Hexagrams

This hexagram consists of Qian (Heaven) upon Qian (Heaven), symbolizing the sky and alluding to the dragon, which represents virtuous and talented gentlemen. It also signifies pure yang and vigor, indicating prosperity and robustness. The Qian hexagram is based on the principle of change and transformation in all things, characterized by the phrases “Sublimity, Success, Benefit, and Persistence.” It augurs well and advises people to follow the virtues of the heavenly path.

This hexagram consists of Kun (Earth) over Kun (Earth), embodying the feminine and symbolizing the earth, which is the opposite of the Qian hexagram. It represents compliance with heaven and the support and endless expansion of all things. The Kun hexagram, symbolized by the mare, indicates the nurturing and breeding nature of the earth while being submissive and gentle in temperament. It illustrates that by “losing first and gaining later,” Kun shows obedience to Qian, following it to grasp the correct direction, adhere to the right path, and obtain auspiciousness.

This hexagram is formed by Zhen (Thunder) below Kan (Water), with thunder representing movement and water symbolizing danger. The combination of thunder and rain brings about a hazardous situation with severe environmental conditions. “Zhun” originally refers to the sprouting of plants from the earth. As all things begin to grow, they face numerous difficulties and obstacles; however, thriving and flourishing are assured when they act according to the season.

This hexagram, with Kan (Water) below Gen (Mountain), where Gen symbolizes stopping and Kan symbolizes danger, shows a mountain with hidden perils beneath it. Despite the dangers, progress does not cease, representing ignorance, hence it is called the Meng hexagram. By seizing the right moment and acting timely, it embodies the hexagram of enlightenment and understanding.

The hexagram formed by Qian (Heaven) below and Kan (Water) above, where the lower trigram Qian represents strength and the upper Kan indicates peril, suggests meeting challenges with steadiness and caution. Action should not be rash; observing and waiting for changes will ensure success.

This hexagram is the inverse of the Xu hexagram and is called a “comprehensive hexagram,” with Kan (Water) below Qian (Heaven). Qian represents strength and Kan represents peril. Strength meeting peril, robustness confronting danger, such opposites generate disputes. Disputes are not beneficial; caution and fear are imperative.

This hexagram, with Kan (Water) below Kun (Earth), represents “Shi,” meaning the army. Kan symbolizes water and danger, while Kun represents the earth and compliance, alluding to the encampment of troops in agricultural areas. The use of troops, though dangerous and ominous, is sometimes necessary for the sage, but it can resolve conflicts smoothly due to its timely and justified deployment, thus turning danger into auspiciousness.

This hexagram is the exact opposite of the Shi hexagram and is its comprehensive counterpart, with Kun (Earth) below and Kan (Water) above. Water clinging to the earth and the earth embracing rivers and seas denote mutual dependence and closeness. This hexagram discusses the principles of mutual support, magnanimity, and unity.

This hexagram, with Qian (Heaven) below Xun (Wind) above, symbolizes the wind nourishing the crops through proper rainfall, thus it is called Xiao Chu (Small Accumulation). With limited power, it is essential to wait for development to a certain stage before significant achievements can be made.

This hexagram, with Dui (Lake) below Qian (Heaven) above, uses heaven to represent the ruler and the marsh to represent the people. The original phrase, “walking on the tail of a tiger, it does not bite,” thus the outcome is auspicious. With the ruler above and the people below, each finds its place. The softness of Dui meets the firmness of Qian, which is risky. Lu (Treading) implies practical and forward-moving action.

This hexagram, with Qian (Heaven) above Kun (Earth) below, where Qian symbolizes the yang of heaven and Kun the yin of the earth, suggests the interaction and communication between heaven and earth, the mingling of all things. Conversely, it indicates misfortune. All things are inherently oppositional and transformative; what thrives must decline, and what declines must flourish, thus adaptation to changing times leads to Peace.

