Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the eto and fortune-telling on this site.
FAQ
Does the eto change on 1 January or at Risshun?
For New Year cards and everyday use it changes on 1 January, but fortune-telling such as Four Pillars and Nine Star Ki switches at Risshun (around 4 February). This site’s eto, Nine Star Ki, Four Pillars and Sanmeigaku readings all use Risshun (numerology, star signs and Shukuyō use your birthday as it is).
What is my eto if I was born in January or early February?
If you were born before Risshun, fortune-telling uses the previous year’s eto and star. For example, someone born on 20 January 1990 has the year eto 己巳 (Tsuchinoto-mi) and the main star Two Black Earth.
Can I get a reading without knowing my birth time?
Yes. Without a time you still get the year, month and day pillars. Add the time to see the hour pillar too.
Is my date of birth sent anywhere?
No. Everything is calculated in your browser and nothing is sent to our server. It is saved on your device only if you choose “remember on this device”.
Why do other sites sometimes show a different result?
Methods differ: some use 1 January instead of Risshun, local mean time instead of Japan Standard Time, or a different school’s rules. This site uses Japan Standard Time and Risshun, and explains its rules on each page.