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Chapter 14 of 14
六壬粹言
This volume collects the practical divination cases of Munong, a renowned master of Liu Ren in the Qing Dynasty, organized into seventeen chapters by category of matter divined. Based on Liu Ren lesson patterns, the book covers such matters as travelers' return dates, correspondence, visiting friends, pursuit of fugitives, illness prognosis, litigation and official trouble, capturing thieves, grave-site geomancy, weather prediction, miscellaneous engineering divination, and object-guessing games—over thirty cases in total, each with attached judgments and verification results. The following chapters are translated and explained section by section.
Original text: On the wuzhen day of the eleventh month in the gengchen year, at the you hour (5–7 PM), with yin as the general, Pei Zhenggang of Dangyang divined on what day his friend Yuan Ziren would arrive from the provincial capital. The lesson obtained: yin, wei, zi; yin you mao xu; you chen xu wu. Judgment: The person has already set out and will arrive on the wu day. This is because the Celestial Courier and Postal Horse both appear, and the White Tiger acts as the Officer Star opening the lesson, and being also the monthly general, its force is extremely strong. Moreover, yin is placed over you, indicating that he has already crossed the threshold. Hence it is known he has set out. With yin opening the lesson and xu on the stem, we wait for wu to complete the trine; thus it is known he will arrive on the wu day. Indeed, he arrived on the renwu day.
Paraphrase: Pei Zhenggang divined on what day his friend Yuan Ziren from the provincial capital would arrive. The lesson pattern showed: yin opening the lesson, wei in the middle, zi as the final transmission. The judgment said: The person has already departed and will arrive on the wu day. The reasoning: Celestial Courier and Postal Horse both enter the lesson, and White Tiger, serving as the Officer Star, opens the lesson, and being precisely the monthly general in power, its force is extremely formidable. Moreover, yin is placed over you, where you signifies the gate and threshold—yin having already crossed over you symbolizes that he has stepped out of his door and passed the threshold; therefore it is known he has already set out. With yin opening the lesson and xu on the day stem, the yin-wu-xu trine awaits wu to complete it, so the judgment was arrival on the wu day. Indeed, he arrived on the renwu day.
Original text: On the wuxu day of the tenth month in the xinsi year, at the shen hour (3–5 PM) with mao as the general, Prefect Ren Shuqu divined on whether his younger brother Ligong, newly appointed from Ningbo, could come to Jingmen for a meeting, and on what day a letter might arrive. The lesson obtained: zi wei yin; zi si wei zi; si xu zi wu. Judgment: The Celestial Courier over the traveling year opens the lesson and is placed over the Chu region, seemingly indicating a roundabout journey. But as it sits in the旬 void, he will not come. The stem spirit returns to the branch, indicating he has already gone home. The proper hour rides the Dragon and Horse over chou, indicating he departs in the zi month to take up his new post. The Celestial Courier with the Celestial Rooster opens the lesson; because it sits in the void, a letter can only arrive after the旬 cycle ends. The result was exactly as divined.
Paraphrase: Prefect Ren Shuqu divined on whether his younger brother Ligong, transferring from Ningbo to a new post, could come by way of Jingmen for a meeting, and when a letter might arrive. The lesson pattern: zi opens the lesson, wei in the middle, yin as the final transmission. The judgment said: The Celestial Courier over the traveling year opens the lesson and is placed in the Chu region's division, which on the surface suggests signs of a roundabout visit. But as the opening transmission sits in the 旬 void, he will not come. The stem spirit returns to the branch, indicating that the brother has already returned home. The proper hour rides the Azure Dragon and Celestial Courier placed over chou, chou being the twelfth month, so it was judged that he departs in the zi month (eleventh month) for his new post. The Celestial Courier with the Celestial Rooster opening the lesson indicates news, but being void, a letter can only arrive after the旬 cycle ends. This was indeed fulfilled.
Original text: On the jiachen day of the second month in the renwu year, at the shen hour (3–5 PM) with xu as the general, Assistant Magistrate Li Jie'an divined on when the newly appointed Prefect of Jingzhou, Lang Muyun, would arrive to assume office. The lesson obtained: chen wu shen; shen wu wu chen; wu chen chen jia. Judgment: The Gate-Breaking lesson opens with Dragon and Union combined, and the White Tiger enters the transmissions—properly speaking, he should already be en route. But the opening transmission sitting in the void means there will initially be obstruction. Si, one position ahead of chen, rides the Hooked Soul; there must be delay due to a legal case. Moreover, the pattern forms a returning circuit, indicating coming yet going again. And the use spirit lies very far from the threshold—how could he arrive any time soon? Asked when he would arrive, the answer: The final transmission is the White Tiger, and the Celestial Courier is placed over the wu position—wu being the fifth month—so he will surely arrive in the wu month on a yin day. Everything was fulfilled as divined.
Paraphrase: Assistant Magistrate Li Jie'an divined on when the newly appointed Prefect of Jingzhou, Lang Muyun, would arrive to take office. The lesson pattern: chen opens the lesson, wu in the middle, shen as the final transmission. The judgment said: The Gate-Breaking lesson opens, together with Azure Dragon and Union, and White Tiger enters the transmissions—by all rights he should have set out. But the opening transmission sitting in the void means there will be obstruction at the start. Si, one position ahead of chen, rides Hooked Soul, which governs detention and legal disputes—he must be held up by a case. Moreover, the lesson pattern forms a returning circuit, indicating coming and then going away again. Furthermore, the use spirit is very far from the threshold—how could he arrive any time soon? Asked when he would arrive, the reply was: The final transmission is the White Tiger, with the Celestial Courier stationed over the wu position—wu being the fifth month—so it will surely be the wu month on a yin day. Everything later matched the divination.
Original text: On the wuyin day of the third month in the renwu year, at the zi hour (11 PM–1 AM) with you as the general, the Hangzhou friend Liu Yungu divined on whether his son was indeed coming to Chu, and on what day he would arrive in the provincial capital. The lesson obtained: yin hai shen; shen hai hai yin; hai yin yin wu. Judgment: The traveler has not yet set out; he will only arrive in the fifth month, and will immediately return. This is because the opening transmission has not yet crossed the threshold, and the Son line with the Postal Horse sits in the旬 void—therefore he has not yet departed. But chen and xu are placed over the year and life, and riding the Celestial Courier, he will certainly come. Why arrival only in the fifth month? The opening yin, with xu on the year, await wu to complete the trine, and wu is also where the General star is stationed. Because the lesson body forms a circuit, it is known that he will come and then return. The result was exactly as divined.
Paraphrase: Liu Yungu divined on whether his son was coming to the Chu region, and on what day he would reach the provincial capital. The lesson pattern: yin opens the lesson, hai in the middle, shen as the final transmission. The judgment said: The traveler has not yet set out; he will arrive only in the fifth month, and upon arrival he will promptly turn back. The reason: the opening transmission has not crossed the threshold, and the Son line riding the Postal Horse meets the旬 void—thus he has not yet moved. But chen and xu placed over the year and life, also riding the Celestial Courier, ensure that he will indeed come. The reason for arrival in the fifth month: the opening yin, with xu on the year, awaits wu to complete the yin-wu-xu trine, and wu is also where the General star is stationed. Because the lesson body forms a returning circuit, it is known that he will come and then return. This was indeed fulfilled.
