Chiyang Daoren, Eastern Taoism
1. The Taoist Xiao Liuren Divination Method
Xiao Liuren is an ancient Chinese method of prediction (divination), popularly known as “casting a lesson by the hour.” Because it is worked out simply by “counting on the fingers,” it is easy to use. At its core, it follows set rules to turn the time (month, day, and hour) into a landing place among the “Six Spirits,” so that one can quickly judge whether the matter asked about is auspicious or inauspicious. A result can be reached within minutes, which is why the method is so widely used and has spread so broadly among ordinary people.
Xiao Liuren was originally a type of annotation in the traditional Chinese calendar, used to mark each day as auspicious or inauspicious. Its greatest wonder lies in counting on the fingers: it is simple and flexible, and it can be applied to a great many matters. Anything can be divined with Xiao Liuren, so it is above all a practical method. When you cannot decide what to do, count on your fingers and you will know whether the outcome is good or bad. This is the wonder of the Taoist Xiao Liuren.
2. How Xiao Liuren Is Calculated
The Xiao Liuren method is very simple. To make a prediction, you need only the current month, day, and hour. Following set rules, you use your left thumb to count clockwise, position by position, across six points on the hand, and the result appears. The method starts the first month at Great Peace, starts the day from the month's position, and starts the hour from the day's position. The method is explained in detail below.
1. Locating the Six Positions
The six positions (on the left palm): the six positions are fixed on the left palm and cycle clockwise in this order: Great Peace (base of the index finger) → Lingering (tip of the index finger) → Swift Joy (tip of the middle finger) → Red Mouth (tip of the ring finger) → Minor Luck (base of the ring finger) → Void (base of the middle finger).
Positions: counting from the base of the index finger in order, ① Great Peace — ② Lingering — ③ Swift Joy — ④ Red Mouth — ⑤ Minor Luck — ⑥ Void. This order never changes.
Starting the month: begin at Great Peace (the first month) and count clockwise to the current lunar month to find the “month position” (representing the cause or the overall situation).
Starting the day: take the month position as the new starting point and count clockwise to the current lunar day to find the “day position” (representing the process or intermediate development).
Starting the hour: take the day position as the new starting point and count clockwise to the current double hour (Zi hour = 1, Chou hour = 2, and so on) to find the “hour position” (representing the result or the timing of events; in judging a matter, the hour position carries the most weight).
2. Step by Step
Step one: first fix the starting point for the month on the hand, then count from it to find where the month lands. Whatever the month, always begin with the first month at Great Peace, then count clockwise through the six hand positions in the order of the Six Spirits until you reach the month in question.
For example, to find the eleventh month, count from ① Great Peace — ② Lingering — ③ Swift Joy — ④ Red Mouth — ⑤ Minor Luck — ⑥ Void — ⑦ Great Peace — ⑧ Lingering — ⑨ Swift Joy — ⑩ Red Mouth — and the eleventh month lands on Minor Luck.
Step two: take the month's landing point as the starting point for the day, then find where the day lands. Starting with the first day of the month at the month's landing point, count clockwise through the six hand positions in the order of the Six Spirits up to the day in question; that position is where the day lands.
For example, for the tenth day of the eleventh month, we already know where the eleventh month lands. The first day is Minor Luck, the second Void, the third Great Peace, the fourth Lingering, the fifth Swift Joy, the sixth Red Mouth, the seventh Minor Luck, the eighth Void, the ninth Great Peace, and the tenth lands on Lingering.
Another example: the twenty-third day of the third month. The third month lands on Swift Joy, and the twenty-third day lands on Great Peace.
Step three: take the day's landing point as the starting point for the hour and find where the hour lands. The principle is the same and need not be repeated.
3. Basic Knowledge
Months: the first month, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth months.
