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Plum Blossom Numerology

Plum Blossom Numerology (梅花易数) is a divination method created by Shao Yong in the Song Dynasty. Its key feature is flexibility—any number, time, or observation can be converted into a hexagram. The method emphasizes intuition: "when the heart moves, the hexagram forms."

Last updated · Jan 14, 2026

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Plum Blossom Numerology — divination method
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Meaning and ContextClassical RootsHow It WorksHow to Read ItHow It Shows Up in FateFolioCommon MisconceptionsSources and QuotesFAQRelated

Meaning and Context

Plum Blossom Numerology (梅花易数, Méihuā Yìshù) was developed by Shao Yong (邵雍), also known as Shao Kangjie, a Song Dynasty philosopher and cosmologist. Legend says he created it while observing plum blossoms—hence the name.

Unlike traditional yarrow stalk or coin methods, Plum Blossom uses numbers from any source: the current time, random observations, spoken words, or intentional number selection. This makes it fast and adaptable for daily decisions.

  • Number-based: Any numbers can generate hexagrams
  • Time-based: Current date/time converted to trigrams
  • Observation-based: Things seen or heard become numbers
  • Intuitive: Emphasizes the moment of inquiry

Classical Roots

The method is attributed to Shao Yong and documented in texts like Meihua Yishu.

Core principle
「心动即卦动，数起于心，卦成于意。」
Plain interpretation
"When the heart moves, the hexagram moves. Numbers arise from the heart, hexagrams form from intention." This emphasizes that the moment you formulate a question, the answer is already forming.

How It Works

Basic Plum Blossom calculation:

  1. Get two numbers from any source (time, observation, selection)
  2. First number mod 8 = Upper trigram (0 counts as 8)
  3. Second number mod 8 = Lower trigram
  4. Sum of both numbers mod 6 = Moving line position (0 counts as 6)
  5. Apply moving line to get the changed hexagram
Trigram numbers
1=Qian, 2=Dui, 3=Li, 4=Zhen, 5=Xun, 6=Kan, 7=Gen, 8=Kun

How to Read It

Interpreting Plum Blossom readings:

  • The primary hexagram represents the current situation
  • The changed hexagram (after moving line transforms) shows the outcome
  • The "body" trigram (related to the question) represents you
  • The "use" trigram (the other trigram) represents the situation/other party
  • Five Element relationships between body and use trigrams guide interpretation
Body vs Use
A key Plum Blossom concept: identify which trigram represents you (body/体) and which represents the external situation (use/用). Their Five Element relationship determines the outcome.

How It Shows Up in FateFolio

In FateFolio's divination tool:

  • Multiple casting methods available including time-based and number-based
  • Automatic calculation of trigrams and moving lines
  • Primary and changed hexagrams displayed together
  • Interpretation considers the body-use relationship

Common Misconceptions

Common misunderstandings about Plum Blossom:

  • Thinking any random numbers work equally well—the first spontaneous numbers matter most
  • Ignoring the body-use distinction in interpretation
  • Repeatedly casting for the same question hoping for better answers
  • Treating it as purely mechanical without considering intuition

Sources and Quotes

All quotes are linked to accessible sources. Classical text translations may vary by edition.

Quoted excerpts

「心动即卦动，数起于心，卦成于意。」
Source： 《梅花易数》原文参考· 梅花易数强调"心动"的重要性——当你心中产生念头，卦象便已形成。

References

  1. 《梅花易数》原文参考 · Chinese Text Project
  2. Divination (Britannica) · Encyclopædia Britannica

FAQ

Is Plum Blossom easier than traditional I Ching methods?

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The casting process is simpler and faster—no need for coins or yarrow stalks. However, interpretation requires understanding the body-use relationship and Five Element dynamics, which adds a layer of analysis not present in simpler methods.

Can I use any numbers I want?

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Technically yes, but the method emphasizes spontaneity. The first numbers that come to mind, or numbers encountered naturally (time, things observed), are considered more meaningful than deliberately selected numbers. The principle is "when the heart moves, the hexagram forms."

How is Plum Blossom different from Six Lines (Liu Yao)?

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Six Lines (六爻) is more elaborate, assigning stems and branches to each line and analyzing six relatives and six spirits. Plum Blossom is simpler and faster, focusing on the body-use relationship and Five Elements. Both derive hexagrams but use different interpretive frameworks.