Original text: On the yisi day of the sixth month in the xinsi year, at the wei hour (1–3 PM) with wu as the general, Provincial Treasurer Lian of Chu, having left the capital and boarded a boat at Xiangyang to travel by water to his post, was to pass through Shayang; his family sought a divination on what day he would cross the area. The lesson obtained: mao yin chou; mao chen yin mao; chen si mao yi. Judgment: The Provincial Treasurer has already departed by water route to assume office; there is no need to wait. This is because the Retreat-Thorn meets the void, and neither the Noble nor the Postal Horse appears in the lesson or transmissions. The day's salary rides the Flying Blade opening the lesson; the Heavenly Compass (chen) rides the Celestial Courier placed over the branch, the branch being the water route and also his post. Moreover, the Heavenly Compass over si, which lies before the day stem yi, indicates the matter has already passed. Therefore it is known that he took the water route; no waiting is needed. This was indeed fulfilled.
Paraphrase: Provincial Treasurer Lian, having left the capital and boarded a boat at Xiangyang to take up his post by water, was to pass through Shayang; his family sought a divination on when he would cross the area. The lesson pattern: mao opens the lesson, yin in the middle, chou as the final transmission. The judgment said: The Provincial Treasurer has already departed by water and assumed office; there is no need to wait any longer. The reason: Retreat-Thorn meets the void, and neither the Noble nor the Postal Horse appears in the lesson or transmissions. The day's salary rides the Flying Blade opening the lesson; the Heavenly Compass (chen) rides the Celestial Courier placed over the branch, the branch being the place of the water route and the seat of his office. Furthermore, the Heavenly Compass over si, which lies before the day stem yi, indicates the matter has already passed. Hence it is known he traveled by water; no waiting is needed. This was indeed fulfilled.
Original text: On the wuwu day of the tenth month in the xinsi year, at the chen hour (7–9 AM) with yin as the general, Prefect Ren Shuqu, waiting at Shayang for the circuit intendant to inspect the dike, divined on what day he would arrive. The lesson obtained: chou hai you; yin chen chou mao; chen wu mao wu. Judgment: The Intendant will arrive today at the xu hour (7–9 PM), and will depart immediately without inspecting the dike. This is because the Noble and Flying Blade open the lesson, the proper hour has the Heavenly Compass over the branch, and the White Tiger and Postal Horse are stationed over xu—xu also being the grave of the opening chou—hence it is known he will arrive today at the xu hour. The Celestial Horse and Postal Horse do not appear in the lesson or transmissions, and the chou Noble sits in the旬 void and also clashes with tomorrow's day pillar; hence it is known he will leave without inspecting. This was indeed fulfilled.
Paraphrase: Prefect Ren Shuqu, waiting at Shayang for the circuit intendant to inspect the dike, divined on what day he would arrive. The lesson pattern: chou opens the lesson, hai in the middle, you as the final transmission. The judgment said: The Intendant will arrive today at the xu hour, and immediately after arriving, he will leave without inspecting the dike. The reason: the Noble and Flying Blade open the lesson, the proper hour has the Heavenly Compass placed over the branch, and the White Tiger with the Postal Horse is stationed over xu—xu also being the grave of the opening chou, the grave indicating finality—hence the judgment of arrival today at the xu hour. Since the Celestial Courier and Postal Horse do not appear in the transmissions, and the chou Noble sits in the旬 void while clashing with tomorrow's day pillar, the clash indicating movement without staying, it is known he will leave without inspecting. This was indeed fulfilled.
Original text: On the renyin day of the tenth month in the xinsi year, at the mao hour (5–7 AM) with yin as the general, the country friend Qi Nai'an divined on whether the silver he had sent home had arrived. The lesson obtained: zi hai xu; zi chou you xu; chou yin xu ren. Judgment: The silver and letter have already reached home. This is because the thriving spirit rides the Azure Dragon and Celestial Rooster opening the lesson, and also forms the Three Wonders; the middle transmission has the day's salary riding the monthly general over the traveling year; the Heavenly South is placed over the stem; and the day's wealth is placed over the life—all are signs of correspondence and silver arriving. The result was exactly as divined.
Paraphrase: Qi Nai'an divined on whether the silver and letters he had sent home had arrived. The lesson pattern: zi opens the lesson, hai in the middle, xu as the final transmission. The judgment said: The silver and letter have already arrived home. The reason: the thriving spirit rides the Azure Dragon and Celestial Rooster opening the lesson, also forming the Three Wonders; the middle transmission has the day's salary riding the monthly general over the traveling year; the Heavenly South sits over the stem; and the day's wealth over the life—all of which are signs of the silver and correspondence having arrived. This was indeed fulfilled.
Original text: On the wuchen day of the guiwei month, at the chou hour (1–3 AM) with wu as the general, the country friend Qi Nai'an, having received no family silver for half a year, divined on what day word would come. The lesson obtained: yin wei zi; yin you mao xu; you chen xu wu. Judgment: On the jimao day word will surely arrive, and there will be more than one letter. This is because the White Tiger and Postal Horse act as the Position Spirit opening the lesson and overcome the Vermilion Bird on the day, which is placed over the branch as Union; hence it is known there will surely be word. The year multiplier rides the annual and monthly generals stacked upon one another; the life multiplier rides the Azure Dragon, entering the middle and final transmissions; hence it is known there will be more than one letter. Why the mao day? Because it is the position flanked and bracketed by the Two Horses, Position Spirit, Celestial Rooster and other baleful stars. Indeed, on the jimao day two letters arrived.
Paraphrase: Qi Nai'an, having received no silver from home for half a year, divined on what day word would come. The lesson pattern: yin opens the lesson, wei in the middle, zi as the final transmission. The judgment said: On the jimao day word will surely arrive, and there will be more than one letter. The reason: the White Tiger and Postal Horse act as the Position Spirit opening the lesson, overcoming the Vermilion Bird on the day stem and placed over the branch as Union; the Vermilion Bird governs documents and correspondence, hence it is known that word will certainly arrive. The year multiplier rides the yearly and monthly generals stacked one upon another; the life multiplier rides the Azure Dragon; entering the middle and final transmissions, the Dragon governs wealth and celebrations, hence it is known there will be more than one letter. The basis for judging the mao day: mao is precisely the position flanked and bracketed by the Two Horses, Position Spirit, Celestial Rooster and other salient stars. On the jimao day, two family letters indeed arrived.
Original text: On the yimao day of the first month in the xinsi year, at the mao hour (5–7 AM) with zi as the general, the Hangzhou friend Liu Yungu divined on visiting a friend. The lesson obtained: chou xu wei; you zi xu chou; zi mao chou yi. Judgment: Esteemed friend, your visit concerns a matter of travel—this trip will result in meeting each other halfway and returning. This is because the yin of the Day Virtue sees the Ding Spirit and Postal Horse; hence the matter of travel is known. The leading and trailing transmissions clash head to tail, the initial and middle stems and branches are void and sunken, and the yi day rules turning back halfway. The stem and branch ride the void Union; zi and wu are the roads of heaven and earth, hence the meeting en route is known. The result was exactly as divined.
