An Introduction to the Basics of Xiao Liuren Divination

Xiao Liuren, also known as Zhuge’s Premarch Divination or the Six-Ren Hour Method, originated in Taoist arts and is said to have been created by Zhuge Liang. It is a simple traditional form of divination. Using the left-hand palm method, the practitioner lays out the Six Spirits: Great Peace, Lingering, Swift Joy, Red Mouth, Small Auspiciousness, and Emptiness. The reading is calculated by counting through the lunar month, day, and hour, requiring no paper or brush and offering quick, reliable results. Its indications of good and bad fortune are clear. In ancient times, it was often used to make military decisions; today, it is suited to divining the outcome of everyday matters. Its principles are simple and direct, making it an excellent starting point for the study of divination.