1. Find the Day Master
Begin with the Heavenly Stem of the day pillar. It is the reference point for reading the rest of the chart, not a standalone personality description.
2. Check the season and support
Read the month branch and the elements that support or drain the Day Master. This is where the question of chart strength begins.
Do not decide that more of one element is always better. The useful balance depends on the whole chart and the question being asked.
3. Add the Ten Gods and cycles
Once the structure is clear, read the Ten Gods as roles such as expression, resources, authority, money, and collaboration. Then add Luck Pillars and annual timing as context.