---
name: luck-cycle-forecast
description: Calculate and interpret 10-year luck cycles (大运) and annual fortune (流年) for timing insights and life trend predictions.
---

# Luck Cycle Forecast

This skill analyzes the 10-year luck cycles (大运 Dà Yùn) and annual influences (流年 Liú Nián) to provide timing insights, predict favorable and challenging periods, and guide decision-making.

**🎯 Critical Framework**: Luck cycles show **tendencies and opportunities**, NOT fixed fate. They help you:
- **Identify optimal timing** for major decisions (data-driven strategy)
- **Prepare for challenges** in advance (risk management)
- **Leverage favorable periods** maximally (opportunity optimization)
- **Make informed choices** with awareness of cosmic trends

> "大运显示趋势，不是命运。你的选择决定结果。"  
> *Luck cycles show trends, not destiny. Your choices determine outcomes.*

## When to Use This Skill

- **Life planning**: Identifying optimal timing for major decisions
- **Career transitions**: When to change jobs or start businesses
- **Relationship timing**: Favorable periods for marriage or partnership
- **Major purchases**: Timing for home, investments, vehicles
- **Understanding current phase**: Making sense of present circumstances
- **Annual forecast**: Planning ahead for the year

## What This Skill Does

1. **10-Year Cycle Calculation**: Determines luck cycles from birth to 80+ years
2. **Current Cycle Analysis**: Deep dive into present 10-year period
3. **Annual Fortune**: Analyzes current year influences
4. **Transition Periods**: Identifies important turning points
5. **Favorable Windows**: Highlights best timing for specific actions
6. **Challenge Awareness**: Prepares for difficult periods
7. **Long-term Trends**: Shows life trajectory over decades

## The Luck Cycle System

### Calculation Basics

**Direction**:
- **Forward** (顺行): Male born in Yang year OR Female born in Yin year
- **Backward** (逆行): Male born in Yin year OR Female born in Yang year

**Starting Age**:
- Based on distance from birth to nearest solar term
- Typically starts between ages 0-10
- 3 days = 1 year of age

**Example**:
- Male born in 1990 (庚午 - Yang year) → Forward direction
- Born 8 days after 立春 (Start of Spring)
- Starting age: 8 ÷ 3 = ~2.7 years → starts at age 3

### Cycle Structure

Each person has 8-10 visible cycles in lifetime:

```
Age:    0-3     3-13    13-23   23-33   33-43   43-53   53-63   63-73
Cycle:  Birth   1st     2nd     3rd     4th     5th     6th     7th
        本命    大运1   大运2   大运3   大运4   大运5   大运6   大运7
```

Each cycle = Heavenly Stem + Earthly Branch with unique influence

## Interpretation Framework

### 1. Cycle Elements

**Favorable Cycles** (Supporting Day Master):
- Generating element (e.g., Water for Wood Day Master)
- Same element (e.g., Wood for Wood Day Master)
- Element that Day Master generates (with strong Day Master)

**Challenging Cycles** (Conflicting with Day Master):
- Controlling element (e.g., Metal for Wood Day Master)
- Element that drains Day Master (excessive)
- Element creating imbalance

**Example**:
- Day Master: 甲木 (Wood)
- Water cycle: ⬆️ Favorable (generates Wood)
- Fire cycle: ➡️ Neutral/Draining (Wood generates Fire)
- Metal cycle: ⬇️ Challenging (Metal cuts Wood)
- Earth cycle: ⬇️ Challenging (Wood controls Earth, depletes energy)

### 2. Heavenly Stem Influence

The Stem affects:
- **Career and social realm**: Public-facing matters
- **Opportunities and resources**: What comes to you
- **External conditions**: Environment and circumstances

### 3. Earthly Branch Influence

The Branch affects:
- **Personal life and emotions**: Inner world
- **Health and vitality**: Physical well-being
- **Relationships and家庭**: Family and intimate matters
- **Hidden factors**: Underlying conditions

### 4. Combined Analysis

Consider:
- Stem-Branch harmony (Do they work together?)
- Interaction with natal chart (Clashes, harmonies?)
- Element strength (Is this cycle strong in chart?)
- Life phase (Early, middle, late life?)