Paraphrase: Liu Yungu divined on whether he would see his friend when visiting. The lesson pattern: chou opens the lesson, xu in the middle, wei as the final transmission. The judgment said: That friend of yours has a matter of travel on hand—this visit will result in a meeting halfway and returning. The reason: the yin of the Day Virtue reveals the Ding Spirit and Postal Horse, the Ding Spirit governing movement and the Postal Horse governing travel, hence it is known he will be going out. The leading and trailing transmissions clash head to tail, the initial and middle stems and branches are void and sunken, and the yi day rules turning back midway through the journey. The stem and branch ride the void Union; zi and wu are the paths of heaven and earth, hence the judgment of meeting on the way. This was indeed fulfilled.
Original text: On the wuxu day of the seventh month in the guiwei year, at the chen hour (7–9 AM) with si as the general, Qi Nai'an sent his son to the provincial capital to visit a friend and request a manuscript; he divined on success. The lesson obtained: hai zi chou; zi hai wei wu; hai xu wu wu. Judgment: The friend will surely be seen, and the manuscript will also be obtained. This is because the lesson forms the String of Pearls Three Wonders, with the complete trine entering the lesson and transmissions; the final transmission's Noble forms Union with the spirit on the life—seeing him is beyond doubt. The Vermilion Bird with the Grand Duke opens the lesson forming a trine; the manuscript will also be obtained—do not regard overcoming the Grand Duke as a hindrance. The result was exactly as divined.
Paraphrase: Qi Nai'an sent his son to the provincial capital to visit a friend and request a manuscript; he divined on whether it would succeed. The lesson pattern: hai opens the lesson, zi in the middle, chou as the final transmission. The judgment said: The friend will certainly be seen, and the manuscript will be obtained as well. The reason: the lesson forms the String of Pearls Three Wonders, with the complete trine fully entering the lesson and transmissions; the final transmission's Noble forms Union with the spirit on the life, hence visibility is beyond doubt. The Vermilion Bird with the Grand Duke opens the lesson in a trine—the Vermilion Bird governs documents and the Grand Duke governs authority—so the manuscript will also be obtained, and there is no need to be concerned that it overcomes the Grand Duke. This was indeed fulfilled.
Original text: On the yihai day of the fifth month in the jimao year, at the chou hour (1–3 AM) with wei as the general, the Shaoxing friend Zhu Muzong had a servant who fled; he sent men to pursue him and divined on whether he might return. The lesson obtained: si hai si; hai si chen xu; si hai xu chen. Judgment: The escaped servant will not return. This is because the Dark Warrior and Postal Horse open the lesson and also ride the Vanishing Spirit. Moreover, the Virtue Spirit generates the day while the Punishment Spirit overcomes it, and the Sky Void falls into emptiness; it is certain that the pursuers will not apprehend him. Though the Hooked Soul can overcome the Dark Warrior, the Dark Warrior's yin in fact harms the Hooked Soul's yin—on the surface there is pursuit and outcry, but in the hidden realm it is actually controlled by the other. That he will not return is beyond doubt. The result was exactly as divined.
Paraphrase: Zhu Muzong had a servant who fled; he sent men to pursue him and divined on whether he could be brought back. The lesson pattern: si opens the lesson, hai in the middle, si as the final transmission. The judgment said: The escaped servant will not return again. The reason: the Dark Warrior and Postal Horse open the lesson, and also ride the Vanishing Spirit—the Dark Warrior governing thieves and flight, the Postal Horse governing movement, and the Vanishing Spirit governing loss—all indicating flight without return. Furthermore, the Virtue Spirit generates the day while the Punishment Spirit overcomes the day, and the Sky Void falls into emptiness, indicating the pursuers will not apprehend him. Though the Hooked Soul can overcome the Dark Warrior, the yin of the Dark Warrior actually harms the yin of the Hooked Soul—on the surface there appears to be pursuit and clamor, but in the hidden realm it is suppressed by the other side. Hence the servant's non-return is beyond doubt. This was indeed fulfilled.
Original text: On the guimao day of the fourth month in the renwu year, at the wu hour (11 AM–1 PM) with you as the general, a woman of the common people at Shayang fled with her child; her husband requested a divination. The lesson obtained: you zi mao; you wu wei chen; wu mao chen gui. Judgment: This woman has fled due east; seek her fifteen li away, and she can be captured on the chen day. The proper hour is the day's Wife Wealth, placed over mao, indicating the due east direction. Wu counts nine, mao counts six—together fifteen li. You acts as the Hooked Soul opening the lesson, remotely overcoming the Dark Warrior on the year, and the Hooked Soul's yin overcomes the Dark Warrior's yin; hence pursuit will result in capture. Over the stem, chen rides the void Heavenly Queen and forms Union with the opening you; once the chen day fills the void, capture can be effected. The result was exactly as divined.
Paraphrase: A woman of the common people at Shayang fled with her child; her husband entrusted someone to seek a divination. The lesson pattern: you opens the lesson, zi in the middle, mao as the final transmission. The judgment said: This woman has fled in the due east direction; search fifteen li away, and on the chen day she can be captured. The reasoning: the proper hour is the day's Wife Wealth, placed over mao—mao being the due east—hence the judgment of fleeing due east. Wu counts as nine, mao counts as six; together fifteen, hence fifteen li. You acts as the Hooked Soul opening the lesson, remotely overcoming the Dark Warrior on the year, and the Hooked Soul's yin overcomes the Dark Warrior's yin, hence capture is achievable through search. Over the stem, chen rides the void Heavenly Queen and forms Union with the opening you; when the chen day fills the void, capture can be effected. This was indeed fulfilled.
Original text: On the xinhai day of the twelfth month in the gengchen year, at the zi hour (11 PM–1 AM) with yin as the general, a woman of the Bai family divined on her husband's illness. The lesson obtained: wu chen yin; wei you wu shen; you hai shen xin. Judgment: The lesson obtains Returning to the Source, with Mourning and Suspension both fully present; moreover, the final transmission generates and assists the initial ghost, overcoming the day stem—the ill omen is extreme. Furthermore, for a woman, the Officer Ghost is the husband; here wu acts as the Funeral Carriage, si rides the Postal Horse, and being also the Death Breath, and the Grand Duke of the coming year, once the si year arrives he will die. Indeed, he died on the mao day after the new year. Why the mao day? Because her husband's traveling year is at zi, and zi and mao are in punishment of each other.
Paraphrase: A woman of the Bai family divined on her husband's illness. The lesson pattern: wu opens the lesson, chen in the middle, yin as the final transmission. The judgment said: The lesson obtains Returning to the Source, with Mourning and Suspension completely present; and the final transmission generates and assists the initial Ghost, overcoming the day stem—the perniciousness is already at its extreme. Moreover, for a wife the Officer Ghost represents the husband; here wu acts as the Funeral Carriage, si rides the Postal Horse, which is also the Death Breath, and being the Grand Duke of the coming year—once the si year arrives, he will die. He died precisely on the mao day after the new year. Why the mao day? Because her husband's traveling year is at zi, and zi and mao stand in punishment of each other.
