Why it is called "eight characters"
BaZi literally translates to "eight characters," referring to the two characters (a stem and a branch) in each of the four pillars. Saju, the Korean term, literally means "four pillars," describing the same eight-character structure from a slightly different angle.
How Saju, BaZi, and related practices differ across cultures
The underlying stem-and-branch theory is shared, but its cultural role differs: Saju is deeply woven into Korean New Year traditions and traditional matchmaking practices (where a "compatibility reading," or gunghap, compares two people's charts), while BaZi is more associated with Chinese business and feng shui consultations, and the practice is less commonly formalized in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my exact birth time to get an accurate chart?
Yes. The hour pillar specifically requires a precise birth time; without it, a chart is usually built with only three pillars, which practitioners generally consider incomplete.
Is this the same as Western astrology?
No. The two are conceptually similar in using birth data to build a personality or fate framework, but Four Pillars is based on a lunisolar calendar stem-and-branch system, entirely unrelated to the positions of stars and planets used in Western astrology.