How to interpret the Sixty-Year Cycle (Luc Thap Hoa Giap) chart for marriage and career

According to numerous studies on East Asian culture, the Sixty-Year Cycle (Lục Thập Hoa Giáp) system has been used for hundreds of years to analyze the relationship between birth year, the Five Elements (Ngũ Hành), and human destiny. However, many people still find it difficult to interpret the Sixty-Year Cycle chart, leading to misunderstandings of their elemental destiny, unsuitable career choices, or various obstacles in love and marriage.

If you are looking to understand how to read the Sixty-Year Cycle chart, determine your Nạp Âm (Nga Yin) Five Elements based on your birth year, or apply feng shui knowledge to real life, this article will help you quickly grasp the most important principles. Tiptory will guide you on how to read and look up the chart simply and clearly, thereby assisting you in orienting your marriage, career, choosing suitable timing, and minimizing conflicting factors that could affect your future.

Middle Cycle Sixty-Year Chart (1924-1983)

Metal Element Group in the Sixty-Year Cycle

This group consists of people whose Nạp Âm belongs to the Metal element, often associated with decisiveness, logical thinking, and good adaptability in work.

• 1924 Giáp Tý: Hải Trung Kim (Metal in the Sea), symbolizing metal hidden deep under the sea, needing time to develop its value.
• 1925 Ất Sửu: Hải Trung Kim (Metal in the Sea), flexible, easily adapting to new environments.
• 1932 Nhâm Thân: Kiếm Phong Kim (Sword Edge Metal), sharp, strong, and with a will to rise.
• 1933 Quý Dậu: Kiếm Phong Kim (Sword Edge Metal), notable for intelligence and problem-solving abilities.
• 1940 Canh Thìn: Bạch Lạp Kim (White Wax Metal), like refined gold, highly valuable and durable.
• 1941 Tân Tỵ: Bạch Lạp Kim (White Wax Metal), skillful, delicate, and good at accumulating wealth.
• 1954 Giáp Ngọ: Sa Trung Kim (Metal in the Sand), gold in sand, great potential but needs to be unearthed.
• 1955 Ất Mùi: Sa Trung Kim (Metal in the Sand), persistent and knows how to seize opportunities.
• 1962 Nhâm Dần: Kim Bạch Kim (Pure Gold), symbolizing pure, bright, and durable metal.
• 1963 Quý Mão: Kim Bạch Kim (Pure Gold), possesses leadership qualities and long-term development potential.
• 1970 Canh Tuất: Thoa Xuyến Kim (Hairpin Metal), representing valuable jewelry gold, prominent in reputation.
• 1971 Tân Hợi: Thoa Xuyến Kim (Hairpin Metal), tends to pursue perfection and quality.

Wood Element Group in the Sixty-Year Cycle

People belonging to the Wood element often have an open, flexible personality and the ability to develop sustainably over time.

• 1928 Mậu Thìn: Đại Lâm Mộc (Great Forest Wood), a large ancient tree, symbolizing steadfastness.
• 1929 Kỷ Tỵ: Đại Lâm Mộc (Great Forest Wood), strong, with enduring vitality.
• 1942 Nhâm Ngọ: Dương Liễu Mộc (Willow Wood), flexible, easily adapting to circumstances.
• 1943 Quý Mùi: Dương Liễu Mộc (Willow Wood), emotional and delicate.
• 1950 Canh Dần: Tùng Bách Mộc (Pine and Cypress Wood), resilient in the face of challenges.
• 1951 Tân Mão: Tùng Bách Mộc (Pine and Cypress Wood), stable and reliable.
• 1958 Mậu Tuất: Bình Địa Mộc (Plain Wood), slow but steady development.
• 1959 Kỷ Hợi: Bình Địa Mộc (Plain Wood), emphasizes foundation and long-term stability.
• 1972 Nhâm Tý: Tang Đố Mộc (Mulberry Wood), needs a suitable environment to thrive.
• 1973 Quý Sửu: Tang Đố Mộc (Mulberry Wood), hardworking and eager to learn.
• 1980 Canh Thân: Thạch Lựu Mộc (Stone Pomegranate Wood), strong, full of vitality.
• 1981 Tân Dậu: Thạch Lựu Mộc (Stone Pomegranate Wood), capable of adapting and innovating.

Water Element Group in the Sixty-Year Cycle

The Water element symbolizes flexibility, intelligence, and the ability to connect with people.

