If you study Chinese metaphysics, astrology, or traditional medicine, you’ll find that many of their ideas trace back to the I Ching (Yijing). Therefore, it’s the foundation of many ancient Chinese systems, yet few realize it has two sides— philosophy and spirituality, and the other is divination. The 8 trigrams are the foundation of the I Ching and many other related practices. Thus, understanding them is key to reading the I Ching correctly. It seems simple, but they form the basis of Yin and Yang, numerology, and even the spiritual side of the I Ching. When referring to spiritual, it’s not religion. It’s about personal growth and awareness.

The Tai Chi symbol represents the I Ching. Therefore, it is the unity of everything—living, non-living, and everything in the universe. Tai Chi consists of two life forces: Yin and Yang. When Yin and Yang combine, they create the four images:

• Great Yin
• Lesser Yang
• Lesser Yin
• Great Yang

These four images represent different states of energy or mind. From there, we get the eight trigrams. Thus, the numbers linked to the trigrams in the Early Heaven sequence become crucial for forming a hexagram. In I Ching, Yin energy is represented by a broken line, while a continuous line represents Yang energy.

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Establishing the Early and Later Bagua from the 8 Trigrams ☯️

“Early Bagua”

In the Early Heaven Bagua, this version was created by King Wen, who wrote the original text of the 64 hexagrams. He studied this arrangement intensely and used it to understand the universe. Later, a famous master named Shao Yong created the Plum Blossom method and used this layout. Thus, he developed his reading methods based on this same pattern.

The numbers (1 to 8) show how the 8 trigrams connect and flow into one another. Therefore, these numbers help show how numerology is used with the trigrams. Below are the names and meanings of each trigram:

1. Qian Gua (☰) means Heaven.
2. Dui Gua (☱) means Lake or Marsh.
3. Li Gua (☲) is Fire.
4. Zhen Gua (☳) is Thunder.
5. Xun Gua (☴) means Wind.
6. Kan Gua (☵) is Water.
7. Gen Gua (☶) means Mountain.
8. Kun Gua (☷) is Earth.

Thus, these trigrams come from nature. Ancient people studied how the world works—birth, growth, decay, and death. They saw patterns in the stars, the seasons, and life itself. Even though life can seem random, they found a deeper order in the chaos. As a result, the Bagua became a symbol of the universe’s perfect design.

“Later Bagua”

But there’s more than one arrangement. Another version is the Later Heaven Bagua. This one shows how things change and evolve. With the Later Bagua layout, Li (Fire) is on top, and Kan (Water) is at the bottom.

Therefore, the Later Heaven Bagua is about movement and transformation. It helps explain how people, nature, and life change with time. In addition, we use it to predict the future by looking at what might come next. Think of it like statistics—if A happens, B will follow. That’s how it works in I Ching readings.

So, the Later Heaven Bagua shows how everything evolves— Events, people, feelings, and thoughts. Nothing stays the same forever. Even love changes over time. Someone might say, “I’ll love you for a thousand years.” But even in a thousand years, things will still change. Because that’s life—it’s always moving.

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Fundamentals of Yi (I Ching)

Everything that happens in life—your feelings, experiences, or problems—can be understood. There is always a reason behind it. With I Ching (Yijing), we can use logic or divination to get answers. To do that, we need to turn thoughts or events into something we can see and understand. The I Ching (Yijing) has four main parts.

1. Images (Symbols and Visuals) – 象

The first part is about images. These images come from the 8 trigrams. If you think in pictures, this will feel natural to you. Thus, you might call yourself a visual person. But “image” doesn’t always mean a physical thing like the sky. Sometimes, it’s what you see in your mind—your imagination.

You might wonder: “Is imagination real?” When imagination is used with belief, it becomes faith. Faith helps you feel strong. It takes away fear and brings courage. Therefore, many practitioners look at a hexagram, and images come to them. They instantly “see” the answer or story behind it. It’s not magic, but like a gut feeling or a vision. It’s a kind of deep understanding through pictures in the mind.

2. Calculation (Logic and Numbers) – 算

However, not everyone is visual. They can’t visualize things and must rely on math. They like to use logic, numbers, and systems to get answers. Thus, this method is more left-brained. It looks at the Five Elements and branches and how they interact. These patterns can be calculated using formulas and rules.

