An advanced flying star concept is "self-transformation" — a palace's stem flies a transformation that lands back in the same palace. E.g., Life stem is Jia, which makes Lian Zhen Lu; if Lian Zhen is in Life, that's "Life self-Lu." Self-transformation means energy doesn't flow outward but cycles internally — generating your own resources or creating your own trouble.
Four types: self-Lu, self-Quan, self-Ke, self-Ji. Self-Lu is "finding benefits for yourself" but also "self-sufficient to the point of not needing others," potentially distant in relationships; self-Quan is "pressuring yourself," prone to overexertion; self-Ke is "burnishing your own image," concerned with face; self-Ji is "sabotaging yourself," severe internal friction. Self-transformation is advanced; beginners should just be aware.
How to Find Self-Transformation
Check each palace's stem — e.g., Life stem is Jia.
Find transformed stars from that stem — Lian Zhen Lu, Po Jun Quan, Wu Qu Ke, Tai Yang Ji.
See which palace they're in — if Lian Zhen is in Life, Life has self-Lu.
Any of twelve palaces can self-transform.
Chart software usually marks self-transformations.
Meaning of Four Types
Self-Lu — self-generated resources, self-satisfaction, but possibly "self-sufficient" to the point of not needing others, emotionally distant.
Self-Quan — self-imposed pressure, competitive, won't quit, but prone to overexertion and carrying too much.
Self-Ke — self-generated reputation, image-conscious, but possibly "empty fame."
Self-Ji — self-sabotage, internal friction, can't let go; the most noteworthy self-transformation.
Core: energy cycles internally — doesn't flow out, digested within.
Why Self-Ji Needs Attention
Self-Ji is "being hard on yourself" — nothing major wrong, but you can't let it go.
Self-Ji in Life — prone to self-denial, internal friction, overthinking.
Self-Ji in Wealth — obsessing over money, either not spending when you should or spending when you shouldn't.
Self-Ji in Spouse — creating your own relationship obstacles, e.g., pushing away someone you like.
The remedy is "directing energy outward" — exercise, socializing, helping others; don't stew alone.
Reading Order
When you see self-transformation:
- Which palace self-transforms — Life or another.
- Which type — Lu, Quan, Ke, or Ji.
- Read the meaning — what is this palace "doing to itself."
- Combine with stars — which star self-transforms changes details.
- Pay special attention to self-Ji — can energy be directed outward.
- Self-transformation is advanced; master natal and palace-stem flying first.