The Eight Gates are the eight gates that turn through the nine palaces in Qimen Dunjia. Each — Open, Rest, Life and so on — marks the character of a direction and moment, the core tool for reading which gate’s energy suits which task.
The Three Auspicious Gates — Open, Rest, Life
Among the eight, the Open, Rest and Life Gates are read as especially auspicious and called the Three Auspicious Gates. Open means opening and beginnings, Rest means rest and reconciliation, Life means growth and wealth.
When starting a venture, meeting people or seeking wealth, choosing a direction where these three gates’ energy turns is said to make matters flow far more smoothly.
Even inauspicious gates have a use
The Harm, Block, Death and Startle Gates are generally gates to be careful with. But they should not be judged by the impression of their names alone.
The Block Gate serves hiding and holding, the Harm Gate serves forceful pushes, and the Startle Gate serves matters needing speech and persuasion. Depending on the task, even an inauspicious gate becomes a tool.
Frequently asked
They are favorable energy, but a gate alone does not decide fortune. You must read the direction’s Star and Spirit and the Heaven-Earth Plate combination together — and what you intend to do matters too.
No. An inauspicious gate only flags a character to mind; for tasks that suit its nature it can be a strength. The Block Gate suits security and concealment, the Startle Gate suits argument and negotiation.