What Are the Seven Killings?
The Seven Killings (Qi Sha), also called the "Secondary Officer" (Pian Guan), is one of the Ten Gods, referring to the Heavenly Stem that controls the Day Master (what controls "Me") and shares the same yin-yang polarity. The name "Seven Killings" comes from the ancient ordering of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches — the Day Master and the Seven Killings stem are seven positions apart, hence "Seven Killings."
For example: For a Jia Wood (Yang Wood) Day Master, Geng Metal (Yang Metal) is the Seven Killings (Metal controls Wood; Jia Yang and Geng Yang, both Yang stems, same yin-yang, 7 positions apart — hence Seven Killings, also called the Secondary Officer).
Personality Archetype
The Seven Killings are the person who throws you into the deep end. They will not first teach you how to swim — they believe that after you choke on a few mouthfuls of water, you will naturally figure it out. Their methods are rough, merciless, and make you grind your teeth in resentment. Yet years later, you realize that the skills they forced out of you are exactly what saved your life in a real crisis.
The fundamental philosophy of the Seven Killings is that "pressure drives evolution." They are not bad people; they simply do not believe that gentle words can forge true strength. Thus, Seven Killings individuals often carry an awe-inspiring presence — they are not "managing" but "commanding." They can take the most fortified city with the fewest troops. The challenge of the Seven Killings is this: they are solitary generals, not governing ministers. The battlefield suits them; the minutiae and compromises of daily management are, paradoxically, their weakness.
Symbolic Meanings of the Seven Killings
- Six Relations (male chart): Son (some schools), superiors, competitors
- Six Relations (female chart): Husband (lover, secondary spouse)
- Temperament (when Seven Killings is strong): Resolute and decisive, bold, willing to take risks, but may also be impatient and domineering
- Industries: Military and police, law enforcement, competitive sports, high-risk industries, and other fields requiring boldness and executive power
Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Seven Killings
The Seven Killings are a double-edged sword: when controlled, they confer nobility; when uncontrolled, they bring calamity.
- Controlled (Output God controls Sha): The Output God (Shi Shen) or Hurting Officer (Shang Guan) restrains the Seven Killings, transforming pressure into motivation — the native has the ability to command authority and manage crises, indicating prestige and strong executive power.
- Controlled (Seal transforms Sha): Direct Seal (Zheng Yin) transforms the Seven Killings (Sha-Yin Mutual Generation), converting the Seven Killings' fierce force into wisdom and authority — indicates combined scholarly and authoritative presence.
- Uncontrolled: The Seven Killings directly assail the Day Master without restraint — excessive pressure, potentially indicating career obstacles, physical harm, and disputes.
Seven Killings Structure (Qi Sha Ge)
When the Hidden Stem of the Month Command is the Seven Killings and it appears on the Heavenly Stems, the Seven Killings Structure (also called Secondary Officer Structure) is taken. There are two primary applications:
- Output God Controls Sha: Strong Day Master with the Output God controlling the Seven Killings — indicates authority, fame, and leadership ability
- Sha-Yin Mutual Generation: Seven Killings generate Direct Seal, Direct Seal generates the Day Master — indicates both scholarly and authoritative excellence
Seven Killings and Female Chart Marriage
In female charts, the Seven Killings represent the secondary spouse (lover), while the Direct Officer represents the primary spouse. When the Seven Killings is strong and uncontrolled in the chart, romantic relationships may face many difficulties; when the Seven Killings are transformed by Seal, the husband is capable and can provide protection.
Differences Between Seven Killings and Direct Officer
| Feature | Seven Killings (Qi Sha) | Direct Officer (Zheng Guan) |
|---|---|---|
| Yin-Yang relationship | Controls Self, same yin-yang | Controls Self, different yin-yang |
| Force | Fiercer, more urgent | Gentler, more stable |
| Represents | Secondary spouse, competitive pressure | Primary spouse, rules and authority |
| Six Relations (female) | Secondary spouse (husband) | Primary spouse (husband) |