3. Theory (Philosophy and Meaning) – 理

Another method is via principles. This is the philosophy path. It includes learning about wisdom, natural laws, and spiritual ideas. Some prefer Divine guidance. It’s to feel connected to a higher truth. But it’s not just about asking for help all the time. Eventually, you grow to become wise and self-aware.

A spiritually awakened person sees things differently from others. They know the truth without being fooled by emotions or thoughts. In addition, they stay calm, have a healthy mind, and balanced emotions. Creating what you want in life is simple when you’re in this state. Thus, this is called manifestation—turning your thoughts into reality.

4. Divination (Asking for Guidance) – 占

The last part is divination—a way to ask for answers. Some people call it a ritual, but it’s not religious. It’s more like a method for connecting your mind to wisdom. Thus, it’s about tuning your energy and aligning your thoughts. When done right, it can bring you answers and direction.

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Qian Gua 乾卦 ☰ (Heaven 天) – The 8 Trigrams ☁️

Let’s start with the first trigram: Qian (☰). It consists of three solid lines, which means pure Yang energy. Thus, it’s often linked to Heaven, space, or strong, active energy.

What Does Qian Represent?

Qian is the leader. It can mean the father, the boss, or someone in charge. In the past, this mostly meant men. But today, anyone who plays a leadership role—regardless of gender—can be represented by Qian. So whether it’s a CEO, team lead, or head of a household, Qian applies.

Qian’s Qualities

If Qian shows up in your reading, it may be telling you to:

• Be brave
• Take initiative
• Lead with strength and confidence

If you have a question, “Should I take this leadership role?” and you see Qian, the answer is likely yes.

🐘 Animals, Places & More

Qian relates to strong animals, such as:

• Horses
• Lions
• Elephants

It’s also tied to huge buildings such as skyscrapers, grand hotels, or luxury lobbies. Direction-wise, Qian points to the Northwest based on the Later Bagua. Therefore, it can relate to travel, opportunities in capital cities, or meetings with important people.

💼Career & Roles

Qian is a leadership trigram. As a result, if you’re asking about a job in management or decision-making, and Qian shows up, go for it. But if the job is more behind-the-scenes or admin-based, and you still see Qian, it might not be the right fit.

₿ Money & Business

Qian can also represent wealth and high status. Thus, it favors trades like:

• Precious metals (gold, silver)
• Jewelry (jade, gems)
• Even Bitcoin or top cryptocurrencies (since they “lead” the crypto market)

Therefore, if you see Qian in a reading about investments, chances are it’s a green light.

In Love & Marriage

Qian shows the initiator in relationships. Traditionally, the one who proposes. But today, anyone can take the lead—man or woman.

Health, Law & Numbers

• Body parts: Head, brain, face
• Legal matters: The judge or authority figure
• Number: 6

📌 Final Notes of Qian – The 8 Trigrams

When Qian appears, imagine power, leadership, and taking action. It’s not for followers—it’s for those ready to lead and succeed. However, context is everything. You should always connect Qian to the specific question being asked.

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Kun Gua 坤卦 ☷ (Earth 地) – The 8 Trigrams 🌱

If Qian is the leader, then Kun is the follower. But that doesn’t mean Kun is weak. Kun represents the support system. Therefore, if Qian is the one person leading, Kun is everyone else working together.

👩 What Does Kun Represent?

Kun relates to:

• The mother
• Someone nurturing, caring, and gentle
• A team player, not the boss

But just like Qian doesn’t have to mean a man, Kun doesn’t mean a woman. As a result, it’s about the role, not the gender.

Kun’s Qualities

Kun consists of three broken lines, which means pure Yin. Yin is not a weakness. Therefore, it’s a different kind of strength, like:

• Being calm in the chaos
• Admitting mistakes
• Showing empathy and care

This type of power is silent but powerful.

Buildings and Spaces

If Qian represents tall buildings, then Kun is flat land or little homes. Thus, you can relate it to:

• Farms
• Barns
• Single-story houses
• Soil or open fields

Wealth and Career

Kun means slow and steady wealth. Therefore, it’s about land ownership, long-term, and growing things over time. If you’re asking about investments, Kun suggests safer, long-term options like:

• Buying land or property
• Holding onto stable assets
• Trading things like grains, livestock, or even slow-moving crypto

As a result, it’s not about fast money—it’s about building wealth with patience.

❤️ Love and Family

Kun often represents women, especially in readings about fertility or family. If someone is struggling with pregnancy, and Kun appears but is blocked or countered, it might suggest problems with the womb or reproductive health.