Days: the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, and 28th days (29th, 30th). The hours are expressed by the twelve Earthly Branches:
Double hours: (1) Zi (11 p.m.–1 a.m.); (2) Chou (1–3 a.m.); (3) Yin (3–5 a.m.); (4) Mao (5–7 a.m.); (5) Chen (7–9 a.m.); (6) Si (9–11 a.m.); (7) Wu (11 a.m.–1 p.m.); (8) Wei (1–3 p.m.); (9) Shen (3–5 p.m.); (10) You (5–7 p.m.); (11) Xu (7–9 p.m.); (12) Hai (9–11 p.m.).
3. Core Meanings of the Six Spirits (the Basis for Judgment)
The Six Spirits, in order, are Great Peace, Lingering, Swift Joy, Red Mouth, Minor Luck, and Void, placed on the index, middle, and ring fingers. In a divination, they are found in the order of month, day, and hour. Landing on Great Peace, Swift Joy, or Minor Luck is auspicious; the rest are inauspicious.
1. Great Peace (very auspicious): stability, stillness, safety. Matters are steady; it is better to hold one's ground than to act. A lost item is close by; an illness is not serious.
Great Peace is the time when one's body stays put. Its element is Wood, its color green, its direction east. It is associated with the Azure Dragon, and for plans it corresponds to the numbers one, five, and seven. It signifies stillness, peace of mind, and good fortune.
The verse says: Under Great Peace, all things prosper; seek your aims in the east. A lost item has not gone far; the house stays safe and sound. The traveler has not yet set out; the sick will come to no harm. The general returns to the fields—weigh it all with care.
2. Lingering (slightly inauspicious): delay, entanglement, repetition. Matters move slowly and call for patience; disputes or holdups arise easily. Do not rush for results.
Lingering is the time when a person has not yet returned. Its element is Water, its color black, its direction north. It is associated with the Black Tortoise, and for plans it corresponds to the numbers two, eight, and ten. It signifies obscurity, delay, entanglement, procrastination, and a long wait.
The verse says: Under Lingering, matters are hard to achieve; the day for your aims is not yet clear. In official affairs, go slowly; those who have left are on their way back. A lost item has gone south; search quickly and your mind will be at ease. Beware of quarrels as well; human affairs are only so-so.
3. Swift Joy (moderately auspicious): speed, celebration, news. Matters move quickly; good news is coming; the time is ripe and swift action is suitable.
Swift Joy is the time when a person is about to arrive. Its element is Fire, its color red, its direction south. It is associated with the Vermilion Bird, and for plans it corresponds to the numbers three, six, and nine. It signifies speed, celebration, and good fortune, and indicates that the time is ripe.
The verse says: Swift Joy brings joy; to seek wealth, head south. A lost item lies toward Shen, Wei, or Wu; ask the people you meet. Official matters meet with good fortune; the sick need not fear. Fields, houses, and livestock thrive; news of the traveler is clear.
4. Red Mouth (moderately inauspicious): quarrels, disputes, danger. It signifies arguments, lawsuits, and accidents; be careful in word and deed and guard against conflict.
Red Mouth is the time when official matters turn out badly. Its element is Metal, its color white, its direction west. It is associated with the White Tiger, and for plans it corresponds to the numbers four, seven, and ten. It signifies misfortune, alarm, danger, and quarrels.
The verse says: Red Mouth governs quarrels; be sure to guard against lawsuits. Search quickly for lost items; the traveler meets with alarm. Chickens and dogs behave strangely; the sick should go west. Beware of curses as well, lest you catch a plague.
5. Minor Luck (slightly auspicious): harmony, small gains, gradual progress. Matters take a turn for the better; helpful people appear and there are modest gains. It suits cooperation or steady progress.
Minor Luck is the time when someone comes bringing joy. Its element is Wood, and it is associated with the Six Harmonies; for plans it corresponds to the numbers one, five, and seven. It signifies harmony and good fortune.