Literal Translation: There was a woman from the Bai family divining for her husband's illness. In the hexagram pattern: the initial transform Wu, the middle transform Chen, and the final transform Yin. The judgment said: The hexagram obtains the Gu Zu pattern, with Sang Men and Diao Ke both present. Moreover, the final transform generates and assists the ghost of the initial transform, overcoming the Day Stem Xin metal, and the inauspicious omens have reached their extreme. Furthermore, when a woman divines for her husband, the Officer Ghost represents the husband star. Wu serves as the Sang Che, Si rides the Yi Ma, and is also the Si Qi, and constitutes the Tai Sui for the coming year—once the Si year arrives, death is certain. Indeed, he died in the first month on a Mao day. The basis for judging the Mao day is: her husband's astrological year position was at Zi, and Zi and Mao are in punishment, punishment dictates the time of fulfillment.
Original Text: On a Gengyin day in the eighth month of the Xinsi year, at the You hour, with the Si general, Qin Kuiyi divined for his fellow villager Quan Fengsan's illness. The hexagram obtained: Xu Wu Yin, Wu Xu Zi Chen, Xu Yin Chen Geng. Judgment: The three transforms combine into a bureau forming a ghost, the illness is extremely severe, and there will be a prolonged affliction. The Tian Yi acts as ghost, indicating improper medication by the physician. Fortunately, Wu is in void, and on the astrological year and destiny positions there is the Zi Sun rescue spirit. This winter, water is strong, so there should be no worry. However, the Four Tombs Covering Life indicates that recovery will be followed by relapse. Next spring, when the year's construction fills the ten-day void, the rescue spirit will be powerless, and death will be unavoidable. Indeed, he died in the second month of the following year.
Original Text: On a Xinwei day in the eleventh month of the Xinsi year, at the You hour, with the Yin general, the village friend Wu Keheng's wife felt fetal movement several days after a miscarriage and sought divination. The hexagram obtained: Si Xu Mao, Si Zi Shen Mao, Zi Wei Mao Xin. Judgment: This is caused by accumulated blood, not another fetus. This is because Mao, the fetal spirit, sits in the Day Stem's seating position, and on the destiny position the Liu He is also void, thus knowing there is no actual pregnancy. The Tai Sui serves as the Day Ghost in the initial transform, and the destiny position carries Xue Zhi, thus knowing there is a condition of excessive bleeding. Fortunately, the Gui Ren and Tian Yi are positioned favorably, and the spirit on the destiny position controls the Day Ghost, so medication can cure it. Indeed, it turned out as divined.
Original Text: On a Xinmao day in the second month of the Renwu year, at the Yin hour, with the Hai general, Quan Fengsan was critically ill and had his village friend Shen Yuncheng seek divination. The hexagram obtained: Zi Wei Zi, You Zi Chen Wei, Zi Mao Wei Xin. Judgment: He will surely die on the Guisi day. This is because the Tuo Qi You Hun arises from the branch position in the initial transform and enters the final transform—such back-and-forth movement is nothing but the transformations of the wandering soul. Moreover, the Bai Hu and Si Qi are present among the entering transforms, and on the astrological year and destiny positions there are Teng She and Mu Shen. When the Mao Xing hexagram encounters snake and tiger, the inauspiciousness cannot be resolved. On the Guisi day he will certainly register in the ghost records. Why Si? Because the Si day is the confluence of the Bing Fu, Day Ghost, and Yi Ma. Indeed, it turned out as divined.
Original Text: On a Guiwei day in the seventh month of the Guiwei year, at the Zi hour, with the Wu general, Cui Zhonghe's young son was critically ill and sought divination. The hexagram obtained: Wei Chou Wei, Wei Chou Chou Wei, Chou Wei Wei Gui. Judgment: According to this hexagram, he will die tomorrow. This is because the Sui Po and Tai Sui overcome the Day, with no rescue spirit whatsoever. Moreover, the destiny position carries Si Qi, and the astrological year position carries Sang Po—how can he survive? Furthermore, when parents divine for their son, how could the son's line sit in void? Additionally, it is overcome by the robust Shen metal of the Bai Hu and Jie Sha. Once tomorrow arrives, the ten-day void will be filled, and death is certain. Indeed, it turned out as divined.
Original Text: On a Gengchen day in the ninth month of the Guiwei year, at the Wei hour, with the Mao general, Zhang Zhantai received news of his brother's illness while at Sha and sought divination. The hexagram obtained: Zi Shen Chen, Shen Zi Zi Chen, Zi Chen Chen Geng. Judgment: According to this hexagram, your brother will surely die. This is because the Teng She serves as the dark ghost in the initial transform, and also constitutes the Day's Si Shen. Moreover, the Day Stem, middle and final transforms, and astrological year and destiny positions all enter the void and trapped realms—how can there be life? Additionally, the Brother Line is in void, which is also unfavorable for the inquirer. I fear that this trip will be in vain for a final meeting. Indeed, it turned out as divined.
Original Text: On a Jiyou day in the second month of the Xinsi year, at the Si hour, with the Xu general, Wang Shi's disciple Zhu Xingcun divined for Magistrate Lin Qijiang, who was detained in the provincial capital due to a legal case, asking about fortune. The hexagram obtained: Wei Zi Si, Wei Yin Si Zi, Yin You Zi Ji. Judgment: The three transforms sequentially overcome one another, the Gui Ren faces Liu Hai, the case is already settled, with no hope of rescue whatsoever. Moreover, the Gui Ren is overcome by the use spirit, the Long Shen sits in void, and the four lower positions overcome the four upper positions, termed Wu Lu—all inauspicious signs. Fortunately, in the final transform the Bai Hu and Tai Sui generate the Day Stem, so apart from demotion, there will be no greater fault. Indeed, he was demoted two grades as set-off.
Original Text: On a Wuyin day in the third month of the Renwu year, at the Mao hour, with the You general, Zheng Zhitang divined for fellow villager Magistrate Wei Dongxiang, who had been arrested for official duties, asking when he could be released from prison. The hexagram obtained: Yin Shen Yin, Yin Shen Si Hai, Shen Yin Hai Wu. Judgment: There should be signs of release in the seventh month. This is because Huang En combines with Tian She in the initial transform, and the destiny position carries Tian Gang, the moving spirit—there should be indication of imminent release. However, the Stem and Branch show Liu Hai both internally and externally, and the intersecting chariot also forms Liu He, which contains harm—hence release cannot come immediately. When the seventh month arrives, the rescue spirit waxes strong and fills the ten-day void, only then can escape be achieved. Moreover, Shen is the Jue Di of the Day Ghost and also the charge spirit of the final transform. Indeed, it turned out as divined.
Original Text: On a Bingwu day in the fourth month of the Renwu year, at the Si hour, with the You general, Magistrate Wang Dishan was detained in the provincial capital due to a legal case, and his family sought divination. The hexagram obtained: You Chou Si, Yin Xu Chou You, Xu Wu You Bing. Judgment: The three transforms combine into a bureau, punishing the Stem and harming the Branch, with the Si Shen attaching to the Stem, She Mu near the Chen position. In the hexagram, the Gui Ren encounters suppression from above and below—demotion or removal from office is unavoidable. Fortunately, the middle transform Chou serves as Huang En, and the final transform carries prosperous De Lu, with the auspicious Tian Kong and Tian Jie spirits transforming misfortune into good fortune—there may still be relief. Indeed, he was impeached and dismissed, but was subsequently reinstated.
