How many layers of yourself? Is reading only to the Day Master accurate?

    In the last article where I talk about the characteristics of Jia Wood and how one's subconscious operates. Many readers might not grasp the essence of what this truly means. In this aspect, I aim to impart a methodology that acknowledges the multi-layered nature of individuals. Humans possess different layers of the self. For instance, there's the subconscious self, something involuntary that naturally manifests. In contrast, there's the refined self, shaped by experiences and environment, refined through learning and life's challenges. This refined self is different from the subconscious self. Additionally, there's the inclination-driven self—an individual might involuntarily develop a heightened interest in certain things post-refinement. For instance, someone who becomes particularly interested in alcohol after drinking it, showcasing an inclination that emerged after refinement. This constitutes the third layer of the self. Then there's the self as perceived by others, where one's self-assessment might differ from how others perceive them—a separate layer of identity. Lastly, there's the habitual self, behaviours or traits that manifest involuntarily, influenced by subconscious tendencies or refinements but constrained in certain environments. For example, the way one behaves at home versus in a school setting might differ significantly—an illustration of the subconscious self operating differently in distinct environments.

    In Chinese metaphysics, when we discuss individuals based on their astrological signs, like Jia Wood or Yi Wood, we are referring to the first layer—the subconscious. This is the unfiltered, purely original self, devoid of any modifications or inclinations, the instinctual response to situations, the initial impulse to act. As for subsequent layers, it's a matter of the interplay in the BaZi chart. What do we mean by the "refined self"? When you interact with other heavenly stems and earthly branches, you're being refined. What about the "inclination-driven self"? That corresponds to the day and hour of your birth. The year and month of your birth represent the habitual self, the self at home, or the societal self. People operate on different levels. When we discuss the ten heavenly stems, we're only talking about the subconscious, the unmodified self. When we move on to discussing combinations, it involves being refined, having inclinations, being situated in certain scenarios—a methodology. For those keen on delving deeper, exploring "The Interpretation of Dreams" would be beneficial. In that text, there's the id (or the unconscious mind that houses basic instincts), the ego (or the part of the mind that satisfies those instincts), and the superego (or the part that acts according to morals). In Western studies, some scholars have delved into understanding human nature quite well. However, that methodology remains somewhat superficial—only three selves! In Chinese metaphysics, we have numerous layers of self. I've just touched upon a few. As you advance in your studies, you'll discover over a dozen different layers, witnessing varying facets of the self.