• 1936 Bính Tý: Giản Hạ Thủy (Water in the Stream), originating water, needs time to accumulate experience.
• 1937 Đinh Sửu: Giản Hạ Thủy (Water in the Stream), rich in development potential.
• 1944 Giáp Thân: Tuyền Trung Thủy (Water in the Spring), abundant underground water, strong inner strength.
• 1945 Ất Dậu: Tuyền Trung Thủy (Water in the Spring), calm and profound.
• 1952 Nhâm Thìn: Trường Lưu Thủy (Long Flowing Water), a large river constantly moving.
• 1953 Quý Tỵ: Trường Lưu Thủy (Long Flowing Water), full of energy and endurance.
• 1966 Bính Ngọ: Thiên Hà Thủy (Water in the Milky Way), rainwater from the sky, signifying purity.
• 1967 Đinh Mùi: Thiên Hà Thủy (Water in the Milky Way), flexible and emotional.
• 1974 Giáp Dần: Đại Khê Thủy (Great Stream Water), a powerful large stream.
• 1975 Ất Mão: Đại Khê Thủy (Great Stream Water), easily adaptable and developing.
• 1982 Nhâm Tuất: Đại Hải Thủy (Great Ocean Water), vast ocean, immense inner strength.
• 1983 Quý Hợi: Đại Hải Thủy (Great Ocean Water), broad vision and high adaptability.

Fire Element Group in the Sixty-Year Cycle

People of the Fire element are often enthusiastic, decisive, and have a pioneering spirit.

• 1926 Bính Dần: Lư Trung Hỏa (Fire in the Furnace), fire in a furnace, strong and enduring.
• 1927 Đinh Mão: Lư Trung Hỏa (Fire in the Furnace), full of energy and enthusiasm.
• 1934 Giáp Tuất: Sơn Đầu Hỏa (Fire on the Mountain Top), fire on the mountain, steadfast in goals.
• 1935 Ất Hợi: Sơn Đầu Hỏa (Fire on the Mountain Top), warm and stable.
• 1948 Mậu Tý: Tích Lịch Hỏa (Thunderbolt Fire), lightning fire, explosive and creative.
• 1949 Kỷ Sửu: Tích Lịch Hỏa (Thunderbolt Fire), powerful but needs emotional control.
• 1956 Bính Thân: Sơn Hạ Hỏa (Fire under the Mountain), fire at the foot of the mountain, stable and realistic.
• 1957 Đinh Dậu: Sơn Hạ Hỏa (Fire under the Mountain), persistent and strong-willed.
• 1964 Giáp Thìn: Phúc Đăng Hỏa (Lantern Fire), guiding light, symbolizing wisdom.
• 1965 Ất Tỵ: Phúc Đăng Hỏa (Lantern Fire), brings warmth and guidance.
• 1978 Mậu Ngọ: Thiên Thượng Hỏa (Fire in the Sky), light from the sky, prominent and positive.
• 1979 Kỷ Mùi: Thiên Thượng Hỏa (Fire in the Sky), full of ideals and aspirations.

Earth Element Group in the Sixty-Year Cycle

The Earth element represents stability, reliability, and the ability to build a solid foundation.

• 1930 Canh Ngọ: Lộ Bàng Thổ (Roadside Earth), roadside soil, easily adaptable to the environment.
• 1931 Tân Mùi: Lộ Bàng Thổ (Roadside Earth), needs to be nurtured to develop sustainably.
• 1938 Mậu Dần: Thành Đầu Thổ (City Wall Earth), fortress earth, solid and steadfast.
• 1939 Kỷ Mão: Thành Đầu Thổ (City Wall Earth), reliable and responsible.
• 1946 Bính Tuất: Ốc Thượng Thổ (Roof Top Earth), earth on the roof, symbolizing protection.
• 1947 Đinh Hợi: Ốc Thượng Thổ (Roof Top Earth), stable and firm.
• 1960 Canh Tý: Bích Thượng Thổ (Wall Earth), earth on the wall, capable of protection and maintenance.
• 1961 Tân Sửu: Bích Thượng Thổ (Wall Earth), practical and principled.
• 1968 Mậu Thân: Đại Trạch Thổ (Great Marsh Earth), vast land, favorable for development.
• 1969 Kỷ Dậu: Đại Trạch Thổ (Great Marsh Earth), persistent and capable of building a career.
• 1976 Bính Thìn: Sa Trung Thổ (Sand in Earth), sandy soil, needs time to stabilize.
• 1977 Đinh Tỵ: Sa Trung Thổ (Sand in Earth), persistent and highly resilient.

