I understand that in some cases, in the pillars of destiny, the self element is so weak that it is classified as "follow the leader" element (an element which is not the self element expressed in the heavenly stem of the day pillar).
Can you explain what is meant by "follow the leader" element? When does it occur? ie how do you ascertain that it is a "follow the leader" situation and not just a weak self element?

Dear Anon,
1. Overall, people with this type of chart forms a minority or a small percentage of people are in this situation.
2. Here, the definition of "follow the leader" is where one's self element is too weak for a balance.
3. In such a situation, one results in looking at the Pillars of destiny and finding the strongest element to use resulting in what is known as 'follow the leader" situation.

For example:-
Heavenly Earthly
stem branch
-------- -------
Year of birth Metal Metal
Month of birth Metal Water
Day Water Metal
Hour Metal Water

4. In the above chart, one will notice that the person is "made up" of

Number of Metal elements = 5
Number of Water elements = 3
---
Total number of elements = 8
===

5. In the above example, since there are 5 metal elements; this is known as the " leading element ".
6. Under the Five Elements concept:
reference url:
http://www.geomancy.net/resources/theories/fs-5element.htm
Metal supports Water.
7. In such a situation, Water element is considered the strongest element as it is supported by 5 metal elements. Where metal helps water grow.
Thus, Water is considered as the leading element in the "follow the element concept".
Warmest Regards,
Cecil

Quote

On 2/27/2002 3:29:00 AM, Anonymous wrote:
I understand that in some
cases, in the pillars of
destiny, the self element is
so weak that it is classified
as "follow the leader" element
(an element which is not the
self element expressed in the
heavenly stem of the day
pillar).
Can you explain what is meant
by "follow the leader"
element? When does it occur?
ie how do you ascertain that
it is a "follow the leader"
situation and not just a weak
self element?