Hidden Noble and Hidden Fortune (夹贵夹禄) — BaZi Special Pattern

In the system of BaZi patterns, there is a special structure known as the "Hidden Pattern" (暗格), which shares a similar principle with the "Arch Noble and Arch Fortune" (拱禄拱贵). This pattern is called Hidden Noble and Hidden Fortune (夹贵夹禄). The term "hidden" vividly describes how two Earthly Branches in the birth chart act like a pair of tongs, concealing a third branch that does not actually appear in the chart. Here, "Noble" refers to the Heavenly Noble (天乙贵人), and "Fortune" refers to the Day Master's own Official (临官) position. The subtlety of this pattern lies in its clever design of "concealing substance within emptiness," secretly bringing powerful noble support or a deep foundation of fortune to the native. It is generally considered a sign of nobility.

How to Identify This Pattern

The determination of this pattern is entirely based on the Earthly Branches of the Four Pillars. If there are two branches in the chart that are exactly one position apart, thus logically "concealing" the missing branch between them, and this concealed branch happens to be the Heavenly Noble or the Official position of the Day Master, then this pattern is formed.

The specific identification methods can be categorized into two types:

• Hidden Fortune Pattern (夹禄格) (Concealing the Fortune position):

  • Jia Day Master: Earthly Branches see "Chou" and "Mao", concealing "Yin" (Jia's Fortune).
  • Yi Day Master: Earthly Branches see "Yin" and "Chen", concealing "Mao" (Yi's Fortune).
  • Geng Day Master: Earthly Branches see "Wei" and "You", concealing "Shen" (Geng's Fortune).
  • Xin Day Master: Earthly Branches see "Shen" and "Xu", concealing "You" (Xin's Fortune).
  • Ren Day Master: Earthly Branches see "Xu" and "Zi", concealing "Hai" (Ren's Fortune).
  • Gui Day Master: Earthly Branches see "Hai" and "Chou", concealing "Zi" (Gui's Fortune).
  • Bing and Wu Day Masters: Earthly Branches see "Si" and "Wei", concealing "Wu" (Blade for Bing, Blade and Seal for Wu).
  • Ding and Ji Day Masters: Earthly Branches see "Si" and "Wei", concealing "Wu" (Ding and Ji's Fortune).

• Hidden Noble Pattern (夹贵格) (Concealing the Heavenly Noble):

  • Jia, Wu, and Geng Day Masters: Earthly Branches see "Zi" and "Yin", concealing "Chou" (Noble).
  • Bing and Ding Day Masters: Earthly Branches see "Shen" and "Xu", concealing "You" (Noble).
  • Ren and Gui Day Masters: Earthly Branches see "Chen" and "Wu", concealing "Si" (Noble).
  • (Other Day Masters can be deduced according to the Heavenly Noble table.)

Core Condition for Pattern Formation: The concealed "Fortune" or "Noble" character must absolutely not appear in the original birth chart or in subsequent Luck Cycles (大运) or Annual Cycles (流年). If it does, it is called "filling in" (填实), and the pattern turns unfavorable. At the same time, the two branches acting as the "tongs" should not fall into Void (空亡) or be severely damaged by Punishment (刑) or Clash (冲).

Symbolic Meaning of the Pattern

People with the Hidden Noble and Hidden Fortune pattern in their charts often have a hidden, powerful blessing and support system in their lives.

• Hidden Fortune: Symbolizes that the native possesses an invisible, stable personal foundation and backing. Those with this pattern are usually steady in their actions, have inner certainty, and can often tap into inner strength in times of crisis, turning danger into safety.
• Hidden Noble: Symbolizes that the native always has unassuming "invisible" nobles who lend a hand at critical moments. Their life opportunities are often facilitated by others' casual introductions or help, allowing them to be promoted and advance without even realizing it.

Therefore, the actual blessings and achievements of people with this pattern often exceed what their BaZi chart superficially indicates. They can be said to have "hidden blessings" accompanying them.

Key Points of Favor and Disfavor for the Pattern

• Favorable Conditions:

  1. The Pattern Must Be "Empty": This is the first principle for pattern formation. The concealed "Fortune" or "Noble" must be in a state of emptiness for its power to be skillfully borrowed.
  2. The "Tongs" Must Be "Stable": The two branches acting as the "tongs" need a stable foundation in the chart, free from Punishment or Clash, to securely "hold" that noble energy.
  3. The Day Master Must Be "Strong": The Day Master itself should ideally have a root or support, so it is better able to receive and utilize this hidden fortune.

