The Palm Method

Your hand is the only tool you need. No coins, no yarrow stalks, just fingers and a secret formula.

What’s this about?

Xiao Liu Ren, which literally means “Six Ren Palm,” got its name because it uses exactly six patterns AND because you calculate everything using just your fingers. Legend says it was invented by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period — the same guy known for his incredible strategic mind. He used it to predict battle outcomes before mounting his horse. That’s why it’s sometimes called “Horse Front Divination.”

The Six Positions

Da An

Position: Base of index finger Zodiac: Yin (寅) Element: Wood Meaning: Peace / Stability

Liu Lian

Position: Tip of index finger Zodiac: Si (巳) Element: Water Meaning: Delay / Hesitation

Su Xi

Position: Tip of middle finger Zodiac: Wu (午) Element: Fire Meaning: Quick Joy / Swift Results

Chi Kou

Position: Tip of ring finger Zodiac: Wei (未) Element: Metal Meaning: Conflict / Verbal Disputes

Xiao Ji

Position: Base of ring finger Zodiac: Zi (子) Element: Earth Meaning: Small Fortune / Modest Success

Kong Wang

Position: Base of middle finger Zodiac: Chou (丑) Element: Earth Meaning: Empty / Futile

The Magic Formula

Step 1

Start from Yin (Da An position) Count up to your target month

Step 2

From that position, count the day Each step lands on the next position

Step 3

From the day, count to the hour Each shi-chen (2-hour period) moves you forward

Final Answer

The position where you land = your fortune

Example

Example: March 5th, Dragon Hour (辰时)

  1. Start at Yin (Da An). March = 3rd month. Count: Da An(1) → Liu Lian(2) → Su Xi(3). Land on Su Xi.
  2. Day 5 from Su Xi. Count: Su Xi(1) → Chi Kou(2) → Xiao Ji(3) → Kong Wang(4) → Da An(5). Land on Da An.
  3. Dragon Hour (辰时) from Da An. Count: Zi(1) → Chou(2) → Yin(3) → Mao(4) → Chen(5). Land on Chen = Chi Kou.

Result: Chi Kou — Watch your words today!

Pro Tips

  • Always start counting from Yin (Da An) — no exceptions!
  • Direction is always forward (顺), never backward
  • Whether you’re male or female doesn’t matter — same counting method
  • Use the traditional Chinese lunar calendar for month and day