How can the teaching of a military strategist and the Chinese art of astrology be intertwined?

When it comes to fundamentals and applications, both systems share similarities. Both are over 2,500 years old, but remain timeless in their relevance to modern times. A military strategist like Sun Tzu defends that one must always be prepared for battle, as can be read in his brilliant mantra:

“Know yourself, know your enemy and your victory will be assured. Know the sky, know the earth and your victory will be complete.

How does this relate to Chinese astrology? In one system of Chinese astrology, a person’s destiny is sealed at birth in a set of pillars known as “The Four Pillars of Fate.” Accompanying these four pillars is a set of lucky pillars that chart the course of a person’s life in 10-year intervals. Together, these pillars formed the map of our destiny and by reading this chart, we can predict what destiny awaits us in life and see in the same light as Sun Tzu’s Art of War, it can be said that “be forewarned.” is to be armed.”

According to “The Art of War”, the five important virtues that a general must have to succeed in battle are: Wisdom, Courage, Sincerity, Benevolence, and Discipline.

Based on “The Four Pillars of Destiny”, a person’s destiny is governed by five important elements, i.e. Resources, Personality, Production, Wealth and Influence.

The five virtues and the five elements reinforce each other in the following way:

wisdom resource

Own value

sincerity output

Benevolence Wealth

discipline that influences

By wisdom, we mean that a general should employ his resource element, which is his thoughts, intuition, knowledge, and experience, when devising his strategies. If his resource element is weak, he won’t be able to plan wisely.

By courage it is meant that the general needs to be strong and courageous to face adversity. He has to show strength to overcome the challenges and obstacles in the battlefields. If his own element is weak, he leans towards cowardice and risks being captured.

By sincerity, it is perceived that the general must exhibit honesty in his communication and be able to convey his message in an incisive, sincere and convincing manner. If his Output element is weak, he lacks persuasive skills and will find it difficult to gain the trust of his men.

Out of benevolence, the general is seen as generous with his wealth and willingly shares his spoils of war with his men, cares for them and appreciates their efforts and work. If his wealth element is weak, his men will lose trust in him and thus discouraged from fighting any further.

By discipline, the general must exert his influence on his men through leadership by example. He will have to be strict with his men so that the orders are carried out consistently and he will not hesitate to punish if his reports do not comply with his duty. If his Influence element is weak, his men will not be loyal to him and may rebel against his control.

“So, are you destined to be a five-star general?” Stay tuned for part 2.