This hexagram, with Kun (Earth) below and Qian (Heaven) above, is structured opposite to the Tai hexagram, representing the ascent of yang energy and the descent of yin energy, with heaven and earth not interacting and all things disconnected. They are each other’s comprehensive hexagrams, indicating that when supreme peace reaches its peak, obstruction comes; from extreme obstruction, peace returns, each being the cause and effect of the other.

This hexagram, with Li (Fire) below and Qian (Heaven) above, represents heaven as the sovereign and fire as the subjects. With fire below heaven, and the nature of fire rising to meet the sky, there is harmony above and below, akin to being in the same boat, leading to harmonious human relationships and a united world.

This hexagram, with Qian (Heaven) below and Li (Fire) above, places fire in the sky, illuminating all things. With the people returning to allegiance, acting in accordance with the heavenly time leads to great accomplishments.

This hexagram, with Gen (Mountain) below and Kun (Earth) above, where Gen is the mountain and Kun is the earth, symbolizes the earth low and the mountain high, representing inner greatness and outer humility. This is the essence of humility.

This hexagram, with Kun (Earth) below and Zhen (Thunder) above, where Kun symbolizes compliance and Zhen motion, suggests that thunder in its season signifies the earth’s rejuvenation. Motion coming from compliance is the source of harmony. This hexagram and the Qian hexagram are each other’s comprehensive hexagrams, interacting reciprocally.

This hexagram, with Zhen (Thunder) below and Dui (Lake) above, where Zhen represents motion and Dui pleasure, embodies joy in motion, which is “Following.” Sui indicates mutual compliance, where the self can follow others and others can follow the self, facilitating communication. Following must be timely and according to circumstances, with firmness and integrity as prerequisites.

This hexagram, with Xun (Wind) below and Gen (Mountain) above, contrasts with the Sui hexagram and is each other’s comprehensive hexagram. Gu (Correction) originally means affairs, extending to mean troubles or chaos. An unused vessel breeds worms, symbolizing that prolonged peace leads to complacency and decay, necessitating renewal and reform to manage crises and revitalize efforts.

This hexagram, with Dui (Lake) below and Kun (Earth) above, represents the earth higher than the lake, with the lake contained by the earth. It symbolizes a sovereign visiting the lands, governing the country peacefully, with harmony between the rulers and the ruled.

This hexagram, with Kun (Earth) below and Xun (Wind) above, where wind moves over the earth, symbolizes the widespread application of virtue and teachings. The Guan hexagram and the Lin hexagram are each other’s comprehensive hexagrams, used interchangeably. Those above govern with moral rectitude; those below look up with respect, and people willingly follow and comply.

This hexagram, with Zhen (Thunder) below and Li (Fire) above, where Li is the yin hexagram and Zhen the yang hexagram. The interplay of yin and yang breaks down tough substances, symbolizing a combination of kindness and severity, an integration of leniency and strictness, softness, and firmness. Shi He (Biting Through) represents the upper and lower jaws coming together, chewing.

This hexagram, with Li (Fire) below and Gen (Mountain) above, represents fire as enlightenment and the mountain as restraint. Civilization tempered by discipline. The Bi (Adornment) hexagram discusses the relationship between substance and refinement, prioritizing substance while using refinement for adjustment. Bi signifies decoration and embellishment.

This hexagram, with Kun (Earth) below and Gen (Mountain) above, features five yin at the bottom and one yang above, indicating an abundance of yin and solitary yang; a high mountain attached to the ground. Both elements symbolize peeling, hence it is called the Bo (Splitting Apart) hexagram. This configuration suggests the rise of the petty person and the distress of the noble one, leading to the downfall of endeavors.

This hexagram, with Zhen (Thunder) below and Kun (Earth) above, where Zhen signifies thunder and motion, and Kun the earth and compliance, motion within compliance, the natural order of things. Movement within compliance, internal yang and external yin, orderly activity, freedom to advance or retreat, conducive to moving forward.

