Glossary

The 12 Lifecycle Phases (十二长生) is a framework in Chinese metaphysics for understanding the vitality of Qi (气). Qi represents various energy states that can be robust, feeble, or balanced. The “12” in the 12 Lifecycle Phases indicates twelve unique states or phases within this system. Each phase represents a distinct state in Qi’s development, highlighting the various stages of its life cycle. This framework is essential for comprehending the dynamic nature of Qi and its influence on life and destiny.

The 24 Solar Terms are a traditional Chinese system that divides the year into 24 equal parts, with each term marking a specific astronomical event or natural phenomenon related to the changing seasons. The system is based on observations of the sun’s annual movement and has been used in agriculture, meteorology, and cultural practices in China for over 2,000 years. The 24 Solar Terms are still widely used today to guide agricultural activities, such as planting and harvesting, and to mark seasonal festivals and events.

The 24 Mountains refer to the eight primary directions found on the Luo Pan compass: North, East, South, West, Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, and Northwest. Each of these primary directions is then divided into three sub-directions, resulting in a total of 24 directions or mountains.

The “60 Pillars” or “Sexagenary cycle” is an ancient Chinese system used for measuring time. It is based on cycles of 60, and is used for recording years, months, days, and hours. Each term in the sexagenary cycle consists of two Chinese characters, the first being one of the ten Heavenly Stems and the second being one of the twelve Earthly Branches.

In Chinese metaphysics, Annual Afflictions refer to negative energies or influences that are associated with specific directions, sectors, or periods of time within a year. These afflictions include the Three Killings, Five Yellow, and Tai Sui, and are believed to bring misfortune, accidents, or obstacles if disturbed or activated.

Annual Flying Star is a type of Feng Shui analysis that involves analysing the energy patterns and movements of the nine stars, or energies, that influence a space over the course of a year. This analysis is used to determine the most auspicious direction of a structure, place, or object, and to predict the rise and fall of cities and nations. The practice is based on the cyclical nature of time, the interplay between yin and yang, and the importance of understanding the subtle changes in energy flow.

One of the Five Arts in Chinese Metaphysics. The Art of Appearance involves the interpretation of the characteristics of objects, shapes, and appearances. This fascinating area includes widely recognized practices such as Feng Shui (风水), Face Reading (面相) and Palmistry (手相). Utilising these techniques, one can discern insights into an individual’s character, potential, and fortunes.

One of the Five Arts in Chinese Metaphysics, the Art of Destiny determines an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and fate based on their time of birth. This enables the prediction of future events, helping individuals navigate around misfortunes and capitalise on favourable times. It encompasses the study of cosmic forces and their impact on human fates and fortunes, a practice deeply rooted in Chinese history and used extensively by the ruling elite and nobility for guidance and insight.

Divination, one of the Five Arts in Chinese Metaphysics, focuses on predicting future events based on present actions, emphasising the cause-and-effect relationship. Unlike holistic life analysis methods like Bazi (八字), divination typically aims at foreseeing near-future occurrences, usually within a 1 to 5-year span. Divination is categorized into two forms: static, with unchangeable outcomes, and dynamic, where outcomes can be altered. Historically, this knowledge aided emperors in decision-making processes. In contemporary times, it enables us to foresee and strategically plan for future events based on our current decisions. Several divination techniques are practised, including Yi Jing Oracle (卜卦), Plum Blossom Divination (梅花易数), Tai Yi Shen Shu (太乙神数), Qimen Dunjia (奇门遁甲), and Da Liu Ren (大六壬).

One of the Five Arts in Chinese Metaphysics. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) forms the core of the Art of Medicine. It is a comprehensive system that integrates the principles of Yin and Yang (阴阳), the Five Elements, Qi (气), and the Meridian system. TCM aims to maintain health, cure diseases, and rejuvenate the body by balancing these elemental forces.

One of the Five Arts in Chinese Metaphysics. The Art of Mountain is a holistic discipline focusing on enhancing both physical and mental strength. It encompasses a range of practices like dietary habits, meditation, and martial arts, aiming to optimise human capabilities. Traditionally known as a path of self-improvement (修行路), this art saw practitioners retreating into mountains, immersing themselves in nature, and studying ancient Chinese texts to cultivate their mind and body.

A profession where one studies the patterns in space to find scientific answers to questions about the nature of the universe. He/She observes the skies through telescopes and uses spectroscopes to study light from stars and planets.

The Eight Trigrams, also known as “Bagua,” is a fundamental concept in ancient Chinese culture and philosophy. It consists of three sets of paired Yin and Yang lines arranged in different combinations, to create the eight trigrams. The Bagua is widely used to understand nature and human experiences and is closely linked to Feng Shui.

Each of the eight symbols represents a particular aspect of nature or human experiences: Qian (乾) represents heaven, Kun (坤) represents earth, Xun (巽) represents wind, Zhen (震) represents thunder, Kan (坎) represents water, Li (离) represents fire, Gen (艮) represents mountain, and Dui (兑) represents lake. Paired with each other, the eight symbols form 64 unique combinations known as the “64 Hexagrams”. The Bagua is used in various practices, such as Feng Shui, martial arts, and traditional Chinese medicine, with principles based on the interplay between Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, and the cyclical nature of the universe.

Bai Lu, the 15th solar term in the “24 solar terms”, marks the time when dew starts to form on plants and crops. It occurs between 7 and 8 September in the Gregorian calendar.

Bath (沐浴) is the second phase of the 12 Lifecycle Phases. It represents the early, fragile stages of an infant, with energy that, while weak, is on the rise. This is known as a positive lifecycle phase.