1. Check the birth record first
Confirm the date before judging whether a description fits. Use the regular calendar unless the original record is a Chinese lunar date; if it is, check whether it specifies a leap month. For a known time, use the clock time recorded at the place of birth. ZhiMing does not adjust it for birthplace or historical clock changes.
If the time is unknown, leave it unknown. A date-based estimate is not the same as a complete chart.
2. Read the overview as a question
Begin with the short summary and reflection prompt. Instead of asking whether a label is your permanent nature, ask when it describes your experience and when it does not. Your surroundings, habits and choices matter. Try one small, reversible action if it seems useful; you do not need to accept every line.
3. Open the details only when helpful
Technical chart details show the traditional year, month, day and hour columns, together called the Four Pillars. The highlighted day column represents the person being read, not a fortune score. The Day Master is its stem symbol, used as a reference point. Tap underlined terms for a plain-language explanation rather than trying to decode everything at once.
4. Separate counts from conclusions
The Five Elements percentages describe how chart symbols are counted. They do not measure health, character quality or the probability of success. If a reading feels uncomfortable, pause rather than searching for a guaranteed fix.
- Do not turn a small element share into a diagnosis or shopping list.
- Treat daily fortune prompts as reflection, not a schedule you must obey.
- Keep important choices grounded in evidence and appropriate professional advice.