Original Text: On a Bingshen day in the third month of the Guiwei year, at the Chou hour, with the You general, the village friend Deputy Magistrate Chen Lingchuan divined about capturing thieves, asking whether they could be caught. The hexagram obtained: Zi Shen Chen, Zi Chen You Chou, Chen Shen Chou Bing. Judgment: According to this hexagram, the thieves cannot be caught immediately—only in the eighth month will capture be possible. This is because Xuan Wu faces the three-combination position, while Gou Chen sits in void, hence capture cannot happen swiftly. Fortunately, in the initial transform, the Day Ghost is overcome by the Stem and Branch's Gou Chen and Bai Hu, and Gou Chen's yin spirit also rides the Gui Ren and Yue Jiang, overcoming Xuan Wu's yin spirit. As this is also the astrological year position spirit of the inquirer, capture will ultimately be achieved. The eighth month timing is because Gou Chen's yin spirit rides You, which is the eighth month. Indeed, it turned out as divined.
Original Text: On a Renshen day in the seventh month of the Guiwei year, at the Wu hour, with the Wei general, Deputy Magistrate Lang Yingsu divined about capturing thieves. The hexagram obtained: Chou Yin Mao, Xu You Chou Zi, You Shen Zi Ren. Judgment: This hexagram indicates that thieves can be captured in the eighth or ninth month. This is because in the initial transform the Day Ghost is overcome by the final transform. Moreover, on the branch position Gou Chen rides in strength, remotely overcoming the Xuan Wu in the middle transform. However, Gou Chen's yin spirit is overcome by Xuan Wu's yin spirit, indicating the thieves are powerful while the captors are weak. Fortunately, the Stem and Branch meet head to tail, so the thieves have nowhere to flee. Gou Chen's yang spirit rides You and its yin spirit rides Xu—signifying the eighth and ninth months. Indeed, in the ninth month four thieves were captured.
Original Text: On a Jihai day in the first month of the Jiashen year, at the Wu hour, with the Hai general, Yu Sanzi, a village student, divined about a theft from his home. The hexagram obtained: Si Xu Mao, You Chen Si Zi, Chen Hai Zi Ji. Judgment: The hexagram obtains the Zhu Yin pattern, with the initial and middle transforms in void and trapped states, leaving only the final transform as ghost. Fortunately, the Tai Sui acts as Gou Chen, entering the base of Xuan Wu to overcome it—the thief will certainly be caught. However, Gou Chen's yin spirit generates Xuan Wu's yin spirit, indicating that the captors will ultimately release him. The stolen goods during Xuan Wu hours have already been transferred to households involved in harboring crime. Moreover, the Stem and Branch's wealth lines are suppressed from above and below, the Branch's yang spirit rides Tai Chang (clothing), and the Branch's yin spirit rides Liu He (boxes and cases)—all entering void and trapped states, the stolen goods cannot be recovered. Indeed, it turned out as divined.
Original Text: On a Jiaxu day in the first month of the Xinsi year, at the Xu hour, with the Hai general, the village friend Chen Jianji divined for General Sun Dagang regarding cemetery feng shui in Nanxiang. The hexagram obtained: Chen Si Wu, Zi Hai Chen Mao, Hai Xu Mao Jia. Judgment: The Long Shen arises in the initial transform, the three transforms proceed successively, Stem and Branch form a Jiao Che Liu He, and the Branch's yin spirit shows Zi and Hai sequentially—thus a fine auspicious tomb site has been obtained. The Branch's yin-yang two spirits ride Tai Chang and Bai Hu, hence military prominence appears first. The Long Shen serves as the Day Lu, Bai Hu serves as the seal of office, Zhu Que represents descendants, and the month's construction Xin represents official position—the inner and outer halls all see prosperous energy, indicating complete wealth, descendants, and nobility. The initial wealth line generates the middle transform's child line, with the hidden official star riding Zhu Que, indicating that the eldest branch of the middle generation will produce civil officials, with blessed fortune enduring endlessly.
Original Text: On a Xinwei day in the eleventh month of the Xinsi year, at the Chen hour, with the Yin general, Shen Sheng Yingbiao divined for gravesite fortune without revealing whose family tomb it was. The hexagram obtained: Wu Chen Yin, Mao Si Wu Shen, Si Wei Shen Xin. Judgment: The hexagram obtains Gu Zu, and the site must be of the Hui Long Gu Zu formation. The Si serpent generates the Branch, serving as the Day Stem's long life, and the Branch's yin spirit generates the lower spirit—thus a fine site has been obtained. The Gui Ren acts as the official star in the initial transform, the middle transform has Zhu Que, indicating refinement and culture. The final transform sees the wealth line, indicating complete wealth, descendants, and distinction. The Long is hidden in Yi, and Gou rides Yin as the Day's wealth, most favorable for the eldest and middle branches. The Bai Hu in void combat indicates that only the youngest branch has less flourishing progeny. It was later learned that this tomb belonged to Ni Zaihan, Master of the Guangwen.
Paraphrased Translation: Shen Sheng Yingbiao divined the auspiciousness of a grave site, without specifying whose tomb it was. The lesson pattern: the initial usage is Wu (午), the middle transmission is Chen (辰), and the final transmission is Yin (寅). The judgment stated: the lesson obtains the Gu Zu (Returning to Ancestor) pattern, and the site must be of the Huilong Guzu (Dragon Turning Back to Ancestor) configuration. The Teng She (Rising Serpent) Si fire generates the Branch, serving as the Day Stem's Long Life (长生), and the Branch's Yin deity further generates the lower deity, indicating that a auspicious site has been obtained. The Nobleman (贵人) serves as the Officer Star (官星) in the initial usage, the middle transmission Zhu Que (Vermilion Bird) governs culture and enlightenment, and the final transmission sees the Wealth Element (财爻), indicating that wealth, descendants, and refinement are all complete. The Qing Long (Azure Dragon) conceals Yi (乙), and Gou Chen (Gou Chen) rides on Yin as the Day's Wealth, indicating that the eldest and middle branches of the family are most favored. The Bai Hu (White Tiger), falling in vacancy and thus contending, only the youngest branch (third branch) does not prosper in progeny. It was later learned that this tomb was the auspicious grave of Ni Zaihan, a Guangwen (education official).
Original Text: On a Wu-Chen day (戊辰日) in the seventh month of the Ji-Mao year (己卯), at the Hai hour with the Si general, I was in Shinan. It was raining heavily and difficult to travel, so I divined on what day it would clear. The lesson obtained: Si Hai Si, Chen Xu Si Hai, Xu Chen Hai Wu. Judgment: The Sun (太阳) is in initial usage, the Gang Star (天罡) is placed at the seasonal position, and moreover, the Hai water approaches the Day Stem, being overcome by the Day Stem Wu earth. It will clear today. But since Si is covered by Hai, there will still be heavy rain tomorrow. In the current decade, the sign appears at Shen-You positions; in the coming decade, Ping-Ding (丙丁) will be at Wu-Wei positions. After the Wu-Wei days, there will be prolonged clear weather. The outcome indeed matched the divination.
