Why Do You Like Or Dislike Some Colours? An Explanation From The Perspective of The Eight Characters (Chinese Fortune Telling)
In Eight Characters (八字, Four Pillars of Destiny), color preferences and aversions are determined by the balance of the Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) in one’s birth chart and the need to strengthen or suppress specific elements to harmonize the individual’s energy. Here’s a clear breakdown:
1. Core Principle: The Five Elements & Colors
Each element governs specific colors. Preferences align with elements that balance your chart:
| Element | Colors | Symbolism |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Green, Teal | Growth, Vitality |
| Fire | Red, Purple, Pink | Passion, Action |
| Earth | Yellow, Brown, Beige | Stability, Nurturing |
| Metal | White, Gold, Silver | Precision, Logic |
| Water | Black, Dark Blue, Gray | Wisdom, Fluidity |
Yin-Yang Nuance:
- Yang Water → Light blue; Yin Water → Black.
- Yang Fire → Bright red; Yin Fire → Deep purple.
2. Why You Like Certain Colors
-
Your chart lacks an element → You’re drawn to its colors to compensate.
Example: A "Fire-deficient" person instinctively prefers red/purple to boost energy. -
Your "Favorable Element" (喜用神) is weak → Its colors feel supportive.
Example: If Metal (your favorable element) is weak, you’ll favor white/gold to enhance clarity. - Seasonal influence: Winter-born (Water-dominant) people often prefer Fire colors (red) to "warm" their chart.
3. Why You Dislike Certain Colors
- The color’s element harms your favorable element:
Example: A Metal-favored person dislikes red (Fire melts Metal → conflict).
- The color worsens an imbalance:
Too much Water? Black/blue deepens emotional heaviness.
Excess Fire? Red amplifies irritability.
- Subconscious resistance:
If Earth is weak, green (Wood overpowers Earth) may feel unsettling.
4. How to Apply This
- Wardrobe/accessories: Wear colors of your favorable element.
- Home/office: Use supportive hues in key spaces (e.g., red for a Fire-favored entrepreneur’s desk).
- Dynamic adjustment: Your needs may shift with age or during certain 10-year luck cycles (Da Yun).
Key Insight
Your attraction/aversion to colors reflects your body’s innate wisdom seeking elemental harmony. This isn’t superstition—it’s a system mapping how environmental energies (color = light wavelengths) interact with your innate Qi. For accuracy, consult an Eight-Character chart to identify your favorable element.
Need help identifying your element? Share your birth date/time (in GMT), and I’ll provide and analyse your four pillars of destiny!