易Mantic arts dossier · Yijing-derived and correlative systems

梅花易数

Méihuā Yìshù·Plum Blossom Numerology

A flexible method taking hexagrams from time, numbers, sound, direction, characters or encountered images and interpreting change through body-function roles, phase relations, nuclear hexagrams and external correspondences.

A conceptual composition of plum branches, observed surroundings, number counters and primary-mutual-changing hexagram relations; it does not present the plum-blossom story as verified history or imply Shao Yong's authorship through portraiture.
Aliases
Plum Blossom Yijing, Xinyi, observation-based numerology
Formation
Influenced by Shao Yong's Song thought; received method chiefly visible in Ming-Qing texts
Evidence status
Traditional attributionContested lineage or date

01Core principles

Core principles

Translate formulas into structure: what enters, how the model is arranged, and which relations drive interpretation.

Numbers are reduced by eight or six to obtain upper-lower trigrams and a moving line. The body and function trigrams are distinguished, then compared through phase production-control, seasonal strength, nuclear and changed figures, and situational signs.

Key concepts

02Origins and historical development

Origins and historical development

Keep traditional accounts, surviving evidence and later transformations distinct.

The system claims lineage through Shao Yong's prestige, while earlier surviving witnesses are mostly Ming-Qing and interact with character and object divination. Its simple casting procedures encouraged wide modern transmission.

03Evidence limits and research debates

Evidence limits and research debates

Mystery belongs to the unknown—not to presenting uncertainty as fact.

Attribution to Shao Yong does not establish his authorship. Famous stories such as the plum-blossom omen belong to lineage narratives; their historical status requires independent evidence.

This dossier supports historical, textual and methodological study. Internal traditional explanations are not modern empirical validation and do not replace medical, legal, financial or other professional advice.

04Core texts and materials

Core texts and materials

  1. 01Xinyi Guashu attributed to Shao Kangjie
  2. 02Ming text on character reading and Plum Blossom numbers
  3. 03Later editions titled Meihua Yishu
Editorial status

Institute knowledge atlas, first edition · historical and traditional claims layered · updated 2026-08-14