Paraphrased Translation: The diviner (Munong) encountered rain and difficult travel in Shinan, so he divined on what day it would clear. The lesson pattern: the initial usage is Si (巳), the middle transmission is Hai (亥), and the final transmission is Si (巳). The judgment stated: The Sun (太阳) is in initial usage, the Gang Star (天罡) is placed at the seasonal positions (Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei), and moreover, the Hai water approaches the Day Stem, being overcome by the Day Stem Wu earth. Water is controlled by earth, hence it will clear today. But since Si is covered by Hai, with Hai water covering Si fire, it indicates there will still be heavy rain tomorrow. In the current decade, the sign initially appears at Shen-You positions; in the coming decade, Ping-Ding (丙丁) will be at Wu-Wei positions. After the Wu-Wei days, there must be prolonged clear weather. It was indeed verified afterward.
Original Text: In the fourth month of the Xin-Si year (辛巳), on a Yi-You day (乙酉日) at the Yin hour with the You general, Shao Ziqi and Xiang Zhaoyu gathered in conversation. Toward evening it was still hot, so they divined on what day rain would fall. The lesson obtained: Hai Zi Chou, Hai Chen Wu Hai, Chen You Hai Yi. Judgment: Tomorrow there will surely be great wind and rain, with violent thunder. This is because the Dipper Gang (斗罡) points to You, and within You is the Bi Mansion (毕宿), whence rain begins. Hai concealing the Ding Spirit (丁神) is in initial usage, and its force must be fierce. Because it sits in the tomb and is controlled, there will be no rain tonight. In the lesson pattern, Shen Hou (神后, Zi) is placed on Si, with upper and lower clashing. Si is the Wind Earl (风伯) and also the Thunder Baleful Star (雷煞). It conceals Gui and faces Xu, hence it is known that tomorrow there will surely be great wind and violent thunder. It was indeed verified on the evening of the following day.
Paraphrased Translation: Shao Ziqi gathered with the diviner in conversation; in the evening it was still hot, so they divined on what day rain would fall. The lesson pattern: the initial usage is Hai (亥), the middle transmission is Zi (子), and the final transmission is Chou (丑). The judgment stated: Tomorrow there will surely be great wind and rain, and moreover, there will be violent thunder. The reasons are: The Dipper Gang (斗罡) points to You, and the You palace houses the Bi Mansion (Bi Yue Wu), which governs rain. Hai concealing the Ding Spirit (丁神) is in initial usage; Ding is dynamic and its force is fierce, hence the wind and rain must come violently. Because it sits in the tomb and is controlled, there will be no rain tonight. In the lesson pattern, Shen Hou (子, Zi) is placed on Si, where upper and lower clash. Si is the Wind Earl (风伯) and the Thunder Baleful Star (雷煞), concealing Gui and facing Xu, hence it is known that tomorrow there must be great wind and swift thunder. It was indeed verified on the evening of the next day.
Original Text: In the twelfth month of the Xin-Si year (辛巳), on a Ren-Zi day (壬子日) at the Yin hour with the Chou general, after snow the sky was still overcast. Cui Zhonghe divined whether more snow would fall. The lesson obtained: Xu You Shen, Xu Hai You Xu, Hai Zi Xu Ren. Judgment: In the next two days there surely will be a great snowstorm. This is because the Gang Star (天罡) is placed on Si, and Si governs snow. The Bai Hu (White Tiger) faces He Kui (河魁, Xu) and is placed on Hai in initial usage, clashing and overcoming the Day Stem. The middle transmission You is the home of Tai Yin (太阴), and it rides on the Rain Master (雨师), Wind Earl (风伯), and Fei Lian (飞廉) — three baleful stars. Hence it is known that in the next two days there surely will be a great snowstorm. The outcome indeed matched the divination.
Paraphrased Translation: After snow, the sky remained overcast, and Cui Zhonghe divined whether more snow would fall. The lesson pattern: the initial usage is Xu (戌), the middle transmission is You (酉), and the final transmission is Shen (申). The judgment stated: In the next two days there surely will be a great snowstorm. The reasons are: The Gang Star (天罡) is placed on Si, and Si governs snow. The Bai Hu (White Tiger) faces He Kui (戌, Xu) and is placed on Hai in initial usage, clashing and overcoming the Day Stem Ren water, indicating wind and snow alternating. The middle transmission You is the home of Tai Yin (太阴), and it also rides on the Rain Master (雨师), Wind Earl (风伯), and Fei Lian (飞廉) — three baleful stars. Hence it is known that in the next two days there surely will be a great snowstorm. It was indeed verified afterward.
Original Text: In the fifth month of the Yi-You year (乙酉), on a Geng-Xu day (庚戌日) at the Shen hour with the Wei general, I set up an altar to pray for rain and therefore cast a lesson. The lesson obtained: Wu Si Chen, Shen You Wu Wei, You Xu Wei Geng. Judgment: The Dragon Spirit (龙神) is in initial usage, and the Dou Gang (斗罡) points to the Yin position. Although the three transmissions are fire and earth, it is fortunate that Chen is the reservoir of water, and with the Shen serving as the orthodox hour, awaiting Zi water to form a complete water bureau. Hai and Zi face the Zi-Chou positions, indicating light rain on Ren-Gui days and heavy rain on Wu-Ji days. Light rain on Ren-Gui days is because Hai and Zi are combined. Heavy rain on Wu-Ji days is because of the upper-lower clash and contention. It was indeed verified.
Paraphrased Translation: The diviner set up an altar to pray for rain and cast a lesson. The lesson pattern: the initial usage is Wu (午) , the middle transmission is Si (巳), and the final transmission is Chen (辰). The judgment stated: The Qing Long (Azure Dragon) is in initial usage, and the Dou Gang (斗罡) points to the Yin position. Although the three transmissions are strong in fire and earth, it is fortunate that Chen serves as the reservoir of water, and together with the orthodox hour Shen, awaiting Zi water to form the Shen-Zi-Chen water bureau. Hai and Zi face the Zi-Chou positions, indicating light rain on Ren-Gui days and heavy rain on Wu-Ji days. The basis for light rain on Ren-Gui days is that Hai and Zi combine, with the water force still modest. The basis for heavy rain on Wu-Ji days is that the upper and lower clash and contend, with water being stirred by earth. It was indeed verified afterward.
Original Text: In the fourth month of the Yi-You year (乙酉), on a Ding-Si day (丁巳日) at the Wu hour with the You general, Prefect Lang Mu Yun divined, having received orders, whether the silted sand across from Wangjiaying on the river could be dredged and opened. The lesson obtained: Shen Hai Yin, Hai Shen Chou Xu, Shen Si Xu Ding. Judgment: The silted river can definitely not be opened. The Stem represents the people, and the Branch represents this land. In this lesson, Liu He (Six Harmonies) is in initial usage, and the three transmissions successively generate, nurturing the Stem and Branch, indicating the land is not harmed and the people do not exhaust their strength. Moreover, the Day Stem forms a fire-earth generation, and although the Branch Spirit has punishments and overcomings, it is still the Long Life and Six Harmonies. Even with official decrees, one will surely encounter difficulty and then stop. The outcome indeed matched the divination.
