Revisit early BaZi principles—functional Six Relatives, evidence-based Luck Pillars, and a minimal shen sha approach—through classical references and anonymized casework. In Chinese metaphysics the proverb “Fate, Luck, Feng Shui” places a person’s natal chart and timing cycles ahead of environment. Modern practice is dominated by the Zi Ping school, often blended with later sub-schools and a dense forest of shen sha labels such as Peach Blossom or Traveling Horse. This essay returns to perspectives found in early sources including Yuzhao Zhenjing (玉照神应真经) and lessons gathered from day-to-day client work, with takeaways for today’s international seekers. 1) The “Six Relatives” Are Functional, Not Literal The Ten Gods (十神) describe functional dynamics rather than fixed family members: Resource / Seal (印): support, nourishment, protection, learning. Output (食伤): expression, production, releasing pressure. Wealth (财): acquisition, exchange, responsibility, obligation. Power / Authority (官杀): rules, pressure, accountability. Peers (比劫): parity, competition, alliance, self-assertion. Traditional mnemonics map these functions to kin—Seal as mother, Wealth as spouse (for a male Daymaster), and so on. These shortcuts hint at family dynamics, yet real life assigns roles fluidly. A mentor or aunt can behave as true Seal support while a biological parent may not. A business partnership that creates fiscal obligation functions like Wealth regardless of marital status. Practice rule: re...