Shen Congwen was a titan of modern Chinese literature. His masterpiece is Border Town, and he was celebrated for his vivid portrayals of rural life in western Hunan. In his later years, he shifted to the study of ancient garments and cultural artifacts, producing foundational academic achievements.
BaZi Chart
Shen Congwen's BaZi chart—Ren Yin, Ren Zi, Yi You, and Ding Hai—shows that both Direct Resource (Zheng Yin) and Indirect Resource (Pian Yin) are prosperous. Water nourishes the Yi Wood Day Master (Ri Zhu), and the Resource elements protect it, which favors self-study and deep research. At the same time, the presence of the Hurting Officer (Shang Guan) and Eating God (Shi Shen) (the Yin in the Year Pillar (Nian Zhu) and the Ding in the Hour Pillar (Shi Zhu) nourish his literary talent) formed a writing temperament marked by fresh, vigorous prose and delicate emotion, perfectly aligning with his literary accomplishments.
However, the Yi Wood Day Master is restricted by Metal energy in You, and the chart shows signs of Seven Killings (Qi Sha), making him prone to external conflicts and political disputes. The progression of his Luck Pillars (Da Yun) (such as Bing Chen Hurting Officer from 1935–1944, and Ding Si Eating God from 1945–1954) explains the peak of his creative output and the crucial turning point when he shifted to research. This reflects the destiny pattern of a Hurting Officer paired with a Resource element: it generates brilliant talent, but also brings upheavals.
Literary Talent
The astrological basis lies in the Hurting Officer and Eating God structure brought out by the Yin in the Year Pillar and the Ding in the Hour Pillar. This endowed him with vivid literary grace and a strong aesthetic sensibility, fostering his unique narrative style.
Academic Dedication
The prosperous Water Resource elements in his chart (Ren Yin, Ren Zi) act as Direct Resource and Indirect Resource, supporting a lifetime of self-study and rigorous research. This explains the endurance and achievements of his later years in the study of ancient garments.
Independence and Resilience
His Luck Pillars and natal chart show signs of Rob Wealth (Jie Cai) and Friend (Bi Jian) (influenced by the Ren Yin, Jia Yin, and Yi Mao Luck Pillars), reflecting an independent personality capable of self-reliant struggle and adapting to adversity.
Susceptibility to External Shocks
The Yi Wood Day Master in You reveals the risk of Seven Killings and Metal restricting Wood. The chart owner was easily subjected to shocks from those in power due to his ideological style or words, leading to upheavals in both his creative life and personal life.
Life Timeline
1915
From Private School to Modern Academy: The Dawn of New Education
Shen Congwen transferred from a traditional private school to the Second County Primary School in Fenghuang, and half a year later moved to the First Primary School outside the county seat (now Wenchangge Primary School), officially beginning his education in a modern school setting.
BaZi Analysis: This year, Shen Congwen was in the final year of his Gui Chou Luck Pillar, about to enter the Jia Yin Luck Pillar. The Annual Pillar (Liu Nian) was Jia Yin, bringing the appearance of the Wenchang symbolic star (Shen Sha), which governs academic study and literary thought. The entry of this star coincided perfectly with his transition from private school to a modern primary school, serving as a classic signal of unlocking wisdom and receiving systematic education. However, the Heavenly Stem (Tian Gan) Jia Wood in the Annual Pillar acts as Rob Wealth, an unfavorable element (Ji Shen) in his chart. Furthermore, the Earthly Branch (Di Zhi) Yin Wood is a Yang Blade, meaning his academic journey would not be entirely smooth and might be accompanied by competition, changes in environment (such as transferring schools twice within half a year), and the need to adapt. The natal chart itself has prosperous Water and strong Wood, with the Resource star being excessively heavy, making him prone to deep, brooding thoughts. The open environment of the modern school helped his Eating God and Hurting Officer (Ding Fire) to flourish, balancing the overly heavy Resource star. This was a crucial node of enlightenment and breakthrough in his life.