## Annual Fortune (流年)

### Structure

Each year has:
- **Year Stem**: Influences opportunities, trends
- **Year Branch**: Chinese zodiac, influences emotions
- **Interaction**: With both natal chart and current 10-year cycle

### Analysis

```
2026: 丙午 (Fire Horse)

For 甲木 Day Master:
- 丙 (Yang Fire): Wood generates Fire - giving energy, may drain
- 午 (Horse/Fire): More Fire influence - passionate, busy year
- Overall: Active, visible year but watch for burnout
```

### Key Factors

1. **Clash or Harmony with Year Branch**
   - Clash (冲): Conflicts, changes, movement
   - Harmony (合): Cooperation, relationships, luck

2. **Element Strength**
   - Favorable element year: Growth opportunities
   - Unfavorable element year: Challenges to navigate

3. **12 Life Phases** (十二长生)
   - Birth (长生): New beginnings
   - Crown (冠带): Recognition
   - Peak (帝旺): Maximum energy
   - Decline (死): Endings, rest
   - Tomb (墓): Storage, hidden
   - Etc.

## Output Format

```markdown
# Luck Cycle Forecast: [Name]

**Day Master**: 甲木 (Yang Wood)
**Current Age**: 36 (in 2026)
**Analysis Date**: 2026-01-20

---

## 🎯 Overview

You are currently in your **4th 10-year luck cycle** (ages 33-43), under 
the influence of 辛巳 (Metal Snake). This is a cycle of refinement and 
restructuring, where you're learning to cut away what doesn't serve you 
and polish what remains.

**Current Position in Life**: Mid-career, establishing authority and 
expertise. A time for consolidation rather than rapid expansion.

---

## 📊 Lifetime Luck Cycle Map

```
Age:    3     13     23     33     43     53     63     73
        │      │      │      │▼     │      │      │      │
Cycle:  戊寅  己卯   庚辰   辛巳   壬午   癸未   甲申   乙酉
Element: Wood+ Wood++ Earth+ Metal+ Fire++ Earth+ Metal+ Metal
Trend:   ↗️    ⬆️     ➡️     ⚠️     ⬆️     ➡️     ⬇️     ⬇️

