What are the special 'stars' (Shen-Sha) in Four-Pillar astrology?
Special 'stars'—commonly called Shen-Sha—are auxiliary symbolic markers derived from empirical tradition. They add concrete, image-rich cues to readings (like 'heavenly benefactor' or 'peach blossom') and are used to refine judgment. They must be read in context of the five elements and Ten-Gods.
Examples and categories:
• Auspicious benefactor stars:
- Tianyi (Heavenly Benefactor): a major helpful star—indicates rescue by influential people.
- Tiande / Yuede (Heavenly/Moon Virtue): indicate moral goodwill and disaster mitigation.
- Wenchang (Literary Star): associated with learning, exams and literary talent.
- Fuxing (Blessing Star): signals general good fortune and ease.
• Inauspicious or hazard stars:
- Yang-Blade, Jie Sha, Wang Shen: stars linked to danger, injury, loss or theft. When combined with conflict patterns they can indicate accidents or major loss.
- Death/Depletion stars: signal drain, depletion or severe setbacks.
• Relationship and romance stars:
- Peach Blossom, Red Luan, Tianxi: related to charm and love matters; their placement (year/month/day/hour) affects whether romantic matters are internal or external.
- Guguan / Guan Lun: indicate solitude or difficult relationships.
• Movement/Change stars:
- Yi Ma (Travel Horse): indicates travel, migration, busy activity or career movement; when activated, it often brings relocation or rapid change.
Usage principle: Shen-Sha are symbolic accelerants. For example, a benefactor star together with Resource strengthens rescue potential; a dangerous star with Seven-Killing plus clash may heighten risk. Always combine Shen-Sha with core elemental and Ten-God analysis for reliable judgement.