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Meaning and Context
Liu Yao (Six Lines) divination is an advanced form of I Ching practice developed during the Han Dynasty and refined over centuries. It integrates the hexagram structure with elements from Chinese cosmology.
- Foundation: 64 hexagrams of the I Ching
- Addition: Each line assigned an Earthly Branch (地支)
- Elements: Five Elements (Wu Xing) relationships analyzed
- Six Relatives: Relationships between lines interpreted through a six-category system
- Purpose: Detailed analysis of specific questions about life events
Key distinction
While basic I Ching reading focuses on hexagram meanings and line texts, Liu Yao adds layers of elemental and relational analysis for more specific predictions.
Classical Roots
The Xici establishes the philosophical basis:
From Yijing · Xici
「六爻之动，三极之道也。」
Plain translation
"The movement of the six lines embodies the way of the Three Powers (Heaven, Earth, Human)." Each pair of lines (1-2, 3-4, 5-6) represents one of these realms.
The method of numerical transformation is also rooted in the Xici:
From Yijing · Xici
「参伍以变，错综其数。」
Plain translation
"By varying with threes and fives, interlacing and combining numbers." Liu Yao uses complex numerical systems to derive meaning.
System Components
Liu Yao divination involves several interlocking systems:
- Hexagram structure: Six lines divided into upper and lower trigrams
- Earthly Branches: Each line carries one of 12 Branches (Zi, Chou, Yin, etc.)
- Five Elements: Each Branch has an elemental nature affecting interpretation
- Six Relatives (六亲): Lines categorized as parent, sibling, offspring, wealth, or authority relative to the day
- Subject/Object line: Special lines representing the querent and the matter asked about
- Moving lines: Indicate change and development
The interaction of these systems creates a detailed map for analyzing situations.
How to Read It
A Liu Yao reading follows these steps:
- Cast the hexagram using coins or another method
- Assign Earthly Branches to each line based on the hexagram
- Determine the "Six Relatives" based on the day of casting
- Identify the Subject (世) and Object (应) lines
- Analyze elemental relationships: generating, controlling, etc.
- Interpret moving lines and their transformations
- Synthesize all factors for the reading
Complexity note
Liu Yao is an advanced method requiring study of multiple systems. Beginners may start with simpler I Ching interpretation.
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's I Ching tool:
- Basic hexagram interpretation provided for all users
- Six Lines analysis available for advanced readings
- Earthly Branch assignments shown when applicable
- Moving lines and transformations clearly displayed
Common Misconceptions
Common misunderstandings about Liu Yao:
- Confusing it with simple I Ching reading—Liu Yao is more complex
- Ignoring the day of casting—the day determines Six Relatives relationships
- Overcomplicating beginner readings with advanced Liu Yao techniques
- Treating it as fortune-telling rather than situational analysis
Sources and Quotes
FAQ
What is the difference between I Ching and Liu Yao?
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I Ching (Yi Jing) refers to the Book of Changes itself and basic hexagram interpretation. Liu Yao is an advanced divination METHOD that uses the I Ching framework but adds layers of analysis using Earthly Branches, Five Elements, and the Six Relatives system.
Think of I Ching as the foundation and Liu Yao as an elaborate interpretive system built upon it.
Do I need to learn Liu Yao to do I Ching divination?
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No. You can practice meaningful I Ching divination using just the hexagram texts—judgment, image, and line statements. Liu Yao is an advanced method for those who want deeper, more specific analysis.
Many practitioners start with simple hexagram reading and may never need Liu Yao for their purposes.