The Source of Qi and Li
Numbers are the source of Qi and Li, determining the main axis of prosperity and decline, the foundation of heavenly fortune, the mechanism of life and death, and the basis for establishing prosperity or decline.
These numbers refer to the numbers from the He Tu (River Diagram) and Luo Shu (Lo Shu Square), which are the origins of the pre- and post-heaven Eight Trigrams. Therefore, any discussion about the prosperity or decline of Qi and Li that deviates from these numbers is mere nonsense. This is a crucial concept; remember! Remember!
There are countless books on Qi and Li in circulation, with a myriad of theories that only discuss superficial aspects, leaving readers bewildered and confused. When it comes time to apply these theories, they either prove ineffective or yield only occasional results, rendering them practically useless. Those who teach geography related to Qi and Li can speak eloquently, making their arguments sound reasonable; however, if they do not truly understand the essence of it all, how can they discern accurately? Therefore, I hope my fellow practitioners will refrain from spreading misinformation that misleads others’ perceptions. Let us return to the fundamentals of Qi and Li for the benefit of future generations.
The True Definition of Yin and Yang
The concept of Yin and Yang has many interpretations: some say mountains are Yin while flowing water is Yang; others say mountains represent Yang while calm waters represent Yin; some consider water with light energy as Yang while water without light energy as Yin. These are all interpretations based on mountain-water relationships regarding Yin and Yang. Some associate odd numbers from He Tu—1, 3, 5, 7, 9—as Yang; even numbers—2, 4, 6, 8, 10—as Yin. Others derive Yang from Qian (☰), Dui (☱), Li (☲), Zhen (☳) based on their characteristics; thus associating them with Yang while Xun (☴), Kan (☵), Gen (☶), Kun (☷) are considered Yin. Some categorize Qian, Zhen, Kan, Gen as male trigrams representing Yang while Kun, Xun, Li, Dui as female trigrams representing Yin. However… these interpretations do not reflect true Yin-Yang principles. In true principles concerning mountains and waters—all are considered Yin; only when illuminated by heavenly fortune does it become Yang. This is the true definition of Yin and Yang.
The Direct Connection Between Yin and Yang
Only through the interaction between Yin and Yang can all things be generated; this is what allows for continuous creation. Thus, the efficacy of geographical Feng Shui fundamentally relies on this principle. That’s why in the previous section it stated that in true definitions of Yin-Yang: all mountains and waters on Earth are considered Yin or female; only when illuminated by heavenly fortune does it become Yang or male. If there is no heavenly illumination uniting with Earth’s mountainous waters’ Yin energy—mountains become lifeless hills while waters turn into stagnant pools—how can transformation occur? Therefore, only when original fortune combines harmoniously with geographical formations capable of holding energy—allowing for a union between male and female energies—can one seize opportunities for transformation. This condition defines how residences influenced by both yin-yang can nurture individuals effectively; this concept must be firmly established before delving into deeper studies in geographical Feng Shui.
Excerpt from Geographical Arena