Paraphrased Translation: Prefect Lang Mu Yun received orders to dredge the silted sand opposite Wangjiaying on the river and divined whether it would succeed. The lesson pattern: the initial usage is Shen (申), the middle transmission is Hai (亥), and the final transmission is Yin (寅). The judgment stated: The silted river can definitely not be opened. The Stem represents the people, and the Branch represents the land. In this lesson, the Liu He (Six Harmonies) is in initial usage, and the three transmissions successively generate, nurturing the Stem and Branch, indicating that the land is not harmed and the people do not weary their strength. Moreover, the Spirit over the Stem forms fire-earth generation, and although the Spirit over the Branch has punishments and overcomings, it is the Long Life and Six Harmonies. Even with higher commands, it will ultimately encounter difficulties and then cease. The outcome indeed matched.
Original Text: In the tenth month of the Yi-You year (乙酉), on a Ding-Mao day (丁卯日) at the Si hour with the Yin general, Prefect Ren Shuqu divined on what day the Wangjiaying dike works would be completed and closed. The lesson obtained: Zi You Wu, You Zi Chou Chen, Zi Mao Chen Ding. Judgment: The dike works can be closed to the river in the coming month. This is because Zi water is in initial usage, and although it belongs to the seasonal vital energy, fortunately the Yang of the Stem, Chen, and the Yin of the Stem, Chou, have sufficient strength to overcome it. Moreover, Chou is also the Dragon Spirit (龙神), which forms a Six Harmonies with Zi, hence it is known that the closure can occur in the coming month. Chou is also the Imperial Grace (皇恩), with the general riding the Zhu Que (Vermilion Bird). After the works are completed in the future, the glory of imperial commendation is also foreshadowed in the four lessons. The outcome indeed matched.
Paraphrased Translation: Prefect Ren Shuqu divined on what day the Wangjiaying dike project could be completed and closed. The lesson pattern: the initial usage is Zi (子), the middle transmission is You (酉), and the final transmission is Wu (午). The judgment stated: The dike works can be closed in the coming month. The reason is: Although Zi water in initial usage belongs to the vital energy of the season, both the Yang of the Stem, Chen earth, and the Yin of the Stem, Chou earth, possess sufficient strength to overcome Zi water. Moreover, Chou is also the Dragon Spirit (龙神), forming Six Harmonies with Zi, hence it is known that the closure can occur in the coming month. Chou is also the Imperial Grace (皇恩), riding the Zhu Que (Vermilion Bird). In the future, when the project is completed, the honor of imperial commendation is also foreshadowed in the four lessons. It was indeed verified.
Original Text: In the first month of the Ji-Mao year (己卯), on a Bing-Zi day (丙子日) at the Si hour with the Hai general, the lake friend Zhao Luping had an object hidden in his sleeve and tested [me] to guess it. The lesson obtained: Wu Zi Wu, Zi Wu Si Hai, Wu Zi Hai Bing. Judgment: When the three transmissions have water and fire combined, the object must be formed by the interaction of water and fire. Both the initial and final are fire, and fire flames upward, so both ends must be high. The middle transmission Zi water moistens downward, so the middle must be sunken and low. The Dragon (青龙) belongs to water, and its form must be long. Tian Hou (天后) is also a water spirit, placed over Wu fire, enduring its searing, water encountering fire becomes tea. Hence it must be a tea boat (tea vessel in the shape of a boat). When shown, it was indeed so.
Paraphrased Translation: Zhao Luping had an object hidden in his sleeve and asked Munong to guess it. The lesson pattern: the initial usage is Wu (午) , the middle transmission is Zi (子) , and the final transmission is Wu (午) . The judgment stated: When the three transmissions have water and fire combined, the object must have been forged by the joint action of water and fire. Both the initial and final transmissions are fire, and the nature of fire is to flame upward, so both ends must be high. The middle transmission Zi water possesses a nature that moistens downward, so the middle must be sunken and low. The Qing Long (Azure Dragon) belongs to water, and its form must be long. Tian Hou (天后) is likewise a water spirit, placed upon Wu fire, enduring the searing; when water meets fire, it becomes tea. Comprehensive judgment: it must be a tea boat (a boat-shaped tea vessel). When brought out for viewing, this was indeed the case.
Original Text: In the ninth month of the Gui-Wei year (癸未), on a Wu-Xu day (戊戌日) at the Wu hour with the Mao general, Yao Shouhe had an object hidden in his sleeve and requested a guess. The lesson obtained: Yin Hai Shen, Chen Wei Hai Yin, Wei Xu Yin Wu. Judgment: This must be money, counting twenty-eight [pieces]. This is because with the initial usage sitting in vacancy, the non-vacant aspects are taken for the judgment. The middle transmission Hai is the silk thread, and the final transmission Shen has the meaning of money. Moreover, with the three transmissions successively generating, there appears an image of interconnection without breakage. The number of Hai is four, and the number of Shen is seven; combined above and below, the total is twenty-eight. When drawn out from the sleeve for viewing, it was indeed a string of cash, and the number also corresponded.
Paraphrased Translation: Yao Shouhe had an object hidden in his sleeve and requested a guess. The lesson pattern: the initial usage is Yin (寅), the middle transmission is Hai (亥), and the final transmission is Shen (申). The judgment stated: This must be money, numbering twenty-eight pieces. The reason is: With the initial usage Yin sitting in vacancy, the non-vacant middle and final transmissions are taken for the judgment. The middle transmission Hai symbolizes a silk thread, and the final transmission Shen conveys the meaning of money. Moreover, with the three transmissions forming successive generation, there is the image of stringing without breakage. The number belonging to Hai is four, and the number belonging to Shen is seven; combined above and below, the total is twenty-eight. When brought out from the sleeve for viewing, it was indeed a string of copper cash, and the number was in complete correspondence.
Munong's Verified Divination Collection centrally exemplifies the core paradigm of Liu Ren divination judgment:
Lesson pattern as the foundation, symbolic meaning as application. Every judgment has explicit basis in the lesson and transmissions, such as Tianma (Celestial Horse) and Yima (Post Horse) governing movement, Bai Hu (White Tiger) governing inauspicious funerals, Qing Long (Azure Dragon) governing celebratory wealth, Zhu Que (Vermilion Bird) governing documents and news, Gou Chen (Gou Chen) governing detainment and arrest, and Xuan Wu (Black Tortoise) governing theft and absconding. The symbolic system of twelve celestial generals forms the cornerstone of judgment.
Vacancy as the pivotal opportunity, fulfillment as the response. Emptiness (vacancy) constitutes the key mechanism for judging response periods. Examples: "With the initial usage sitting in vacancy, news will only arrive after the decade passes," "Awaiting the Chen day for fulfillment, then it shall be obtained," "As soon as tomorrow comes, the decade's vacancy being filled, his death is certain"—the point of vacancy is precisely where the response time lies.
