In honor of my Teacher, Liu Ming,
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Commentary and compilations by Jamie Shulander
All notes from class notes/works by Liu Ming
INDICATORS/aka Auspices Listed: Yearly, Monthly, Lunar then Daily
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LUNAR YEAR: YEAR of the OX
Deplete: Insensitive, ruthless if crossed, humorless, sullen, slavishly conventional, fearful of change, aloof and dull.
Image: The Ox talked about in Chinese Astrology is well known to all Chinese farmers. When China turned away from the wily horse to the sedate ox as the plow animal, rice productivity greatly increased. As a plow animal the Ox plows straight furrows and needs no coaxing. Ox are linked with the profits of consistent hard work and the Confucian virtue of perseverance in what is right. Naturally strong they are at their best when they are constantly challenged. Their sense of justice (and the law) makes them good leaders. Though often materially successful, they lack attachment to material things.
Metal Ox are accommodating, strong and reliable. They never shy away from difficulty or back down in confrontation. They promise more than they can deliver. Hurtful trauma in childhood (orphaned, immigration) and repressed anger ultimately polish their cold-heartedness into a calm and generous character. They are good parents and friends to a small in-crowd. They are rarely sick, and live long lives. Though their fortunes wax and wane they have comfortable old age.
LM Notes: Metal Ox
Yang Matures
"Grain is both a seed and a food. When grain ripens (develops its beard) food stores are renewed and the seeds for next year are also secured. Grain Ripens qi node is a time for first grain harvests. Food that will be harvested in autumn can also now be planted. Yang becomes a new Father and awkwardly rejoices. The Prince becomes worthy of the legacy of power. New alliances are made and old alliances confirmed - confidence spreads widely. The sun’s warmth transforms the damp of spring rain. The name Grain Ripens refers to the maturation of grain/seeds when yin and yang unite in the plant.
“The sudden burst of growth however, has a dark side. As hot qi breaks away from spring wind it may enter the Lungs (skin) too quickly (allergies and fevers). Sudden temper tantrums unseat the hun shake the shen. The heart is opened up and vulnerable - defensiveness lashes out. Emotional outburst in summer release stagnant qi but can also damage the shen/heart. Insomnia may occur or get worse. All our tissues and cells are meant to flourish (expand) at this time so it is important to maintain a good appetite (and diet). Breakfast is very important.
“Accidents and injuries occur often. Be careful.
“During this qi node qi is best at / near noon. In the morning practice neigong facing south. Do not exert yourself; let the neiqi (inner energy) cool the blood and transform nutrients. Rub your stomach in circles. During the day eat two modest meals, drink green tea and in the evening eat a very light supper Enjoy light savory (salty) soups. Guard the heart.
“Before bed bucket bathe, wash your hair and go to sleep early. Sleeping in until 7am is okay. Work, travel, rehearse - don’t dream. Planning is over - fulfill promises. Be active, not ‘aggressive’. Cultivate the summer qi by going places and doing things. Multi-task is okay. Show and express your feelings but do not overdo your expression. Don’t plan piano lessons; rehearse for a recital (coming soon). Chew well, drink to satisfy thirst (not more) exercise outdoors if possible, go for a walk and/or do some gardening."
LM The Way of Three Treasures
Hexagram 51 Zhen: Thunder
Lunar Mansion: The Roof / Swallow
Solar Indicator: Shut
"Zhen indicates a time for a dramatic breakthrough from lethargy. Good fortune here has everything to do with staying calm. Zhen denotes a situation where, though things are in turmoil at first, they sort out and become beneficial in the long run. Whether you are the rebel leader or the deposed ruler there is good reason to proceed with standard protocol, good manners, and determination.”
LM Changing: Zhouyi 51 Zhen“The key to the auspices has to do with how you act in a dangerous situation…It is auspicious to stay home, repair walls (security), remodel, take tonics and comply with superiors. It is favorable for medical treatments, exercise and eating well. It is favorable to raise roof beams and rafters (begin new construction). It is auspicious for family gatherings at home. Alliances and collaborations come to fruit and good 'luck'. This day is inauspicious for travel because you will be robbed (road) or drowned (sea). Strangers and strange (foreign) places offer calamity.”
