The Numerical Calculation Method - A Direct Approach

While the External Event method in Plum Blossom (Mei Hua Yi) divination relies on keen observation and symbolic interpretation of environmental cues, there are also more direct numerical techniques for deriving hexagrams. One such method offers a straightforward way to generate the upper trigram, lower trigram, and a changing line using simple arithmetic.

This method is particularly accessible as it doesn't strictly require an external trigger or complex calendrical conversions in its most basic form, though the numbers used can certainly be inspired by such sources.

The Principle: Numbers as Direct Input

The core idea here is that numbers themselves, whether chosen consciously, randomly, or derived from a simple observation, can be directly processed through a set of mathematical operations to yield the components of an I Ching hexagram.

The Method: Step-by-Step

The process involves taking two three-digit numbers and performing a series of divisions:

1. Choose or Derive a First Three-Digit Number (for the Upper Trigram):

• Source of the Number: This number can come from various places:
  • A number that spontaneously comes to mind.
  • The page number of a book opened at random.
  • The last three digits of a phone number.
  • A count of objects, people, or any observable quantity that feels significant.
  • A number consciously chosen for its symbolic meaning to you.
• Calculation: Take this first three-digit number and divide it by 8 (representing the eight trigrams).
• Result: The remainder of this division determines the upper trigram of your hexagram.
  • Use the Early Heaven Ba Gua numerical sequence:
    • Remainder 1 = ☰ Qian (Heaven)
    • Remainder 2 = ☱ Dui (Lake)
    • Remainder 3 = ☲ Li (Fire)
    • Remainder 4 = ☳ Zhen (Thunder)
    • Remainder 5 = ☴ Xun (Wind)
    • Remainder 6 = ☵ Kan (Water)
    • Remainder 7 = ☶ Gen (Mountain)
    • Remainder 0 or 8 = ☷ Kun (Earth) (If the remainder is 0, it is treated as 8)

2. Choose or Derive a Second Three-Digit Number (for the Lower Trigram):

• Source of the Number: Similar to the first number, this can be chosen, observed, or come to mind. It should ideally be distinct from the first number.
• Calculation: Take this second three-digit number and divide it by 8.
• Result: The remainder of this division determines the lower trigram, using the same trigram correspondences as above.

3. Determine the Changing Line:

• Sum the Two Original Numbers (or their remainders):
  • Take the remainder obtained in Step 1 (for the upper trigram).
  • Take the remainder obtained in Step 2 (for the lower trigram).
  • Add these two remainders together.
  • (Alternative interpretation: Some traditions might sum the original three-digit numbers first, then divide by 6. However, "summing the remainders" is more specific to the provided information.)
• Calculation: Divide this sum of the two remainders by 6 (representing the six lines of a hexagram).
• Result: The remainder of this division indicates the changing line number.
  • Remainder 1 = Line 1 (bottom line) is changing.
  • Remainder 2 = Line 2 is changing.
  • Remainder 3 = Line 3 is changing.
  • Remainder 4 = Line 4 is changing.
  • Remainder 5 = Line 5 is changing.
  • Remainder 0 or 6 = Line 6 (top line) is changing.

Example:

Let's say:

• Your first three-digit number is 765.
• Your second three-digit number is 432.

Upper Trigram:

• 765 ÷ 8 = 95 with a remainder of 5.
• Remainder 5 corresponds to ☴ Xun (Wind). So, Xun is the upper trigram.

Lower Trigram:

• 432 ÷ 8 = 54 with a remainder of 0 (which is treated as 8).
• Remainder 8 corresponds to ☷ Kun (Earth). So, Kun is the lower trigram.

Your primary hexagram is Wind over Earth (Hexagram 46, Sheng/Pushing Upward, since we're treating the first number as determining the upper trigram per convention).

Changing Line:

• Sum the remainders from Step 1 and Step 2: Remainder 5 (from Xun) + Remainder 8 (from Kun) = 13.
• Divide this sum by 6: 13 ÷ 6 = 2 with a remainder of 1.
• Remainder 1 indicates that the first line (bottom line) is the changing line.

Simplicity and Accessibility

This Numerical Calculation Method offers a quick and accessible way to generate an I Ching hexagram without needing complex observational skills or immediate access to calendrical conversion tools. Its power lies in its directness and the trust placed in the significance of numbers that present themselves to the diviner's awareness, whether through conscious choice, random encounter, or intuitive prompting.

While simple in execution, the interpretation would still draw upon the broader principles of Plum Blossom divination, including the meanings of the trigrams, their Wu Xing relationships, and the significance of the changing line.

In the next article, we will explore another fascinating technique: "Article 7: The Horary Method - Astrology Meets the I Ching."