Major Cycles (Da Yun) and Annual Cycles (Liu Nian) are essential tools in Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny) for analyzing the changes in a person's life's fortune. If the Bazi chart is likened to a "map" of one's life, then the Major Cycle represents the "route" of the life journey, while the Annual Cycle depicts the specific "scenery" at each "stop." Understanding the operational patterns of Major and Annual Cycles is of great significance for grasping the rhythm of life.

The Major Cycle is a ten-year cycle of life fortune that changes every decade. The starting time of the cycle is calculated based on the birth date: for males born in Yang years and females born in Yin years, the cycle progresses in forward order; for males born in Yin years and females born in Yang years, it progresses in reverse order. The arrangement of the Major Cycle is determined by following the sequence of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches of the Month Pillar, either forward or backward.

Each Major Cycle represents a ten-year theme and trend of fortune. For example, during a ten-year cycle dominated by the "Zheng Guan" (Direct Officer), there will be significant development in career and reputation; during a cycle dominated by "Zheng Cai" (Direct Wealth), financial luck and income will be relatively smooth. The quality of the Major Cycle determines the overall tone of fortune for that decade.

The Annual Cycle, on the other hand, refers to the specific fortune of each year, determined by the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches of that year. The influence of the Annual Cycle is more direct and specific than that of the Major Cycle. When the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches of the Annual Cycle form special relationships with those in the Bazi chart or the Major Cycle (such as clashes, combinations, conflicts, or harms), significant events are likely to occur.

The combined analysis of Major and Annual Cycles is a key focus of Bazi prediction. When both the Major Cycle and the Annual Cycle are auspicious, it is considered a "favorable year." When the Major Cycle is inauspicious but the Annual Cycle is auspicious, although there may be some setbacks, there are still opportunities overall. Conversely, when the Major Cycle is auspicious but the Annual Cycle is unfavorable, although the general trend is positive, one may encounter difficulties in the present.

One of the most noteworthy situations in the analysis of Major and Annual Cycles is the phenomenon of "Fan Tai Sui" (Offending the Grand Duke Jupiter). This occurs when the Earthly Branch of the Annual Cycle clashes, conflicts with, or harms the Yearly Branch in the Bazi chart. Years of Fan Tai Sui are typically marked by more changes and challenges, requiring special attention to health and interpersonal relationships.

Mastering the analytical methods of Major and Annual Cycles can help us grasp the rhythm of life. In years of favorable fortune, we can actively pursue progress; in years of average fortune, we can proceed steadily; and in years of unfavorable fortune, we can act conservatively and cautiously. This wisdom of "going with the flow" is the invaluable insight that Bazi metaphysics offers us.