32 terms found
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 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 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.
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.