I CHING AND FENG SHUI
The I Ching, which translates to The Classic Book of Changes, is one of the oldest known Chinese texts of philosophy and divination, and the most well-known classical Chinese work of ageless wisdom alongside the Tao Te Ching.
The wisdom of the I Ching has influenced numerous ancient philosophies and disciplines, including feng shui. Conveying the rhythms and laws of the Universe in a specific structure of 64 hexagrams, this ancient text opens the door to a deep understanding of human actions, desires, and the inevitable nature of change.
The author of the I Ching is considered to be Fu Hsi, who is somewhat of a mythical figure in Chinese history. It is purported that he lived in 2800-2737 BC; and that he discovered the eight trigrams of the feng shui bagua by reading the back of a mysterious turtle.
The eight initial trigrams later developed into 64 hexagrams, which are sets of six lines expressing the yin and yang nature of any energy, be it an event, a person, or an intended action. The Yang energy is represented by solid, unbroken lines and the Yin is shown in lines with an opening in the middle.
The I Ching is considered essential to consult during life’s crossroads.
I CHING SUMMARY
Here is a summary of the different meanings of each of the 64 I Ching readings.
1. Ch'ien / The Creative: Represents the ultimate creative force and signifies success through determination, initiative, and strong leadership.
2. K'un / The Receptive: Symbolizes receptivity and yielding, emphasizing the power of patience, adaptability, and nurturing to achieve harmony and success.
3. Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning: Indicates challenges and obstacles at the outset, advising perseverance and careful planning to overcome initial difficulties and achieve eventual success.
4. Meng / Youthful Folly: Warns against impulsive actions and immature decisions, suggesting the need for prudence and self-discipline to avoid setbacks.
5. Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment): Advises patience and contemplation in a period of waiting, emphasizing the importance of preparation and inner development for future success.
6. Sung / Conflict: Portrays a time of tension and conflict, urging the resolution of disputes through open communication, compromise, and diplomacy to avoid long-term damage.
7. Shih / The Army: Represents a disciplined and organized approach to challenges, emphasizing strategic planning, unity, and cooperation to achieve success in endeavors.
8. Pi / Holding Together (Union): Highlights the strength of unity and cooperation, suggesting that collective efforts and mutual support lead to success and stability.
9. Hsiao Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Small: Emphasizes the influence of small, gradual efforts in bringing about positive change, advocating patience and persistence in the face of challenges.
10. Lü / Treading (Conduct): Encourages careful and deliberate actions, stressing the importance of ethical conduct and prudence in navigating life's paths to ensure long-term success.
11. T'ai / Peace: Signifies a time of tranquility and harmony, promoting balance, diplomacy, and cooperation to maintain peace and stability.
12. P'i / Standstill (Stagnation): Indicates a period of stagnation and standstill, advising introspection, patience, and the elimination of obstacles to break free from inertia and move forward.
13. T'ung Jên / Fellowship with Men: Emphasizes the power of harmonious relationships and mutual understanding, suggesting that collaboration and cooperation with others lead to success and fulfillment.
14. Ta Yu / Possession in Great Measure: Signifies abundance and prosperity, cautioning against complacency and the responsible management of resources for sustained success.
15. Ch'ien / Modesty: Encourages humility and modesty, emphasizing the value of self-awareness and the avoidance of arrogance to foster positive relationships and personal growth.
16. Yü / Enthusiasm: Symbolizes a time of high energy and enthusiasm, advising the channeling of this energy into productive endeavors and the avoidance of reckless actions.
17. Sui / Following: Recommends adaptability and humility, suggesting that success lies in aligning oneself with the prevailing circumstances and following a path of least resistance.
18. Ku / Work on what has been Spoiled (Decay): Represents the need for addressing and rectifying issues, emphasizing the importance of timely intervention to prevent further deterioration and promote renewal.
19. Lin / Approach: Advises a gradual and cautious approach to challenges, highlighting the importance of careful preparation and attention to detail for long-term success.
20. Kuan / Contemplation (View): Encourages introspection and thoughtful observation, suggesting that clarity of perception and a deep understanding of situations lead to wise decisions and success.
21. Shih Ho / Biting Through: Signifies the need for decisive action and determination in overcoming obstacles, emphasizing the power of persistence and the courage to confront challenges head-on.
22. Pi / Grace: Represents the power of attractiveness and charm, suggesting that cultivating positive relationships and graciousness lead to success and favorable outcomes.
23. Po / Splitting Apart: Indicates a time of separation and disintegration, advising careful handling of conflicts and the need for constructive solutions to prevent lasting damage.
24. Fu / Return (The Turning Point): Symbolizes a turning point or transition, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing circumstances and seizing opportunities for renewal and progress.
25. Wu Wang / Innocence (The Unexpected): Represents a state of innocence and spontaneity, advising openness to new experiences and the ability to adapt to unexpected situations for personal and spiritual growth.
26. Ta Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Great: Signifies the influence of powerful forces, urging the cultivation of inner strength, humility, and adaptability to navigate challenges successfully.
27. I / The Corners of the Mouth (Nourishment): Highlights the importance of nourishing oneself and others, emphasizing balanced and sustainable approaches to achieve well-being and success.
28. Ta Kuo / Preponderance of the Great: Signifies the dominance of powerful forces, advising the cultivation of inner strength, caution, and adaptability to navigate challenges successfully.
