Conditions for a Follow Structure (從格)
Test follow structures through extreme imbalance, absence of viable self-support, coherent dominant qi, source-specific thresholds, and counterevidence.
Overview
A follow structure requires the Day Master to lack a viable independent support path while a dominant function or phase remains coherent enough to follow. Thresholds vary by school, but contrary roots, active Resource or Companion support, disrupted dominant qi, and mixed competing forces are mandatory counterchecks. Weakness alone never proves following.
At a glance
- Core threshold
- Extreme, coherent imbalance
- Day Master test
- No viable independent support path
- Dominant side
- Strong, connected and operational
- Counterevidence
- Roots, Resource, Companion and mixed qi
- School issue
- Thresholds differ materially
- Boundary
- Weakness alone is not following
Identify a coherent dominant direction
Map the phase or functional side the chart is proposed to follow and verify its season, roots, exposure, and flow.
Several unrelated strong forces do not automatically create one follow structure.
- Name the dominant function.
- Check continuity rather than raw counts.
Search aggressively for self-support counterevidence
Inspect every Day-Master root, Resource, Companion, hidden stem, combination, and timing-independent support path.
A viable contrary root can invalidate a strict follow claim even when the Day Master appears weak.
- Audit all hidden stems.
- Do not ignore inconvenient support.
Publish the school and threshold
Lineages differ on residual roots, seasonal requirements, false follow categories, and whether certain supports can be disregarded.
State the chosen criteria and use qualified language when another established method would disagree.
- No universal follow score.
- Record alternate classification.
Following is not obedience or weakness of character
It does not describe submission, dependence, low agency, disability, or social role.
Nor does it guarantee exceptional wealth, power, or favorable luck.
- Avoid personality stereotypes.
- No prestige promise.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《滴天髓》 (Dripping Heavenly Marrow)《滴天髓》從象、順局與反局評註：從格須氣勢專一，並積極檢查日主之根與印比反證A core later text on Bazi balance, seasonal strength, and relational reading.
- 《淵海子平》 (Yuanhai Ziping)《淵海子平》從財、從殺、從兒與假從諸論：身弱本身不足以成立棄命從格A foundational Ziping reference for branch months, hidden stems, roots, and stem-branch relationships.
- OpenFate Editorial Methodology棄命從格頁公開主導方向、反根、印比、競爭氣勢與流派門檻，不以從格保證富貴OpenFate separates deterministic chart calculation, traditional interpretation, and modern editorial explanation.