The Outcome Rules
Last updated 5/21/2026
The comparison from 7.1 gives us two inputs: target strength and obstacle strength. The outcome rules turn those inputs into a named judgment.
This keeps the reading from sliding into impression. We do not say “it feels good” or “the chart is kind of worrying.” We name the rule that fired and then explain why.
The desired thing is strongly established and the opposing force has little leverage.
The desired thing has the advantage, even if the chart is not overwhelming.
Both sides may be strong, both may be weak, or the evidence may be split. Look for the mechanism.
The opposing force has the advantage and the desired thing struggles to hold.
The desired thing has little usable force while the opposing force is active.
If the target cannot be selected, the comparison has no foundation. The right output is uncertainty.
The pattern
Most real readings are not in the clean corners. The clean corners are easy: strong target with weak obstacle, or weak target with strong obstacle.
The middle is where readers get careless. Mixed is not a midpoint between yes and no. It means the chart has conflict. A mixed chart with a clear release mechanism can still produce a useful judgment. A mixed chart without a release mechanism remains genuinely unresolved.
Do not create extra outcome categories to sound more precise. The rule name stays coarse; nuance belongs in the mechanism, timing, and confidence.
The exact boundaries are:
| Target tier | Obstacle tier | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Very strong | Weak, very weak, or absent | Very favorable |
| Strong | Weak, very weak, or absent | Favorable |
| Weak | Strong or very strong | Unfavorable |
| Very weak or absent | Strong or very strong | Very unfavorable |
| Any other pair | Any other pair | Mixed |
| No responsible target selected | Any | Uncertain |
This is intentionally strict. A strong target against a strong obstacle is not favorable. A weak target against a weak obstacle is not unfavorable. Both are mixed, because strength alone has not picked a winner.
Use the composed target tier and composed obstacle tier.
Very favorable, favorable, mixed, unfavorable, very unfavorable, or uncertain.
State what creates the verdict and what would have to change for it to resolve.
Examples
The study/document line is strong and reinforced, while the competition line is weak. The chart supports success.
The wealth line is strong and present, while the opposing line lacks force. The money is obtainable.
The father line is strong, but a hidden attacker is active and support is bound. The result depends on the release day.
The wealth line is rootless and unsupported, while opposing pressure has force. The purchase should be avoided.
Source basis: Yehe Laoren, Zengshan Buyi; strength source synthesis, decision rules section.
Case examples are calibration, not new rules. The exam and money examples show the favorable corner. The bad trade and prolonged illness examples show the unfavorable corner. Case 1 shows why mixed can still be readable when the chart gives a release path.
Two mistakes to avoid
There is no need for "slightly favorable" or "moderately bad" inside the mechanics. Add nuance in the explanation, not in the rule set.
Mixed is conflict. It can become readable only when the chart gives a mechanism that explains how the conflict resolves.
Very unfavorable is a clear negative. Uncertain means the chart did not give enough foundation for a responsible judgment.
Where this lands
The outcome rule is the spine of the prognosis. Next we check the whole chart to see whether that prognosis is well supported or fragile.