The Theoretical Foundation of Chinese Feng Shui: The River Map, Luo Shu, Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven Ba Gua
HeTu: A Mathematical Code from the Formation of the Milky Way
The origins of HeTu are ancient, often believed to date back to prehistoric times, though the exact date cannot be confirmed. Based on Chinese historical records and legends, it is generally thought that HeTu was discovered by Fu Xi, the legendary ancestor of Chinese civilization. According to the legend, Fu Xi saw a dragon-horse carrying HeTu along the Yellow River (China’s “mother river”) and, upon observing it, gained profound insights.
HeTu’s origins are typically traced to the Neolithic periods of the Yangshao or Longshan cultures (around 5,000 to 7,000 years ago).
The content of HeTu seems quite simple, but in Chinese culture, it is referred to as the “wordless heavenly book,” symbolizing profound philosophical principles. At its core, HeTu embodies the unity of numbers and symbols, and the interaction of yin and yang.
The diagram consists of a number grid arranged in a sequence that represents the distribution of cosmic energy in relation to the Earth. This energy is symbolized by a black-and-white dot array representing the numbers 1 to 10.
The arrangement is made up of five groups of odd and even numbers, with each group corresponding to one of the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth).
– Odd numbers (yang) are represented by white dots.
– Even numbers (yin) are represented by black dots.
The sequence of numbers symbolizes the yin-yang balance, the Five Elements’ interactions (generating and overcoming each other), and the cosmic order.
In a way similar to other Chinese classics, HeTu also includes a poetic verse, offering a higher wisdom for future generations to reflect upon. The verse reads:
– “Heaven (1) produces Water, and Earth (6) nurtures it.
– Earth (2) generates Fire, and Heaven (7) perfects it.
– Heaven (3) produces Wood, and Earth (8) nurtures it.
– Earth (4) produces Metal, and Heaven (9) perfects it.
– Heaven (5) produces Earth, and Earth (10) perfects it.”
This verse links the cosmic forces, illustrating how they flow and interact in harmony, ultimately forming the fundamental principles that govern nature and the universe.