This hexagram, with Zhen (Thunder) below and Qian (Heaven) above, represents Qian as heaven and strength, and Zhen as thunder and motion. Motion and strength signify a flourishing yang energy that uplifts people’s spirits, promising gains, provided actions adhere strictly to righteousness without unwarranted steps. Success without presumption ensures blessings.

This hexagram, with Qian (Heaven) below and Gen (Mountain) above, where Qian is heaven and robust, and Gen is the mountain, steadfast. Those who accumulate, accumulate greatly, thus Da Chu signifies great accumulation. Despite serious obstacles, one must cultivate character and virtue to enrich moral standing.

This hexagram, with Zhen (Thunder) below and Gen (Mountain) above, where Zhen is thunder and Gen is mountain. The mountain above and thunder below symbolize external solidity and internal hollowness. As spring warms, nurturing all things timely fosters virtue and nurtures the people. Solidity nourishes, while emptiness is nourished.

This hexagram, with Xun (Wind) below and Dui (Lake) above, where Dui signifies the lake and pleasure, and Xun signifies wood and compliance. Lake water inundates the boat, leading to significant errors. With yin and yang lines contrary, where yang is more and yin less, extreme actions create excessive situations, being firm inside yet gentle outside.

This hexagram is the same trigram stacked, with Kan (Water) below and above. Kan signifies water and peril, doubling the danger with peril upon peril, numerous obstacles. Fortunately, with yin empty and yang solid, sincerity ensures thorough understanding. Despite manifold dangers, this is where human virtues shine.

This hexagram, with Li (Fire) below and above, symbolizes attachment and beauty, one yin attached to two yangs, representing fire, empty inside and bright outside. Li signifies fire and brightness, with the sun rising and setting continuously, gentle and compliant at heart.

This hexagram, with Gen (Mountain) below and Dui (Lake) above, where Gen is the mountain and Dui the lake. Softness above and firmness below, water seeps downward, mutual responsiveness between the soft and the firm. This resonance leads to fulfillment.

This hexagram, with Zhen (Thunder) below and Xun (Wind) above, where Zhen is thunder and male, and Xun is wind and female. Hardness above and softness below, a natural process of mutual enhancement. Yin and yang correspond naturally, hence it is called Heng (Constancy).

This hexagram, with Gen (Mountain) below and Qian (Heaven) above, where Qian is heaven and Gen is mountain. Mountains under heaven, as mountains rise high and heaven retreats. Yin grows as yang wanes, the petty rise as the noble recede, wisely protecting oneself, waiting to save the world.

This hexagram, with Qian (Heaven) below and Zhen (Thunder) above, where Zhen is thunder and Qian is heaven. The firmness of Qian meets the motion of Zhen. Thunder in the sky, loud and expansive, signifies robust yang energy, promoting growth of all things. Strong and powerful, thus called Da Zhuang (Great Strength).

This hexagram, with Kun (Earth) below and Li (Fire) above, where Li is the sun and light, and Kun is the earth. The sun high in the sky illuminates the earth, fostering growth on the humble and receptive earth, brightness and progress advancing softly, symbolizing a thriving enterprise.

This hexagram, with Li (Fire) above and Kun (Earth) below, where Li is brightness and Kun is compliance; Li is the sun, and Kun the earth. As the sun sets into the earth, brightness is diminished, the path ahead unclear, environment challenging, it’s wise to keep a low profile while adhering to the right path, being outwardly simple yet inwardly wise.

This hexagram, with Li (Fire) below and Xun (Wind) above, where Li is fire and Xun is wind. Fire heats the air, creating wind. All things should be based inwardly, extending outward. Symbolizing governance starting from one’s household to the state, if family order is maintained, peace prevails in the world.

This hexagram, with Dui (Lake) below and Li (Fire) above, where Li is fire and Dui is lake. Fire above and lake below, inherently conflicting, not assisting each other. Overcoming leads to existence, reciprocation without end. Everything has its differences, inherent contradictions, hence called Kui (Contradiction).

