The I Ching is an ancient divination text consisting of 64 chapters, based on 64 hexagrams that represent ‘answers’ to life. Hexagrams are determined using cleromancy, a process of producing random numbers in a limited order using a specified method. Two methods exist.
The oldest method involves the use of 50 yarrow stems and is quite complex. The most common and simpler method is to use three heads and tails coins. By following the casting rules you will arrive at a hexagram that will be used to answer your question.
This article looks at the 8 trigrams being combined, one being “above” or “below”, into a hexagram, allowing for 64 combinations (8 X 8). Some combinations are beneficial, others are not. This article focuses on the meaning of each trigram and demonstrates limited examples of the hexagrams.
The 8 trigrams
The two possible lines are solid and broken. Solid lines are yang/masculine/assertive and dashed lines are yin/feminine/receptive. Lines precede from bottom to top, so the first line of the trigram and the first line of a hexagram is the bottom line.
Heaven
The trigram for heaven consists of three continuous lines and represents creativity or the creative power. Combined with itself – the heavens above and the heavens below – it forms Hexagram 1 (Chyan) – positivity or the creative force. It is considered the basic masculine principle because it consists of three Yang lines. Heaven is the fundamental principle of action.
Soil
The trigram for Earth consists of three broken lines and represents receptivity and invitation. Combined with itself – the earth above and the earth below – it forms Hexagram 2 (K’un) – Reception. It is considered the basic feminine principle because it consists of 3 yin lines. The earth is the fundamental principle of reception.
Thunder
The trigram of Thunder consists of one solid line and two broken lines, represents “the voice of heaven” and is “stimulating,” thus bringing about change. Combined with itself – Thunder Above and Thunder Below – it forms Hexagram 51 (Chen) – The Arousing. Thunder is the fundamental principle of pressure.
Water
The trigram Water consists of one solid line and two broken lines, like Thunder, but the first line is broken, the second is solid and the third is broken; and it represents ‘the terrible’ and the deep places that water naturally travels to. Combined with itself – Water above and Water below – it forms Hexagram 29 (K’an) – The Abyss. Water is the fundamental principle of adaptability.
Mountain
Berg’s trigram consists of one solid line and two broken lines, like Thunder and Water, but the first line is broken, the second line is broken, and the third line is solid; and it represents silence and perseverance. Combined with itself: Mountain above and Mountain below, it forms Hexagram 52 (Ken) – Stillness and Obstruction. Mountain is the fundamental principle of perseverance.
Wind
The trigram Wind consists of one broken line and two solid lines. The first line is broken, the second line is solid, and the third line is solid; and it represents gentleness and obedience. Combined with itself – Wind above and Wind below – it forms Hexagram 57 (Sun) – Gentle wind and submission. Wind is the fundamental principle of acceptance.
Firework
The trigram Fire consists of one broken line and two solid lines, like Wind, but the first line is solid, the second line is broken and the third line is solid; and it represents energy and freedom. Combined with itself – Fire above and Fire below – it forms Hexagram 30 (Li) – Radiance. Fire is the fundamental principle of destruction.
More
The Lake trigram consists of broken lines and two solid lines, such as Wind and Fire, but the first line is solid, the second line is solid, and the third line is broken; and it represents openness and joy. Combined with itself – More Above and More Below – it forms Hexagram 58 (Tui) – Joy. Lake is the fundamental principle of life.
The fundamental principles
- Action (heaven)
- Reception (Earth)
- Pressure (thunder)
- Adaptability (water)
- Perseverance (mountain)
- Acceptance (wind)
- Destruction (fire)
- Life (more)
Example combinations
Let’s look at a few combinations, starting with the sky above and the earth below (Hexagram 12), then the earth above and the sky below (Hexagram 11), and a random selection – Thunder above and Mountain below (Hexagram 62)
Hexagram 12 (Pi) – Misfortune
GUIDANCE: “Unfavorable situations. In times of adversity, the evil ones find themselves in positions of power. Good people cannot enjoy a normal life. Much is given, little is received.” (I Ching of Hua-Ching Ni, 282)
Although the placements are in their natural order, with heaven above and earth below, they separate instead of joining. For this reason, there is no integration of energy necessary to obtain benefits.
Hexagram 11 (T’ai) – Peace, harmony and good opportunities
GUIDANCE: “Good opportunity. In a time of prosperity, something small is given and something large is given in return. Small efforts bring big rewards. Good luck. Continue.” (I Ching of Hua-Ching Ni, 275)
With heaven below and earth above, they are both “finding their way” towards each other. Earth wants to be below and Heaven wants to be above, so they integrate and benefit each other, creating the union of the feminine and masculine principle.
Hexagram 62 (Shiao Kuo) – Small excess
GUIDELINES: “Small excesses cause problems. It is not safe for the bird to fly high; it must remain low. You should not undertake large ventures at this time.”
If there is a thunderstorm over the mountain and a storm is brewing (or approaching), it is best to seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass. If you have to travel, you want to take your time and, above all, be careful. It is important at this time to stay within your boundaries.
The 8 principles and the 64 answers
With the 8 principles and 64 answers, this tool allows you to get answers to life’s questions. Each trigram combination is designed to show the flow or dissonance we may experience in our choices and our life journey. By addressing them with specific questions during a reading moment, you will gain insight into how best to proceed at important moments in your life.
