Ze Ri
The art of timing
Ze Ri — The Taoist Art of Timing
In Taoist tradition, time is alive. Each day carries its own rhythm, its own unique energy. Some days naturally invite beginnings, others endings, and some are best for rest or reflection. The ancient practice of Ze Ri — literally “selecting the date” — helps us recognize these rhythms so that our actions flow in harmony with the Tao.
This wisdom is not about dividing days into “good” or “bad.” Instead, it is about finding the right moment for the right action. An opening day might be perfect for launching a new project or hosting a celebration, while a closing day may be better suited for retreat, healing, or completing what is already underway. Acting in harmony with these cycles allows life to unfold with more ease, synchronicity, and support.
For thousands of years, Taoist masters have observed the qualities of time and refined them into the system of the 12 Day Officers — twelve archetypal patterns that repeat in sequence. Each officer expresses a particular tendency of the day: establishing, removing, balancing, stabilizing, breaking, closing, and so on. By understanding these patterns, we inherit a map for living more gracefully, whether planning a wedding, starting a business, traveling, or simply aligning daily life with natural flow.
Yet the 12 Day Officers are only one layer. Taoist date selection also considers the elemental qualities of each day, which may align differently depending on your own elemental makeup. The influences of constellations, planetary movements, and other celestial markers add further depth, creating a richly woven tapestry of timing. Together, these dimensions offer not only guidance on when to act, but also how to act in harmony with the energies most supportive to you.
Just as Western farmers once turned to almanacs to plant and harvest at the right moment, Ze Ri reminds us that timing is part of wisdom. When we move with the natural current instead of against it, we discover greater clarity, harmony, and effectiveness in all that we do.
What to expect from a Ze Ri Consultation?
A Ze Ri consultation is for anyone preparing for an important milestone — whether it’s a marriage, an opening, an important meeting, a special event, or the launch of a project or product. Choosing the right timing gives your plans a strong foundation and helps them unfold with greater ease.
During your session, we will look beyond the general cycles of the 12 Day Officers and take into account your personal elemental imprint, as well as constellations and other celestial influences. This ensures that the date you choose is not just generally auspicious, but also uniquely aligned with you.
The consultation lasts about 20 minutes and provides you with clear, practical guidance on which dates support your goals — and which ones are best avoided. You will leave with a personalized timing roadmap that gives your endeavor the best possible chance to flourish.
Book Your Ze Ri Consultation
If you are standing at the threshold of something important, let Ze Ri help you step forward at the right moment — in harmony with the Tao, supported by the flow of time.
