Our Methodology
Eastern Type uses a deterministic calculation engine. The same birth details always produce the same chart.
Birth Input Normalization
Your birth date, local time and place are converted into a standardized format. The birth place resolves to an IANA timezone. Note: our current V1 uses standard UTC offset for the selected timezone — historical DST corrections and timezone changes are planned for a future update.
Deterministic Four Pillars Calculation
The Year, Month, Day and Hour Pillars are calculated using established formulas from the Chinese calendar system. Each pillar consists of a Heavenly Stem and an Earthly Branch. Our implementation uses Julian Day Number conversion for the Day Pillar.
Five Elements Analysis
We count the presence of each element (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) across stems, branches and hidden stems. Presence levels are Most observed, Observed, Less observed, and Not observed. We explicitly distinguish presence from strength — a common source of misinterpretation.
Evidence-Based Interpretation
Each major insight is backed by chart signal references. We show supporting signals and counter-signals so you can evaluate each reading critically. Our evidence system is being expanded with more detailed rule tracking and confidence reasoning.
AI Explains, Algorithms Calculate
Our calculation engine is deterministic and reproducible. AI is planned to assist with controlled wording in paid reports in a future update — it will never calculate charts, modify Day Master values, or create interpretations without evidence. This capability is not yet active.
Direct answer
What is Methodology?
Eastern Type separates deterministic chart calculation from interpretation: the engine calculates displayed chart values, while explanatory text describes traditional signals and their limits.
How it works
Enter birth date, place, and time when known. The deterministic engine calculates the chart; interpretation explains the displayed signals in plain English.
What you get
You can review Four Pillars, Day Master, Five Element presence, and an Eastern Type starting point. The Deep Personal Profile is coming soon, not available now.
Limitations
This is a cultural self-reflection framework, not a scientific test or a fixed prediction. It does not provide medical, legal, financial, or other professional advice. If birth time is unknown, the Hour Pillar is not invented; the result is explicitly partial.
Frequently asked questions
Is the calculation deterministic?
Yes. The same inputs and engine version produce the same displayed chart.
Does AI calculate the chart?
No. Any future AI-assisted writing is planned and cannot change calculated values.
How are unknown times handled?
The Hour Pillar is left unresolved and the result is marked partial.