I Ching
Glossary

The practice of asking the right question to the I Ching. Open-ended questions like 'What do I need to be aware of?' are preferred over 'What should I do?'

The arrangement of the eight trigrams. Has two main arrangements: 'Earlier Heaven' (Fu Xi) and 'Later Heaven' (King Wen). Also used in Feng Shui.

The central concept of the I Ching. The only constant in the universe is change. Every situation is in transformation; from winter to spring, night to day. Understanding this flow is wisdom.

A line in the process of transforming from Yin to Yang or Yang to Yin. Changing lines transform the current hexagram into a second one, showing the evolution of the situation.

The method of forming hexagrams by tossing three coins. Each toss's heads/tails combination determines a line. A complete hexagram is formed in 6 tosses.

The virtue that naturally results from living in harmony with the Tao. Not forced morality, but the inner good that emerges when one aligns with nature's flow.

Trigram with yin at top, two yang below. Represents lake, joy, the youngest daughter, and communication.

The five fundamental energies in Chinese philosophy: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water. They have cycles of generating and controlling each other. Used in I Ching interpretation.

The mythological Chinese emperor who according to legend discovered the trigrams. Believed to have created the eight basic trigrams by observing patterns in nature.

Trigram with yang at top, two yin below. Represents mountain, stillness, the youngest son, and meditation.

Six-line figures that form the basic units of the I Ching. There are 64 different hexagrams, each consisting of two stacked trigrams. Each hexagram represents a unique life situation and wisdom.

The text describing the nature image derived from each hexagram's two trigrams. Advises how the superior person (junzi) should behave in this situation.

The text containing the main interpretation of each hexagram. These short paragraphs attributed to King Wen summarize the situation's general meaning and advice.

Trigram with yang in middle, yin above and below. Represents water, danger, the middle son, and deep emotions.

Founder of the Zhou Dynasty (~1100 BC). Believed to have arranged the 64 hexagrams and written the judgment text for each.

Trigram of three yin lines. Represents earth, receptive power, the mother, and nurturing energy. Harmony, patience, and acceptance.

Trigram with yin in middle, yang above and below. Represents fire, illumination, the middle daughter, and clarity.

The texts containing individual interpretations of each of the six lines in a hexagram. Only the changing lines' texts are read, providing specific guidance.

The lower three lines of a hexagram. Represents the inner world, personal situation, and current foundation.

The hidden hexagram formed from lines 2, 3, 4 and lines 3, 4, 5 of the main hexagram. Reveals the deep dynamics underlying the situation.

Trigram of three yang lines. Represents heaven, creative power, the father, and strong leadership. Energy, strength, and determination.

The cosmic order and natural flow underlying the universe. Described as 'the name of the unnameable'. The I Ching offers guidance for living in harmony with the Tao.

Building blocks consisting of three lines. There are 8 different trigrams (Bagua). Each trigram is associated with a nature element, family member, and life area. Two trigrams form a hexagram.

The upper three lines of a hexagram. Represents the outer world, social relationships, and future developments.

The principle of acting without forcing or resisting natural flow. Not laziness; it's the art of taking the right action at the right time with minimum effort.

Trigram with yin at bottom, two yang above. Represents wind, gentle penetration, the eldest daughter, and flexibility.

An unbroken solid line (———). Represents masculine, active, creative, and light energy. Associated with sky, fire, warmth, and summer.

The traditional I Ching consultation method using 50 yarrow stalks. A slower and more meditative process with different changing line probabilities.

Meaning 'Book of Changes', an approximately 3000-year-old Chinese wisdom text. One of humanity's oldest books, serving as both a divination system and philosophical masterpiece.

A broken line (— —). Represents feminine, receptive, passive, and dark energy. Associated with earth, water, cold, and winter.

The principle of complementary opposites in the universe. Dark-light, feminine-masculine, passive-active. They balance each other, carrying the seed of the other within. The philosophical foundation of I Ching.

Trigram with yang at bottom, two yin above. Represents thunder, movement, the eldest son, and sudden beginnings.