How to look up the Sixty-Year Cycle chart

1. Determine your lunar birth year.
2. Cross-reference your birth year with the corresponding stem and branch in the chart.
3. Check the Nạp Âm Five Elements to know your elemental destiny according to the Sixty-Year Cycle.
4. Combine the information on mutually generating and mutually overcoming Five Elements for insights into marriage, career, and relationships.
5. It is advisable to consider the overall Bát Tự (Eight Characters), Tứ Trụ (Four Pillars of Destiny), or Cung Mệnh (Life Palace) for a more complete view of destiny.

Lower Cycle Sixty-Year Chart (1984-2043)

Metal Element Group from 1984-2043

Those belonging to the Metal element in the Sixty-Year Cycle chart often have clear thinking, good organizational skills, and steadfastness towards their goals.

• 1984 Giáp Tý: Hải Trung Kim (Metal in the Sea), gold hidden deep under the sea, needs time to realize its value.
• 1985 Ất Sửu: Hải Trung Kim (Metal in the Sea), flexible and easily adapts to new circumstances.
• 1992 Nhâm Thân: Kiếm Phong Kim (Sword Edge Metal), sharp, decisive, and strong-willed.
• 1993 Quý Dậu: Kiếm Phong Kim (Sword Edge Metal), notable for quick wit and analytical ability.
• 2000 Canh Thìn: Bạch Lạp Kim (White Wax Metal), refined metal, highly valuable.
• 2001 Tân Tỵ: Bạch Lạp Kim (White Wax Metal), delicate, cautious, and enduring.
• 2014 Giáp Ngọ: Sa Trung Kim (Metal in the Sand), gold in sand, great potential but needs refinement.
• 2015 Ất Mùi: Sa Trung Kim (Metal in the Sand), hardworking and knows how to seize opportunities.
• 2022 Nhâm Dần: Kim Bạch Kim (Pure Gold), symbolizing pure, bright, and stable metal.
• 2023 Quý Mão: Kim Bạch Kim (Pure Gold), possesses leadership qualities and long-term development potential.
• 2030 Canh Tuất: Thoa Xuyến Kim (Hairpin Metal), valuable jewelry gold, representing reputation and achievement.
• 2031 Tân Hợi: Thoa Xuyến Kim (Hairpin Metal), loves perfection and quality.

Wood Element Group from 1984-2043

The Wood element represents growth, creativity, and adaptability in various environments.

• 1988 Mậu Thìn: Đại Lâm Mộc (Great Forest Wood), a large ancient tree, symbolizing steadfastness.
• 1989 Kỷ Tỵ: Đại Lâm Mộc (Great Forest Wood), strong and full of vitality.
• 2002 Nhâm Ngọ: Dương Liễu Mộc (Willow Wood), flexible, adaptable to change.
• 2003 Quý Mùi: Dương Liễu Mộc (Willow Wood), emotional and delicate.
• 2010 Canh Dần: Tùng Bách Mộc (Pine and Cypress Wood), resilient in the face of difficulties.
• 2011 Tân Mão: Tùng Bách Mộc (Pine and Cypress Wood), enduring and reliable.
• 2018 Mậu Tuất: Bình Địa Mộc (Plain Wood), stable development over time.
• 2019 Kỷ Hợi: Bình Địa Mộc (Plain Wood), emphasizes foundation and sustainability.
• 2032 Nhâm Tý: Tang Đố Mộc (Mulberry Wood), needs a suitable environment to unleash potential.
• 2033 Quý Sửu: Tang Đố Mộc (Mulberry Wood), hardworking and persistent.
• 2040 Canh Thân: Thạch Lựu Mộc (Stone Pomegranate Wood), healthy, full of vitality.
• 2041 Tân Dậu: Thạch Lựu Mộc (Stone Pomegranate Wood), capable of innovation and quick adaptation.

Water Element Group from 1984-2043

People of the Water element often have flexible thinking, good communication skills, and easily build relationships.

• 1996 Bính Tý: Giản Hạ Thủy (Water in the Stream), newly formed water, rich in development potential.
• 1997 Đinh Sửu: Giản Hạ Thủy (Water in the Stream), eager to learn and accumulate experience.
• 2004 Giáp Thân: Tuyền Trung Thủy (Water in the Spring), abundant underground water, strong inner strength.
• 2005 Ất Dậu: Tuyền Trung Thủy (Water in the Spring), calm and profound.
• 2012 Nhâm Thìn: Trường Lưu Thủy (Long Flowing Water), a large river constantly moving.
• 2013 Quý Tỵ: Trường Lưu Thủy (Long Flowing Water), full of energy and will to develop.
• 2026 Bính Ngọ: Thiên Hà Thủy (Water in the Milky Way), water from the sky, symbolizing purity.
• 2027 Đinh Mùi: Thiên Hà Thủy (Water in the Milky Way), flexible and emotional.
• 2034 Giáp Dần: Đại Khê Thủy (Great Stream Water), a powerful and enduring large stream.
• 2035 Ất Mão: Đại Khê Thủy (Great Stream Water), easily adaptable and developing quickly.
• 2042 Nhâm Tuất: Đại Hải Thủy (Great Ocean Water), vast ocean, immense inner strength.
• 2043 Quý Hợi: Đại Hải Thủy (Great Ocean Water), broad vision and high adaptability.

