What Is Annual Luck?
Annual Luck (Liu Nian), also called "Tai Sui," is the method in Bazi analysis of projecting annual fortune using the current year's Stem-Branch (the Tai Sui). Each year has a fixed Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch (e.g., Jia-Zi year, Yi-Chou year). The Tai Sui Stem-Branch of that year enters the natal chart and interacts with it and the Luck Cycle through punishments, clashes, unions, harms, and other relationships, producing the specific events of that year.
Relationship Between Annual Luck and the Luck Cycle
| Level | Scope of Influence | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Luck Cycle | 10-year tone | Background canvas, sets the direction |
| Annual Luck | 1-year specifics | Trigger, determines the timing |
The Luck Cycle is the broad backdrop; Annual Luck is the fuse that ignites events. Good Luck Cycle + Good Annual Luck is the optimal combination. Poor Luck Cycle + Good Annual Luck still struggles to fully express. Good Luck Cycle + Poor Annual Luck brings minor setbacks but overall stability.
The Stem-Branch Structure of Annual Luck
Annual Luck operates through both the Heavenly Stem and the Earthly Branch:
- Heavenly Stem: Influences intangible matters -- thoughts, opportunities, interpersonal relationships
- Earthly Branch: Influences tangible matters -- events, finances, relationship changes
The Special Status of Tai Sui
Tai Sui (the Annual Luck Earthly Branch) holds a special position:
- Chart clashes Tai Sui (a natal Branch clashes the year's Annual Luck Branch): This year often brings major changes; exercise caution regarding safety.
- Tai Sui clashes the chart: Similarly triggers changes, but initiated from the outside.
- Meeting Tai Sui (one's zodiac year): The year matching one's birth zodiac animal actually indicates difficulty, anciently called "offending Tai Sui in one's zodiac year."
Judging Favorable and Unfavorable Annual Luck
If the Annual Luck Stem-Branch is the chart's Favorable God:
- Opportunities increase that year; career and relationships proceed smoothly.
If the Annual Luck Stem-Branch is the chart's Unfavorable God:
- Obstacles increase that year; one should be conservative and cautious.
Annual Luck and Six Relation Events
Through the Ten Gods corresponding to the Annual Luck Stem-Branch, one can determine which aspect of life (wealth, career, resource, etc.) sees activity:
- Annual Luck brings the Wealth Star: financial change
- Annual Luck brings the Officer Star: work/power change
- Annual Luck brings Peach Blossom: romantic developments