Hong Luan is one of the Eight Characters' Shen Sha (Divine Stars and Malefic Influences), governing romance, marriage, celebrations, and childbirth. Hong Luan is determined based on the Year Branch: Zi corresponds to Mao, Chou to Yin, Yin to Chou, Mao to Zi, Chen to Hai, Si to Xu, Wu to You, Wei to Shen, Shen to Wei, You to Wu, Xu to Si, and Hai to Chen. Individuals with Hong Luan in their chart enjoy favorable romance and marriage luck; encountering a Hong Luan year often brings auspicious events such as engagement or marriage.
Determine Hong Luan based on the Year Branch: Zi-year corresponds to Mao-branch, Chou-year to Yin-branch, Yin-year to Chou-branch, Mao-year to Zi-branch, Chen-year to Hai-branch, Si-year to Xu-branch, Wu-year to You-branch, Wei-year to Shen-branch, Shen-year to Wei-branch, You-year to Wu-branch, Xu-year to Si-branch, and Hai-year to Chen-branch.
A person born in the Year of Zi with Mao appearing in any of the Four Pillars possesses Hong Luan in their chart, indicating favorable romance/marriage luck and increased likelihood of joyful events.