Bazi Reading Versus Zi Wei Dou Shu – Do You Know The Differences?

Here are 2 most popular frequently asked questions that I always come across:

1. What are the differences between BaZi reading and Zi Wei Dou Shu?

2. Which one is more accurate?

So let’s get started to explore the answers to the above questions.

If you have some experience or learn about Chinese metaphysics, Bazi (Four Pillars) reading and Zi Wei Dou Shu (sometimes also known as purple astrology) should sound familiar to you, but do you know the differences between them?

In a nutshell, the main key role for these 2 schools of thought is to analyze an individual’s life destiny. Even though they serve the common objective, there are still some differences, so what are them?

Let’s explore further in a simplified comparison table for easy reference. 

Bazi Reading Versus Zi Wei Dou Shu

Description	Zi Wei Dou Shu Reading	Bazi Reading
How does the chart look like
A bit of history	This system was used exclusively by imperial astrologers.	It can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, or even as early as the Han dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). It is widely used by the commoners and thus it is a more popular metaphysics system till date
Also known as	Purple Stars Astrology / Imperial Astrology / Emperor Star Astrology	Four Pillar of Destiny / Eight Characters
What information is required for each reading?	Requires both date and the time of birth for accurate reading	It can provide general insights in an individual's destiny without the birth time
Which is harder to learn?	Zi Wei Dou Shu is designed in the way that you can understand from the look at the chart. However, it require a person to use more time to master it because you need to understand the co-relation between man, time and space and present in a dimensional manner.	Bazi is perceived to be more difficult to learn at the start because of the terminology used, but once you grasp the concept, you will be able to master it.

Bazi Reading or Zi Wei Dou Shu – Which is Better?

In the recent years, there are many wars of words on which school of thought is more “powerful” or “accurate”. But If you ask me, which is better – Zi Wei Dou Shu or Bazi Reading, frankly speaking, there is no point in entangling into this debate because each system has their own strength. Beside that, it also depends on a few factors namely:

1. The first key consideration is the knowledge of the practitioner and how he/she applies the ancient art in modern context.
2. Your affinity with the practitioner – most importantly is that you must feel comfortable with him/her.

In summary, these 2 schools of thought has their own strengths and weakness but they both offer deep insights into your life destiny. It is your own choice to select which suit you best.