Learning the I Ching requires starting from the basics and becoming proficient in small foundational knowledge points, beginning with the interconnectedness of the Five Elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—as well as the changes of Yin and Yang. Do not neglect small acts of goodness, as knowledge accumulates over time, and experience is gained through practice. Especially in the study of the Zhouyi (Book of Changes), practice is the foundation of theory, and theory without practice is unsupported. Both practical experience and foundational theoretical knowledge are essential in studying the I Ching. Learning should be categorized and broken down into detailed points, aiming for precision and mastery, as even minor deviations in using a compass can lead to significant errors. Each small knowledge point is crucial and should be taken seriously. After mastering the generation and restriction of the Five Elements and becoming proficient in the changes of Yin and Yang, one can initially delve into the symbols of the I Ching, including the Eight Trigrams, the Sixty-Four Hexagrams, and their corresponding meanings. The interrelations and transformations among hexagrams are important foundational knowledge for studying the I Ching. Mastery of the interconnections among hexagrams is essential, as hexagrams symbolize natural phenomena, such as the Qian hexagram representing heaven and the Kun hexagram representing earth.
To hone one’s fundamental skills, some foundational knowledge points require memorization, while others require understanding. Sometimes, even after thoroughly memorizing a knowledge point, it may be forgotten the next day, or similar knowledge points may become confused. What should one do in such situations?
Once, while conducting a field trip with students, during a casual conversation over a meal, a student asked, “Teacher, I memorized the Twelve Longevities very well a few days ago, but I forgot them again after coming out for this study trip. Is there any quick memory method?” The quick memory method for the Twelve Longevities can be understood and memorized immediately, not only for memorization but also for integration into other knowledge points. Let’s start with the small knowledge point of what the Twelve Longevities are.
I. What are the Twelve Longevities?
The Twelve Longevities are: Longevity (birth), Bathing, Cap and Belt, Official Position, Emperor’s Prosperity, Decline, Illness, Death, Tomb, Absolute Zero, Embryo, and Nurture. They metaphorically represent the changes in a person’s life and the cycles of one’s fortune. The Twelve Longevities have a wide range of applications, including BaZi astrology and feng shui. For the Yang stems (Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren), the Twelve Longevities divide the Twelve Earthly Branches into four directions and the four seasons.
East: Yin, Mao, Chen form the Wood element, representing spring.
South: Si, Wu, Wei form the Fire element, representing summer.
West: Shen, You, Xu form the Metal element, representing autumn.
North: Hai, Zi, Chou form the Water element, representing winter.
II. Three Quick Memory Methods for the Twelve Longevities
- Quick Memory Method for the Yang Stems’ Twelve Longevities
The Yang stems’ birthplaces of longevity are: Jia (Wood) in Hai, Bing and Wu (Fire and Earth) in Yin, Geng (Metal) in Si, and Ren (Water) in Shen. But what if you forget after memorizing? Should you rely on rote memorization? No. For example, when analyzing a BaZi chart and forgetting the birthplace of longevity for Jia (Wood), you can use the quick memory method of the Twelve Earthly Branches’ Tri-Combination. As long as you understand the Tri-Combination of the Twelve Earthly Branches, it is both easy to understand and quick. You will not only know the birthplace of longevity but also the Emperor’s Prosperity and Tomb (Treasure House). They are:
① Jia (Wood)’s birthplace of longevity: The Earthly Branches Hai, Mao, and Wei form the Wood element. Jia’s birthplace of longevity is in Hai, the Emperor’s Prosperity in Mao, and the Tomb (Treasure House) in Wei.
② Bing (Fire)’s birthplace of longevity: The Earthly Branches Yin, Wu, and Xu form the Fire element. Bing’s birthplace of longevity is in Yin, the Emperor’s Prosperity in Wu, and the Tomb (Treasure House) in Xu. Wu (Earth) is the same.
③ Geng (Metal)’s birthplace of longevity: The Earthly Branches Si, You, and Chou form the Metal element. Geng’s birthplace of longevity is in Si, the Emperor’s Prosperity in You, and the Tomb (Treasure House) in Chou.
④ Ren (Water)’s birthplace of longevity: The Earthly Branches Shen, Zi, and Chen form the Water element. Ren’s birthplace of longevity is in Shen, the Emperor’s Prosperity in Zi, and the Tomb (Treasure House) in Chen.
Do you remember? You don’t need to memorize by rote; understanding is enough.
- Quick Chant Memory Method
The chant is:
Jia in Hai, Yi in Wu, Bing Wu Geng in Yin,
Geng in Si, Xin in Zi, Ren in Shen to find,
Ding Ji in You, Gui in Mao to seek,
Longevity is found within this range.
Yang stems progress smoothly to rule the world,
Yin stems retrogress to divine judgment.
- Quick Memory Method for the Yin Stems’ Twelve Longevities
The birthplaces of longevity for the Yin stems are: Yi (Wood) in Wu, Ding (Fire) and Ji (Earth) in You, Xin (Metal) in Zi, and Gui (Water) in Mao. Do you need to memorize by rote? No. The Yin stems’ birthplaces of longevity are easier to understand. The quick memory method is: The Yin stems’ birthplaces of longevity are in the Four Cardinal Directions (Zi, Wu, Mao, You). “Zi, Wu, Mao, You” are the birthplaces of longevity for the Yin stems. It’s too easy to remember quickly, isn’t it? You don’t need to memorize them. The Yin stems’ birthplaces of longevity are in the Four Cardinal Directions, their Emperor’s Prosperity in the Four Corner Directions, and their Tombs (Treasure Houses) in the Four Diagonal Directions. For example:
① Yi (Wood)’s birthplace of longevity: The Earthly Branches Wu, Yin, and Xu. Yi’s birthplace of longevity is in Wu, the Emperor’s Prosperity in Yin, and the Tomb (Treasure House) in Xu.
② Ding (Fire)’s birthplace of longevity: The Earthly Branches You, Si, and Chou. Ding’s birthplace of longevity is in You, the Emperor’s Prosperity in Si, and the Tomb (Treasure House) in Chou. Ji (Earth) is the same.
③ Xin (Metal)’s birthplace of longevity: The Earthly Branches Zi, Shen, and Chen. Xin’s birthplace of longevity is in Zi, the Emperor’s Prosperity in Shen, and the Tomb (Treasure House) in Chen.
④ Gui (Water)’s birthplace of longevity: The Earthly Branches Mao, Hai, and Wei. Gui’s birthplace of longevity is in Mao, the Emperor’s Prosperity in Hai, and the Tomb (Treasure House) in Wei.
In summary, when studying I Ching feng shui, BaZi astrology, auspicious date selection, and other knowledge, remember the following sixteen characters: “Go deep but present in a simple way, simplify complexity, find unique paths, and break down big issues into smaller ones.” Avoid complicating simple knowledge points with lengthy discussions. Small knowledge points are beneficial for beginners and serve as a review for experienced practitioners. Yang stems progress smoothly in their birthplaces of longevity, while Yin stems retrogress. The Twelve Longevities are crucial knowledge points that require mastery and integration.
