the controlling cycle, because 6 Metal controls 3 Wood.

Each Number can be placed in the center of a nine sector Magic Square. From there, the central Number governs the other Stars and decides how they fly through a fixed pattern in the Luo Shu.

Because Nine Star Ki covers a cycle of Nine years, it follows that each year has its own distinct Magic Square, giving nine squares total.

The cycle of nine years revolves around the basic Luo Shu, or Magic Square, showing Number 5 in the center.

Once you know your three personal Numbers, you can locate them in their fixed Houses, using this basic Magic Square of 5 Earth.

If you know your Nine Star Ki Numbers and you know how to construct the square, you can easily see what Qi is affecting you for a day, month, or year.

Now you can forecast personal and global events.
This is great for planning of your do’s and don'ts and will help you to be at the right place at the right time, doing the right thing.

 

Basic Magic Square of 5 Earth (Luo Shu)                                                                

Let us first look at the basic Magic Square of Three. This square gives a basic sense of season and gives the location for your basic energy.

Referred to as the Luo Shu or Magic Square of Three, this diagram demonstrates the basic Magic Square used extensively in Nine Star Ki and Xuan Kong Feng Shui.

Here is the Five Transformation cycle we saw before, this time with the Stars around its perimeter and showing its waxing and waning function through the Solstices.

Just take the Numbers shown in this diagram and position them in the Magic Square.

Each year another Number flies to the center of the Magic Square, producing nine squares. However, the square shown here is the basic square and it has the Number 5 in the center.

If your Number is 9 Fire, then the 9 Fire House shown here is your basic House, or the House where 9 Fire Qi resides.

Equinox

There are several important things to note in the diagram of the Luo Shu:

- South is always at the top.

- The basic square (of 9 squares total) always displays 5 in the center.

- The Numbers progress or "fly" in a constant order:

center – northwest – west – northeast – south – north – southwest – east – southeast.

The sections are referred to as Houses. The central House is termed the House of Five or 5 House, regardless what other Number actually occupies this House for a year, month or day. The Northwest House is termed the House of Six or 6 Metal House, regardless what other Number actually occupies this House for a given time.

Regardless of the Numbers which appear in the Houses as the Numbers fly, the Elements, Numbers and directions shown here and names of the Houses are fixed.

Here are all nine squares.

One way of looking at it is, that the 5 Earth square (shown here as the central square) positions the Number 5 in the center and shows its directional influences using Numbers.

Staying with the 5 Earth square we can then select any given Number and again realize this Number became the center of yet another dynamic directional influence and for this reason we give it a separate square.

For instance, if we looked at the Number 4 in the 5 Earth square, it is in the southeast.

But, Number 4 in itself being in the southeast will have an environment of its own and to show this environment, we create the 4 Wood square shown at the top left.

To the left the Luo Shu showing the Stars for 2001.
To the right the basic Luo Shu of 5.

The year 2001 is an 8 Earth year, with Number 8 flying to the central House.

Counting up from 8 in the center, the other Stars need to fly according to the formula previously described: 9 goes to Northwest, 1 to West, 2 to Northeast, etc.

In this example 8 is in the 5 Earth House: 9 is in the 6 Metal House and so forth.

The Number 9 relates to Fire, but the Northwest (6 Metal House) always remains Metal in nature. So, in 2001, Fire (9) combines with Metal (6) in the Northwest.

The Number 1 relates to Water, but the West (7 Metal House) always remains Metal in nature. So, in 2001, Water combines with Metal in the West.

Here we have the basic Luo Shu acting as Host, to the Annual square that is acting as Guest, or the annual Star visiting the basic Luo Shu Star.

This means that regardless of what Numbers occupy the Houses in different years, months or days, we must always refer back to the basic Luo Shu.

In the year 2001, Number 3 Wood occupies the South, so it is in the 9 Fire House. However 3 is still Wood, so here we have 3 Wood over Fire.

After we positioned the annual Stars over the Luo Shu, we can add the month Stars.

This is the Luo Shu showing an 8 Earth Month in an 8 Earth year.

Monthly Stars are shown slightly above and to the right of the annual Numbers.

Now going by the annual square as our reference, we may say: ‘monthly 1 visits annual 1 in the 7 Metal House’, or just say: ‘1 visits 1’ because the 7 Metal House is obvious here.

Luo Shu for a day

This is the Luo Shu showing an 8 Earth day in an 8 Earth Month in an 8 Earth year.