On this page
Meaning and Context
Start of Luck determines when your 10-year Luck Pillar cycles officially begin. Before this age, the natal chart alone governs; after, Luck Pillars begin their 10-year influence cycles.
- Qi (起): Start, begin, arise
- Yun (运): Luck, fortune, cycle
- Calculated from birth date to nearest seasonal node
- Varies from 0 to 10 years old depending on birth timing
Classical Roots
From Yuanhai Ziping
「起运者，计节气之日数以定也。」
Plain translation
"Start of Luck is determined by counting the days to the seasonal node." This establishes the calculation method based on solar terms.
Calculation Framework
Start of Luck calculation:
- Count days from birth to the nearest seasonal node (forward or backward based on gender and year)
- Divide by 3 to get years (each 3 days = 1 year)
- This gives the age when first Luck Pillar begins
- Direction (forward/backward to node) depends on Qian/Kun chart rules
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's Bazi tool, Start of Luck is automatically calculated from your birth data. Each Luck Pillar shows the ages it governs.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking everyone's Luck Pillars start at the same age
- Ignoring the period before Start of Luck — natal chart still governs
- Confusing Start of Luck age with calendar age calculations
FAQ
What happens before my Start of Luck age?
+
Before Start of Luck, your natal chart is the primary influence. Some practitioners consider the Month Pillar as dominant during this early period. Once Luck Pillars begin, they add a new layer of 10-year influences.