What Is "Following the Flow" (Shun Shi)?
Following the Flow (Shun Shi) is an important concept in Bazi annual cycle analysis. It refers to a situation in which the Stem-Branch direction of the Luck Cycle and Annual Luck aligns with the natal chart's Favorable Gods -- the Favorable God (Xi Shen) or Useful God (Yong Shen) appearing in the cycles is strengthened, placing the chart owner in a state of smooth and unobstructed fortune. A Following the Flow period is the optimal time for bold action and proactive advancement in life.
Criteria for Identifying Following the Flow
| Condition | Significance |
|---|---|
| Luck Cycle is a Favorable/Useful God | Ten-year baseline is smooth |
| Annual Luck is a Favorable/Useful God | Many opportunities in that year |
| Luck Cycle + Annual Luck both Favorable | Strongest Following the Flow; a life peak |
| Cycles generate and assist the Useful God | Useful God receives additional power support |
Manifestations of Following the Flow
When the chart owner is in a Following the Flow period:
- Career: Promotion and salary increase, entrepreneurial success, favorable opportunities arriving in succession
- Wealth: Abundant financial inflows, smooth investments
- Relationships: Harmonious relationships, Peach Blossom (romantic luck) blooming, happy marriage
- Health: Robust energy, excellent mental and physical state
Strategic Advice for Following the Flow
During a Following the Flow period, Bazi principles recommend:
- Act proactively: Seize opportunities and advance boldly
- Expand your footprint: Suitable for investment, entrepreneurship, job-hopping, and promotion
- Advance relationships: If romantic intentions exist, pursue them actively
- Avoid excessive caution: Being overly conservative during a Following the Flow period risks missing key opportunities
Following the Flow and Chart Structure
For chart owners with a high-level structure (strong Useful God), the explosive force during a Following the Flow period is greater. For those with a lower-level structure, even when encountering Following the Flow, the scope of development is relatively limited -- the chart structure is the ceiling; Following the Flow is the driving force.
Following the Flow Does Not Mean Worry-Free
Although a Following the Flow period is generally favorable, the following should still be noted:
- An Unfavorable God may be activated in a certain month or day within the year, causing localized turbulence
- It is easy to become complacent during a Following the Flow period, which can ironically lead to mistakes