• Unfavorable Situations:

  1. Avoid "Filling In": This is the primary taboo that breaks the pattern. Once the concealed "Fortune" or "Noble" character actually appears in the Four Pillars or in the Year/Luck Cycles, the empty pattern is filled, the auspicious signs immediately disappear, and it may instead bring misfortune.
  2. Avoid "Punishment or Clash of the Tongs": If the two foundational branches suffer Punishment or Clash, the holding power will dissipate, and the noble energy will also vanish.
  3. Avoid "Void": If the two concealing branches fall into Void, their power becomes floating and ineffective, unable to form a valid "holding" force, and the pattern naturally cannot be established.

Classical Text Discussion

"San Ming Tong Hui" (三命通会)

For a Jia person, obtaining Mao and Chou; for a Yi person, obtaining Yin and Chen; for a Bing or Wu person, obtaining Si and Wu; for a Ding or Ji person, obtaining Si and Wei; for a Geng person, obtaining Wei and You; for a Xin person, obtaining Shen and Xu; for a Ren person, obtaining Xu and Zi; for a Gui person, obtaining Hai and Chou — these are called "Hidden Fortune Villages" (夹禄乡). For a Ding, Ji, or Geng person obtaining Wei; for a Bing, Wu, or Yi person obtaining Chen; for a Jia or Gui person obtaining Chou; for a Xin or Ren person obtaining Xu — these are called "Hidden Fortune Nests" (夹禄窠). Between the two, the "Hidden Fortune Nest" is superior, and the "Hidden Fortune Village" is secondary. Fortune most likes to encounter its own tomb, called the "storehouse" (库), which implies collection and nurturing, and it avoids Void and Clash. However, if the native encounters a storehouse seal at birth, it indicates fortune and longevity. If they encounter a tomb seal in the Year or Luck Cycle, it may bring disaster. For Bing and Ding Day Masters, the nobles are Hai (Pig) and You (Rooster); (if the chart has Hai and You) Xu can be used to conceal, forming a "Hidden Noble." For Ren and Gui Day Masters, the nobles are Si (Snake) and Mao (Rabbit); (if the chart has Mao and Si) Chen can be used to conceal, forming a "Hidden Noble."

For example, if the storehouse seal is Fire (Day Master is Earth) and the Wealth star is Metal, but encountering Ren Chen (Water) to overcome Fire; or if the Wealth star is Earth (Day Master is Water) but seeing Wu Chen (Wood) to overcome Earth — this is called "encountering a ghost in the storehouse" (库中逢鬼), meaning that even if initial success is achieved, it will ultimately lead to failure. Furthermore, for Day Masters like Jia Wu Geng, Yi Ji Bing, Ding Ren Gui, and Liu Xin, if the Heavenly Stems of the Year, Month, Day, and Hour are sequentially connected without interruption, and the Earthly Branches do not necessarily have to be in the traditional noble positions (like Chou, Wei, Zi, Shen, You, Hai, Wu, Yin), but only need to see the two branches Chen and Xu, it can be considered as having the Heavenly Noble, capable of receiving blessings. This indicates that the person is learned, has literary talent, achieves high imperial examination rankings, and holds distinguished official positions. If the storehouse branch happens to carry the proper Seal and is in the tomb state of that element, it is of the highest grade; if it is a storehouse tomb but without the proper Seal, it is second grade; if there is no Seal at all, it is the lowest grade.

Another saying goes: "The Heavenly Stem is the same character, and the Earthly Branches respond accordingly." If there is a noble supporting in front, a Travelling Horse carrying behind, and the Day Master itself sits on a Fortune position, this is Hidden Noble and Hidden Fortune. For example, a person born in the year Ji Wei, month Ji Si, day Ji Wei, and hour Ji Si — all four Heavenly Stems are Ji, pure and unmixed. Ji's noble is in Shen, so it is said "there is a noble supporting in front"; Wei's Travelling Horse is in Si, so it is said "there is a Travelling Horse carrying behind." This is a destiny of nobility exceeding the third rank. If the combination is Ding Si and Ding Wei, it is a standard Hidden Fortune pattern; if it is Xin Mao and Xin Chou, it is a standard Hidden Noble pattern. These should be judged according to their specific combinations.

