Time-and-number-based hexagram divination through Meihua Yishu
Meihua Yishu (梅花易數, Plum Blossom Numerology) is a divination method originating from the scholarly tradition of Northern Song scholar Shao Kangjie (邵康節, 1011-1077), utilizing the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching (周易) to predict changes in all things. The name 'plum blossom' originates from a legend that Shao Kangjie attained insight while observing plum blossoms, though there is academic discussion regarding the actual authorship and compilation period of the extant Meihua Yishu text.
The core of Meihua Yishu combines principle-numbers (理數) and image-numbers (象數) to derive hexagrams from natural phenomena such as time or numbers, reading the causal relationships and developmental direction of matters. While traditional I Ching uses yarrow stalks, Meihua Yishu directly employs whatever time or number naturally comes to mind.
Time Method: The upper trigram is determined by (Year Branch number + Lunar Month + Lunar Day) mod 8, and the lower trigram by (Year Branch number + Lunar Month + Lunar Day + Hour Branch number) mod 8. The moving line is (total sum) mod 6. A remainder of 0 yields the Kun trigram or the 6th line respectively.
Number Method: Two numbers are used — the first number mod 8 gives the upper trigram, the second number mod 8 gives the lower trigram. The moving line is (sum of both numbers) mod 6. The principle is to naturally use whatever numbers come to mind.
The interpretive core of Meihua Yishu is the Ti-Yong (體用) relationship. The trigram containing the moving line is 'Yong' (用: the active side), and the trigram without the moving line is 'Ti' (體: the unchanging subject). If the moving line is in the upper trigram, the upper is Yong and the lower is Ti, and vice versa.
The Five Elements (五行) relationship between Ti and Yong determines the flow: Ti generates Yong (subject expends energy), Yong generates Ti (subject receives help), Ti controls Yong (subject is proactive), Yong controls Ti (subject under pressure), Ti-Yong same element (stable).
The Hu hexagram (互卦) is derived from lines 2-3-4 of the original hexagram as the lower trigram and lines 3-4-5 as the upper trigram, used to examine the internal process and hidden factors of the matter.
The Bian hexagram (變卦) is created by changing the yin-yang of the moving line, representing the result direction after change. The flow Original Hexagram (current situation) → Hu Hexagram (internal process) → Bian Hexagram (result direction) is interpreted comprehensively.
Meihua Yishu is a traditional divination method for reference. Hexagram interpretation comprehensively considers the Ti-Yong Five Elements relationship and the moving line position. Even if an inauspicious hexagram appears, the Bian hexagram direction and action guidelines can suggest ways to turn toward good fortune. Use it as wisdom to understand life's flow rather than relying on it excessively.
Meihua Yishu Vol.1 (Shao Kangjie): Trigram by 8, Moving Line by 6; I Ching 64 Hexagrams (King Wen sequence); UAYA Foundation I Ching Guide Time Method·Number Method formulas; OpenFate Meihua Protocol Ti-Yong determination·Hu hexagram·Bian hexagram