LM Notes: The Roof
“A Shut day is a day of rest, whether you like it or not. Qi resources are spent and the notion of a spender (yang) is long gone. Dispersion has ended in exhaustion (big yin) and no memory exists to create joy or negativity. Struggling to act on such a day borrows qi from fantasy and sets up a ghostly pattern of bad qi credit. What’s it like to float down the river with no boat, no river and no protagonist? It is ideal day for retreat, mediation and severing ties with everything - don’t worry, it is not the end of anything! Let go anyway - feel the freedom and inaction, disconnectedness, because it offers limitless insight. Focus on your golf swing and forget about how the kids are squandering their inheritance on cocaine. It’s that kind of day! The river has reached the sea and even the water is confused.”
LM Notes: Shut
Hexagram 21 Shihe: Biting
Lunar Mansion: The House / Pig
Solar Indicator: Design
"A Zhou leader was both a warrior and a sage, not a brute. Good leaders know that it is their own miscalculations and poor management that lead to the need for a strong use of force (war). When we resort to harsh punishments we must do so cautiously - even humbly."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 21 Shihe“It is auspicious to build, remodel and make fengshui adjustments (especially to enhance career office/shop). It is auspicious to initiate business, negotiate and sign contracts and get married (all of which have long-term benefit). Expect to be generously compensated for work done today.
“Public welfare projects succeed. Temple buildings brings benefits for many generations.
Conversely it is auspicious to enter retreat if there is great sincerity (renunciation) and strong resolve (compassion for others). The benefits you receive on this day should be shared with others (living and dead). Burials on this day are celebrated by both the living and dead ancestors (bring great wealth).
“It is not auspicious to wait, procrastinate or be confrontational.”
LM Notes: The House
“It is an excellent day to recover wisdom by stepping back, planning, recalling alliances and reassessing our position.”
LM Notes: Design
“In this hexagram, the source of clarity and the strength that bring true success is subordination to fate - the act of following. When your efforts are rewarded it is stopping that brings success. Getting caught up in pursuit for its own sake will make you mad and diminish your resources."
LM Changing: Zhouyi: 17 SuiLunar Mansion: The Wall / Porcupine
Solar Indicator: Divide
“In this hexagram, the source of clarity and the strength that bring true success is subordination to fate - the act of following. When your efforts are rewarded it is stopping that brings success. Getting caught up in pursuit for its own sake will make you mad and diminish your resources."
LM Changing: Zhouyi: 17 Sui"It is auspicious to build, remodel and make fengshui adjustments (increase opportunities/wealth [public part of home]). It is auspicious to initiate business, sign contracts and get married (strengthen family ties). It is auspicious for investments, banking (gardening [increase fertility]) and study (the classics). It is an especially good day to exercise (martial arts), socialize (create parties, feasts and celebrations). It is also advantageous to travel, start a journey or vacation. NOT complying with the auspice of this indicator may lead to madness and suicide.
"Contraindicated activity: It is inauspicious to withdraw, begin an austerity or retreat."
LM Notes: The Wall
"Holding back on this day is related to deeper self-reflection, education of all sorts and consulting with experts and elders - rather than forward action. It is not about immature reluctance or cowardice but about shedding inessentials."
LM Notes: Divide
Lunar Mansion: The Stride / Wolf
Solar Indicator: Full
“Relax plans, open up and let go of goals. When Wu Wang is divined, good fortune is based on being free of fear and expectation but ready to act if an easy opportunity arises. Do not over focus on goals and gains and you can avoid disaster. Just let things happen naturally."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 25 Wu Wang"It is auspicious to build, remodel or repair property (line clothing for winter) - in the sense to fortify or strengthen. It is auspicious to transact routine business, banking (anything that parallels the storing for winter), to plan but not speculate. It is beneficial to receive medical treatments (qi in channels) It is favorable to make amulets.
"It is inauspicious to travel, argue or press lawsuits. It is not advised to dig the ground or bury the dead."
