How to Read a Korean Saju Chart for Beginners

Start with the four columns

Read the year, month, day and hour as four paired columns. The upper character is a heavenly stem and the lower character is an earthly branch. The characters shown in the calculator are traditional Chinese characters used across this tradition; the surrounding labels and explanations follow your selected language.

Find the Day Master

The stem in the day column is called the Day Master. Traditional readings use it as a reference when discussing the other characters. Its associated element is a starting point for learning the chart, not a complete personality description. Season, relationships and the rest of the chart also affect an interpretation.

Use element totals carefully

Wood, fire, earth, metal and water are symbolic categories in this system. The displayed totals count the associations of the visible stems and branches; they are not physical measurements or a diagnosis. If your birth time is unknown, only three pillars are displayed and the element totals cover those known pillars. An optional explanatory reading may refer to a provisional noon chart.

Reflect without treating a reading as a promise

A reading can offer vocabulary for reflection or an introduction to a cultural practice. It cannot guarantee a relationship, career or future event. Compare suggestions with your actual circumstances and make choices using practical information.

Learn the basics

• The Five Elements in Saju: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water
• Birth Time and Calendar Choices for a Saju Chart
• Korean Saju and BaZi: What Do the Four Pillars Mean?
• How to Read a Korean Saju Chart for Beginners