1917
Joining the Army in Western Hunan, Setting Sail on a Sea of Books
After graduating from higher primary school, Shen Congwen joined Chen Quzhen's Western Hunan National Protection Army, serving as a clerk. Although the job consisted of miscellaneous duties, it gave him access to a vast collection of books, opening a window for extensive reading and laying the groundwork for his future literary path.
BaZi Analysis: This year fell within his Jia Yin Luck Pillar, and the Annual Pillar was Ding Si. It had a profound impact on his chart: 1. Eating God Ding Fire protruding in the stem: Ding Fire is a favorable element (Xi Yong Shen), representing the manifestation of talent, expression, and opportunity. The protrusion of the Eating God in the Annual Pillar meant that his inner inspiration and talent began to reveal themselves outwardly; he yearned for a new life and new ways of expression, which corresponds to joining the army and encountering literary work. 2. Hurting Officer Bing Fire finding ground: The Earthly Branch Si Fire in the Annual Pillar is a prosperous ground for the Hurting Officer, further amplifying the energy of Fire (Eating God and Hurting Officer). Fire can warm the chart and regulate the climate, dispelling the cold and dampness of his winter-born chart, making his inner world active, rich, and full of a thirst for knowledge, hence his ability to immerse himself in books. 3. Annual Pillar activating the Resource star through combination: The Annual Pillar Heavenly Stem Ding Fire combined with the Ren Water in the Heavenly Stems of both the Year and Month Pillars (Yue Zhu), forming a Ding-Ren combination (He) into Wood. Ren Water represents Direct Resource, signifying learning, documents, elders, and a stable environment. Although this combination transformed into Wood as an unfavorable element, it first activated the Resource star, intensely stimulating the energy of "learning." Serving as a clerk in the military was the exact embodiment of the documents and official environments represented by the Resource star. 4. Yin-Si punishment and harm: The Luck Pillar and Annual Pillar formed a Yin-Si punishment (Xing) and harm (Hai). This represents environmental changes and interpersonal trials, requiring one to leave their original comfort zone. Enlisting in the army was a choice made in response to such changes and challenges, seeking a new foothold amidst turbulence. Overall, the Ding Si Annual Pillar was led by the favorable element Fire, activating the Resource star and the environment of Officer and Killings (the military, discipline). Although accompanied by punishments, harms, and changes, it opened his first door to knowledge and his future career.
1920
Turn as a Tax Clerk in Zhijiang and the Theft of Family Savings
Shen Congwen secured a job as a tax clerk in Zhijiang, and his mother and younger sister soon moved in with him. However, the family savings he was safeguarding were swindled out of nearly half by a scammer. Deeply ashamed, he chose to flee to Changde.
BaZi Analysis: This year was the Geng Shen Annual Pillar, which formed a heavenly clash and earthly clash (Jia-Geng clash (Chong), Yin-Shen clash) with the Jia Yin Luck Pillar the chart owner was currently undergoing. This was a strong signal of violent turbulence in his destiny. The Annual Pillar Heavenly Stem Geng Metal represented Direct Officer coming to combine with the Yi Wood Day Master. On the surface, it seemed like a career opportunity (an Officer combination), which allowed him to secure the tax clerk position. However, this was a "gloomy combination," implying outward prestige but concealing hidden losses. Both the Luck Pillar and Annual Pillar featured strong energies of Wood and Water—his unfavorable elements—exacerbating the chart's tendency toward excessive Resource stars, an overabundant Day Master, and overly heavy thoughts. The Annual Pillar's Earthly Branch Shen Metal clashed with and restricted the Year Pillar's Yin Wood (Rob Wealth), activating the foundation of the Wealth star (Wu Earth). Coupled with the deceptive nature of the "gloomy combination," this led to the family savings he guarded (Direct Wealth) being scammed away. This blow was precisely the major upheaval and financial loss brought by clashing the Grand Duke (Tai Sui), prompting him to leave his original location and seek a new way out.
1922
Journeying North Alone to Pursue a Literary Dream
With the support of Chen Quzhen, Shen Congwen resolutely bid farewell to his military life in western Hunan and traveled alone to Beijing, determined to pursue his education and devote himself to literary creation, opening a new chapter in his life.
