Casting Methods

Hexagram Casting Methods

The greatest feature of Plum Blossom Numerology (Mei Hua Yi Shu) is its flexible and versatile approach to hexagram casting; all things in the world can be incorporated into a hexagram. The following introduces the most commonly used casting methods.

Number Casting

The most fundamental casting method: take two numbers, divide each by 8 to obtain the upper hexagram and lower hexagram, then divide the sum of the two numbers by 6 to obtain the moving line.

Method:

1. Obtain any two numbers at random (such as the last two digits of a phone number, license plate numbers, etc.)
2. First number ÷ 8, the remainder is the upper hexagram
3. Second number ÷ 8, the remainder is the lower hexagram
4. Sum of both numbers ÷ 6, the remainder is the moving line

Numbers corresponding to the eight trigrams: 1 Qian, 2 Dui, 3 Li, 4 Zhen, 5 Xun, 6 Kan, 7 Gen, 8 Kun (a remainder of 0 counts as 8)

Time Casting

Using the numerical values of the current time to cast a hexagram is one of the most commonly used methods.

Method:

1. Sum of the Year Earthly Branch (Di Zhi) number + Month number + Day number ÷ 8 → Upper hexagram
2. Sum of the Year Earthly Branch number + Month number + Day number + Hour number ÷ 8 → Lower hexagram
3. Total sum ÷ 6 → Moving line

Image Casting

Directly corresponding observed phenomena to the eight trigrams to cast a hexagram.

Examples:

• Seeing an old man (Qian) and a young woman (Dui) walking together → Upper Qian and lower Dui, Heaven and Lake Lu (Treading)
• Wind blowing and flowers falling → Upper Xun (Wind) and lower Kun (Earth), Wind and Earth Guan (Viewing)
• Thunder and rain intertwined → Upper Zhen (Thunder) and lower Kan (Water), Thunder and Water Jie (Deliverance)

Sound Casting

Casting a hexagram based on the number of sounds heard or the characteristics of the sound.

Method:

• Hearing a few bird calls or a few knocks on a door, use the number of sounds to cast the hexagram
• The first few sounds represent the upper hexagram, the latter few represent the lower hexagram
• Total number of sounds ÷ 6 gives the moving line

Text Casting

Using the stroke count of Chinese characters to cast a hexagram.

Method:

• Single character: Stroke count ÷ 8 for the hexagram, ÷ 6 for the moving line
• Two characters: Left character's strokes ÷ 8 for the upper hexagram, right character's strokes ÷ 8 for the lower hexagram
• Multiple characters: The stroke count of the first half forms the upper hexagram, and the second half forms the lower hexagram

Precautions for Hexagram Casting

1. Single-minded focus - When casting a hexagram, concentrate your mind on the matter being asked about
2. Take the first thought - Rely on the very first piece of information you encounter
3. Do not cast repeatedly - The same question should not be divined repeatedly
4. Keep complete records - Record the time and method of casting for later analysis