When people first look at a Qimen Dunjia (QMDJ) chart, they often want one thing — a quick answer. Is this a good chart or a bad one? Favorable or unfavorable?
But the truth is, those labels are misleading. Cliff often reminds his clients that QMDJ doesn’t deal in binary judgments. The chart isn’t saying “yes” or “no.” It’s asking, “Do you understand the game you’re playing, and are you equipped to play it well?”
Let’s unpack what that really means.
Favorable Doesn’t Mean Easy
A “favorable” chart might show strong external support, clarity in direction, and alignment between your intentions and actions. Sounds great, right?
But favorable doesn’t always mean smooth sailing. In fact, when people see a good chart, they often overestimate how ready they are to take action. They might get lazy, or overlook the details, assuming things will just flow. And when it doesn’t? They panic or blame the method.
Cliff has seen this happen in clients who had all the right conditions — but didn’t have the internal structure to hold it together. It’s like being handed a high-performance sports car without knowing how to drive stick. The opportunity is there, but you still have to handle it.
Unfavorable Doesn’t Mean You Should Stop
Now let’s talk about the other side. When a chart is “unfavorable,” most people instinctively pull back. They think it’s a red light. But what if it’s actually a caution sign — not a full stop?
An “unfavorable” chart may show weak external energy, internal conflict, or low visibility. But this doesn’t mean failure is guaranteed. What it really means is, the environment may not support you fully right now — so how can you work around it?
Some of Cliff’s clients have achieved breakthroughs in these so-called “bad” charts. Why? Because they used the chart as a signal to slow down, refine their message, build stronger alliances, or pivot their approach. The pressure of the chart became fuel for deeper alignment and smarter strategy.
Context Is Everything
One of the core teachings Cliff offers is this: a chart is only meaningful when read in context.
For example, if someone is planning a major launch and their chart shows low external visibility, Cliff doesn’t say, “Cancel everything.” He asks, “Is your brand clear enough? Do people know what you’re really offering? Are you hiding in plain sight?”
He reframes the energy as feedback — not fate. The chart is pointing out what’s missing, not what’s doomed.
And if the same chart were read for a different intention — say, a retreat or a planning session — it might actually be considered favorable! That’s the beauty of QMDJ. It’s not a one-size-fits-all system. It’s a lens, and what you see depends on what you’re asking.
Are You Using the Chart or Letting It Use You?
Cliff often says that people’s relationship with metaphysical tools says a lot about their mindset. Are you looking for permission? Reassurance? Or are you using the chart to sharpen your awareness?
When you rely on the label alone — good or bad — you give your power away. But when you look deeper, and ask, “What is this telling me about the current dynamics?” you start leading.
Favorable charts require presence. Unfavorable charts require resilience. Either way, you are still the strategist. You still get to decide how to play your hand.
Working with Energy, Not Against It
Here’s a simple analogy Cliff uses. Think of the chart like a weather app. If it says it’s going to rain, you can still go out — you just bring an umbrella. Or maybe you decide to stay in and tackle something else.
QMDJ helps you make better choices in the face of current conditions. It doesn’t punish, limit, or scold. It reveals.
And once you learn to read energy like this, you stop fearing “bad” charts. You start using them to your advantage. Because ultimately, all energy is useful — if you know how to work with it.