Health and the Body

Kun is related to the stomach, abdomen, or flesh (the soft parts of the body). Therefore, depending on where it occurs on the chart, it may indicate digestive or skin concerns.

Travel & Direction

Kun’s direction is the Southwest. Thus, if you’re considering migrating, moving, or traveling, and Kun shows up, head Southwest.

Education and Events

In learning, Qian is the teacher, and Kun is the student. Where does Kun appear if you ask about a seminar, course, or event? You can expect lots of people to attend. But what if Kun is missing? It might be a small crowd instead.

Numbers Linked to Kun

Kun links to the number 2—because it’s the second trigram. Therefore, it’s the Earth element and represents the collective.

📌 Final Thoughts of Kun – The 8 Trigrams

Kun is nurturing, stable, and compelling in quiet ways. It’s the support system behind every leader, the Earth that lets things grow. As a result, you should use Kun’s meaning based on your question:

• Do you need to be more patient or gentle?
• Want to grow wealth slowly? Kun is great.
• Wondering who’s supporting you? Kun may show loyal people.

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Zhen Gua 震卦 ☳ (Thunder 雷) – The 8 Trigrams ⚡

Let’s talk about Zhen, also known as the Thunder Trigram. Thunder brings sudden and abrupt change. So whenever Zhen shows up, expect something unexpected to happen.

What Does Zhen Represent?

Zhen stands for:

• Sudden movement
• Shocks or surprises
• Quick changes

It also represents the eldest son in the family. In the workplace, Zhen is like a mid-level leader who leads a team but reports to a higher boss. Thus, you can think of Thor in the Marvel Universe. Thor is loud, fast, and dynamic—just like Zhen. Odin (his father) would be Qian.

🔊 Sound and Vibes

Thunder is not just loud—it’s all about sound. Zhen is related to noise, music, and instruments like drums or guitars. It can also be lively places like concerts or busy streets. Zhen may therefore be involved in situations involving sound or vibration.

Emotions and Mood

Zhen also links to:

• Sudden mood swings
• Mental stress
• Panic or fear

Because thunder can startle, Zhen can show emotional disruptions or even mental health issues when reading for health.

Element and Direction

• Element: Wood 🌳
• Direction: East ➡️
• Number: 3

In health readings, it can represent the liver or nervous system. In emotional readings, it might point to anxiety or overstimulation.

🤖 Innovation and Disruption

Zhen also represents startups, tech companies, and disruptive industries. Therefore, it’s about breaking the norm, doing things differently, and making fast changes. But timing is key. When the timing is ripe, the idea could succeed. If not, even a good idea might struggle.

Wealth and Growth

Zhen can point to wealth through planting or growth, like:

• Tea or coffee plantations
• Wine production
• Wood-based businesses

It’s about starting something that takes time to grow.

📌 Final Notes of Zhen – The 8 Trigrams

Zhen brings energy and motion. Thus, it’s the wake-up call of the trigrams. When it appears, something is about to shift fast. So if Zhen shows up in your reading, ask:

• What change is coming?
• Am I ready to act quickly?
• Is this disruption a risk or an opportunity?

As a result, understanding Zhen helps you see where movement and breakthroughs may happen.

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Xun Gua 巽卦 ☴ (Wind 风) – The 8 Trigrams 💨

Following up, the Xun Gua, also called the Wind Trigram. It’s the counterpart of Zhen (Thunder). If Zhen is the eldest son, Xun is the eldest daughter.

What Does Xun Represent?

Xun is about:

• Gentle movement
• Intelligence
• Refinement

While Zhen is bold and loud, Xun is quiet and intelligent. Therefore, you can imagine Zhen as the brawn and Xun as the brain. If Zhen is a person in a gym, Xun can represent one studying in a library or a wine-tasting room. One is fast and loud, but the other is graceful and thoughtful.

The Smart One

Xun represents the studious type. It’s someone who does:

• Research
• Analysis
• Data collection
• Deep thinking

It can be someone in a leadership role, but not the top leader—more like second-in-command. It could be male or female. Therefore, it’s more about the role than the gender.

Wind vs Thunder

Zhen Gua (Thunder) = Sudden change

Xun Gua (Wind) = Gradual change

Wind moves softly and reaches everywhere. Before you notice it, it’s already there.

