The 12 Stages of Life (Sib-i-un-seong): The Rhythm of Life Energy
Don't be sad if you have "Grave" or "Extinction" in your Saju. There are things you can only see when your energy is low.
Introduction: The Pulse of the Universe
In Saju, the 12 Stages of Life (Sib-i-un-seong) describe the cycle of energy (Qi) as it manifests in human experience. While the Ten Gods describe what you want, the 12 Stages describe the "Strength and State" of your energy at any given moment.
Think of it as the tidal wave of life. Sometimes the tide is high and powerful, allowing you to conquer everything in your path. At other times, the tide recedes, leaving you in a state of quiet introspection and rest. Both states are vital. A person with purely high energy may lack wisdom, while a person with purely low energy may lack the drive to act.
The 12 Stages: From Conception to Rebirth
The cycle is divided into 12 distinct energy "destinations." Each has its own beauty and its own specific "mission."
1. Tae (Conception)
- State: The soul enters the womb.
- Vibe: Vulnerable, full of potential, and imaginative. You dream of the world before you enter it.
- Life Advice: Protect your ideas. This is not the time for intense action, but for nurturing your vision.
2. Yang (Nurturing)
- State: Growing within the womb.
- Vibe: Protected, receiving support, and preparing for birth.
- Life Advice: Trust that the universe will provide for you. Focus on internal growth.
3. Jangsaeng (Birth)
- State: Emerging into the world.
- Vibe: Pure, hopeful, and supported by elders. Often blessed with high "people luck."
- Life Advice: Start something new. People will want to help you because of your innocent and fresh energy.
4. Mok-yuk (The Bath)
- State: The infant is washed.
- Vibe: Curious, exposed, and sometimes unstable. A time of "puberty" and trial-and-error.
- Life Advice: You may make mistakes or feel embarrassed, but this is how you learn your style. Embrace your uniqueness.
5. Gwan-dae (Adulthood/Cap and Gown)
- State: Donning the robes of an official.
- Vibe: High energy, spirited, but sometimes arrogant. The desire to show off.
- Life Advice: Be careful not to hurt others with your confidence. Direct your energy toward your career.
6. Geon-nok (Strength)
- State: The prime of life.
- Vibe: Self-made, independent, and hardworking. The most stable and productive phase.
- Life Advice: This is your time to build wealth and reputation through your own efforts.
7. Jewang (The Imperial Peak)
- State: Sitting on the throne.
- Vibe: Maximum power, authority, and solitariness.
- Life Advice: You are at the top, but it is lonely there. Practice humility to avoid falling from the peak.
8. Soe (Declining)
- State: Stepping down from power.
- Vibe: Wise, experienced, and calm. The "shadow cabinet" energy.
- Life Advice: You no longer need to be the hero. Influence the world through your wisdom and counseling.
9. Byeong (Sickness)
- State: The body weakens.
- Vibe: Sensitive, empathetic, and philosophical.
- Life Advice: Since your physical energy is lower, your emotional and spiritual sensitivity is higher. This is a great time for healing and art.
10. Sa (Death)
- State: The soul leaves the body.
- Vibe: Deep focus, stillness, and technical mastery.
- Life Advice: This is not "bad." It is the energy of a professional who can concentrate on one thing until the end. Great for research and craftsmanship.
11. Myo (The Grave)
- State: Entering the earth.
- Vibe: Conservative, storing, and deep memory.
- Life Advice: Focus on saving and protecting what you have. You are a "walking warehouse" of resources and wisdom.
12. Jeol (Extinction/Termination)
- State: Pure spirit before conception.
- Vibe: Void, extreme sensitivity, and sudden change.
- Life Advice: You are at rock bottom, which means the only way is up. This is the state of pure inspiration where "Zero" becomes "One."
Changing the Narrative: There is No "Bad" Luck
Western culture often obsesses over being at the "Jewang" (Peak) stage. However, a person who is always at the peak becomes rigid and loses the ability to feel.
- If you have "Myo" (Grave) in your chart, you are someone who provides deep stability and can store resources for a rainy day.
- If you have "Jeol" (Extinction), you possess a level of creative inspiration that "stronger" people can never touch.
Conclusion: Embodying Your Current Stage
Understanding your current stage (especially in your Daewoon) helps you decide how to act.
- Are you in "Mok-yuk"? Be bold and try new things.
- Are you in "Sa"? Stop trying to be the center of attention and focus on mastering your craft.
Respect the cycle. Your energy is not a flat line; it is a sacred spiral. Each stage of the 12-chapter life story is necessary to complete the masterpiece of your existence.