This article delves deeply into the mnemonic of the Heavenly Stems entering the tomb and its application in the Five Elements' Life, Prosperity, Tomb, and Extinction Pronouncement. It reveals the relationship between the celestial and terrestrial plates of the feng shui compass, as well as how to determine the feng shui layout using the Three-Combination (San He) and the Twelve Longevity Positions. Through a detailed analysis of the Heavenly Stems' Life Position, Imperial Prosperity Position, and Tomb-Mound Position, this article provides feng shui enthusiasts with a complete theoretical system and practical guide.

The Relationship Between the Celestial and Terrestrial Plates of the Feng Shui Compass

In feng shui, the celestial and terrestrial plates are two important components of the feng shui compass. The celestial plate is rotated clockwise by half a grid relative to the terrestrial plate and is mainly used for water intake, that is, determining the yin-yang and five elements' energy pattern of the water flow. In actual practice, it is essential to set the direction towards the source from the birth position, and towards the prosperous (or declining) position, while the tomb position serves as the water outlet. This is the basic rule of feng shui layout.

The 24 Mountains on the Celestial Plate and the Earthly Branches' Three-Combination

The 24 mountains on the celestial plate are divided into 12 double mountains, each containing one earthly branch. The three-combination of the earthly branches represents the three positions of the five elements' energy: birth, prosperity, and tomb. Water intake focuses on the energy of the earthly branches' three-combination, and the energy of the three-combination essentially follows the principles of the twelve longevity stages of the five elements. For the four yang stems, the life position is at the four corners, the imperial prosperity position is at the four main directions, and the tomb-mound position is at the four corners; for the four yin stems, the life position is at the four main directions, the imperial prosperity position is at the four corners, and the tomb-mound position is at the four corners.

The Three-Combination and the Twelve Longevity Positions

The twelve longevity positions of the three-combination fall on the twelve double mountains, thus indicating the twelve stages of longevity for each double mountain. The order is: Birth - Washing - Cap and Belt - Official Position - Imperial Prosperity - Decline - Illness - Death - Tomb - Extinction - Embryo - Nourishment. They are arranged clockwise for the yang cycle and counterclockwise for the yin cycle. Using the terrestrial plate to determine a certain mountain and direction, check which mountain is crossed by the line on the celestial plate, and the crossed direction will serve as the basis for determining which cycle it belongs to.

The Five Elements' Mnemonic and the Five Secrets of Geography

The "Five Secrets of Geography" is a classic work in the field of feng shui, covering the Five Elements' mnemonic and the methods of the compass. The principle of the five elements is one, but their applications differ, so their names vary. For example, the four classics' five elements, the three-combination five elements, the double mountain five elements, the empty space five elements, the four life five elements, and the upward five elements. Although their names differ, their underlying principles are the same. Scholars who can memorize these six types of five elements will be able to apply them to water collection and direction setting, covering everything needed.

The Longevity Cycle and the Interpretation of the Eight Characters

The longevity cycle in the eight characters is relatively auspicious, representing growth and the ability to create something from nothing. The earth branches of the longevity cycle have an official star, which can support and assist oneself. Therefore, during the longevity major cycle or the flowing year, thinking becomes especially active, and new ideas and thoughts are easily generated. If the longevity is hit, it fails to generate, instead leading to failure and setbacks due to one's own rash actions.

This article thoroughly explains the theory and practice of the mnemonic of the Heavenly Stems entering the tomb and the Five Elements' Life, Prosperity, Tomb, and Extinction Pronouncement. Through the analysis of the relationship between the celestial and terrestrial plates of the feng shui compass, the 24 mountains on the celestial plate and the earthly branches' three-combination, as well as the correspondence between the three-combination and the twelve longevity positions, it provides a complete theoretical system and practical guide for feng shui. At the same time, the article also explores the relationship between the Five Elements' mnemonic and the Five Secrets of Geography, as well as the influence of the longevity cycle in the eight characters, offering valuable references for feng shui enthusiasts and practitioners.