👃Sound vs Scent

Zhen is about sound. Xun is about scent or vibe. Thus, if you hear thunder, you feel a shock. If you sense wind, it’s more subtle, like picking up a scent or feeling in the air.

📚Areas of Life

Xun is related to education, analytics, intellectual property, research, knowledge, assessments, and reports. Thus, Xun is the trigram to look for if your question concerns learning, studying, or detailed planning.

Travel and Relaxation

Because it’s the wind, Xun also connects with:

• Movement
• Vacations
• Enjoyable travel

While Zhen is about fast, disruptive movement, Xun is about slow, relaxing trips—like a holiday or a peaceful getaway.

Direction, Element & Number

• Element: Wood 🌳
• Direction: Southeast ↘️
• Number: 4

📌 Final Notes of Xun – The 8 Trigrams

Therefore, Xun is the thinker of the trigrams. If it shows up, it’s a sign to analyze carefully, take your time, and let things unfold gradually. It helps you in situations that require patience, planning, and mental clarity.

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Kan Gua 坎卦 ☵ (Water 水) – The 8 Trigrams 💧

Kan is also called the Water Trigram. Thus, it’s the only trigram that belongs to the Water element.

⚠️ What Does Kan Represent?

Kan often means danger, problems, or unexpected obstacles. However, it does not always indicate something terrible. It depends on the question you asked. For example, if you’re asking about a water-related business (like shipping or fishing), then Kan is a positive sign.

🌊 Water Means Going Down

Water flows downward. So if Kan shows up in a question about the stock market or a business trend, it could mean:

• Things are going down
• The outcome may not go well

Kan is a warning sign—but only when unrelated to water.

Who or What Does Kan Represent?

• A middle son
• Someone in middle management
• A person doing difficult, dangerous, or stressful work
• Careers: research, law, marine jobs, deep-sea fishing, wine trading

As a result, it is the role where you handle difficulties or cope with challenging jobs.

Kan & the Body

Kan is related to:

• The kidneys
• The ears
• The lower body

🍷 Kan & Objects

Objects related to Kan include:

• Cups, bottles, or glasses (anything that holds liquid)
• Alcohol, water, or soup
• Anything dark-colored or black

🚢 Kan & Business or Money

If your query involves business or money matters, Kan may indicate losses or dangerous dealings. But if you’re in a water-based industry, Kan could signal success, growth, or a good time to act.

Direction, Element & Number

• Element: Water 💧
• Direction: North ⬆️
• Number: 1

📌 Final Thoughts of Kan – The 8 Trigrams

Kan reminds us to be careful. It teaches us to be aware of hidden dangers and stay sharp when things feel uncertain. Thus, it can help you avoid mishaps or spot an awesome water-related opportunity.

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Li Gua 离卦 ☲ (Fire 火) – The 8 Trigrams 🔥

Li, also known as the Fire Trigram. Thus, if Kan is the quiet planner behind the scenes, Li is the face in the spotlight.

👩 Who Does Li Represent?

Traditionally, Li represents the middle daughter or a woman in her mid-years. In modern terms, Li represents:

• Influencers
• Spokespersons
• People in the public eye

So if someone is building a personal brand or working in media, advertising, or digital marketing, they’re Li.

✨ What Does Li Symbolize?

Fire is bright and visible. Therefore, Li is related to fame, popularity, recognition, and hype. It’s what people see on the outside. You can relate to social media buzz, a new product launch, or a viral video.

🧠 Different Kinds of Smart

Each trigram has its kind of intelligence:

• Kan (Water) = Deep thinker
• Xun (Wind) = Studious and refined
• Li (Fire) = Charismatic and creative

As a result, Li shines, stands out, and makes things look beautiful. Examples include poets, writers, designers, and influencers.

What Else Can Li Mean?

Li is also about the eyes (what we see) and the heart (what we feel). It’s also traditionally represented by:

• Brightness and light
• Energy and electricity
• Fireplaces, lighting, heat, technology

Therefore, Li is a good sign if something is gaining attention or going viral.

📉 When Li Can Mean Trouble

Li appearing at the wrong time can represent bad press, hype turning into fear, or a fall from fame. For example, a hot stock one day might get bad news the next—this could show up as Li in “emptiness” or out of season.

Li in Direction, Element, and Number

• Element: Fire 🔥
• Direction: South ⬇️
• Number: 9

🛍️ Li in Careers and Business

Li is generally strong in media & entertainment. It includes the following:

• Beauty and fashion
• Social media & influencer marketing
• Energy, electricity, lighting
• Anything high-visibility

As a result, Li can signal a product launch, a hyped-up IPO, or a buzz-worthy trend in trading. It’s all about the surface and how it appears to the public.

