Throughout the ages, magic squares have been known to convey a wisdom which can be appreciated by all. The making of a magic square is achieved by filling a grid with an arrangement of numbers where the sums of the rows, columns, and diagonals are all the same. The most basic, and oldest, is the Lo Shu Magic Square; an intriguing 3X3 table displaying harmony.
Legend of the Lo River Scroll
In the ancient Chinese manuscript called the Yih King or the Book of Changes the legend expressing the formation for the Lo Shu Magic Square is found. The pattern for the numerical grid was said to be observed by Emperor Fu Xi on a turtle shell rising out of a river. Described as a series of small dots, the magical design on the turtle’s back revealed a powerful knowledge. In some versions of the legend, this knowledge was used for the calming of the overflowing waters of the Lo River. Since the etchings on the shell were seen like a scroll (shu) and appeared out of the Lo River, the name Lo Shu was applied to the fascinating grid.
Yin and Yang
The dots were seen to signify the balanced order of the universe and offered wisdom in order to appreciate and understand that balance. In Chinese philosophy this harmony is shared within the concept of Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang are primal energies. They are opposite forces working together to form one complete whole. The following is the arrangement of numbers which represents the markings on the turtle shell and illustrates the balance which was discovered.
4-9-2
3-5-7
8-1-6
Even and odd numbers are equally distributed within the square presenting the magical sum of 15. The number 5, in all permutations of the square, is found within the center. Odd numbers always form a cross while the even numbers are always in the corners. Just like the Yin and Yang, odd and even work together to demonstrate unity.
Origin of the I Ching
The Lo Shu figures are said to have inspired Fu Xi with creating the eight basic trigrams. Trigrams are sets of three solid or broken lines together. Solid lines signify Yang and broken lines signify Yin. The trigrams further developed into 64 hexagrams by combining two trigrams together. The hexagrams are used for I Ching divination. Since Yin and Yang always seek balance with each other, the process of interpreting the lines offers insight into the coming forces. For example if the force of Yang is recognized in the hexagrams as being strong, then Yin must be in the future. The flow is constantly changing but yet harmony continuously strives to be achieved. This principle of union of opposites is a basis for I Ching divination.
Discovering Balance within Life
The account of Fu Xi distinguishing a design on a rising turtle shell can be seen as an allegorical tale for realizing balance within and around ourselves. Knowledge is revealed as we raise our awareness to the unending cycles of maintaining balance. Understanding the moving and change within ourselves and the world, brings into light the harmony which can discovered and obtainable for all.
Sources:
Agrippa, Henry Cornelius, Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Llewellyn Publications,2006
Lo Shu Magic Square, Reviewed July 31, 2011
I Ching, Miyoko Graphix, Reviewed July 31, 2011
Jenny Kile - Jenny Kile enjoys the freedom to explore, question, learn, and the opportunity Suite101 gives in order to then share with her readers.
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