Winter-solstice–anchored Six-Line Bimonthly Phasing
(Shao Yong / Huangji style)
Based on cosmological principles from 皇極經世書 (Huángji Jīngshì Shū), the 'Book of Supreme Ultimate Ordering the World' by Shao Yong (邵雍, 1011-1077 CE). The six-line bimonthly phasing is a practical application developed by later interpreters.
Source Attribution
From 皇極經世書 (Primary Text)
The Yuan-Hui-Yun-Shi (元會運世) cosmic cycle system and numerological structure (129,600 years = 12×30×360) come from Shao Yong's original work. The Siku Quanshu catalogs the base text as 12卷: Vol 1-6 元會運世 (chronological tables), Vol 7-10 律呂聲音 (music-cosmology), Vol 11-12 觀物篇 (observation chapters).
Later Developments (Received Interpretive Practice)
Practical calendars mapping cycles onto solar terms, annual hexagram assignment, and bimonthly period divination were developed by later interpreters. Works like 皇極經世索隱 (Zhang Xingcheng) and 皇極經世書解 (Wang Zhi, 14卷 commentary) expanded on Shao Yong's framework. Some methods are attributed to 梅花易數, a compilation of uncertain provenance.
Editions Note
The Siku tradition catalogs the base text 皇極經世書 as 12卷. Some received versions divide it differently (e.g., 14卷 presentations). Siku also preserves major commentaries including 皇極經世書解 (14卷) by Wang Zhi. Our Time Map draws from both the base cosmological framework and later interpretive practice.
Annual Hexagram
Judgement & Image
Judgement (卦辭)
Fellowship with Men in the open. Success. It furthers one to cross the great water. The perseverance of the superior man furthers.
于野。亨。利涉大川。利君子貞。
Image (象辭)
Heaven together with fire: The image of Fellowship with Men. Thus the superior man organizes the clans And makes distinctions between things.
天與火，同人。君子以類族辨物。
Hidden Theme (錯卦)
Judgement & Image
Judgement (卦辭)
The Army. The army needs perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune without blame.
貞。丈人吉。无咎。
Image (象辭)
In the middle of the earth is water: The image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses By generosity toward the people.
地中有水，師。君子以容民畜眾。
Cosmic Context (元會運世)
Show explanation
Shao Yong's cosmological system divides time into nested cycles, placing any moment within the grand sweep of cosmic history.
- Epoch (會):One of 12 epochs (會) spanning 10,800 years each. The Inspector hexagram governs the epoch's energy.
- Revolution (運):One of 30 revolutions (運) within an epoch, each lasting 360 years and governed by a hexagram.
- Generation (世):One of 12 generations (世) within a revolution, each lasting 30 years with its own hexagram.
These cycles provide the backdrop against which individual divinations unfold, connecting personal moments to cosmic patterns.
Plum Blossom Correspondences (2026)
Show explanation
These Five Phase (五行) correspondences for the year provide context for interpreting hexagrams and timing decisions.
- Element:The year's governing element affects which hexagram elements are supported or challenged.
- Direction:The favorable direction for travel, facing during important meetings, or locating opportunities.
- Guardian:The celestial guardian spirit whose themes (e.g., communication, protection) are emphasized this year.
- Organ:The organ system to pay attention to for health and vitality during this year.
When casting hexagrams, compare their element to the year's element to assess timing and support.
Current Solar Term (Apr 11)
Show explanation
The 24 Solar Terms (二十四節氣) divide the year by the sun's position along the ecliptic, marking seasonal transitions every ~15 days.
Each term carries specific energetic qualities that influence divination timing—some periods favor action, others reflection.
Solar terms are tied to calendar date, not year—e.g., Jan 4th is always around Minor Cold (小寒) regardless of which year. This section shows the current real-time solar term, unaffected by the year selector above.
Six Bi-Monthly Periods
Show Judgement & Image ▼
Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.
亨。小利貞。
Mountain under heaven: the image of Retreat. Thus the superior man keeps the inferior man at a distance, Not angrily but with reserve.
天下有山，遯。君子以遠小人，不惡而嚴。
Show Judgement & Image ▼
The Creative works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance.
元亨利貞。
The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring.
天行，健。君子以自強不息。
Show Judgement & Image ▼
Innocence. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers. If someone is not as he should be, He has misfortune, And it does not further him To undertake anything.
元亨利貞。其匪正有眚。不利有攸往。
Under heaven thunder rolls: All things attain the natural state of innocence. Thus the kings of old, Rich in virtue, and in harmony with the time, Fostered and nourished all beings.
天下雷行，物與無妄。先王以茂對時育萬物。
Show Judgement & Image ▼
The Family. The perseverance of the woman furthers.
利女貞。
Wind comes forth from fire: The image of the Family. Thus the superior man has substance in his words And duration in his way of life.
風自火出，家人。君子以言有物，而行有恆。
Show Judgement & Image ▼
The Clinging. Perseverance furthers. It brings success. Care of the cow brings good fortune.
利貞。亨。畜牝牛。吉。
That which is bright rises twice: The image of Fire. Thus the great man, by perpetuating this brightness, Illumines the four quarters of the world.
明兩作，離。大人以繼明照於四方。
Show Judgement & Image ▼
Revolution. On your own day You are believed. Supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Remorse disappears.
巳日乃孚。元亨。利貞。悔亡。
Fire in the lake: the image of Revolution. Thus the superior man Sets the calendar in order And makes the seasons clear.
澤中有火，革。君子以治曆明時。
Based on 皇極經世書 (Huangji Jingshi Shu) by Shao Yong (邵雍, 1012-1077)
Annual Hexagram
Hidden Theme (錯卦)
Cosmic Context (元會運世)
Plum Blossom Correspondences (2026)
Current Solar Term
(Apr 11)Six Bi-Monthly Periods
Based on 皇極經世書 (Huangji Jingshi Shu) by Shao Yong (邵雍, 1012-1077)