1. The Three Diagnostic Pillars (三種法科查事)
In the Liuren lineage, Calculation (法科查事 — Fǎ Kē Chá Shì) means determining the spiritual root of a problem — not the future, but the present reality: Is this illness spiritual or physical? Is the opposition human or spiritual? Is now the right time to act?
Crucial Distinction: Magic vs. Divination. Liuren Fajiao (Ritual Magic) is distinct from Da Liu Ren (大六壬) Divination. We do not use complex mathematical astrolabes to predict the future. We use direct Spirit Communication with the Altar to diagnose the present reality of a case. The goal is not fortune-telling — it is accurate spiritual diagnostics.
- Moon Blocks (勝杯 — Shèng Bēi): The binary communication tool for Yes/No confirmation. Fast, simple, accessible at Zhongjiao level.
- Incense Reading (看香 — Kàn Xiāng): Interpreting the burning pattern of the three incense sticks to read the Qi of the situation. Provides qualitative information the Moon Blocks cannot. (Covered in depth in Section 14.)
- Spirit Mediumship (通靈 — Tōng Líng): Direct sensing or hearing of the Altar's guidance. The advanced diagnostic method; develops naturally through sustained Shen Gong practice.
2. The Moon Blocks (勝杯 / 筊杯)
The Moon Blocks (Jiǎo Bēi / 筊杯) are crescent-shaped wooden or bamboo pieces, flat on one side and curved on the other. They are dropped from a set height and the resulting pattern is read as the altar's response.
| Result | Position | Chinese Name | Lineage Interpretation | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holy Cup (聖杯) | One flat side up, one curved side up | 聖杯 | YES / Approval. The Master agrees; the spirit is present; the request is accepted | Proceed as planned; the altar endorses the action |
| Laughing Cup (笑杯) | Both flat sides up | 笑杯 | NO / Invalid Question. The answer is already obvious; the question is poorly formulated | Rephrase the question more specifically; or reconsider if the question is necessary at all |
| Clouded Cup (陰杯) | Both curved sides up | 陰杯 | NO / Disapproval. The spirits are displeased or the request is denied | Do not proceed; investigate what conditions need to change before re-petitioning |
The Three-Consecutive Rule (三杯確認法): For important questions, throw the Moon Blocks three times. Three consecutive Holy Cups (聖聖聖) is the strongest possible confirmation. Never petition for the same answer more than three times on the same question in one session. Repeated petitioning after a Clouded Cup is disrespectful.
3. Spirit Mediumship (通靈 — Tōng Líng)
The third diagnostic pillar develops naturally through sustained Shen Gong cultivation (see Section 26). It is characterized by a quiet internal clarity rather than dramatic trance states. Key manifestation forms: Felt Sense (直覺 — Stage 2 Shen Gong), Visual Impressions (心眼 — Stage 3), Auditory Impressions (心耳 — Stage 3), and Full Spirit Communication (Stage 4 — senior practitioners only). Always verify mediumship impressions against Moon Blocks before acting.