The term ‘Yong Shen’ (用神), literally speaking, can be broken down: ‘Yong’ (用) means that which is utilized by me or needed by me; ‘Shen’ (神) refers to spirit or creativity. It directly reflects the close relationship between an individual and their Bazi (Four Pillars of Destiny), and between a person and their fate.
In real life, if the Useful God is strong and broadly adaptable, one’s life will be vibrant and colorful. Conversely, if the Useful God is weak, or one feels ‘lost and without direction’ (六神无主), the happiness index in life will significantly decrease. Therefore, how to select the Useful God, how to accurately identify it, and how to grasp its transformations and adaptability will always be the most crucial topic in the study of Bazi numerology.
Within various Bazi combinations, there is never true absolute balance. Even for the same individual’s Bazi, throughout their life’s journey, they are continuously seeking a relative balance. This phenomenon fully aligns with the natural laws of development: imperfections drive the pursuit of perfection, and successes inspire the quest for excellence. The resulting imbalance in Bazi generates the fundamental impetus for individuals and human society to continuously progress. The practical function that the Useful God demonstrates in a Bazi chart is creativity.
The Useful God is a specific Five Element that plays a balancing role in a birth chart, bringing the relationships between the Five Elements into a state of relative equilibrium, and serving to restrain the Unfavorable God (Ji Shen).
Selecting the Useful God, accurately identifying it, and grasping its transformations means, based on its Five Element attributes, current state, and corresponding characteristics, providing fundamental guidance for individuals in their future lives to attract good fortune and avert misfortune, elevate their destiny, and improve their living environment. It empowers people to understand what times are beneficial to them, what actions are advantageous, and what directions are favorable. This is the core essence of accurately identifying the Useful God.