This hexagram, with Gen (Mountain) below and Kan (Water) above, where Kan is water and Gen is mountain. High mountains and deep waters, life filled with difficult obstacles, recognizing danger and stopping, wisely protecting oneself, epitomizes wisdom. Jian, struggling through difficulties.

This hexagram, with Kan (Water) below and Zhen (Thunder) above, where Zhen is thunder and motion, and Kan is water and danger. Danger inside, motion outside. As winter ends, the earth unblocks and quiets, rejuvenating everything, winter’s end brings spring, clearing all away, thus called Xie (Resolution).

This hexagram, with Dui (Lake) below and Gen (Mountain) above, where Gen is mountain and Dui is lake. Lake below and mountain above, the great lake erodes the mountain’s base. Loss and gain are intermixed, loss within gain and gain within loss, both require careful handling. Favoring the lesser to benefit the greater, managing a state excessively harms the foundation. Proper moderation in reduction enhances best.

This hexagram, with Zhen (Thunder) below and Xun (Wind) above, where Xun is wind and Zhen is thunder. Thunder and wind intensify together, their forces growing, thunder louder, wind stronger, mutually supporting each other. This hexagram contrasts with the Sun hexagram, which involves reducing the upper to benefit the lower, while this one involves reducing the lower to benefit the upper, outlining the principles of loss and gain.

This hexagram, with Qian (Heaven) below and Dui (Lake) above, where Qian is heaven and strength, and Dui is lake and pleasure. Lake vapors rise, forming rain, nourishing the earth, enriching all life. With five yang leaving one yin, removal is not difficult, decisive action is needed, hence called Guai (Decisiveness), Guai means to decide.

This hexagram, with Xun (Wind) below and Qian (Heaven) above, where Qian is heaven and Xun is wind. Wind under heaven, spreading across the earth, yin and yang mingle, flourishing all life. Gou (Encounter) hexagram contrasts with Guai, they are each other’s comprehensive hexagrams. Gou, meaning meeting, where yin and yang encounter, but the predominance of yang over yin cannot last long.

This hexagram, with Kun (Earth) below and Dui (Lake) above, where Kun is earth and compliance, and Dui is lake and water. The lake floods over the earth, many people struggle against each other, crises abound, it’s essential to follow heaven, appoint the virtuous, prepare in advance, being compliant yet cheerful, mutually benefiting, living in peace and contentment. Cui, meaning gathering and uniting.

This hexagram, with Xun (Wind) below and Kun (Earth) above, represents Kun as the earth and submission, Xun as wood and yielding. The earth grows trees, gradually growing taller and stronger, symbolizing a career that steadily ascends and promises a great future, hence it is named “Ascending.”

This hexagram, with Kan (Water) below and Dui (Lake) above, where Dui symbolizes pleasure and Kan represents danger. Trapped in a difficult situation, wisdom is hard to apply, yet by adhering to the righteous path and finding contentment in it, one can succeed and escape adversity.

This hexagram, with Xun (Wind) below and Kan (Water) above, where Kan is water and Xun is wood. Trees flourish with water, and people rely on wells, which are made by digging. There is mutual nourishment; the well nourishes people with its water, which is inexhaustible, urging people to emulate this virtue and work diligently.

This hexagram, with Li (Fire) below and Dui (Lake) above, where Li is fire and Dui is the lake with water. Water above douses downwards, fire below burns upwards. Excessive fire dries up water; too much water extinguishes fire. They generate and also restrain each other, inevitably leading to change. Change is a fundamental universal principle.

This hexagram, with Xun (Wind) below and Li (Fire) above, represents cooking over fire, transforming raw to cooked, symbolizing renewal. The cauldron, a valuable and stable vessel, signifies plentiful food and no difficulties. On this basis, change and development of enterprises are appropriate.

This hexagram is the same trigram doubled, with Zhen (Thunder) below and above. Zhen as thunder, the echo is immense, dispelling stagnant energy, ensuring smooth progress. One should always be prepared for emergencies, harboring a cautious mind, to remain calm and composed during sudden changes.

