What Is the Following & Transforming Structure?
The Following & Transforming Structure (Cong Ge Jin) is one of the five Specialized Prosperity structures, classified as a Special Structure (Wai Ge). "Following & Transforming" comes from the Book of Documents — "Metal is for following and transforming" — Metal can be cast into various shapes, symbolizing reform and executive power.
Conditions for formation:
- The Day Master is Geng Metal or Xin Metal
- The chart's Earthly Branches form the Si-You-Chou Three Metal Union, or the Shen-You-Xu western Gathering, with extremely strong Metal energy
- No Bing or Ding Fire in the Heavenly Stems to control Metal (or Fire is present but extremely weak)
- No Yin or Wu Fire in the Branches, or Fire is present but has been transformed through combination
Favorable and Unfavorable Elements for Following & Transforming
| Element | Reason | |
|---|---|---|
| Favorable | Metal | Strengthens the dominant energy |
| Favorable | Earth | Earth generates Metal, follows the momentum |
| Favorable | Water | Metal generates Water, channels excess (elegant energy flows) |
| Unfavorable | Fire | Controls Metal, against the momentum — breaks the structure |
| Unfavorable | Wood | Metal controls Wood, but excessive Wood drains Metal energy (varies by situation) |
Personality Traits
Those with the Following & Transforming Structure typically:
- Are decisive and resolute with strong executive ability, as Metal governs righteousness
- Value rules and principles, and do not compromise easily
- Have natural talent in military/police, law, finance (metal industries), and surgery
- Possess leadership ability, but may be overly domineering
Luck Cycles and Annual Luck
For the Following & Transforming Structure, Metal, Earth, and Water cycles are favorable and bring smooth career progress. Fire cycles are unfavorable and break the structure, indicating accidents, surgery, or dramatic ups and downs.
Important Notes
The Following & Transforming Structure requires extremely strong Metal energy with no forceful Fire control. If the Metal Bureau is broken through by Fire clashes (e.g., Zi-Wu Clash or Si-Hai Clash affecting the union), the structure may not hold and requires careful judgment.