Introduction: The Union of Tool and Mind
In Chapter 1, we explored the cosmic model. Now, we transform abstract theory into concrete symbols. The core of Liu Yao is converting an "intent" into a "hexagram." While software exists, I recommend beginners master the manual process to understand the logic of Five Elements flow.
Section 1: The Three-Coin Method —— Capturing Information Energy
Wild Crane Elder advocated the "three-coin method" for its simplicity and efficacy.
1. Preparation
You need three identical coins. In modern times, any coin with distinct "Heads" and "Tails" works. Once chosen, keep them specifically for divination.
Heads (Numbers): Defined as "Yang."
Tails (Pattern/Emblem): Defined as "Yin."
2. The Process
Calm the Mind: Find a quiet place. Wash hands.
Formulate Intent: Hold the coins. Think of the specific question.
Shake and Toss: Shake well in cupped palms and toss onto a clean surface.
Record: Repeat 6 times, recording from the bottom up (1st toss is the bottom line).
3. Recording Rules (Crucial)
1 Tail (2 Heads): Record as "Single" — (Young Yang).
2 Tails (1 Head): Record as "Broken" -- (Young Yin).
3 Tails (0 Heads): Record as "Heavy" O (Old Yang, a Moving Line).
0 Tails (3 Heads): Record as "Interset" X (Old Yin, a Moving Line).
Note: "Moving Lines" are the soul of prediction, representing variables or the trigger point.
Section 2: Drawing and Determining the Palace
After recording, you have a "Primary Hexagram." Next, determine which of the "Eight Palaces" it belongs to.
The Eight Palaces: Qian (Metal), Kun (Earth), Zhen (Wood), Xun (Wood), Kan (Water), Li (Fire), Gen (Earth), Dui (Metal).
Deep Analysis: Determining the Palace is vital because the Palace represents the overall Five Elements attribute. If you identify the Palace incorrectly, all subsequent roles (Parents, Wealth, etc.) will be wrong.
Section 3: The Na Jia System —— Assigning Space-Time Energy
"Na Jia" involves assigning Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches to the six lines.
Example (Qian Palace): Inner hexagram starts with Zi (Water) and skips (Zi, Yin, Chen). Outer hexagram starts with Wu (Fire) and skips (Wu, Shen, Xu).
Deep Analysis: These Earthly Branches are not random; they contain the trajectory of the Five Elements in space. For beginners, a "Na Jia Table" is helpful, but it should eventually be memorized as "muscle memory."
Section 4: Assigning World and Response —— Locking "Self" and "Other"
World (Shi): Represents the diviner or the "Subject" of the matter.
Response (Ying): Represents the other party, the environment, or the "Object."
Deep Analysis: The relationship between World and Response determines the flow of the matter. World restricting Response means you have the initiative; Response restricting World means the pressure comes from the other side.
Section 5: Determining the Six Relatives —— Building a Social Model
Based on the Five Elements of the Palace and the line's Branch:
Produces me: Parents (Documents, elders, houses, protection).
I produce: Children (Happiness, medicine, subordinates, products).
Restricts me: Officials/Ghosts (Job, stress, disease, husband).
I restrict: Wife/Wealth (Money, assets, desires, wife).
Equal to me: Brothers (Competitors, friends, costs, resistance).
Section 6: Deep Analysis —— Practical Secrets
Observe the Missing (Hidden Spirits): If a relative (like Wealth) is missing from the hexagram, it is "Hidden." This doesn't mean there is no wealth; it means it is hidden under another line, revealing why it is currently unavailable.
Direction of Moving Lines: A moving line transforms into a "Changed Line." If a Child line moves and changes into a Parent line, this is "Return Restriction" (Heitou Ke), a crucial sign of future failure.
Section 7: Summary of Steps
Shake coins 6 times. 2. Identify Hexagram Name. 3. Determine Palace. 4. Assign Branches (Na Jia). 5. Mark World and Response. 6. Mark Six Relatives. 7. Draw the Changed Hexagram (if lines move).
Conclusion of Chapter 2
Zeng Shan Bu Yi is powerful because it builds a precise data model through these steps. Master the manual loading, and you have built the foundation for high-level prediction.
Next Chapter Preview: "Chapter 3: The Six Relatives System and the Art of Selecting the Functional Spirit." We will learn how to pick the "protagonist" out of the information to ensure a 100% accurate target.
