The Theoretical Foundation of Chinese Feng Shui: HeTu, Luo Shu, Pre-Heaven and Post-Heaven Ba Gua
LuoShu:The Dynamic Model of the Movement of the Milky Way
The origin of the Luo Shu (the Book of Luo) dates back to ancient times. According to current research, it is believed to have originated during the Xia Dynasty of Chinese civilization (around 2070 BCE – 1600 BCE), or possibly even earlier, making it a cultural heritage from the distant past. It is said that during the reign of the legendary Chinese ruler, Emperor Yu (Yu the Great), who was famous for controlling floods, a divine turtle appeared in the river of luo. On its back, there were peculiar black and white spots arranged in a specific nine-grid pattern, which came to be known as the “Luo Shu.” From this, Emperor Yu comprehended the laws of the universe’s operation.
At first glance, the Luo Shu appears to be quite simple—just a specific arrangement of numbers 1 to 9 in a 3×3 grid, with each number having its place in the eight directions of the compass. Yet, the Luo Shu embodies profound philosophical mysteries. It is often thought to be the key to understanding the workings of the universe. The core idea of the Luo Shu emphasizes the dynamic balance of Yin and Yang energy, symbolizing the flow and constraints of the universe’s energy.
The Luo Shu consists of a 3×3 grid, with the numbers 1 through 9, and holds special mathematical properties:
1.The sum of the numbers in each row, column, and diagonal equals 15, which symbolizes the completeness of the heavenly order.
2.The distribution of numbers aligns with the orbits of the nine planets in the solar system, used to understand the patterns of energy changes.
3.The number 5 occupies the center, symbolizing the unity of all things. The numbers surrounding it change in a way that reflects the flow and transformation of Yin and Yang energy.
Luo Shu is also accompanied by a simple nine-grid number arrangement and a mysterious verse, intended for future generations with high wisdom to understand and apply:
“戴九履一，左三右七，二四为肩，六八为足，五居中央.”
The meanings of these phrases are as follows:
“戴九履一”: The number 9 is at the top (symbolizing the south), and the number 1 is at the bottom (symbolizing the north).
“左三右七”: The number 3 is on the left (symbolizing the east), and the number 7 is on the right (symbolizing the west).
“二四为肩”: The number 2 is in the top right corner (southwest), and the number 4 is in the top left corner (southeast).
“六八为足”: The number 6 is in the bottom right corner (northwest), and the number 8 is in the bottom left corner (northeast).
“五居中央”: The number 5 is in the central position.
Through these numbers and their unique arrangement, the Luo Shu is believed to contain the essence of the natural order, the cyclical movement of energies, and the harmonious balance that governs the universe.