The verse says: Minor Luck is most auspicious; things can be settled on the road. A woman comes with good news; the lost item lies to the southwest. The traveler arrives at once; trade goes very well. All things are in harmony; the sick pray to heaven above.
6. Void (very inauspicious): emptiness, hopelessness, illusion. Matters come to nothing and effort is wasted; cut your losses and do not invest blindly.
Void is the time when news is scarce. Its element is Earth, its color yellow, its direction the center. It is associated with the Curved Array, and for plans it corresponds to the numbers three, six, and nine. It signifies misfortune, fruitlessness, and worry.
The verse says: Void bodes ill; women are often contrary. Seeking wealth brings no profit; the traveler meets with disaster. The lost item will not be found; official matters bring punishment. The sick encounter hidden ghosts; with rites of exorcism they may recover.
4. Ti and Yong, and Overall Judgment
Ti and Yong: the landing position is the Ti (representing oneself and the present situation), and the hour is the Yong (representing outside forces and the result). When Yong generates Ti, it is auspicious (there is help); when Ti controls Yong, it is slightly auspicious (effort will pay off); when Ti generates Yong, it is slightly inauspicious (much is spent); when Yong controls Ti, it is very inauspicious (great obstacles); when they are of the same element, things are steady.
Overall judgment: to judge a matter, interpret flexibly according to the type of question (such as seeking wealth, finding a person, marriage, or travel) and the generating and controlling relationship between Ti and Yong. Do not apply the rules mechanically.
5. Flexible Ways of Drawing Numbers
Using the month, day, and hour as described above is the orthodox method. From the point of view of numbers, however, the month, day, and hour are simply three numbers. We can also draw any three numbers by other means in place of the month, day, and hour, and the effect is the same. There are endless ways of drawing numbers, in any form. For example, write down (or say) any three numbers, write three Chinese characters (counting their strokes properly, one by one), or draw three playing cards at random. In short, as long as something can be turned into a number, you can devise any method you like and use whatever comes to mind.
If random numbers (such as numbers someone calls out) are used in place of the month, day, and hour, divide each by six and take the remainder, which corresponds to the matching position.
The month-day-hour method has serious limitations in practice: if several people ask for a reading in the same double hour, for example, the month-day-hour method is helpless. The flexible method solves this problem and makes drawing numbers more flexible and convenient. Extensive practice has shown it to work exceptionally well.
Among China's many methods of prediction, the random approach places great weight on the randomness and chance of the information gathered at the moment of divination. It stresses the importance of first impressions, first feelings, and even flashes of inspiration. Preconceptions, artificial settings, and deliberate thinking all affect the accuracy of a prediction.
Both the month-day-hour method and the flexible method use three numbers as the basis for the calculation. Building on the flexible method, I came to a further understanding, inspired by a certain I Ching divination method and by the method of casting a hexagram on the spur of the moment.
Drawing on my own practice, I explored and tested the drawing of numbers further, gradually breaking through the constraints and limits of the first two methods and taking the Xiao Liuren method of drawing numbers as far as it can go. This is the random method of drawing numbers.
In the random method, there is no limit on how many numbers you draw: one, two, three, ten, twenty—any number will do. However many numbers or Chinese characters the other person writes, you can count them out on your fingers using the month-day-hour method and the flexible method. This makes drawing numbers even more convenient and widens their randomness and range.
One of the essentials of Xiao Liuren—drawing numbers by inspiration and intuition—finds its most perfect expression here. There are endless ways of drawing numbers at random; any method that yields a number can be used, such as phone numbers, seat numbers, room numbers, zodiac signs, ages, house numbers, page numbers, drawing playing cards, or grabbing a handful of objects. Use whatever you like, as you please. The key to using the random method with ease is the intuitive gathering of information at the moment of divination, with emphasis on the first impression and the first thought. Your mind must be free of preconceptions, deliberate thinking, and hesitation; otherwise the accuracy of the prediction will suffer and you will not know how to draw your numbers. Once you understand this principle, you will be able to use the random method with ease.
