Clan an Domhain

[Pathfinder]

I Ching – Part 2 - The Trigrams

As stated in Part 1, each of the sixty-four hexagrams of the I Ching are created from two of the eight trigrams. Knowing the attributes of the eight trigrams can make understanding the hexagrams easier. The eight trigrams each have traditional attributes associated with each, including directions, seasons, standings in the family, and energies. The combinations of these attributes combine in the hexagrams to create the traditional meanings for each hexagram.



Trigram 1 is Qian which symbolizes Heaven. Qian is made up of three yang lines. As such it is as male as you can get. Qian symbolizes the father, and the head. It's compass point northwest. It is associated with late autumn/early winter. Spiritually, it stands for creative energy, charity, dignity, health, higher self, originality, perseverance, power, prosperity, protection, and virtue.

Trigram 2 is Kan, which symbolizes Water. Kan is two yang lines separated by a single yin line. Kan represents the second son and the ear. It's compass point is north, and it's season is winter. Spiritually, Kan symbolizes adaptive energy, adventure, concealment, cruelty, dormancy, fluidity, hard work, peril, uncertainty, and vitality.

Trigram 3 is Ken, which symbolizes the Mountain. Ken is two yin lines followed by a yang line. It represents the third son, and the hand. It's compass point is northeast and its season is late winter/early spring. Spiritually speaking, Ken symbolizes revolutionary energy, accomplishment deep thinking, fidelity, philosophy, stagnation, stubbornness, and thrift.

Trigram 4 is Zhen which symbolizes Thunder. Made up of a single yin line followed by two yang lines, Zhen is the first son, and the foot. It's compass point is east, and it's season is spring. Spiritually, Zhen represents high energy, agitation, confrontation, imminent revolution, impetus, and renewal.

Trigram 5 is Xun which symbolizes the Wind. Created of a yin line, followed by two yang lines, Xun is the first daughter and the thigh. It's compass point is southeast, and it's season is late spring/early summer. Spiritually, Xun is associated with penetrating energy, affection, courtesy, fleetingness, growth, lying, pervasiveness, romance, and transformation.

Trigram 6 is Li, which symbolizes Fire. Li is made up of two yin lines separated by a yang line. Li is the second daughter and the eye. Li's compass point is south and the season is summer. Spiritually, Li symbolizes illuminative energy, awareness, celebrations, charisma, dependency, discrimination, extremes, insight, talent, uniqueness, and volatility.

Trigram 7 is Kun which symbolizes the Earth. Made up of three yin lines, Kun is the mother, and the belly. It's compass point is southwest and it's season is late summer/early autumn. Spiritually, Kun represents Receptive energy dependability, devotion, fertility, gentility, kindness, maturity, passivity, security, and vulnerability.

Trigram 8 is Dui which symbolizes the Lake. Made up of two yang lines, followed by a yin line, Dui is the third daughter, and the mouth. It's compass point is west. It is associated with autumn. Spiritually, Dui encompasses joyous energy, gaiety, grace, narcissism, sensuality, serenity, talkativeness, and tranquility.

Continued in Part 3