It is also said: "A destiny held by noble and fortune on both sides is rarely found." For example, a person born in the year Wu Wu, obtaining the day and hour Bing Wu — Wu's Fortune is in Si, held behind; Wu's Noble is in Wei, held in front. Another example: year Ji Wei, month Xin Wei, day Ji Wei, hour Xin Wei — because Ji's Fortune is in Wu, behind; Ji's Noble is in Shen, in front. The Fortune and Noble, one in front and one behind, support the Day Master itself. Without needing other special stars, this is a noble destiny. It is also said: "With a screen in front and a retinue behind, one is a celestial among men." This refers to the Fortune and Travelling Horse concealing the Noble before and after the Day Master's own position. The "Li Yu Ge" (理愚歌) says: "Whoever wants to hold the reins and enter the imperial court must not have noble stars mingling with lowly stars. A general's destiny must be wrapped by the Warlord star (controlled Seven Kill), and a chancellor's destiny is mostly wrapped by Fortune and Travelling Horse." For any noble pattern, the Five Elements must be pure without any impurity, the stems and branches must be vigorous and have energy, and they must carry auspicious stars on top. (If) the four pillars all have nobles, it does not necessarily form a noble pattern.

An ancient song says: "A good Year is not as good as a good Month; a good Month is not as good as a good Hour. The Day Pillar (symbolizing the imperial seat) is the core of honor, and it is best if there are nobles before and after (in the Year, Month, and Hour pillars)." For example, Chancellor Chen's BaZi: Geng Yin, Bing Xu, Xin Mao, Ji Chou. Although (Xin Metal born in the month of Xu) is in a state of great defeat, it obtains the Heavenly Noble (Yin, Wu), plus the Year Pillar Geng Yin is like the emperor of the year, matching the song's saying "the honored relative is the imperial seat." Furthermore, Ji Chou, Geng Yin, and Xin Mao are sequentially connected, called "Connected String Phoenix" (连珠凤凰). Although there is no imperial examination fame, the official position reached the rank of chancellor. Moreover, Yin contains the Heavenly Virtue Noble, and the month branch Xu is also the Great Sha (大煞) in the same palace. Besides, the Chen surname's Nayin belongs to Fire, which combines with Yin in Xu. The scripture says: "At the tomb storehouse of the Nayin, if it coincides with the Heavenly Virtue and Great Sha, it indicates the glory of reaching the highest official positions." For other (stems and branches), even if they do not form the Hidden pattern, as long as the Year Pillar encounters Fortune and Travelling Horse, one can also reach the highest ranks.

Modern Interpretation: For a Jia Day Master, having Mao and Chou in the chart (concealing Yin Fortune); for a Yi Day Master, having Yin and Chen (concealing Mao Fortune); for a Bing or Wu Day Master, having Si and Wei (concealing Wu, the original text "Wu Wu" is suspected to be a typo); for a Ding or Ji Day Master, having Si and Wei (concealing Wu Fortune); for a Geng Day Master, having Wei and You (concealing Shen Fortune); for a Xin Day Master, having Shen and Xu (concealing You Fortune); for a Ren Day Master, having Xu and Zi (concealing Hai Fortune); for a Gui Day Master, having Hai and Chou (concealing Zi Fortune) — these are called "Hidden Fortune Villages." (From the perspective of Wealth and Executive) Ding, Ji, and Geng Day Masters concealing Wei; Bing, Wu, and Yi Day Masters concealing Chen; Jia and Gui Day Masters concealing Chou; Xin and Ren Day Masters concealing Xu — these are called "Hidden Fortune Nests." Between the two, the "Hidden Fortune Nest" is of a higher level, and the "Hidden Fortune Village" is secondary. Fortune most likes to encounter its own tomb storehouse, called "storehouse," which implies collection and nurturing, and it avoids Void and Clash. However, if the native encounters a storehouse seal at the time of birth, it indicates fortune and longevity. If they encounter a tomb seal in the Year or Luck Cycle, it may bring disaster. For Bing and Ding Day Masters, the nobles are Hai (Pig) and You (Rooster); (if the chart has Hai and You) Xu can be used to conceal, forming a "Hidden Noble." For Ren and Gui Day Masters, the nobles are Si (Snake) and Mao (Rabbit); (if the chart has Mao and Si) Chen can be used to conceal, forming a "Hidden Noble."