Fire Element Group from 1984-2043

The Fire element symbolizes enthusiasm, passion, and a pioneering spirit in work and life.

• 1986 Bính Dần: Lư Trung Hỏa (Fire in the Furnace), fire in a furnace, strong and enduring.
• 1987 Đinh Mão: Lư Trung Hỏa (Fire in the Furnace), full of energy and enthusiasm.
• 1994 Giáp Tuất: Sơn Đầu Hỏa (Fire on the Mountain Top), fire on the mountain, representing steadfast will.
• 1995 Ất Hợi: Sơn Đầu Hỏa (Fire on the Mountain Top), stable and influential.
• 2008 Mậu Tý: Tích Lịch Hỏa (Thunderbolt Fire), lightning fire, creative and groundbreaking.
• 2009 Kỷ Sửu: Tích Lịch Hỏa (Thunderbolt Fire), powerful but needs emotional control.
• 2016 Bính Thân: Sơn Hạ Hỏa (Fire under the Mountain), smoldering but enduring fire.
• 2017 Đinh Dậu: Sơn Hạ Hỏa (Fire under the Mountain), persistent and highly determined.
• 2024 Giáp Thìn: Phúc Đăng Hỏa (Lantern Fire), guiding light, symbolizing wisdom.
• 2025 Ất Tỵ: Phúc Đăng Hỏa (Lantern Fire), brings warmth and guidance.
• 2038 Mậu Ngọ: Thiên Thượng Hỏa (Fire in the Sky), light from the sky, prominent and positive.
• 2039 Kỷ Mùi: Thiên Thượng Hỏa (Fire in the Sky), full of ideals and aspirations for development.

Earth Element Group from 1984-2043

People belonging to the Earth element are often practical, reliable, and capable of building a solid foundation.

• 1990 Canh Ngọ: Lộ Bàng Thổ (Roadside Earth), roadside soil, easily adaptable to the living environment.
• 1991 Tân Mùi: Lộ Bàng Thổ (Roadside Earth), needs to be nurtured to develop better.
• 1998 Mậu Dần: Thành Đầu Thổ (City Wall Earth), fortress earth, steadfast and firm.
• 1999 Kỷ Mão: Thành Đầu Thổ (City Wall Earth), responsible and reliable.
• 2006 Bính Tuất: Ốc Thượng Thổ (Roof Top Earth), earth on the roof, symbolizing protection.
• 2007 Đinh Hợi: Ốc Thượng Thổ (Roof Top Earth), stable and enduring.
• 2020 Canh Tý: Bích Thượng Thổ (Wall Earth), earth on the wall, capable of protection and maintenance.
• 2021 Tân Sửu: Bích Thượng Thổ (Wall Earth), practical and principled.
• 2028 Mậu Thân: Đại Trạch Thổ (Great Marsh Earth), vast land, favorable for long-term development.
• 2029 Kỷ Dậu: Đại Trạch Thổ (Great Marsh Earth), persistent and capable of building a career.
• 2036 Bính Thìn: Sa Trung Thổ (Sand in Earth), sandy soil, needs time to stabilize.
• 2037 Đinh Tỵ: Sa Trung Thổ (Sand in Earth), persistent and highly resilient.

How to read the Lower Cycle Sixty-Year Chart

1. Determine your lunar or solar birth year.
2. Look up the corresponding birth year in the Lower Cycle Sixty-Year Chart.
3. Cross-reference the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch to find the Nạp Âm Five Elements.
4. Examine the characteristics of the Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth element to better understand personality and developmental tendencies.
5. Combine with other factors such as Cung Mệnh (Life Palace), Bát Tự (Eight Characters), and the mutually generating and overcoming Five Elements for a more comprehensive view of marriage, career, and financial luck.

Notes when looking up the Sixty-Year Cycle

• Nạp Âm is only one factor in the feng shui and destiny system.
• Do not evaluate destiny based solely on a single Nạp Âm.
• When checking compatibility for age, destiny, or career orientation, combine multiple factors for increased accuracy.
• The Sixty-Year Cycle chart is suitable for quickly looking up elemental destiny by birth year and referencing general qi trends.

References

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Content editor: Ashley Wright Nguyen.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Rachel Knight Brooks.