Legend:
↗️ Growing     ⬆️ Strong      ➡️ Stable
⚠️ Challenging  ⬇️ Declining

Current: 辛巳 (33-43) - Metal cycle ⚠️
```

---

## 🌀 Current 10-Year Cycle (Ages 33-43)

### 辛巳 (Metal Snake) - 2023-2033

**Heavenly Stem: 辛 (Yin Metal)**
- Element: Metal
- Nature: Jewel, refined metal, precision
- Career Impact: Focus on quality over quantity
- Opportunity: Mastery, specialization, refinement

**Earthly Branch: 巳 (Snake/Fire)**
- Element: Fire (generates Earth, contains Metal)
- Hidden Stems: 庚金, 丙火, 戊土
- Personal Impact: Inner transformation, wisdom-seeking
- Relationship: Strategic, selective in connections

**Overall Cycle Character**: "The Refiner's Fire"

This is a cycle of **refinement and reduction**. Like a jeweler polishing 
a gem, you're cutting away impurities and rough edges. The Metal energy 
asks you to:

- ✂️ Cut away commitments that don't align with your core values
- 💎 Perfect your craft - go deep rather than wide
- ⚖️ Develop stronger boundaries and standards
- 🔨 Face challenges that make you stronger

---

## 💫 Cycle Dynamics for Wood Day Master

**Metal's Relationship to Your Wood**:
- Metal **controls** Wood (metal cuts wood)
- This is a **challenging but growth-producing** cycle
- You'll feel more external pressure and constraints
- But this pressure can shape you into your best form

**What This Means Practically**:

### Career (辛 - Yin Metal influence)
- Focus on **expertise and quality** over volume
- Recognition comes from depth of skill, not breadth
- May face:
  - More scrutiny of your work
  - Higher standards from others
  - Pressure to prove expertise
- Opportunities in:
  - Specialization and niche mastery
  - Consulting, advisory roles
  - Precision-required work

### Personal Life (巳 - Snake influence)
- More **introspective and selective**
- Quality over quantity in relationships
- May experience:
  - Desire for deeper, fewer connections
  - Need for more solitude/reflection
  - Transformation of self-image
- Growth through:
  - Therapy, coaching, spiritual practice
  - Letting go of superficial connections
  - Developing inner authority

### Health (Metal-Fire dynamic)
- **Organs to support**: Lungs (Metal), Liver (Wood)
- Metal controlling Wood can stress liver
- Fire (Snake) can weaken Metal, creating fluctuations
- **Recommendations**:
  - Breathing practices (pranayama, qigong)
  - Manage stress to protect liver
  - Balance work intensity with rest
  - Watch respiratory health

---

## 📅 Annual Forecast: 2026

### Year of 丙午 (Fire Horse)

**Stem: 丙 (Yang Fire)**
- Your Wood generates Fire - **giving energy**
- Opportunities for recognition and visibility
- Creative, expressive energy
- **Caution**: Don't burn yourself out

**Branch: 午 (Horse)**
- Fire element, Yang energy
- Active, fast-paced year
- Social connections, networking
- Movement and travel

### 2026 Character: "Blazing Trail"

This is a **high-energy, high-visibility year** within your Metal cycle. 
The Fire year creates interesting dynamics:

**Positive**:
- ✅ Fire weakens Metal → Less restrictive feeling
- ✅ Your Wood fuels Fire → Productive, creative output
- ✅ Recognition and opportunities for leadership
- ✅ Expanded social circle and network

**Challenges**:
- ⚠️ Wood generating Fire → Draining your energy
- ⚠️ Fire in Metal cycle → Conflicting energies (Fire melts Metal)
- ⚠️ Risk of overcommitment and burnout
- ⚠️ May clash with Metal's need for refinement and boundaries

### Monthly Breakdown

**Q1 (Jan-Mar)**: 🌱 Spring - Wood Season
- **Best**: Planning, initiating projects
- **Energy**: Moderate, building
- **Focus**: Plant seeds for year ahead

**Q2 (Apr-Jun)**: ☀️ Late Spring/Early Summer
- **Best**: Implementation, networking
- **Energy**: Rising, active
- **Focus**: Push forward on key initiatives

**Q3 (Jul-Sep)**: 🔥 Summer/Fire Peak
- **Best**: High-visibility work, presentations
- **Energy**: Maximum, demanding
- **Focus**: Be seen, make impact
- **Warning**: Peak burnout risk - schedule rest

**Q4 (Oct-Dec)**: 🍂 Autumn - Metal Season
- **Best**: Consolidation, reflection
- **Energy**: Declining, restorative
- **Focus**: Harvest results, plan for next year

### Key Dates for 2026

**Favorable Months**:
- **March**: Spring energy supports Wood - initiate projects
- **May**: Horse month in Horse year - momentum and opportunity
- **October**: Metal season aligns with 10-year cycle - consolidate gains

**Challenging Months**:
- **August**: Double Fire + Horse - risk of overwhelm, take vacation
- **December**: Rat month (clashes with Horse year) - avoid major decisions

**Important Transitions**:
- **Early Feb**: Chinese New Year - intention-setting time
- **July-Aug**: Peak energy period - schedule recovery after
- **November**: Pig month - good for reflection before year-end

---

## 🎯 Strategic Timing Recommendations

### Optimal Timing for Major Decisions (2026-2033)

#### Career Changes
**Best Years**: 2027-2028 (Rabbit/Dragon years)
- More harmonious with your chart
- Better for transitions than 2026 (too volatile)

