True Solar Time in BaZi Analysis
Discover why True Solar Time is crucial for accurate BaZi calculations and how it differs from standard time zones used in modern society.
Why Does BaZi Use Solar Time?
In BaZi destiny analysis, using true solar time rather than standard civil time is crucial. Solar time is calculated based on the actual position of the sun in the sky, not on standardized time zones.
Accuracy Reasons: Traditional BaZi theory holds that a person's destiny is intimately connected to the cosmic energies present at birth. The sun's position directly influences these energies, so using true solar time more accurately captures the cosmic state at that moment.
Historical Origins: The BaZi system developed in an era without standardized time zones, when people used the sun's position to determine time. To maintain consistency with traditional methods, modern BaZi calculations still adhere to solar time.
Conversion Method: Converting modern standard time to solar time requires considering longitude correction (4 minutes per degree) and the equation of time correction (varies throughout the year). This ensures the accuracy of BaZi charting, especially crucial for determining the hour pillar.
Calculating True Solar Time
Converting from standard time to true solar time involves two main corrections:
Longitude Correction
Standard time is based on the central meridian of a time zone. For each degree east or west of this meridian, we need to adjust by 4 minutes:
- East of the standard meridian: add 4 minutes per degree
- West of the standard meridian: subtract 4 minutes per degree
Equation of Time Correction
This adjustment accounts for the variation in the Earth's orbit and axial tilt throughout the year. The correction can be:
- Up to +16 minutes in November
- As low as -14 minutes in February
Formula for Calculation
Our BaZi calculator automatically performs these calculations for you, ensuring that your chart is based on the accurate solar time for precise readings.
Calculate Your Accurate BaZi Chart
Our advanced calculator automatically adjusts for true solar time based on your birth location and historical time zone data to ensure the most accurate readings.
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