The Lo ShuThe Lo Shu is sometimes referred to via a number of different synonyms, for example: The Pagua, The Ba-gua (pronounced Ba-gwa), The Bagua, The Pa Kua. The difference between the Lo Shu and the Pa Kua can from one perspective be boiled down to one thing: 8 versus 9. The Pa Kua is an octagonal shaped symbol that corresponds to the 4 cardinal compass points, the remaining 4 points being the intermediate directions (SouthWest, NorthWest, NorthEast and SouthEast). The Pa Kua derives its significance from the 8 trigrams of the I Ching Instead, the Lo Shu is in fact related to 9 particular numbers which combine to form the classic Lo Shu Magic Square: 
Regardless which way you total the numbers, be it horizontally, vertically or diagonally, the answer will always be 15.The sequence of squares is also associated with the trigrams of the I Ching. The Lo Shu is considered to have it's roots established in the Lo Map and the 9 chamberedsymbology has given rise to different systems of astrology in different cultures:
There are a lot of differing histories, and in some cases contradictory, versions of events in the history of Feng Shui. Much of this can probably be attributed to the 'Chinese Whisper' syndrome - whichgiven much of the history remains the same - is testament to the sages throughout the ages who have passed this knowledge down through the generations. One of these histories is detailed in 2 main parts:
Lo Shu History Version One, Part 1.Some of the earliest writings on the subject of Feng Shui are detailed in mythical tales about one of the firstsage kings - Fu Hsi. It is said that Fu Hsi sat on the banks of the river Ho when a horse arose from it's waters bearing amark on it's back called the Ho-tu. The Ho-tu described the inherent nature of all things and has now come to be known asthe pre-heaven Bagua.
Part 2.A later sage king known as Yu was tasked with stopping a great flood. He observed a tortoise emerge from the flood waters with a strange pattern on it's back - what we now refer to as the Lo Shu aka the Later Heaven Bagua. This pattern supercedesthe trigram arrangement of the Pre Heaven Bagua and is used today - in this time. It is said to help predict the phenomenaof change taking place after the creation cycle predicted by the Pre Heaven Bagua. In Feng Shui, the Lo Shu is used as anenergetic map and can be overlaid on building layouts and the specific 'gua' (the section of the complete Bagua) traits suchas colour or shape can be used to enhance and harmonize the life of the occupant(s).
A second history of the Lo Shu is as follows:According to one tradition, some two millenia prior to the common era, a series of great floods threatened the peoples alongthe Yellow river in China. Fu Hsi, an extradordinarily gifted man of the time was tasked with improving the watercourse ofthe river and thus averting impending disaster for those living close to the river itself. With his knowledge of engineeringand rivers, Fu Hsi managed to avert disaster and as a direct result he was made Emperor by the people as his actions hadled to the re-establishment of order and an increase of wealth for all. As Fu made the improvements to the river, it is said he came across a tortoise (A symbol even then of long life and happiness. Tortoises were believed to carry the force of the divine and also messages from the divine.)and was overjoyed with the discovery which to him boded well and would bring good fortune. Looking closely at the tortoise,he noted a series of interesting black and white markings on it's shell. They varied in position and number, filling the different chambers of the shell (common to tortoise shells). There were 9 chambers and each chamber bore a different arrangement of the black and white straight lined marks. This appeared to Fu like a mathematical puzzle and he interpretedthis as a divine sign. He developed a theory (both through introspection and the consultation of various contemporarysages) based on this encounter which could be applied to nature and human actions. As a result, this theory grew somewhat to one which would embrace all systems of knowledge. This theory is said to be at the foundations of the I Ching, Feng Shuiand indeed Nine Star Ki astrology. According to some Tibetan historical texts, the tortoise Fu Hsi discovered was none other than an emanation of theBodhisatttva Manjusri. Manjusri is recognised as being the source of all knowledge (including astrology) in Tibetantradition. |
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