What Is "Against the Flow" (Ni Shi)?
Against the Flow (Ni Shi) is the counterpart to Following the Flow (Shun Shi). It refers to a situation in which the Stem-Branch direction of the Luck Cycle and Annual Luck aligns with the natal chart's Unfavorable Gods (Ji Shen) -- the Unfavorable Gods appearing in the annual cycles are strengthened, restraining the Useful God (Yong Shen) and placing the chart owner in a state of obstructed fortune. An Against the Flow period is a time for prudence, stability, and avoiding risk.
Criteria for Identifying Against the Flow
| Condition | Significance |
|---|---|
| Luck Cycle is an Unfavorable God | Ten-year baseline is obstructed |
| Annual Luck is an Unfavorable God | Many hindrances in that year |
| Luck Cycle + Annual Luck both Unfavorable | Strongest Against the Flow; a life low point |
| Cycles restrain the Useful God | Useful God is suppressed; Favorable God weakened |
Manifestations of Against the Flow
When the chart owner is in an Against the Flow period:
- Career: Promotions blocked, work difficulties, surrounded by adversaries
- Wealth: Financial loss, failed investments, reduced income
- Relationships: Relationship turmoil, arguments, separation
- Health: Declining physical energy; health concerns require attention
Strategic Advice for Against the Flow
During an Against the Flow period, Bazi principles recommend:
- Be prudent and steady: Avoid large investments and risky behavior
- Accumulate strength: Build up resources quietly while waiting for the Following the Flow period to arrive
- Avoid conflict: Minimize disputes with others
- Attend to health: Physical energy drains faster during Against the Flow; prioritize wellness
Against the Flow and Chart Structure
For chart owners with a high-level structure, the impact of an Against the Flow period is relatively manageable -- the higher the chart structure, the stronger the resilience against adverse cycles. For those with a lower-level structure encountering a strong Against the Flow, the effects are more pronounced.
Against the Flow Does Not Mean Hopelessness
An Against the Flow period is not entirely devoid of positive developments -- even within this broader framework:
- Certain months may experience localized Following the Flow (the Useful God is activated in that month)
- Against the Flow is a period of adjustment, a process of accumulating energy for the next Following the Flow cycle
- Responding correctly to Against the Flow minimizes losses and prepares for the next Following the Flow breakthrough