A Study on the Principles of the Jeongeumjeongyang Method and its Limitations

This study aims to examine the principle and applicability of the Jeongeumjeongyang method and to point out the limitations of the theoretical composition. The Jeongeumjeongyang method determines good and bad fortune by distinguishing between yin and yang according to the appropriateness of the yin and yang combination of the eight Trigrams from the Book of the Changes. Specifically, if the yin and yang of the upper and lower lines of the trigram (excluding the middle line) are different, it is Jeongeum; if they are the same, it is Jeongyang. This principle also applies to the concepts of upper(上) Heaven(天) and the lower(下) Earth(地) as well: when they are opposite, it is Jeongeum; when they are the same, it is Jeongyang. When the orientation aligns with either the dragon of Jeongyang directing Jeongyang or the dragon of Jeongeum directing Jeongeum, it is considered pure and clear, hence auspicious. The Jeongeumjeongyang method is utilized in various fields, including Fengshui, selecting auspicious days, and Myeongli Science. In Fengshui, there are two main areas: Dragon method(龍法) and Water method(水法). Under the Dragon method, there are methods of Jisangguseong and Seoncheonsan. The Water method has two approaches: Boseongsubeop and Huchensubeop. Eight Mansions Theory(八宅法), a method of selecting a good house to live in by eight orientations, is also based on the Jeongeumjeongyang method. The representative method of utilizing a method of selecting auspicious days is the method of Saenggibokdeok(生氣福德法). Myeongli science also uses the method when analyzing good and bad fortune based on Nine stars(九星). Despite its various applications—Fengshui, selecting auspicious days, and Myeongli science—the theoretical foundation of the Jeongeumjeongyang method is insufficient, lacking detailed explanations for its various characteristic factors. Although the Jeongeumjeongyang method is considered relatively systematic, it is difficult to find a difference from other Fengshui theories based on the principle and the material forces that cannot go beyond a simple system and composition.