The 5 Major Arts of Chinese Metaphysics
My Chinese Metaphysics Journey
People often ask me how I got attracted to Chinese Astrology from the five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics and not Vedic Astrology. Born and raised in India, My upbringing exposed me to various Eastern philosophies and modalities, including Vedic Astrology and Palmistry. Though fascinated by the mysticism and rich Indian heritage, including Yoga and Ayurveda, I come from a family of educators, scientists, and businessmen.
From early on, I questioned specific belief systems internally. I could see the difference between superstition and accurate forecasting. In retrospect, few experts could explain the logic or process behind their readings and forecasts. Fewer people could accurately do a past assessment to forecast precise results accurately.
A part of this phenomenon comes from the fact that we, as Indian kids, were/are not taught critical thinking skills or questioned by adults, teachers, or people of authority. The patriarchy considers asking the “why” question disrespectful and finds it unacceptable when directed at a particular caste in India.
Journey of Discovery: Bridging Indian Heritage with Chinese Metaphysics and Destiny Science
Growing up in a joint-family household in India, I enjoyed the blessing of being in a vibrant environment. Surrounded by many strong, inspirational, driven, educated career women, along with one man — my paternal grandfather — who supported me, they all believed in the education of women.
Since my grandfather served in the British Army, he consequently had the exposure to uplift women by allowing them education and career opportunities if they wanted to go that route. Moreover, he married his three sons to educated, career-minded spouses to change the trajectory of their families. Additionally, he allowed his daughter, my aunt and my father’s youngest sibling, to get some education and pursue her Ph.D. Furthermore, she was encouraged to learn and master a foreign language, travel internationally, and marry for love and intellectual compatibility.
So when it was time for me to learn and embrace my metaphysical journey, I had so many questions. Ten years ago, I attracted a traditional Indian Reiki Master to begin my journey. There were still many questions that remained unanswered. As I continued, Classical Chinese Astrology Masters and an Academy blessed me and guided me. My questions originated from my Indian heritage, my understandings, and the desire to know the why behind the answers. I found the answers in Japanese and Chinese modalities. Then I started weaving and bridging the gaps. The more I dug deep, Chinese Metaphysics made more sense to me.
As I began to decode my destiny and recreate my life from scratch, the Destiny Science and Divination modalities attracted me more. To get a full picture and a more precise understanding of Destiny Science or Zi Wei Dou Shu, we must first understand the background of Chinese Metaphysics itself.
The Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics
The Five Major Arts, known as “San-Yi-Pok-Ming-Xiang” and collectively as Wu Shu (五 術), categorize all Chinese Metaphysical modalities. Chinese Metaphysicians date the five arts of Chinese Metaphysics back to 256 BC. Practitioners use the principles in the Five Arts universally and interchangeably. Yin and Yang, the Five Elemental Energies — Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal — and the concept of balance form the basis of the core principles in all modalities.
Each Five Arts discipline has various systems. Furthermore, there may be more than one school of thought or branch of study, which could be well developed, complex, and holistic in its own essence.
Allow me to shed some light on these Five Major Arts — Wu Shu, which covers the following:
- San, which covers the Mountain Arts
- Yi, which covers the Medicinal modalities
- Pok, which covers Divination aspects
- Ming, which covers Astrology modalities
- Xiang, which covers Physiognomy
SAN — THE MOUNTAIN ARTS
The arts that fall within this category include everything to do with man and nature. For instance, martial arts and self-meditation are prime examples of studies that fall within the Mountain Arts. Moreover, the principles of Tai Chi and Qi Gong appear similar to those practitioners use to assess the other four arts. Additionally, cultivation and religion, especially Taoism principles, are also included in this category.
YI — MEDICINE ARTS
The Art of Medicine deals with health and healing. Specifically, five major organs govern the human body and represent the five elements. The core principles of this system are that the human body operates optimally and healthily at a balanced level, and the main objective of all healing is to achieve this balance. Consequently, it includes all forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), such as acupuncture, herbalism, and reflexology.
POK — DIVINATION
The study of divination, known as forecasting or predictions based on numerical analysis, formulas of star alignments, complex calculations, and dates, forms the foundation of this art. Notably, the Yi Jing (Book of Changes) is perhaps the most popular and commonly used book of reference even today, especially by the Chinese elites. Furthermore, another well-known and highly influential system that stems from this art is the primary tool for Sun Tzu’s Art of War, known as Qi Men Dun Jia. Additionally, other categories include Oracle readings, Plum Blossom, the Tai Yi system of divination, and Da Liu Ren.
MING — LIFE OR DESTINY SCIENCE
Chinese Astrology falls under this category. The study of life is done using Destiny Science, which is similar to what the western world calls Astrology. There are three major systems in Chinese Astrology:
- These are BaZi (Eight Characters 八子 or also known as The Four Pillars of Destiny)
- The Purple Star Astrology Zi Wei Dou Shu
- Qi Zheng Si Yu, also known as the 7 Stars 4 Auxiliaries Heavenly Stars Astrology
XIANG — PHYSIOGNOMY
The study of physiognomy or appearances includes the observation and analysis of forms. Both human and natural forms in your environment. Face reading, Feng Shui, name reading, and Palmistry fall within this discipline of study. The most common and well-known practice in today’s world, of course, is Feng Shui. Depending on which form of destiny science you use, you achieve Feng Shui approaches, schools of thought, applications, and results differently.
Ready to experience Chinese metaphysics?
Are you ready to experience what the five arts of Chinese metaphysics can unlock for you? Having your Life Map Reading done using Zi Wei Dou Shu and Qi Men is a great place to start. Book in a time to chat to get started.
If you’re a researcher and like to learn a little more about the modality first, read How To Discover Your Life Map From a Zi Wei Dou Shu Reading and download the Beginners Guide To Zi Wei Dou Shu Astrology.
