Of course, it might be argued that if you took enough trouble you could transform any number or sequence of numbers into any other. But although the operations detailed in the Three Steps look mind-boggling at first glance, they are actually extremely simple once you become familiar with them. As such, it is not beyond all credibility that they were perhaps first conceived by the sage who created/discovered the He Tu and Luo Shu figures in the first instance.
I said in the introduction to this complicated subject that I shall not speculate here on all the complex numerological correspondences that Paul's has identified (read his book - The Sum of Things - or visit his site for some more information on this), but I would like to mention one.
I have already noted that the magic number of this square is 6,480. And it follows that if each of the four sides are calculated separately and then added together, we arrive at 6,480 x 4 = 25,920.
25,920 is a key number in astronomy and especially astrology because it is often used as an approximation of years in the cycle known as Precession of the Equinox (astrologers say this is composed of the twelve astrological ages - the Age of Aquarius being current). The figure 25,920 is particularly interesting because it suggests the Sun takes 72 years to travel through each of the 360 degrees of the Zodiac, which is reminiscent of the idea that each person has an allotted three score years and twelve years of life (close to the Biblical three score and ten).
This figure 25,920 is contained in the magic square in several other ways.
The sum of the four (blue) corners (720 + 1680 + 2640 + 3600 = 8640) multiplied by 3 = 25,920.
The sum of the four (green) cardinals, which lie in the middle of each side (240 + 1200 + 3120 + 4080 = 8640) multiplied by 3 = 25,920.
The centre (2160) multiplied by 12 = 25,920.
Therefore, the four corners + the four cardinals + four times the centre = 25,920.
Another way of expressing that last sum is that the cardinal vertical line + the horizontal cardinal line + both diagonals = 25,920. And that is a graphic representation of the ancient Chinese cultural idea of Jing, a grid of homesteads surrounding a central well: all may partake of the well and be satisfied.
If Paul is correct in his contention that this process of transforming the He Tu into the Lo Shu was a deliberate and ancient way of enshrining some vital information about the world, then the Luo Shu is truly a Magic Square of Time, as he asserts. After all, the discovery of the cycle of Precession is a major milestone for any society.
If that is indeed the case, then it is all the more significant that the Luo Shu is identical to the Magic Square of Saturn, because Saturn is the Roman cognate of the Greek god Chronos - Time.
return to the Third step
or return to the Introduction
The Sum of Things
© Ken Taylor 2006-2007