Classifying All Things

Correspondences of All Things

The correspondences of all things constitute the foundational training of Plum Blossom Numerology (Mei Hua Yi Shu), and they are also the part that most tests a forecaster's imagination and power of association. It classifies and categorizes all things in the world according to the symbolic meanings of the eight trigrams.

Master Table of Correspondences for the Eight Trigrams

Qian Trigram (Qian) (Heaven, Metal):

• People: Father, leader, elderly person, person of noble status
• Body: Head, bones, lungs
• Animals: Horse, dragon, swan
• Objects: Metal, jewelry, round objects, hats
• Places: Capital city, high places, government offices

Kun Trigram (Kun) (Earth, Earth):

• People: Mother, old woman, farmer, the masses
• Body: Abdomen, spleen and stomach, muscles
• Animals: Cow, mare, ant
• Objects: Cloth, square objects, pottery
• Places: Fields, flatlands, warehouses

Zhen Trigram (Zhen) (Thunder, Wood):

• People: Eldest son, young man, athlete
• Body: Feet, liver, vocal cords
• Animals: Dragon, snake, eagle
• Objects: Wooden wares, musical instruments, firecrackers
• Places: Forests, main roads, busy markets

Xun Trigram (Xun) (Wind, Wood):

• People: Eldest daughter, merchant, monk or nun
• Body: Thighs, trachea, hair
• Animals: Chicken, butterfly, snake
• Objects: Ropes, wooden wares, fans
• Places: Temples, post offices, wet markets

Kan Trigram (Kan) (Water, Water):

• People: Middle son, fisherman, thief
• Body: Ears, kidneys, blood
• Animals: Pig, fish, fox
• Objects: Wine, ink, wheels
• Places: Rivers, bars, dark places

Li Trigram (Li) (Fire, Fire):

• People: Middle daughter, scholar, soldier
• Body: Eyes, heart, blood vessels
• Animals: Pheasant, peacock, crab
• Objects: Letters, certificates, lamps
• Places: Schools, courts, cinemas

Gen Trigram (Gen) (Mountain, Earth):

• People: Youngest son, child, gatekeeper
• Body: Hands, fingers, back
• Animals: Dog, rat, tiger
• Objects: Stones, doors, tables
• Places: Mountain forests, banks, parking lots

Dui Trigram (Dui) (Lake, Metal):

• People: Youngest daughter, singer, translator
• Body: Mouth, teeth, lungs
• Animals: Sheep, monkey, birds
• Objects: Swords, tableware, mirrors
• Places: Lakes, entertainment venues, restaurants

Flexible Application of Correspondences

The correspondences of all things are not a fixed, unchanging table; rather, they require flexible association based on the specific context. The same Qian trigram can represent a father or leader when the inquiry is about a person, yet it may represent metal or round objects when the inquiry is about an item. The key lies in the inspiration and connections made when drawing imagery.