Eight Characters: The Chinese Divination System Eight Characters, also known as BaZi in Chinese, is an ancient divination system that dates back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). This system uses a person's birth date and time to determine their destiny and provide insight into their strengths and weaknesses. In Eight Characters, a person's birth date and time is broken down into eight characters, each representing a specific aspect of their life: year, month, day, and hour of birth. These eight characters are then used to create a Four Pillars Chart, which is an important tool in determining one's destiny. The Four Pillars Chart is divided into four columns, each representing a different aspect of life: the Self, the Spouse/Partner, the Children, and the Wealth/Prosperity. Each column is then broken down into 10-year cycles, which provide insight into the specific periods of a person's life. While Eight Characters/BaZi is often used as a tool for personal enlightenment and self-improvement, it is also used by businesses and organizations to determine the best course of action for success. This divination system is popular among Chinese businessmen and investors, as it can help predict the outcome of financial decisions and provide insight into the success of new ventures. Despite its popularity, Eight Characters/BaZi is still considered controversial by some, with critics arguing that it is a form of superstition and lacks scientific evidence. However, many continue to use this divination system as a way to gain guidance and insight into their lives. Overall, Eight Characters/BaZi remains an influential and respected aspect of Chinese culture, providing individuals and businesses with insight, guidance, and a deeper understanding of their destiny.