LM Notes: The Stride
“This is an optimum day for education, preparation, polishing, gathering resources and firming up plans. Confidence grows as the right time and necessary resources are now part of the vision. The qi is forming patterns and remaining in the channels. Practice and disciplined cultivation bring confidence. The prince (yang) is gaining support. Discipline in small matters succeeds. True confidence requires no aggression. Though nothing needs to be done, the natural maturation of strength occurs.”
LM Notes: Full
Lunar Mansion: The Mound / Dog
Solar Indicator: Level
“When integrity demands action, be cautious and prepared to fail. The situation is unfavorable because, the clear warnings of doom are being ignored by the powerful."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 36 Mingyi"It is time to build (thresholds, public buildings) and add on (growth of family: new baby, new bride) to property. It is auspicious to initiate and continue routine business. It is a day for feasting, gatherings and romance. Marriages contracted/performed today produce resourceful and wealthy children. It is an excellent day for assemblies, parties and celebrations.
“This day brings fresh breezes in Spring, cooling mist in Summer, light rain in Fall and thin ice in Winter. It is inauspicious to enter retreat, practice renunciation or travel alone. Avoid confrontation."
LM Notes: The Mound
“This is a day when stable readiness and the qi of confidence blooms into activity. Youthful anxiety and ambition are replaced by personal strength and confidence. From this position all things look and are possible. Educated choices are easily acted upon. Others join you to enlarge the success of activity. The prince (yang) is mature, if inexperienced, but ready to act independently of his mother (yin). Pleasure is the outcome of disciplined practice. Yang qi’s previously renegade quality is matured, integrated and dominant.”
LM Notes: Level
Lunar Mansion: The Stomach / Pheasant
Solar Indicator: Settle
"Bi is favorable when appearances match the inner nature of things. Simplicity, rather than extravagance, is recommended as the aesthetic of confidence. Beware of the deception that comes from superficial decoration."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 22 Bi: Ornament"It is auspicious to build, bury the dead (increase status/rank) and marry (your children will hobnob with kings) on this day. It is a good day to make your case, to push forward and to ask for what you are due (collecting receivables). It is a good day for gift giving and charity (canceling debts owed you)."
“Contraindicated activity: It is inauspicious to be confrontational, break the law or squander resources (gamble); such activities will bring years of loss and regret.”
LM Notes: The Stomach
“Preparedness makes action timely and successful. Tradition, convention, training, education - all forms of readiness, inspire action. Forces join together and new alliances produce unexpected results. Action taken with such thorough preparation is bound to succeed. The qi of the day is stable, progressive and functional. Clarity and calm (yin) are not unseated by action (yang). Focus and repetition succeed. Procrastination and equivocation is contraindicated.”
LM Notes: Settle
"Everything is ending well but decline and disorder is inevitable. Do not hurry or press for completion...Do not imagine that change ever stops. Things do not come to an end. When you succeed, do not assume things are complete or finished. To maintain success is no easy matter. When we are triumphant, we are fated to have the same decline and loss as our predecessor."
LM Changing: Zhouyi 63 Jiji“It is auspicious to stay home (familiar places / people), study, enter retreat, initiate austerities and make offerings to the dead. It is wise to postpone everything proactive (marriage, building, funeral, burials).
“It is not auspicious to be industrious in any way (building will bring loss). All positive events that occur today will ultimately have negative results (marriage will end in disloyalty and divorce). Medical treatments on this day will complicate existing illness - turn acute into chronic (possibly bring on premature death). Confrontation or battle on this day will lead to injury or death.”
LM Notes: The Watchers
“Spontaneous action and inspiration (yang) become the new tradition (yin). Qi assertion (yang) is repeated again and again to hold and harden gains (yin). Establishing a new state is the focus. The qi of practice and the drilling of troops is awesome. Allies appear from all quarters. True majesty succeeds without pressing forward. Today success breeds more success and everyone may be included in the new victories. Generosity is a prophylactic to decline - giving is a sign of strength and cements alliances. It is the sun at noon.”
LM Notes: Maintain
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