What is Divination?
什么是占卜？
Published 17 Feb 2023 | Joe Ong 阿祖
Divination and Probability Mathematics
Chinese Metaphysics Divination methods such as I CHING, QI MEN DUN JIA, ZI WEI DUO SHU or MEI HUA YI SHU shares fundamental principles with Probability Mathematics- the branch of mathematics that deals with quantifying and analysing uncertainty.
Sample Space, Complete Possibilities, The Event and Outcome
Using I CHING as an example. The I CHING embodies a sample space comprised of sixty-four six hexagrams (mixture of six continuous line or broken lines), which represents the complete range of potential outcomes of an event. This sample space encapsulates the complete possibilities that can manifest. Within this sample space, we specific the event that we query and draws six lines at random which will correspond to an individual hexagram. This hexagram signifies a distinct and particular outcome of the event.
By drawing parallels between Divination Methods and Probability Mathematics, we can appreciate their common ground is to quantify and analyse uncertainty. Both disciplines offer a framework for comprehending and evaluating the likelihood of different outcomes. The difference here is Mathematics employs mathematical principles and calculations while divination methods utilise symbolic interpretations and intuitive insights to provide guidance and understanding.
Law of Attraction and Element of Chance
The first divination method that I knew of was the use of Moon Blocks or JIAO BEI at altar tables and with a combination of Fortune Sticks QIU QIAN at some place of worship. In my younger days, I used to doubt if the number of fortune sticks were even a complete set in the cylinder container when I see people use them.
Chinese Metaphysics divination actually requires the inquirer to connect with the energy of the event in order for the outcome to be accurate. This is where the law of attraction comes into play. Divine is to gain a deep understanding so the inquirer has to be clear on the query before seeking understanding. The clearer the question or the more the inquirer wants to know or think about the event, the more accurate would be the outcome.
The Element of Chance refers to the occurrence of events or outcomes that are unpredictable, random, or beyond human control. Things that happen without a specific cause or intention. The idea here is if you are connected to the energy of your query, it does not really matter if the container is missing or has additional fortune stick. It may be through this element of chance that the outcome of the event is revealed to you. Below are some applications of Divination
1. Seeking Insight and Guidance: Divination is often used to gain insight, guidance, or answers to questions and uncertainties or a deeper understanding into circumstances.
2. Decision Making: It may assist in decision-making processes by revealing information or perspectives or factors to consider that otherwise may not have been considered. It can offer insights into potential outcomes or consequences of different choices, helping individuals make more informed decisions.
3. Prediction: Many divination methods are associated with predicting or foreseeing future events. Whether it’s through tarot cards, astrology, runes, or other practices, divination is often sought to gain a glimpse into what the future may hold. However, it’s important to note that the future is not fixed, and divination provides possibilities rather than absolute certainties.
4. Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: Divination can serve as a tool for self-reflection, introspection, and personal growth. By exploring the symbolism, messages, and interpretations to gain insights into own thoughts, emotions, patterns, and behaviors. It can be used for self-discovery, identifying areas of improvement, and fostering personal development.
5. Confirmation and Validation: Divination can provide confirmation or validation for thoughts, feelings, or beliefs. It can offer reassurance that instincts or intuitions are on the right track and provide a sense of comfort or validation.
占卜与概率数学
一些中华易术占卜方法，如易经、奇门遁甲、紫微斗数或梅花易数的基本原理与概率数学相似 — 概率数学是一门涉及量化和分析不确定性的数学科目。
样本空间, 可能出现的所有情况, 所查询的事件和结果
以易经为例。易经包含了由六十四个六连续线或断线组成的卦象（六爻的混合），代表了事件的所有潜在结果的完整范围。这个样本空间概括了可能出现的所有情况。在这个样本空间中，我们确定所查询的事件，并随机抽取六根线，对应一个独特的卦象。每个卦象都代表着事件的一个明确而特定的结果。
通过将占卜方法与概率数学相提并论，我们可以理解它们的共同点是量化和分析不确定性。这两个领域都提供了一个理解和评估不同结果可能性的框架。区别在于数学采用数学原理和计算，而占卜方法利用符号解释和直觉洞察力提供指导和理解。
吸引力法则和机缘之素
我认识的第一种占卜方法是在祭坛上使用月牌，结合庙宇内使用的筛签。在我年轻的时候，当我看到人们使用它们时，我曾怀疑筒形容器中的筛签数目是否完整。
中华易学占卜其实需要卜者与事件的能量相连接，以使结果准确。这就涉及到了吸引力法则的作用。占的意思也是认定，先认定了想知道的事件然后才问 (卜)。卜者的问题越清楚，越想知道或思考事件，卜出来的结果就越可能准确。
机缘之素是指发生的事件或结果是不可预测、随机或超出人类控制的。它是没有特定原因或意图的事物发生。这里的观点是，如果你与你所查询的事件的能量相连，容器是否缺失或有额外的筛签并不重要。正是通过这种机缘之素，事件的结果才会被揭示给您。以下是占卜的一些应用
1. 寻求洞察和指导：占卜常被用来获取关于各个方面的洞察、指导或问题的答案，以及对情况的更深入理解。
2. 决策辅助：它可以辅助决策过程，揭示可能未被考虑的信息、观点或因素。它提供对不同选择的潜在结果或后果的洞察，帮助个人做出更明智的决策。
3. 预测：许多占卜方法与预测未来事件相关，提供了一瞥未来可能发生的事情。然而，重要的是要注意未来是不确定的，占卜提供的是可能性而不是绝对确定性。
4. 自我反思和个人成长：占卜可以作为自我反思、内省和个人成长的工具。通过探索象征、信息和解释，个人可以对自己的思想、情绪、模式和行为有所认识。它可以用于自我发现、识别改进的领域，并促进个人发展。
5. 确认和验证：占卜可以为思想、情感或信念提供确认或验证。它提供了对直觉或感应正确性的确信，并提供安慰或认可的感觉。