BaZi Analysis: This year, Shen Congwen was undergoing the Jia Yin Rob Wealth Luck Pillar. Hidden within the Luck Pillar's Earthly Branch Yin was Bing Fire, the Hurting Officer, which acts as a favorable climate-regulating element in his chart, representing the budding of talent and thought. The Annual Pillar was Ren Xu; Xu is a Fire storage, hiding the Ding Fire Eating God within. The Eating God governs talent, expression, and the pursuit of freedom. With Fire energy finding ground in the Annual Pillar, his desire to create and his determination to leave his hometown were immensely stimulated. The Annual Pillar Heavenly Stem Ren Water represents Direct Resource; although an unfavorable element, it generated the Luck Pillar Heavenly Stem Jia Wood, and Wood in turn generated Fire. The unfavorable element transitively generated and fed the favorable element, creating a smooth flow. The Annual Pillar's Earthly Branch Xu, along with the Year Pillar's Yin and the Month Pillar's Zi, framed a three-harmony Fire combination, further amplifying Fire energy. This also activated the Huagai symbolic star in his chart, which governs unique talent, literature, and art, foretelling that his talent would be recognized. The appearance of the Yuede Noble Star also meant he could receive kind support from noblemen (such as Chen Quzhen). The Day Pillar (Ri Zhu) Yi You and the Annual Pillar's Earthly Branch Xu formed a You-Xu harm, disturbing the foundation of the Seven Killings, which perfectly reflected his destiny to break away from the old system (the military).
1923
Setback at Yenching, Seeking Light at Peking University
Shen Congwen failed his entrance examination to Yenching University and instead became an auditor at Peking University. Despite living in poverty, he persisted in self-study and writing with indomitable will, forging a unique path of education for himself outside the halls of formal academia.
BaZi Analysis: This year fell in the Jia Yin Luck Pillar, with the Annual Pillar being Gui Hai. The natal chart itself had exceedingly prosperous Water and Wood unfavorable elements. In this year, the Luck Pillar and Annual Pillar formed a Yin-Hai combination into Wood, pushing the unfavorable Water and Wood energy to its peak. Competition was fierce, and obtaining official academic standing (like passing university exams) was easily hindered. However, the Annual Pillar's Earthly Branch Hai Water, representing Direct Resource, combined with the Year Pillar and Luck Pillar's Yin Wood, activating the Wenchang Noble Star and the energy of the Direct Resource. The Direct Resource governs learning and protection, symbolizing that although he could not enter a formal institution, he was able to audit classes at the highest institution (Peking University) and receive spiritual nourishment and intellectual enlightenment. The breaking of the Grand Duke brought unplanned changes and depletion, corresponding to his failed exams and impoverished life. Yet, the integration of the Resource star transformed this "break" into a non-traditional, self-driven path of growth.
1924
First Cry in the Literary World, Guided by Mentors
Shen Congwen's works began to be published in prominent newspapers and periodicals such as Morning Post and Thread of Talk, officially marking his entry into the literary world. During this time, he met literary luminaries like Yu Dafu, Xu Zhimo, and Lin Zaiping, receiving crucial spiritual and material support that laid the foundation for his future literary career.
BaZi Analysis: This year was the final year of the Jia Yin Rob Wealth Luck Pillar, and the Annual Pillar was also Jia Zi. Hidden in the Luck Pillar's Earthly Branch Yin was Bing Fire, the Hurting Officer, which acts as a favorable climate-regulating element in the chart, representing the stimulated desire for talent and expression. The Annual Pillar brought the Tianyi Noble Star, indicating receiving appreciation and patronage from noblemen, which corresponded perfectly with meeting literary elders and gaining their support. At the same time, the Annual Pillar's Earthly Branch Zi Water represents Indirect Resource; although an unfavorable element, it resonated with the chart's Month Command (Yue Ling), strengthening his Indirect Resource structure (Ge Ju) and endowing his literary creation with profound thoughts and endless inspiration. Both the Luck Pillar and Annual Pillar carried the Wenchang Noble Star, also indicating excellent literary and academic fortune, allowing his works to be published smoothly.
