What Is Monthly Virtue?
Yue De (Monthly Virtue) is an auspicious Shen Sha in Bazi representing month-command-bestowed fortune, complementing Heavenly Virtue. Monthly Virtue is calculated from the birth month to determine the corresponding Heavenly Stem — those with Monthly Virtue in their chart have profound fortune, a kind nature, and can receive protection and resolution during life's difficulties.
Calculating Monthly Virtue
Calculate Monthly Virtue's Heavenly Stem using the birth month (lunar month):
| Month | Monthly Virtue Stem |
|---|---|
| 1st, 5th, 9th months (Yin, Wu, Xu) | Bing |
| 2nd, 6th, 10th months (Mao, Wei, Hai) | Jia |
| 3rd, 7th, 11th months (Chen, Shen, Zi) | Ren |
| 4th, 8th, 12th months (Si, You, Chou) | Geng |
Pattern: Yin-Wu-Xu months see Bing; Mao-Wei-Hai months see Jia; Chen-Shen-Zi months see Ren; Si-You-Chou months see Geng (Fire, Wood, Water, Metal — Yang stem cycle).
If the above corresponding Heavenly Stem appears among the four pillars' Heavenly Stems, the chart has Monthly Virtue.
Manifestations of Monthly Virtue
- Good character: The chart holder is typically kind-hearted with relatively good moral quality
- Noble protection: Protected by the month-command fortune deity, most dangers are resolved
- Enduring blessings: Not just temporary luck, but relatively sustained fortune
- Good social reputation: Easily gains others' trust and respect
When Heavenly Virtue and Monthly Virtue Appear Together
When a chart contains both Heavenly Virtue and Monthly Virtue, it is called "Heaven-Moon Twin Virtues" gathered together — an excellent fortune configuration. The chart holder has profound blessings and extremely strong disaster-resolution ability; even major misfortunes in life tend to find resolution.
Weakening of Monthly Virtue
If the Heavenly Stem where Monthly Virtue resides is transformed/combined or controlled, or falls into a rootless position, its protective power is relatively weakened, but overall it remains an auspicious star.
Practical Application
When the Monthly Virtue Heavenly Stem appears in the Luck Cycle or Annual Luck, it is a favorable time to seek benefactor assistance, resolve disputes, and handle legal conflicts.