External Relationships
The “external” in external relationships refers to what can be seen from the outside. “Relationship” is a kind of connection, a feeling. Its perspective is based on the day master as “self,” while the other three stems represent “others.”
We assess them by observing the interactions and changes between them. Here are some examples:
Time: Year, Month, Day
Ren, Jia, Gui, Gui
Note: The three stems indicate that the day master Jia has good external relationships.
Time: Year, Month, Day
Jia, Jia, Jia, Jia
Note: The three stems are of the same type as the day master; this person tends to be meddlesome and also has good external relationships. However, when there are conflicts of interest, there will be significant friction and varying external evaluations.
Time: Year, Month, Day
Wu, Ding, Wu, Ji
Note: It appears that the day master Ding is nice to everyone; they are seen as a pushover who gives their all but still gets criticized for being too much. Therefore, external evaluations vary.
Time: Year, Month, Day
Geng, Jia, Bing, Ren
Note: Geng controls the day master Jia; Jia produces Bing while Ren produces Jia. Hence external evaluations vary.
Time: Year, Month, Day
Wu, Jia, Wu, Wu
Note: The day master Jia controls all three Wus; this gives off an impression of being self-righteous as if they think they are the boss and everyone should listen to them.
Excerpt from Ba Zi Arena