1925
First Cry in the Literary World, Remote Night Finds a Champion
Shen Congwen published the essay Remote Night in the Morning Post Supplement, expressing his hardships and persistence while auditing at Peking University with sincere prose. His talent and circumstances drew deep sympathy and appreciation from Peking University professor Lin Zaiping, consequently earning him crucial help and patronage.
BaZi Analysis: This year was at the transition between the Jia Yin Luck Pillar and the Yi Mao Luck Pillar (changing Luck Pillars in February 1925), placing his fortune at a critical node of transition from old to new. The Annual Pillar was Jia Zi, with the Heavenly Stem Jia Wood as Rob Wealth protruding, exacerbating the power of the unfavorable Water and Wood in his chart. This meant real-world pressures and competition still existed, corresponding to his impoverished living conditions. However, the Ding Fire Eating God in the Hour Pillar is a crucial favorable element in the chart, representing talent, expression, and opportunity. The Eating God in a chart dominated by the prosperous Water of deep winter was like a solitary lamp in a cold night; its function of "displaying brilliance" was manifested this year through the publication of his essay. More importantly, the Annual Pillar's Earthly Branch Zi Water activated the powerful energy of the Tianyi Noble Star and the Taiji Noble Star in his chart. With the noble stars in motion, he was able to move Professor Lin Zaiping (a nobleman) with his literary talent (Eating God), gaining appreciation and assistance that opened the first door to his career.
1925
The Western Hunan Spirit Matures, The Market Sets His Literary Style
Shen Congwen published the essay The Market in the Yenching University Monthly. The rich flavor of western Hunan beneath his pen was showcased for the first time in a mature literary form, marking the initial establishment of his unique literary style.
BaZi Analysis: This year, Shen Congwen was in the final year of his Jia Yin Luck Pillar. Hidden within the Luck Pillar's Earthly Branch Yin was Bing Fire, the Hurting Officer, a favorable climate-regulating element in his chart that could warm the cold winter Water and Wood, stimulating his creative inspiration and desire for expression. The Annual Pillar was Yi Chou. The Heavenly Stem Yi Wood protruded as Friend; although an unfavorable element, it strengthened the energy of the Yi Wood Day Master, making his personality and style more distinct. Crucially, his chart features an Indirect Resource structure, a pattern that favors the Eating God and Hurting Officer to display brilliance and generate Wealth. The Hour Pillar's Ding Fire Eating God represents talent and works. Against the backdrop of gradually warming Fire energy in this Luck Pillar and Annual Pillar, his innate literary gift and deep emotions for his hometown's local culture (the Resource star as the root of thought) could be smoothly expressed through the Eating God, crystallizing into a distinctly styled work like The Market. The Annual Pillar's Earthly Branch Chou and the Day Pillar's Earthly Branch You formed a half-metal combination, activating the Seven Killings in the Day Pillar. Seven Killings represent pressure and challenges, but also sharpness and decisiveness. This prompted him to decisively translate his inner reflections into writing, completing a crucial breakthrough in his personal literary style.
1928
Literary Alliance, Founding the Red and Black Society in Shanghai
Shen Congwen, along with Hu Yepin and Ding Ling, co-founded the Red and Black Publishing House in Shanghai, launching Red and Black magazine and a book series, embarking on a path of independent publishing and literary exploration.
BaZi Analysis: This year, Shen Congwen was in the Yi Mao Luck Pillar (Friend), and the Annual Pillar was Wu Chen (Direct Wealth). His chart's prosperous Water and Wood were unfavorable, favoring Fire and Earth for climate regulation. The Annual Pillar Heavenly Stem Wu Earth Direct Wealth protruded, representing the appearance of a favorable element and indicating practical commercial opportunities and financial operations in his career. The Earthly Branch Chen combined with You to form Metal, activating the Seven Killings in the Day Pillar and transforming pressure into driving force and cooperative opportunities. Crucially, the Annual Pillar, Luck Pillar, and the natal Year Pillar's Earthly Branch Yin formed a Yin-Mao-Chen directional Wood frame (Hui Ju). This symbolized the gathering of Friend and Rob Wealth energies (friends and peers), corresponding perfectly to his alliance and entrepreneurial venture with like-minded individuals like Hu Yepin and Ding Ling. The symbolic stars in the Annual Pillar revealed the Tianguan Noble Star, favorable for gaining recognition and building platforms in his career. Although the strong Rob Wealth and Friend unfavorable elements easily invited competition, the arrival of the Annual Pillar's favorable elements directed this interpersonal energy toward positive collaboration and pioneering endeavors.