Trine formations determine numbers, punishments and clashes determine responses. Trine bureaus are used to judge time (e.g., Yin-Wu-Xu trine waiting for the Wu day to arrive), while punishments and clashes determine response periods (e.g., Zi-Mao mutual punishment determining death on the Mao day).
Yin and Yang mutually conceal, external and internal present different signs. Liu Ren places special emphasis on the distinct functions of yin and yang aspects, as in "Although Gou Chen overcomes Xuan Wu, the Yin of Yuan (Original) actually harms the Yin of Gou (Hook)"; "The Yin of Gou again generates the Yin of Yuan, indicating that the arresting party ultimately releases"—the yang side represents pursuit while the yin side represents indulgence; when the external and internal are inconsistent, the yin aspect prevails.
Lesson patterns govern generally, framework determines tone. Specific lesson patterns such as Gu Zu (Returning to Ancestor), Hui Huan (Circling), Zhu Yin (Seal Casting), Zhan Guan (Barrier Breaking), Lian Zhu San Qi (Linked Pearls, Three Marvels), and Tui Ru Feng Kong (Retreat and Encounter Vacancy) each have their own specific meanings. First establish the framework, then discuss detailed signs—this constitutes the hierarchical structure of Liu Ren judgment.
From the perspective of modern decision analysis, this system exhibits the following features:
Completeness of information encoding. Each lesson pattern constitutes a multidimensional information matrix, containing cross-referential information across four dimensions: time (day and branch), space (orientation and divisions), human affairs (celestial generals), and dynamics (spirit and baleful stars). This structure shares affinities with the multivariate cross-analysis of modern scenario planning.
The "Hypothesis–Action–Review" practical loop. Consistent with the original text's example of appending "The outcome indeed matched the divination" to each case, such divination practice is itself a continuous process of hypothesis verification. Each divination constitutes a testable prediction, which upon confirmation or falsification forms accreted experience. This pattern is isomorphic with the iterative "train-validate" logic of modern data science.
Externalization of probabilistic intuition. Judgments in the Travelers Chapter such as "already passed the threshold" versus "has not yet passed the threshold" essentially combine observed subtle clues (whether one has departed or not) with hexagram-image information to form probabilistic judgments over uncertain events, externalized through the language of the lesson patterns.
The judgment value of "should not be done." The judgment in the Miscellaneous Divination Chapter that the silted river could "definitely not be opened" holds modern relevance in: discerning "infeasibility" before resource expenditure and discerning "should halt losses" within a process—fundamentally a risk assessment tool.
A framework for decision-making reference. When confronted with decisions regarding whether to wait, whether to go, whether to invest, etc., the Liu Ren lesson pattern provides a structured entry point for thinking: first examine "movement or no movement" (Yi Ma, Tian Ma), then examine "success or no success" (engineer-overcoming relations), and finally, "when success/failure" (trines, filling vacancies, punishments and clashes).
A mindset of risk checklist. The judgments in the Public Litigation Chapter essentially constitute a risk checklist: three transmissions successively overcoming, Nobleman encountering Six Harms, no emolument, four points below overcoming the above—each item stands as an independent perilous signal, and combining them determines severity. This checklist-based risk assessment maintains methodological significance in modern management.
Operationalizing response-time management. Response period judgments in the Weather and News chapters, when translated into modern application, concern temporal window prediction: under which conditions will an event transpire at what point in time. Applying this mode of thinking to milestone prediction within project management retains methodological referential value.
Training observation through She Fu (object guessing). On its surface, object guessing concerns guessing objects, but in essence, it constitutes training in reasoning from limited clues through distinct clues. This capacity to infer overall properties from partial information has wide applicability in diagnostics, investigation, market assessment, and other domains.
Behind the Liu Ren Divination Collection lies a profound cosmological vision:
Holographic correspondence. The intricate relationships among stems, branches, celestial generals, and baleful stars in lesson patterns are regarded as a microcosmic mapping of the universal state of operations. This holographic notion of "a grain of sand contains a world" remarkably echoes the fractal theory in modern complexity science (in which the part contains the information of the whole).
The dialectic of momentum (shi) and timing (shi). The "already passed the threshold" and "has not yet passed the threshold" in the Travelers Chapter encapsulates the relationship between trend and time: when the trend is complete, the appointed moment inevitably brings a response; when the trend is incomplete, one must await its fruition. This is consistent with the concept of "timely moderation" (shizhong) in the Zhouyi (Book of Changes).
A reality view of dual yin and yang. The distinction between "yang aspect" and "yin aspect" that Liu Ren makes (e.g., Gou Chen concretely overcoming while its yin is subdued) adumbrates a profound structural epistemological standpoint: surface appearance and actual essence may be entirely contrary; true causality operates on the "yin aspect."
The transformation of emptiness and substance. Vacancy is not "nonexistence" but rather a latent state "awaiting fulfillment." The point of vacancy is precisely where change first transpires. This dialectic of "vacuity within has within it something" resonates profoundly with Laozi's philosophical premise that "the ten thousand things under heaven are born of the one; the one is born of vacuity."
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Tianma (Celestial Horse) | One of the Six Ren auspicious-inauspicious spirits, governing action, travel, and relocation |
| Yima (Postal Horse) | A spirit derived from the year branch or day branch, governing hastening about and migration |
| Menxian (Threshold) | A term used to determine whether a traveler has departed, based on the relationship between the day stem's lodging palace and the earthly branches |
| Zhanguan (Breaking the Barrier) | One of the Six Ren lesson patterns, governing the breaking through of obstacles and forceful passage |
| Guzu (Paying Respect to Ancestors) | A lesson pattern in which the final transmission returns to the birthplace of the initial transmission, governing return and returning to one's roots |
| Huihuan (Circling Back) | A lesson pattern in which the three transmissions circulate cyclically, governing arrival followed by departure |
| Zhuyin (Sealing the Seal) | A lesson pattern governing seals, documents, and official appointments |
| Lianzhu Sanqi (String of Pearls Three Marvels) | The three transmissions linked in sequence like pearls, governing smoothness and fulfillment of wishes |
| Xunkong (Void of the Cycle) | The earthly branches left unpaired in a full cycle of the heavenly stems, governing emptiness and insubstantiality |
| Huang'en (Imperial Favor) | One of the spirits, governing imperial grace, pardons, and favors from superiors |
| Tianshe (Heavenly Pardon) | One of the spirits, governing amnesty and leniency |
| Tianyi (Heavenly Physician) | One of the spirits, governing medicine and healing |
| Sangdiao (Mourning and Hanging) | The two spirits Sangmen (Gate of Mourning) and Diaoke (Visitor of Hanging), governing death and funerary matters |
| Youhun (Wandering Soul) | One of the spirits, governing restlessness of the soul and critical illness |
| Xuezhi (Blood Branch) | One of the spirits, governing blood disorders, hemorrhaging, and trauma |
| Feilian (Flying Whirlwind) | One of the spirits, governing swiftness and ferocity |
| Tianji (Heavenly Rooster) | One of the spirits, governing news and tidings |
| Tianjie (Heavenly Release) | One of the spirits, governing resolution and disaster dispelling |