The Follow the Children Structure (Cong Er Ge): An Analysis of a Special Structure in BaZi

The Follow the Children structure (Cong Er Ge), as a special structure in BaZi (Chinese Four Pillars astrology), is unique in that the Day Master is extremely weak and cannot receive support from the Resource elements. Instead, the power of the Eating God and Hurting Officer in the destiny chart converges to form a dominant faction, creating an overwhelming strength across the entire chart that forces the Day Master to submit to the strength of the Eating God and Hurting Officer. Individuals with this structure are typically highly intelligent and brimming with talent, able to acquire immense wealth and fame through their skills, knowledge, and wisdom.

Detailed Assessment Criteria

To determine whether a BaZi belongs to the Follow the Children structure, the following conditions must be met:

1. A Rootless Day Master: The Day Stem lacks either a primary root or a secondary root in the Earthly Branches.
2. The Eating God and Hurting Officer Hold the Month Command: The Month Command is occupied by the Eating God or Hurting Officer, and the Earthly Branches form a directional frame or three-harmony frame of the Eating God and Hurting Officer (for example, a Wood Day Master seeing Yin, Mao, and Chen, or Si, Wu, and Wei).
3. A Complete Absence of Resource Stars: There is no Direct Resource or Indirect Resource in the Four Pillars (especially in the Heavenly Stems). If they appear, it becomes a broken structure.
4. Favoring the Presence of Wealth Stars: When Wealth stars appear in the pillars to channel and draw out the elegant energy produced by the Eating God and Hurting Officer, this is known as "the child producing another child," representing the highest caliber of this structure.

Meaning of the Structure

Those whose destinies enter the Follow the Children structure typically possess unbridled minds and outstanding talent, endowed with tremendous creative and expressive power. Because the entire momentum of the chart lies entirely in the Eating God and Hurting Officer—which represent what the Day Master produces—their wisdom and artistic abilities can be unleashed to the fullest. They are born artists, writers, technical experts, or business prodigies. If Wealth stars appear within the structure to transform and channel the energy, forming the dynamic of "the Eating God and Hurting Officer producing Wealth," this extraordinary intellect can be perfectly converted into immense wealth and renown.

Favorable and Unfavorable Elements

• Favorable: Wealth stars, the Eating God and Hurting Officer, and Friend and Rob Wealth.
• Unfavorable: Resource stars, and Direct Officer and Seven Killings.

Key Practical Points

1. Wealth Stars: Wealth stars can channel the elegant energy of the Eating God and Hurting Officer. This is known as "the child producing another child, allowing the elegant energy to flow freely," and it signifies great wealth and high status.
2. Eating God and Hurting Officer: Encountering these elements again during the Luck Pillars or Annual Pillars aligns with the dominant momentum of the structure. This is considered a fortunate period, signifying the full display of one's talents.
3. Friend and Rob Wealth: This structure does not fear Friend and Rob Wealth. These elements can generate and support the Eating God and Hurting Officer, which also aligns with the chart's momentum and is therefore considered favorable.

Case Study Analysis

Take the chart with the pillars Ding Mao, Ren Yin, Gui Mao, and Bing Chen as an example. The Gui Water Day Master is born in the Yin month. The branches contain the Yin-Mao-Chen directional frame of Eastern Wood, and the momentum of Wood (the Hurting Officer) is fully established. The Day Master, Gui Water, is rootless in the branches. Although there is a Ren Water Rob Wealth in the Heavenly Stems, it also follows the general trend to produce Wood. The Hour Stem reveals the Bing Fire Wealth star, and the entire chart forms a perfect flow of "Water producing Wood, and Wood producing Fire." This is the true Follow the Children structure, embodying the principle of "the child producing another child." Consequently, the chart owner achieved early academic success and rose to the rank of a provincial governor.

Practical Advice

For individuals with the Follow the Children structure, understanding their own BaZi structure can help them better plan their lives. Here are some recommendations:

1. Leverage Strengths: Utilize your natural talents and intellect to choose a career path that suits you.
2. Financial Planning: Plan your finances rationally, seize opportunities, and achieve wealth growth.
3. Interpersonal Relationships: Remain humble, communicate effectively with others, and build strong interpersonal connections.

The Follow the Children structure, this unique BaZi pattern, endows individuals with boundless talent and creativity, while also bringing both challenges and opportunities. Understanding and mastering this structure helps us better understand ourselves and realize our life's value.