The Evolving Self: Reading Individual Identity at the Intersection of MBTI and Saju
Where Western cognitive psychology meets Eastern temporal philosophy. We explore how MBTI's cognitive functions and Saju's elemental energies complement and explain each other.
The Evolving Self: The Intersection of MBTI and Saju
When we define ourselves, we usually choose one of two tools: the MBTI (Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), which is based on scientific methodology, or Saju (Four Pillars of Destiny), which contains thousands of years of empirical data. We believe one speaks of "psychology" and the other of "fate."
However, these two systems are actually two sides of the same coin. It is no coincidence that when the great psychologist Carl Jung built the psychological typology that became the foundation of MBTI, he was deeply immersed in the Eastern I Ching and alchemy.
I. Synchronizing Cognitive Functions (MBTI) and the Five Elements (Saju)
If MBTI is our 'Software' (how we process information), then Saju can be seen as our 'Hardware' (the energy we were born with).
1. Extraverted Sensing (Se) and the Passion of Fire (火)
The Extraverted Sensing (Se) function intensely absorbs the present moment and reacts immediately. This is very similar to the energy of Fire (火) in Saju, which surges upward, expands, and reveals itself. People with developed Fire energy enjoy practical and visible changes and are highly likely to appear as SP (Explorer) temperaments in MBTI.
2. Introverted Intuition (Ni) and the Insight of Water (水)
Introverted Intuition (Ni) reads patterns beneath the surface and foresees future implications. This resembles the energy of Water (水), which is deep, flexible, and possesses penetrating insight. People with strong Water energy focus on their inner voice and seek to understand the fundamental principles of the world.
II. Why do 'Personality' and 'Energy' Clash?
We often see cases where a person's MBTI type and the energy in their Saju chart clash. For example, a person may be an INTJ, who is very introspective and analytical, but their Saju is filled with the intense energy of Fire (火) and Wood (木).
This discrepancy explains the tension between the 'Social Mask (Persona)' and 'Original Motivation'.
- MBTI shows the survival strategy and cognitive preferences you have chosen.
- Saju shows the nature of the raw materials you possess.
If a sword (INTJ) made of Metal is placed over a Fire, that sword must constantly cool itself to maintain its cold reason, living a life of struggle. This suggests that personality is not just a manifestation of temperament, but a "process of evolution" in which innate energy is processed to fit the environment.
III. Techniques for Three-Dimensional Self-Understanding
By combining Saju and MBTI, we can read our "user manual" with greater precision.
- Supplementing Deficiencies: An ENFP lacking Metal (金, discipline) energy in their Saju will understand why it is so difficult, yet so necessary, to make an effort to build "Systems (Te)" while maintaining their MBTI creativity.
- Utilizing Flows: When the energy of Earth (土, stability) enters through the Grand Luck (Daewoon, 10-year cycle), the ever-changing ENTP type gains the energy to establish a "realistic foundation" that they would have normally ignored.
Conclusion: The Integrated Self
Saju tells you under what "weather conditions" you were born. MBTI is the "clothing" you decided to wear in that weather. The important thing is not to blame the weather or complain that the clothes are bad.
Recognizing what the season is outside of me now, and in what way the engine inside of me is rotating. When that recognition begins, we can finally stop being swayed by "innate fate" and use our personality as a tool to sail toward our true self.