从格 includes two broad directions: 弃命从弱, where an extremely weak 日主 follows the dominant force, and 从旺, where an extremely strong 日主 follows its own dominant force.

Common formation conditions

1. Little or no effective root or support for 日主. A weak, rootless 印 or 比劫 may produce 假从 rather than prevent it entirely.
2. 月令 supports the force being followed. For example, 从财 requires 财 to dominate the seasonal structure.
3. The dominant force is revealed and usable. A force hidden without effective expression may not establish 从格.
4. Yang and Yin 日干 are assessed differently. Many schools apply stricter conditions to Yang 日干.
5. 真从 and 假从 describe quality. A pure, unopposed structure is 真从; residual roots or interference often indicate 假从.

Different schools set different thresholds, so 从格 should be confirmed from the complete 命局 rather than one isolated sign.