This hexagram is the same trigram doubled, with Gen (Mountain) below and above. Gen as the mountain, symbolizing stillness, is the opposite of the Zhen trigram. After a climax, a trough is inevitable, entering a phase of relative stillness like a mountain. Appropriate action and stillness are essential, never missing the right moment, achieving the right balance of action and inaction.

This hexagram, with Gen (Mountain) below and Xun (Wind) above, where Gen is the mountain and Xun is wood. Trees on the mountain gradually grow, raising the mountain’s height. This represents gradual progress, thus called “Development,” signifying slow and steady advancement.

This hexagram, with Dui (Lake) below and Zhen (Thunder) above, where Zhen is motion and the eldest son, and Dui is pleasure and the youngest daughter. The affection between a young woman and an older man leads to marriage motions, symbolizing a daughter’s marriage, hence called “Marrying Maiden.” It is the fundamental natural order of human beginnings and endings. The upper trigram with the Development hexagram is comprehensive, interacting for application.

This hexagram, with Li (Fire) below and Zhen (Thunder) above, where thunder and lightning achieve great success, symbolizes reaching a peak, like the sun at midday. It cautions that one must be aware of the tendency for things to develop in opposite directions. Order and chaos are interconnected, prosperity and decline are impermanent, vigilance is necessary.

This hexagram, with Gen (Mountain) below and Li (Fire) above, contrasts with the Feng hexagram and is its comprehensive counterpart. Fire burning within mountains, spreading unstoppably forward like travelers in a hurry, hence called “The Wanderer.”

This hexagram is the same trigram doubled, with Xun (Wind) below and above. Xun as wind, the continuous breeze permeates everywhere, representing compliance. A humble attitude and behavior lead to success everywhere.

This hexagram is the same trigram doubled, with both trigrams representing Lake. Two lakes connect, waters merging, harmony above and below, unity and mutual assistance bring joy. Dui also symbolizes pleasure. Sharing a strong virtue outwardly while maintaining a gentle demeanor leads straightly on the right path, guiding people upwards.

This hexagram, with Kan (Water) below and Xun (Wind) above. Wind over water stirs and spreads ripples in all directions. Huan, meaning dispersal, symbolizes disorganization and dissension among people. Active measures and strategies are necessary to overcome drawbacks, saving what is scattered, turning crisis into safety.

This hexagram, with Dui (Lake) below and Kan (Water) above, where Dui is the lake and Kan is water. The lake with its limited capacity overflows when too full, hence moderation is necessary, thus called “Limitation.” The Limitation hexagram contrasts with the Dispersion hexagram, each being comprehensive and used interchangeably. Nature stays fresh through moderation, nations stay stable, and individuals reach perfection.

This hexagram, with Dui (Lake) below and Xun (Wind) above, where Fu originally means incubation, with the hatching of eggs notably punctual, symbolizing trustworthiness. The hexagram shows solidity on the outside and hollowness inside, symbolizing sincerity at heart, hence called “Inner Truth.” This is the foundation for conducting oneself in life.

This hexagram, with Gen (Mountain) below and Zhen (Thunder) above. Thunder over the mountain inspires awe. Great in yang and small in yin, with four yin lines surpassing the two central yang, hence called “Preponderance of the Small,” slight excesses.

This hexagram, with Kan (Water) below and Li (Fire) above. Water and fire intersect, water over fire, the force of water overcoming the fire, signifying successful firefighting. Ji means accomplished; Ji represents completion, signifying that the task has been successful, yet changes are inevitable.

This hexagram, with Kan (Water) below and Li (Fire) above. Li as fire and Kan as water. Fire above water, the force of fire overcoming the water, firefighting not yet successful, hence called “Before Completion.” The I Ching begins with Qian and Kun hexagrams and ends with the Already Fulfilled and Before Completion hexagrams, fully reflecting the philosophy of change and development.