**Current Year (2026)**: 
- ✅ Good for: Promotions, visibility, presentations
- ❌ Avoid: Complete career pivots, risky ventures

#### Relationships & Marriage
**Best Period**: 2027-2028
- After Fire Horse intensity
- More stable emotional climate
- Better for commitment

**Current Year (2026)**:
- ✅ Good for: Meeting people, dating, networking
- ⚠️ Caution: Don't rush into commitment (impulsive Fire energy)

#### Major Purchases (Home, Investments)
**Best Period**: 2029-2030 (Earth years)
- Aligns with grounding, stability
- Better judgment and less impulse

**Current Year (2026)**:
- ⚠️ Proceed carefully - Fire Horse creates impulsive energy
- ✅ If buying: Spring or Autumn (more balanced)

#### Starting a Business
**Best Window**: 2027 (Rabbit year) or 2031 (Metal cycle ends)
- 2027: Smoother start, less friction
- 2031: Entering Fire cycle (more supportive)

**Current Year (2026)**:
- ⚠️ Risky year for launch (unless very prepared)
- ✅ Good for: Planning, testing, prototyping

---

## 🌊 Upcoming Cycles Preview

### Next Cycle: 壬午 (Water Horse) - Ages 43-53 (2033-2043)

**Game Changer**: Water generates Wood (YOUR ELEMENT!) 🎉

This will be a **significantly more favorable cycle** for you. After 
10 years of Metal's refinement pressure, Water will:

- 💧 Nourish and support your Wood nature
- 🌊 Bring flow, wisdom, and ease
- 📚 Open doors for teaching, sharing expertise
- 🌱 Renewed growth after pruning period

**What to Look Forward To**:
- More external support and opportunities
- Work feels less effortful, more natural
- Recognition for expertise built in current cycle
- Better health and vitality (Wood supported)

**Preparation Now (2026-2033)**:
- Use current Metal cycle to master your craft
- What you refine now, you'll scale then
- Build the foundation for water to flow through

### Cycles 53-73: Mixed Earth and Metal

**癸未 (53-63)**: Yin Water + Earth - Stable, nurturing
**甲申 (63-73)**: Yang Wood + Metal - Returning to challenges

---

## 💎 Wisdom for Current Phase

### The Refiner's Paradox

You're in a **Metal cycle as a Wood Day Master** - traditionally 
"challenging." But this is precisely the cycle that creates excellence.

Think of a tree being pruned:
- 🌳 Without pruning → grows wild but weak
- ✂️ With pruning → grows strong and fruitful

This Metal cycle is your **pruning season**. It's not pleasant, but it's 
producing something valuable: **clarity, mastery, and authentic strength**.

### Key Lessons of This Cycle (33-43)

1. **Quality over Quantity**: Master few things rather than dabble in many
2. **Boundaries as Strength**: Saying no is how you say yes to what matters
3. **Refinement as Requirement**: Good isn't enough when great is possible
4. **Pressure Creates Diamonds**: Use challenges to crystallize your gifts

### Mindset for Success

**Don't fight the Metal energy** - that's exhausting and futile.
**Work with it:**

- ✅ Embrace the refinement process
- ✅ Welcome feedback and higher standards
- ✅ Cut away what doesn't serve your mission
- ✅ Develop unshakeable expertise

**In 2026 specifically:**
- Use Fire year's visibility to showcase refined work
- Don't overextend - rest is strategic
- Let some opportunities pass (Metal's discernment)
- Build toward Water cycle (2033) release

---

## 📋 Action Plan

### For Current Cycle (2026-2033)

**Years 2026-2028** (Remaining time):
- [ ] Deepen expertise in core area
- [ ] Prune commitments that don't align
- [ ] Build financial stability and savings
- [ ] Strengthen health foundations
- [ ] Develop spiritual/contemplative practice

**Transition (2031-2033)**:
- [ ] Position yourself for Water cycle opportunities
- [ ] Begin teaching or sharing accumulated wisdom
- [ ] Explore new directions (gently)
- [ ] Prepare for expansion phase

### For 2026 Specifically

**Q1** (Jan-Mar):
- [ ] Set clear intentions for the year
- [ ] Identify 3 key projects for year
- [ ] Schedule rest periods in advance (esp. post-summer)

**Q2** (Apr-Jun):
- [ ] Execute key initiatives with focus
- [ ] Network and build visibility
- [ ] Monitor energy levels (don't overdo)

**Q3** (Jul-Sep):
- [ ] Peak performance period - show up fully
- [ ] **Critical**: Take August vacation/break
- [ ] Harvest recognition and opportunities

**Q4** (Oct-Dec):
- [ ] Consolidate gains from year
- [ ] Reflect and integrate learnings
- [ ] Plan for 2027 with wisdom

---

## 🌟 Final Thoughts

You're at **age 36 in a Metal cycle** - the middle of a challenging but 
transformative period. The good news:

1. **You're halfway through** - You've learned how to work with this energy
2. **2026 is a bright spot** - Fire year brings relief and recognition
3. **Better times ahead** - Water cycle (2033) will feel like coming home
4. **This time matters** - What you master now, you'll leverage for decades

**Remember**: The bamboo that bends in the wind doesn't break. Be the Wood 
that **flexes with Metal's pressure** rather than resists it.

---

*"大器晚成" - Great vessels take time to complete. You're in the refinement 
phase. Trust the process.* 🌳✨

