What do you think about bone weight?

[Sandrasusan]

Hi guys, is the weight of the kati bone still used in the bazi method?
The heavier the bone, the better, is this true?

[coldpillow]

From my experience, it feels like a coin toss.

Prince William's bone weight is only 2.6 lol

However, I admit that it can be very accurate sometimes.

[smsek]

"Bone weight" refers to **Yuan Tiangang's Bone Weight Astrology** (袁天罡稱骨算命), a simplified Chinese metaphysical system created during the Tang Dynasty. While it is often grouped with **BaZi** (Eight Characters), it is technically a distinct, separate method.

Here is a breakdown of how it works and whether "heavier" truly means "better" in 2026.

### Is it still used in BaZi?

Technically, **no**, bone weight is not a part of the core BaZi (Four Pillars) calculation. Traditional BaZi focuses on the balance of the **Five Elements** (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) and the interactions between the 10 Heavenly Stems and 12 Earthly Branches.

However, many modern practitioners and online calculators include bone weight as a **supplementary "quick glance" summary** because it is easy for people to understand. In 2026, it remains popular as a folk method for a generalized life overview, whereas professional BaZi is used for detailed timing and specific life events.

### Is heavier better?

In this system, the total weight is calculated in **Liang** (taels) and **Qian** (mace), typically ranging from **2.1 to 7.1**.

* **General Rule:** Traditionally, **heavier is considered better**. A higher weight (e.g., above 4.5 or 5.0) often suggests a "heavier" or more stable destiny, implying smoother career paths, easier access to wealth, or higher social status.
* **The Caveat:** A "heavy" bone weight is not a guarantee of a perfect life. It represents **potential**. If a person has a very heavy bone weight but doesn't work hard, that "heavy" fortune can become a burden or lead to wasted potential.
* **Light Bones:** Conversely, "lighter" bones (under 3.5) traditionally suggest a life of more toil or starting from scratch. However, modern interpretations often view this as a person who needs to be more self-reliant or who may experience success later in life.

### Comparison: Bone Weight vs. Traditional BaZi

| Feature | Bone Weight (Yuan Tiangang) | Core BaZi (Four Pillars) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Complexity** | **Simple**: Based on a mathematical sum. | **High**: Based on elemental interactions. |
| **Output** | A **short poem** describing your life. | A **detailed map** of luck cycles. |
| **Philosophy** | Quantitative (more weight = more luck). | Qualitative (balance is more important). |
| **Best For** | A quick, general "life theme." | Specific timing for career, love, and health. |

### Summary

While bone weight is a fun and traditional way to look at your "innate luck," it is widely considered **less accurate** than a full BaZi reading because it doesn't account for the complex internal clashes and combinations of your birth chart. In modern metaphysics, a "balanced" chart is considered far more auspicious than simply having "heavy" bones.

**Would you like me to help you find a calculator to determine your specific bone weight and the poem associated with it?**

[Sandrasusan]

@smsek
You are absolutely right, bone weight is different from bazi. Around the 90s, practitioners at that time generally used bone weight to read fate. In general, they could differentiate between easy and difficult lives.