Classical Method

The Yuan dynasty was a period of continuation and deepening of the ancient-method metaphysical model. Under the special political environment of Mongol rule, Han Chinese literati found their official careers blocked, and large numbers of intellectuals turned to numerological research and making their living in society, objectively promoting the folk dissemination of metaphysics. The ancient-method model used the year-pillar Na Yin as its core, complemented by spirit-nobles, fetal origin, life palace, and other elements for judgment; the system was complex and retained strong Tang-Song vestiges. The metaphysical practice of this period displayed the characteristic of coexistence and transition between 'ancient method' and 'modern method,' with some technicians beginning to attempt to fuse the two methodologies, laying the technical foundation for the comprehensive synthesis of Ming-dynasty metaphysics.

Key Figures

Liu Bingzhong — a famous official and numerologist of the early Yuan, proficient in astronomy, calendrical science, and metaphysical arts, who assisted Kublai Khan in establishing the state name and creating the calendar, his scholarly background reflecting the fusion of Yuan-dynasty Neo-Confucianism and numerology; Yelü Chucai — a descendant of Liao imperial clan and early Yuan politician, well-versed in astronomy, geography, and divination

Important Works

Predecessor texts of Sanming Tonghui — during the Yuan, multiple life-destiny compilations were already in circulation, providing material for Wan Minying's Ming-dynasty compilation of Sanming Tonghui; Wuxing Jingji — written by Liao Zhong of the Song but widely circulated in the Yuan, detailing ancient-method techniques such as Na Yin, spirit-nobles, and patterns

Historical Significance

The value of the Yuan-dynasty ancient-method model lies in its preservation of the complete technical form of Tang-Song metaphysics, enabling later researchers to glimpse the fortune-telling traditions before the rise of Ziping technique. Although concepts such as Na Yin Five Elements, fetal origin and life palace, and numerous spirit-nobles were later simplified, they constitute the deep historical strata of Chinese metaphysics and are still referenced by professional metaphysicians today.