How can the accuracy of a prediction be improved? First, be clear about the question being asked. Second, calm your mind, then cast and lay out the lesson. Third, judge by reading the information in the six positions together with the Five Elements. The key is to cast the lesson with a calm mind; the difficulty lies in interpreting it. To calm your mind, simply close your eyes, reflect quietly on the question, recite it silently a few times, and then cast the lesson; the accuracy will be higher.
To interpret a lesson, first look at the verses of the six positions, then at the Five Elements of the host, the guest, and the month. For example, for the Chen hour on the third day of the third month, the lesson is laid out as: third month, Swift Joy; third day, Minor Luck; Chen hour, Swift Joy. Looking at the Five Elements of the six positions: the day is the guest, representing the objective matter; the hour is the host, representing the person. So Minor Luck, the Wood of the Six Harmonies, generates the Fire of Swift Joy, which shows that the matter will go smoothly—and it is even better that both the hour and the month are Wood.
6. Verses for Applying the Six Spirits
1. Great Peace: the time when one's body stays put. Its element is Wood, its color green, its direction east. It is associated with the Azure Dragon, and for all plans it corresponds to one, five, and seven. It signifies stillness, peace of mind, and good fortune. The time when one's body stays put; Wood; the Azure Dragon; in all matters it meets one, five, and seven (Yin, Si, Shen). Under Great Peace, all things prosper; seek wealth to the southwest. A lost item has not gone far; the house stays safe and sound; the traveler has not yet set out; the sick will come to no harm.
The general returns to the fields—weigh it all with care. What is lost is nearby, perhaps to the southwest. Staying at home brings an auspicious day; setting out is not favorable. In your affairs, do not leave the house; to borrow, invite them to your own room. Illness turns from bad to good; a long sickness finds health. News comes of the person you seek, who may be returning to the village. Quarrels will melt away; beware of long journeys. In trade, do not leave the village; if you leave, consider carefully. Seeking wealth brings eight parts in ten; you gain it all without leaving the house.
2. Lingering: the time when a person has not yet returned. Its element is Water, its color black, its direction north. It is associated with the Black Tortoise, and for all plans it corresponds to two, eight, and ten. It signifies obscurity, delay, entanglement, procrastination, and a long wait. The time when a person has not yet returned; Water; the Black Tortoise; in all matters it meets two, eight, and ten (Mao, Wu, Zi).
Under Lingering, matters are not yet right; the day for your request is not yet bright. In all affairs, go slowly; those who have left are not yet heading back. A lost item has gone south; go quickly and ask around. Remember to beware of quarrels; the household is merely at peace. What is lost is hard to find; the thief has moved on. Those who set out will surely not return; a long absence drags on. Affairs lack decisiveness, entangled and going back and forth. Borrowing is hard to arrange; those asked are hesitant. An illness caught this day will not heal for several days. Seeking a person is like walking in fog, bewildered and confused. Quarrels continue, dragging on and on. It is an auspicious day for a woman to marry; seeking wealth brings six parts in ten.
3. Swift Joy: the time when a person is about to arrive. Its element is Fire, its color red, its direction south. It is associated with the Vermilion Bird, and for plans it corresponds to three, six, and nine. It signifies speed, celebration, and good fortune, and indicates that the time is ripe. The time when a person arrives at once; Fire; the Vermilion Bird; in all matters it falls on three, six, and nine (Chen, Xu, Wei).
Swift Joy brings joy to your home; to seek wealth, head south. A lost item lies toward Shen, Wu, or Wei; ask along the road. Official matters meet with good fortune; the sick suffer no great harm. Livestock and crops flourish; there is news of the traveler. What is lost will be heard of; a small joy shows on your face. Setting out brings good luck, small joys, and smooth going. Affairs are like meeting spring, auspicious and glorious. A small loan can be had; great matters are hard to secure in full. A long illness improves a little; a new illness quickly heals. The person you seek will be found; quarrels will disappear. Trade can be concluded, but will not last long. Seeking wealth brings ten parts in ten; at the auspicious hour, all goes smoothly.