📌 Final Thoughts of Li – The 8 Trigrams

Therefore, Li is all about what others see. It represents what is rising and visible in your world, whether fame or flames.

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Gen Gua 艮卦 ☶ (Mountain 山) – The 8 Trigrams ⛰️

Next, we look at Gen, also called the Mountain Trigram. Thus, it’s all about stillness, strength, and support.

Who Does Gen Represent?

Traditionally, Gen represents:

• The youngest son
• A young leader or someone with early authority

🏔️ What Does Gen Symbolize?

Gen stands for:

• Mountains
• Rock-solid stability
• Stillness and peace

However, for the body, Gen is linked to your backbone—your support system.

In Everyday Life

Thus, in daily life, Gen can point to:

• High places (like mountain tops)
• Solid objects (like rocks and boulders)
• Buildings and real estate (especially rentals and long-term assets)

But, if you see Gen in a reading about relationships, it may suggest:

• Quiet, stable love
• Spiritual connection
• Celibacy or peaceful companionship, especially in old age

💰 Gen in Money and Business

When it comes to wealth, Gen is about:

• Savings
• Fixed deposits
• Inherited wealth
• Long-term investments

It’s not about fast money but steady growth over time.

🧘‍♂️ Gen in Spiritual Life

Gen also connects to meditation, self-cultivation, and spiritual studies. Therefore, it’s the energy of quiet learning and inner peace.

Gen in Direction, Element, and Number

• Element: Earth 🌎
• Direction: Northeast ↗️
• Number: 8

📌 Final Thoughts of Gen – The 8 Trigrams

Gen is the quiet strength behind the scenes. Therefore, it reminds us that sometimes the best move is no movement, just staying steady.

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Dui Gua 兑卦 ☱ (Marsh 泽) – The 8 Trigrams 🏞️

Finally, we come to Dui, the Lake Trigram. Thus, it refers to joy, talking, and happiness.

Who Does Dui Gua Represent?

Traditionally, Dui represents:

• The youngest daughter
• A young lady in charge

🌊 What Does Dui Gua Symbolize?

Dui Gua stands for:

• Lakes or ponds (calm but lively)
• Pretty and cheerful energy (compared to Li Gua’s elegance and beauty)

It also points to a talkative, friendly, and chatty environment.

🗣️ In Everyday Life

In real life, Dui shows up as:

• Conversations, laughter, and mingling
• Meetings and social gatherings

On the other hand, Dui rules the mouth, the throat, and the teeth in the body.

🎤 Dui in Career and Work

Careers related to Dui Gua often involve talking or performance, such as:

• Singers
• Public speakers
• Trainers
• Salespeople

Thus, it’s perfect for jobs that need charm, words, and connection.

Dui Gua in Business and Trading

In trading, Dui can mean:

• Lots of talk and discussion
• Movements without much volume

It can also hint at arguments or disputes, as Dui rules communication, good or bad.

Dui in Direction, Element, and Number

• Element: Metal 🪙
• Direction: West ⬅️
• Number: 7

📌 Final Thoughts of Dui – The 8 Trigrams

Dui reminds us that happiness should be shared. Thus, they bring joy into the world via words, laughter, and connection to others.

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Understanding Timing with the 8 Trigrams (Gua)

Sometimes, when reading a Trigram, we look at timing to see if something is strong or weak. Each Gua is related to Chinese zodiac animal signs and seasons. If the timing matches, it means the Gua is prosperous. However, if not, then it could be weak or unlucky.

Gua and Animal Signs

Thus, here’s a simple example:

• Qian Gua is strong during the Dog and Pig months (October–November)
• Kan Gua is strong during Rat month (December)

If you see Kan Gua during Rat season, it means good fortune — things grow stronger. But if you see Kan Gua during Horse Month (June), it’s not good — it’s out of season, so things go down faster. Thus, when using timing, you want to ask questions like:

• “When is the best time to start a new project?”
• “When will I find a new career?”

For example:

• If you ask about starting a Fire Element career (like an influencer or tech job), and you see Li Gua (Fire), then you check if it’s during Snake, Horse, or Goat months (May–July). If yes, the timing is good. But if not, maybe it’s best to wait!

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