Introductory Course
Welcome to my beginner’s course on Chinese Astrology and Divination - an introduction to the Four Pillars of Destiny (Bazi) astrology system and divining with the Yijing. The focus is on a Daoist view and approach to the mantic arts. The course is broken down into 4 seminars based on the 4 Timeless Trigrams, covering the themes of Time (Heaven), Self (Earth), Synergy (Fire), and Spirits (Water).
This is the first seminar in the intro series. The Heaven (天) seminar explores the theme of Time in Chinese Astrology and Divination. We focus on the Heavenly Stems (5 phases/elements). Subtopics include:
Lunisolar calendars and paradigms of time (symbolic time, mythic time, also time and capitalism)
Relationship between divination, chance, and time.
How to read the times: Yijing mandalas as clocks
The relationship between healing, imagination and time
1. Heaven Seminar
This seminar explores the theme of Time in Chinese Astrology and Divination. We will focus on the Heavenly Stems (5 phases/elements).
This is the second seminar in the intro series. The Earth seminar investigates the concept of The Self in Chinese Astrology and Divination. We focus on the Earthly Branches (12 animals), beginning with their ancient pictograph meanings. Questions that are explored:
What is self 自 (zi) and what is character 字 (zi) ?
How is the Self imagined through the lens of ancestor worship?
What is karma, fate, and destiny in relationship to the Self?
How is karma created and fate resolved through the Self?
2. Earth Seminar
This seminar investigates the concept of The Self in Chinese Astrology and Divination. We will focus on the Earthly Branches (12 animals), beginning with their ancient pictograph meanings.
This is the third seminar in the intro series. The Fire seminarexamines the concept of Synergy in Chinese Astrology. Subtopics covered:
The structure and dynamics within a Bazi 八字 Astrology Chart
Synergy between the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (triangles, squares, punishments, creation and harm)
Understanding the synergy of inner images and outer reality
The art and science of reading a Bazi 八字 Chart
3. Fire Seminar
This seminar examines the concept of Synergy in Chinese Astrology, including the structure and dynamics within a Bazi Chart.
In the final seminar of the intro series, we explore the concept of Spirits, Ghosts, and Gods in Chinese Astrology through the Tiger Eye Method. Subtopics include:
The Ghost River, the Stream of Life, and the Reverse Water Way
The stars as ancestors in the Bazi 八字 Chart
Activating the gods in our character
How to work with Emptiness, Void and Hauntings through the Tiger Eye Method
4. Water Seminar
In the final seminar of this series, we explore the concept of Spirits, Ghosts, and Gods in Chinese Astrology.
Purchase all 4 seminars
The Life of the Round
Intermediate Course
2023 Four Seminar Classes:
Saturday, January 7, 10am-12pm PST
Saturday, January 21, 10am-12pm PST
Saturday, February 4, 10am-12pm PST
Saturday, February 18, 10am-12pm PST
1. The View from the Round
Saturday, January 7, 10am-12pm PST
This seminar explores the worldview of the round - the Daoist concept of return, reversion, and self-renewal (自然), as expressed in astrological principles. We will explore how this view re-integrates humanity in the ways of nature and an earthbound belonging, providing a way for spiritual stability in times of polycrises.
2. Spiraling the Elements
Saturday, January 21, 10am-12pm PST
This seminar examines the nature of movement of the Heavenly Stems (elements). We will learn ways to “spiral” the elements, creating ease of change psychologically and emotionally. These include somatic exercises for each Stem to integrate them with our body and gazing meditations to develop our spiritual eye.
Students will be grouped in cohorts according to their DayMaster (Spiritual Element) for further connection and practice.
3. Dance the Animals
Saturday, February 4, 10am-12pm PST
This seminar examines the nature of movement of the Earthly Branches (animals). We will view the animals as a a whirlwind, a samsaric wheel, and other understandings of the Round. To “dance” the animals, we will learn a mudra, meditation and Sankalpa (intention/vow) for each sign.
Students will be grouped in cohorts according to their DayMaster (Spiritual Element) for further connection and practice.
4. Year of the Yin Water Rabbit
Saturday, February 18, 10am-12pm PST
In the final seminar of this series, we will explore the astrological influence of this new lunisolar year, the Yin Water Rabbit. We will discuss its specific qi, fate, powers and vulnerabilities, and how this is applied to individuals as well as the collective.
Registration for this course is closed.
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“This was a very thorough introduction to Chinese Astrology and Cosmology. I feel like I have a strong base to learn and explore more from. Meng explained everything in a very intentional way that was not overwhelming, built each teachings layer by layer, and exceeded my expectations in the confidence I now have to continue my studies. Thank you!”
“Just want to express immense gratitude for you, Meng! This was a really incredible class series for me; it’s opened up so much for me in returning to self and also opening to new realms of exploration. Thank you!”
“What an amazing course! The material was so relevant to understanding myself, connection to ancestors, and the universe”
“This intro series was an opening into a realm that I’ve wanted to explore for a long time. In my experience, I hadn’t been able to find any comprehensive resources in learning Bazi astrology from root up, as opposed to just cookie-cutter descriptions or Chinese pop astrology. The series was incredibly comprehensive for only four weeks of 2-hour classes, yet Meng was also very organized and streamlined in the way she shared information in class as well as through other online means. I really appreciated the balance between getting a lot of learning time in while also having space for some check-ins and embodied breaks. I also really appreciated all the resources for interaction with the online class circle as well as many resources - including write-ups for calculations, charts, diagrams, and book/author recommendations. With this series, I feel I have a stable base from which to continue exploring for myself Bazi astrology and divination - both in knowledge and information, as well as resources and connections!”