🐉 大六壬
Da Liu Ren — The great six ren divination system
大六壬 · 四课三传 · 天地将盘
What is Da Liu Ren?
Da Liu Ren (大六壬), meaning "Great Six Ren," is one of the "Three Styles" (三式) of Chinese divination — the highest class of divination systems, alongside Tai Yi Shen Shu and Qi Men Dun Jia. It is widely regarded as the most complex and detailed divination system in Chinese metaphysics. Da Liu Ren uses the Earthly Branches to mark the time of inquiry, then derives Four Lessons (四课) from the Sun-Earth relationship and Three Transmissions (三传) that trace the flow of events from beginning to end. The system provides extraordinary detail about timing, relationships, obstacles, and outcomes.
History & Origin
Da Liu Ren is considered the oldest of the Three Styles, with origins dating back to the Warring States period (475–221 BCE). The name "Six Ren" refers to the six Yang stems (壬) in the system's calculation method. It was historically used by imperial astronomers and military strategists for state-level divination. The system reached its peak of development during the Song and Ming Dynasties, with numerous treatises written by Mains like Shao Yong and Cheng Daosheng. Da Liu Ren is sometimes called the "King of Divination" (占卜之王) for its depth and accuracy, but its complexity means fewer practitioners Main it compared to other systems.
How to Use This Reading
1. Enter the date and hour — Da Liu Ren is time-based. The exact time determines which of the 720 possible charts is activated.
2. Read the Three Transmissions first — 初传 (Beginning) shows the starting point, 中传 (Middle) shows the development, 末传 (Ending) shows the outcome.
3. Check the Four Lessons — These represent the fundamental relationships from which the Three Transmissions are derived, showing the Sun-Earth dynamic.
4. Study the Heaven-Earth Plate — The rotation of the Heaven plate over the Earth plate reveals how cosmic energy maps onto earthly matters.
5. Note the Heavenly Generals — The Twelve Heavenly Generals (十二天将) attached to each position modify the interpretation with their unique qualities.
Key Terminology
The Three Transmissions (三传)
初传 Beginning
The starting point of the matter. What initiates the situation, the first cause, the opening move.
中传 Middle
The development and process. How the situation evolves, obstacles encountered, turning points.
末传 Ending
The final outcome. Where the situation resolves, the conclusion, the lasting result.
Twelve Heavenly Generals (十二天将)
Interpretation Tips
✦ Follow the transmission flow. 初传 → 中传 → 末传 traces the timeline of events. If 初传 is unfavorable but 末传 is good, the situation improves over time.
✦ The Heavenly General on each transmission shapes its meaning. 青龙 brings joy and wealth; 白虎 warns of danger; 贵人 signals help from important people.
✦ Void (空亡) positions are weakened. Any transmission or lesson in void has its power suspended — it may not manifest, or may manifest later.
✦ Da Liu Ren excels at detailed timing. It can often pinpoint when events will occur with remarkable precision through the interplay of stems, branches, and generals.
✦ Best for: annual forecasts, major life questions, finding lost items, business negotiations, and any situation requiring precise timing information.