One of the Eight Deities, its Five Element is Wood. It is the deity of protection and harmony, governing marriage, cooperation, mediation, and transactions. It is also beneficial for concealment and avoiding danger. When it falls in a prosperous palace, harmonious matters are easily achieved.
Classical Verse Origin
Hidden troops are always in the Tai Yin position; if Liu He is encountered, it is beneficial for escaping.
Explanation
Liu He is one of the Eight Deities in Qimen Dunjia. Its Five Element is Wood. In the sequence of the Eight Deities, it ranks third before Zhi Fu. The 'Song of the Fisherman in Smoky Waves' states, 'Three positions before Zhi Fu is Liu He.' It is the protective deity of Zhi Fu, with a peaceful nature, governing matters of harmony and union: marriage, partnerships, mediation, contracts, transactions, and friendships. Any matter involving collaboration between two or more parties considers Liu He an important reference. Liu He also signifies protection and concealment; its direction is beneficial for escaping and avoiding danger. When divining about avoiding disputes or hiding, encountering Liu He often provides cover. To judge auspiciousness and inauspiciousness, one looks at the prosperity and decline of its palace and the accompanying Door and Star: If Liu He falls in a prosperous palace, and is accompanied by the three auspicious Doors (Xiu, Sheng, Kai) and the Three Wonders, it indicates smooth cooperation, successful marriage, and mutually beneficial transactions. If it falls in a declining or restrained palace, or is accompanied by inauspicious Doors or configurations, it indicates entanglement, ambiguity, discord in partnerships, and interference from outsiders in relationships. Liu He belongs to Wood, is prosperous in spring, strong in winter, and restricted in autumn, with its helpfulness diminishing accordingly. Important notes: If it encounters Void (Kong Wang), the union is not solid, and promises are easily broken. If it is oppressed by a Door (Men Po), there is hidden reluctance in the harmony, and agreed-upon conditions are difficult to sustain. Important agreements should be put in writing before being finalized.
Categorized Judgments
Career and Official Position
Liu He governs cooperation and networking. If it falls in a prosperous palace with an auspicious Door, it is suitable for discussing joint ventures, forming teams, and signing cooperation agreements. Colleague relationships are harmonious, and noble people will introduce opportunities. If it falls in a restrained palace or with an inauspicious Door, there will be disagreements within the team, and partnerships are prone to entanglement. Clarify responsibilities and rights before proceeding.
Wealth and Business
Liu He governs partnership wealth and intermediary wealth. With Sheng Men or Kai Men, it is beneficial for cooperative projects, commissions, and intermediary businesses. If the palace is restrained, contracts may hide disputes, and accounts may be unclear. For multi-party investments, all accounts must be clearly itemized in writing; verbal agreements are not valid.
Marriage and Relationships
Liu He is the deity of marriage mediation. When seen in divinations about relationships, it often indicates someone acting as a matchmaker. If prosperous and with an auspicious Door, marriage can be successful, and feelings will be harmonious. If it encounters inauspicious configurations or Void (Kong Wang), the relationship may be ambiguous and protracted, or involve a third party. It is advisable to clarify the relationship before discussing marriage.
Health and Illness
Liu He belongs to Wood, corresponding to the liver, gallbladder, tendons, and limbs. When restrained, guard against liver qi stagnation and musculoskeletal strain. When Liu He appears in illness divination, the condition is often chronic and recurrent, often indicating seeking treatment from multiple doctors and chaotic prescriptions. It is advisable to stick with one doctor for systematic treatment and avoid frequent changes in medication.
Travel and Movement
Liu He is beneficial for companionship and concealment. Travel is best done with companions, and arrangements made through acquaintances or intermediaries are more stable. With an auspicious Door, there will be much assistance during the journey. If it encounters Void (Kong Wang), companions may break promises, and itineraries may be repeatedly changed. Confirm tickets and accommodation in advance, leaving room for changes.
Lawsuits and Litigation
Liu He governs mediation and reconciliation. When seen in lawsuits, settlement is better than going to court. With an auspicious Door, an intermediary can be entrusted to mediate, turning major issues into minor ones. If restrained, the mediator's stance may waver. Settlement terms must be put in writing and signed to prevent the other party from reneging later.