What Is Follow Weak (Cong Ruo)?
Cong Ruo (Follow Weak) is a special state within the Chart Strength system. It refers to a chart where the Day Master is extremely weak and rootless, completely unable to resist the strength of the prevailing deity (Wealth, Officer/Killing, or Output), and can only comply with it. The prevailing deity becomes the focus, and supporting the Day Master is no longer the primary goal.
Cong Ruo corresponds to the Following Structure system (Following Wealth Structure, Following Authority Structure, Following Output Structure, Following Power Structure, etc.), forming the strength/weakness foundation upon which Following Structures are established.
Criteria for Determining Follow Weak
- Extremely Weak and Rootless Day Master: The chart has no Peer root connections and no Seals generating the Day Master
- Extremely Strong Prevailing Deity: One of the Five Elements (Wealth, Officer, or Output) possesses extreme strength
- Completely Lost Shi: The Day Master has absolutely no same-element force supporting it anywhere in the chart
Useful God Direction for Follow Weak
The Useful Gods for Cong Ruo (Following Structure) follow the prevailing deity:
- Following Wealth Structure (Cong Cai): Favorable — Wealth, Output (generates Wealth), Officer/Killing (Wealth generates Officer); Unfavorable — Peers, Seals
- Following Authority Structure (Cong Sha): Favorable — Officer/Killing, Wealth (generates Killing); Unfavorable — Output (restrains Killing), Peers, Seals
- Following Output Structure (Cong Er): Favorable — Output, Wealth (Output generates Wealth); Unfavorable — Seals (restrain Output), Officer/Killing
Distinguishing Follow Weak from Weak Day Master
| Shen Ruo (Weak Day Master) | Cong Ruo (Follow Weak) | |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Day Master weak but has some foundation | Day Master extremely weak and rootless |
| Structure | Standard Structure; use Peers and Seals to support Day Master | Special Structure (Following); follow prevailing deity |
| Useful God Direction | Peers, Seals | Direction of prevailing deity (Wealth / Officer / Output) |
Consequences of Breaking a Follow Weak Structure
If a Follow Weak Structure encounters Peers or Seals during Luck Cycles or Annual Luck — which support and strengthen the weak Day Master, attempting to resist the prevailing deity — this is called "Structure Breakage" (Po Ge). When a Following Structure breaks, it typically portends major misfortune and dramatic fluctuations in destiny, because the originally compliant balance is shattered and the two forces collide against each other.