4. Red Mouth: the time when official matters turn out badly. Its element is Metal, its color white, its direction west. It is associated with the White Tiger, and for plans it corresponds to four, seven, and ten. It signifies misfortune, alarm, danger, and quarrels. The time when official matters turn out badly; Metal; the White Tiger; in all matters it falls on four, seven, and ten.
Red Mouth governs harm from words; guard closely in official matters. Search quickly for lost items; the traveler meets with alarm. Chickens and dogs behave strangely; the sick go west. Beware of curses as well, lest you catch a plague. Looking for things leads to lies; inquiries bring no news. Going out brings a thousand complaints; speaking brings ten thousand insults. Affairs run into quarrels and meet obstacles to success. Borrowing does not go smoothly; keep your mouth shut and nothing will happen. An illness sets a thousand tongues guessing, but seeking a doctor does no harm. Seeking a person brings bad news; people's hearts are uneasy. Quarrels are worst of all; guard against disputes in trade. Seeking wealth brings only four parts in ten, and succeeds only at an auspicious time.
5. Minor Luck: the time when someone comes bringing joy. Its element is Wood, and it is associated with the Six Harmonies; for all plans it corresponds to one, five, and seven. It signifies harmony and good fortune. The time when someone comes bringing joy; Water; the Six Harmonies; in all matters it meets one, five, and seven.
Minor Luck is most auspicious; things can be settled on the road. A woman comes with good news; the lost item lies to the southwest. The traveler arrives at once; trade goes very well. All things come together well; the sick stay safe and well. Great luck and great ease; all goes as you wish. Setting out brings joy; a thousand miles of good fortune and peace. All matters go your way; every worry melts away. Borrowing brings help unasked; many friends are glad to help. Do not fear a serious illness; a long sickness finds health. Those you have not seen, you will see; those not sought will come home on their own. A thousand people praise you, with endless honor and glory. Trade prospers; wealth comes in full measure, twelve parts in ten.
6. Void: the time when news is scarce. Its element is Earth, its color yellow, its direction the center. It is associated with the Curved Array, and for plans it corresponds to three, six, and nine. It signifies misfortune, fruitlessness, and worry. The time when news is scarce; Earth; the Curved Array; in all matters it falls on three, six, and nine (Chen, Wei, Chou).
Void does not last; women have no resolve. Seeking wealth is wasted effort; the traveler meets with disaster. The lost item will never be seen; official matters bring punishment. The sick meet evil ghosts; a long illness adds to misfortune. The lost item is hard to find; the search comes up empty. Setting out is unfavorable, with more ill than good. Affairs go mostly badly, blocked at every turn. Borrowing will not succeed; what succeeds turns to failure. Illness brings grave danger; a long sickness is frost upon snow. The person you seek sends no news; a hoped-for friend becomes an empty dream. Ten thousand mouths revile you, like a small boat in a raging storm. Seeking wealth brings two parts in ten—unlucky, unprofitable, and ruinous.
7. Summary
The Taoist Xiao Liuren (popularly called the Horse-Front Lesson) is a simple method of divination performed on the palm. Tradition holds that Zhuge Liang simplified it from Qimen Dunjia and that it was later passed down within Taoism. Its core feature is that “the Great Tao is utterly simple”: there is no need for a complex chart. Simply by taking the time (month, day, and hour) or random numbers and counting according to the rules across the six positions on the left palm, one can quickly judge a matter—whether it is auspicious or not, when it will happen, in which direction, and so on.
Xiao Liuren is a traditional folk method of prediction. Its results are for reference only and should not be relied on blindly; decisions should still take the actual situation into account.