29. K'an / The Abysmal (Water): Symbolizes a time of uncertainty and danger, advising flexibility, adaptability, and careful navigation to overcome obstacles and avoid setbacks.
30. Li / The Clinging (Fire): Represents a time of clinging and attachment, advising the need for moderation and awareness to avoid excessive desires and maintain balance.
31. Hsieh / Influence (Wooing): Signifies the power of influence and attraction, advising the careful use of charisma and diplomacy to achieve positive outcomes in relationships and endeavors.
32. Heng / Duration: Emphasizes the importance of persistence and endurance, suggesting that long-term success requires patience, determination, and the ability to weather challenges.
33. Tun / Retreat: Advises strategic withdrawal and reflection, emphasizing the importance of regrouping and reassessing in order to advance more effectively in the future.
34. Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great: Represents the potential for great power and influence, advising responsible and ethical use of such power for the benefit of all.
35. Chin / Progress: Signifies steady progress and advancement, advising a disciplined and focused approach to achieve success through continuous effort and improvement.
36. Ming I / Darkening of the Light: Indicates a time of confusion and uncertainty, advising the cultivation of inner clarity, caution, and patience to navigate challenges successfully.
37. Chia Jên / The Family (The Clan): Emphasizes the importance of family and community, suggesting that nurturing positive relationships and fostering cooperation lead to lasting success and fulfillment.
38. K'uei / Opposition: Symbolizes a time of opposition and conflict, advising the cultivation of diplomacy, flexibility, and compromise to navigate challenges successfully.
39. Chien / Obstruction: Represents obstacles and challenges, advising perseverance, adaptability, and strategic thinking to overcome barriers and achieve success.
40. Hsieh / Deliverance: Signifies liberation from difficulties, advising the need for patience, careful planning, and the alignment of intentions with higher principles to achieve freedom and success.
41. Sun / Decrease: Indicates a time of decrease and reduction, advising a prudent and frugal approach to preserve resources and navigate challenges successfully.
42. I / Increase: Signifies a time of increase and growth, advising responsible management of resources and the need for a balanced and ethical approach to achieve sustained success.
43. Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness): Represents a time of breakthrough and decisive action, advising boldness, determination, and resilience to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
44. Kou / Coming to Meet: Advises a receptive and open attitude, suggesting that success comes through adaptability, cooperation, and the ability to meet challenges with a positive mindset.
45. Ts'ui / Gathering Together (Massing): Symbolizes the power of collective unity, advising the consolidation of resources and efforts for a common goal, fostering strength through collaboration.
46. Shêng / Pushing Upward: Represents a time of growth and upward momentum, advising a proactive and determined approach to overcome obstacles and achieve progress.
47. K'un / Oppression (Exhaustion): Indicates a period of oppression and exhaustion, advising patience, inner strength, and careful planning to endure difficulties and facilitate renewal.
48. Ching / The Well: Emphasizes the importance of inner clarity and sincerity, suggesting that genuine communication and alignment with higher principles lead to lasting success.
49. Ko / Revolution (Molting): Signifies a time of radical transformation, advising adaptability, courage, and openness to change to navigate challenges successfully.
50. Ting / The Caldron: Represents a situation of stability and nourishment, advising the cultivation of inner strength, ethical conduct, and the responsible use of power for positive outcomes.
51. Chên / The Arousing (Shock, Thunder): Symbolizes a time of awakening and sudden change, advising a proactive and alert approach to respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges.
52. Kên / Keeping Still (Mountain): Indicates a time of stillness and contemplation, advising patience, reflection, and the cultivation of inner strength to endure difficulties.
53. Chien / Development (Gradual Progress): Emphasizes the importance of gradual progress and development, advising patience, perseverance, and a disciplined approach to achieve long-term success.
54. Kuei Mei / The Marrying Maiden: Signifies the union of complementary forces, advising adaptability, patience, and mutual respect in relationships to achieve harmony and success.
55. Fêng / Abundance (Fullness): Represents a time of abundance and prosperity, advising the responsible management of resources and the cultivation of gratitude to ensure lasting success.
56. Lü / The Wanderer: Indicates a time of wandering and exploration, advising openness to new experiences, adaptability, and the cultivation of inner strength to navigate uncertainties successfully.
57. Sun / The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind): Emphasizes the power of gentleness and flexibility, advising a non-confrontational approach and adaptability to achieve success in various situations.
58. Tui / The Joyous (Lake): Signifies a time of joy and celebration, advising the cultivation of positive relationships, gratitude, and a lighthearted approach to life for lasting fulfillment.
59. Huan / Dispersion (Dissolution): Indicates a time of dispersal and transition, advising adaptability, careful planning, and the alignment of intentions with higher principles for positive outcomes.
60. Chieh / Limitation: Emphasizes the importance of setting limits and boundaries, advising a disciplined and balanced approach to avoid excesses and achieve long-term success.
61. Chung Fu / Inner Truth: Represents the discovery of inner truth and authenticity, advising honesty, self-reflection, and alignment with one's true values for lasting success.
62. Hsiao Kuo / Preponderance of the Small: Signifies the influence of small, gradual efforts, advising patience, persistence, and attention to detail for long-term success.
63. Chi Chi / After Completion: Indicates a time of completion and fulfillment, advising the recognition of achievements, gratitude, and careful planning for the next phase of growth.
64. Wei Chi / Before Completion: Represents a time of anticipation and preparation for completion, advising caution, attention to detail, and strategic planning to ensure a successful conclusion.