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Meaning and Context
Unlike the lunar calendar months, Solar Terms follow the sun's position, making them regular astronomical markers. They're essential for agricultural timing and metaphysical calculations.
- Jie (节): Node, joint, division point
- Qi (气): Energy, breath, period
- 24 terms: 12 "major" terms and 12 "minor" terms
- Approximately 15 days apart, following solar position
Classical Roots
From Xieji Bianfang Shu
「节气者，太阳之行度，分一年为二十四。」
Plain translation
"Solar Terms are the degrees of the sun's journey, dividing the year into twenty-four parts." Based on actual astronomical positions.
The 24 Solar Terms
The terms follow the solar year, starting from Spring:
- Spring: Lichun, Yushui, Jingzhe, Chunfen, Qingming, Guyu
- Summer: Lixia, Xiaoman, Mangzhong, Xiazhi, Xiaoshu, Dashu
- Autumn: Liqiu, Chushu, Bailu, Qiufen, Hanlu, Shuangjiang
- Winter: Lidong, Xiaoxue, Daxue, Dongzhi, Xiaohan, Dahan
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio, Solar Terms are used to determine month pillar boundaries in Bazi calculations. The current solar term is also displayed in date selection to provide seasonal context.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing with lunar months — Solar Terms follow the sun, not the moon
- Thinking they're fixed dates — they shift slightly year to year
- Ignoring their role in Bazi — month pillar changes at solar term, not lunar month
FAQ
Why do Solar Terms matter for Bazi calculations?
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In Bazi, the month pillar changes at the "Jie" (major solar term), not at the start of the lunar month. This means someone born on the 15th of the first lunar month might still be in the previous month's pillar if the Jie hasn't occurred yet. This distinction is crucial for accurate Bazi calculation.