For example, if the storehouse seal is Fire (Day Master is Earth) and the Wealth star is Metal, but encountering Ren Chen (Water) to overcome Fire; or if the Wealth star is Earth (Day Master is Water) but seeing Wu Chen (Wood) to overcome Earth — this is called "encountering a ghost in the storehouse," meaning that even if initial success is achieved, it will ultimately lead to failure. Furthermore, for Day Masters like Jia Wu Geng, Yi Ji Bing, Ding Ren Gui, and Liu Xin, if the Heavenly Stems of the Year, Month, Day, and Hour are sequentially connected without interruption, and the Earthly Branches do not necessarily have to be in the traditional noble positions (like Chou, Wei, Zi, Shen, You, Hai, Wu, Yin), but only need to see the two branches Chen and Xu, it can be considered as having the Heavenly Noble, capable of receiving blessings. This indicates that the person is learned, has literary talent, achieves high imperial examination rankings, and holds distinguished official positions. If the storehouse branch happens to carry the proper Seal and is in the tomb state of that element, it is of the highest grade; if it is a storehouse tomb but without the proper Seal, it is second grade; if there is no Seal at all, it is the lowest grade.

Another saying goes: "The Heavenly Stem is the same character, and the Earthly Branches respond accordingly." If there is a noble supporting in front, a Travelling Horse carrying behind, and the Day Master itself sits on a Fortune position, this is Hidden Noble and Hidden Fortune. For example, a person born in the year Ji Wei, month Ji Si, day Ji Wei, and hour Ji Si — all four Heavenly Stems are Ji, pure and unmixed. Ji's noble is in Shen, so it is said "there is a noble supporting in front"; Wei's Travelling Horse is in Si, so it is said "there is a Travelling Horse carrying behind." This is a destiny of nobility exceeding the third rank. If the combination is Ding Si and Ding Wei, it is a standard Hidden Fortune pattern; if it is Xin Mao and Xin Chou, it is a standard Hidden Noble pattern. These should be judged according to their specific combinations.

It is also said: "A destiny held by noble and fortune on both sides is rarely found." For example, a person born in the year Wu Wu, obtaining the day and hour Bing Wu — Wu's Fortune is in Si, held behind; Wu's Noble is in Wei, held in front. Another example: year Ji Wei, month Xin Wei, day Ji Wei, hour Xin Wei — because Ji's Fortune is in Wu, behind; Ji's Noble is in Shen, in front. The Fortune and Noble, one in front and one behind, support the Day Master itself. Without needing other special stars, this is a noble destiny. It is also said: "With a screen in front and a retinue behind, one is a celestial among men." This refers to the Fortune and Travelling Horse concealing the Noble before and after the Day Master's own position. The "Li Yu Ge" says: "Whoever wants to hold the reins and enter the imperial court must not have noble stars mingling with lowly stars. A general's destiny must be wrapped by the Warlord star (controlled Seven Kill), and a chancellor's destiny is mostly wrapped by Fortune and Travelling Horse." For any noble pattern, the Five Elements must be pure without any impurity, the stems and branches must be vigorous and have energy, and they must carry auspicious stars on top. (If) the four pillars all have nobles, it does not necessarily form a noble pattern.

An ancient song says: "A good Year is not as good as a good Month; a good Month is not as good as a good Hour. The Day Pillar (symbolizing the imperial seat) is the core of honor, and it is best if there are nobles before and after (in the Year, Month, and Hour pillars)." For example, Chancellor Chen's BaZi: Geng Yin, Bing Xu, Xin Mao, Ji Chou. Although (Xin Metal born in the month of Xu) is in a state of great defeat, it obtains the Heavenly Noble (Yin, Wu), plus the Year Pillar Geng Yin is like the emperor of the year, matching the song's saying "the honored relative is the imperial seat." Furthermore, Ji Chou, Geng Yin, and Xin Mao are sequentially connected, called "Connected String Phoenix." Although there is no imperial examination fame, the official position reached the rank of chancellor. Moreover, Yin contains the Heavenly Virtue Noble, and the month branch Xu is also the Great Sha in the same palace. Besides, the Chen surname's Nayin belongs to Fire, which combines with Yin in Xu. The scripture says: "At the tomb storehouse of the Nayin, if it coincides with the Heavenly Virtue and Great Sha, it indicates the glory of reaching the highest official positions." For other (stems and branches), even if they do not form the Hidden pattern, as long as the Year Pillar encounters Fortune and Travelling Horse, one can also reach the highest ranks.