At a glance
- Order
- Initial, middle, final
- Alias
- Initial also called activation
Definition and terminology
The transmissions form one sequence within one chart, not three independent castings. The initial sign is the selected activation point; later signs follow the relevant rule. Traditional readings may narrate stages or developing relationships, but this does not measure three precise times or establish a universal three-stage process in reality.
Structure and rules
Selection begins with upward and downward control in the lessons, using additional procedures for multiple candidates or their absence. Special cases have separate rules. In ordinary control selection, the sign above the initial becomes middle, and above middle becomes final. The methods form a conditional decision process, not arbitrary choices to fit an outcome.
Worked reading
On the teaching Chen-over-Yin plate, assume a declared selection rule has chosen Chen initially. Above Chen is Wu, and above Wu is Shen, giving Chen–Wu–Shen. Initial selection is an explicit premise, not a claim that any four lessons necessarily choose Chen. Separate selection justification from subsequent mapping checks.
Context and limits
Interpretation may add generals, relationships, vacancy, seasonal command and personal reference signs, with varying weights. Three branch names alone do not constitute a complete reading. Preserve special rules and selection provenance before discussing imagery. Correct table lookup verifies an internal algorithm, not predictive ability concerning dates, people or outcomes.
References & further reading
Historical sources document ideas and rules of their time, not empirical proof of predictive accuracy. Source notes identify the nature and scope of each reference.
- 《六壬大全》卷一：入手法Primary / tradition source
Public-domain rules for transmission selection; associated predictions are not modern evidence.
- 《六壬大全》（四库全书本）Primary / tradition source
Public-domain Liuren compilation; editorial account covers plates, lessons, transmissions and textual history.