1929
Teaching at China Public School, Finding the Love of His Life
At the invitation of Hu Shi, Shen Congwen went to teach at China Public School. There, he fell in love at first sight with his student Zhang Zhaohe, initiating a passionate years-long courtship through letters, ultimately winning her heart with his sincerity and talent.
BaZi Analysis: This year fell squarely in the Yi Mao Luck Pillar. The Luck Pillar's Earthly Branch Mao clashed with the Day Pillar's spouse palace You, forming a Mao-You clash—a strong signal that momentous changes were coming to his romantic relationships. The Annual Pillar was Ji Si, with the Heavenly Stem Ji Earth Indirect Wealth protruding, representing the wife star and romantic destiny for a male chart, thereby activating romantic opportunities. At the same time, the Annual Pillar's Earthly Branch Si housed the Tianyi Noble Star and the Tiande Noble Star, and was also a prosperous ground for Bing Fire, the climate-regulating favorable element. This indicates that the environment (the recommendation by nobleman Hu Shi to teach), the timing (a peak in his fortune), and his personal state (his talent being fully utilized) were all optimal. The Annual Pillar and Day Pillar's You and Si formed a half-Metal combination, combining the Eating God and Hurting Officer (Fire), which represent talent, with the Seven Killings (Metal), which represent pressure and career. This foretold that he could transform his personal scholarly talents (writing, teaching) into practical career achievements and social status, adding important real-world capital and confidence to his pursuit of love.
1931
Farewell to a Bosom Friend, a Tragic Parting in the Torrent of the Times
Shen Congwen met with his dear friend Hu Yepin for the last time in the dormitory of the Shamei Building on Beijing Road. After lending him six silver dollars, Hu Yepin headed to the Eastern Hotel. He was arrested shortly after and became one of the "Five Martyrs of the Left League." This incident became an indelible trauma in Shen Congwen's heart.
BaZi Analysis: This year fell in the Yi Mao Luck Pillar, where both the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch are Friend and Rob Wealth (Wood)—a Luck Pillar with extremely strong unfavorable energy. The Annual Pillar was Xin Wei. The Heavenly Stem Xin Metal Direct Officer (Zheng Guan) combined with the Yi Wood Day Master, seemingly offering a career opportunity (Yi-Geng Officer combination), but the Earthly Branch Wei Fire clashed with the Zi Water in the Month and Hour Pillars (Zi-Wei clash), triggering inner conflict and grief. The Annual Pillar's Wei Earth acts as a Resource star, governing thought and emotion; this clash signifies deep inner pain and longing. The Earthly Branch Wei and the Year Pillar's Yin formed a half-Wood combination, activating the Officer star in the chart. The Officer star governs responsibility and pressure, and this clash also symbolizes the heavy burden and stress he bore for the sake of friendship. The Annual Pillar's Heavenly Stem Xin Metal Direct Officer, though an unfavorable element, held fast to the Yi Wood Day Master, symbolizing everything he sacrificed for his friendship. This event became an unforgettable memory in Shen Congwen's life, making him cherish friendship and life all the more.
(Note: Due to length constraints, this article only presents a selection of life milestones and their BaZi analysis.)
Through the BaZi analysis above, it is evident that a close correlation exists between Shen Congwen's life journey and his BaZi chart. His unique literary talent, academic achievements, personality traits, and life experiences can all find their corresponding reflections in his BaZi chart. Shen Congwen's chart shows that both Direct Resource and Indirect Resource are prosperous, favoring self-study and deep research; meanwhile, the Hurting Officer and Eating God protrude, forming a writing temperament of fresh prose and delicate emotion. At crucial life milestones, astrological factors exerted a profound influence on his career, romance, personality, and other aspects.