Overview of Plum Blossom Numerology

Overview of Plum Blossom Numerology

Plum Blossom Numerology (Mei Hua Yi Shu), also known as Plum Blossom Heart Numerology, is a simplified method of divination founded by the renowned Song Dynasty scholar of the Book of Changes, Shao Kangjie (Shao Yong). Legend has it that one day while observing plum blossoms, Shao Yong saw two sparrows fighting over a branch and falling to the ground. From this omen he cast a hexagram and foretold that the following day a young woman would fall and injure her knee while picking flowers—hence the name "Plum Blossom Numerology."

Core Characteristics

1. Flexible hexagram casting - Numbers, time, written characters, sounds, physical objects, or any other information can be used to cast a hexagram.
2. Fast interpretation - It centers on the engendering and overcoming relationship between the subject and the object, without requiring complex procedures like installing the Heavenly Stems.
3. Focus on intuitive insight - It emphasizes the diviner's intuition and inspiration.
4. All things are hexagrams - Anything seen, heard, touched, or sensed at any time and place can be used to form a hexagram.

Differences from Liu Yao

Liu Yao (Liu Yao) divination is based on the Nayin system and adheres to systematic rules for installing and interpreting hexagrams; Plum Blossom Numerology is simpler and more intuitive, relying primarily on the myriad cosmic correspondences of the eight trigrams and the relationship between the subject and the object. Liu Yao emphasizes method, while Plum Blossom Numerology emphasizes meaning.

Basic Theoretical Framework

• Pre-heaven hexagram casting - Uses pre-heaven information such as numbers and time to cast a hexagram.
• Post-heaven hexagram casting - Casts a hexagram based on things currently seen or heard.
• Subject–object analysis - Divides the hexagram into the subject hexagram and the object hexagram, then analyzes the relationship between the two.
• Interlocking hexagram analysis - Examines the interlocking hexagram to understand the intermediate process of a matter.
• Transformed hexagram analysis - Looks at the transformed hexagram to understand the final outcome of a matter.

Learning Path

1. Memorize the basic imagery and Five Elements attributes of the eight trigrams.
2. Master various methods of hexagram casting.
3. Understand the rules for interpreting the relationship between the subject and the object.
4. Learn how to categorize the myriad cosmic correspondences.
5. Accumulate experience through extensive practice.

Applicable Scenarios

Plum Blossom Numerology is particularly suited for quick divinations in daily life, such as whether a trip will go smoothly, whether a certain endeavor will succeed, or in which direction a lost item can be found. Its flexibility allows the diviner to cast a hexagram at random in any situation.