Earth above – Heaven below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Tai, one of the most favorable words in the language. Tai is also the name of a sacred mountain where “the emperor performed sacrifices in order to harmonise the great spirits with man”, inviting their power into human life. Other names for this hexagram align with the notion of Tai, such as: Advance, Harmony, Peace and Interplay. Although Flow suggests a quiet peace, and there can still be a measure of peace, this is a large, dynamic situation of cosmic change with an internal push. There is an ebullient surge as Heaven meets Earth and everything is meant to work out for the greater good. The ability to advance or be in harmony is a usually brief time in life and always subject to constant change as part of the journey.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
Trigram Heaven is shown in the image (below right) as the bottom 3 lines. When trigram Heaven is below, it references the inner realm of the person or situation. Heaven is the source of life power and endurance, providing directives, rules and responsibilities. Here is opportunity to heed the internal voice of Heaven to access direction and timing.
Trigram Earth is on top of trigram Heaven, showing the externalized situation. Heaven, as the inner impulse, is expressed out into the reality of physical life through trigram Earth. Thus, Earth receives and nurtures Heaven’s directives in the material world – and productive inspiration is facilitated into physical form.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. The top character is a person with arms spread out wide. The 3-pronged images below it, on the right and left, show hands with fingers up in praise. In between the hands are 5 lines, 1 long in the middle flanked by 2 short ones on either side. This is the symbol for trigram Water turned on its side. Taken all together there is the idea of proceeding smoothly, with great ease.
In summary: Earth (yin) is pictured as above Heaven (yang). This may seem out of the natural order – we usually think of Heaven above Earth. The image within this hexagram portrays yin and yang uniting because Earth descends as Heaven rises; then Spirit (Heaven) meets with Matter (Earth). In other words, good direction comes from inside, works through and is accepted by the outer reality. These are very large energies and may not always feel totally peaceful, but the flow is intended in service of a higher good. Flow serves as model for society as the importance of harmony and union between people when communications and actions are sincere.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – The ancient diviners describe this as a time where things are “beginning to ascend” favorably. Keep interconnection with others in mind, the ancients saw life as a network, similar to the intertwined roots of a cluster of plants. By this they were illustrating the wisdom of including supportive co-workers in one’s life to strengthen and fortify one another.
Line 2 – Attitude affects advancement in life. Being able to keep one’s mind open to new possibilities, no matter what is happening, is advantageous. Another suggestion is having the attitude of generosity of spirt to all because it assures an easy heart, even as people and situations may come and go in one’s life.
Line 3 – There is the suggestion here of one who is not at their desired situation. The peace and harmony sought may be found by staying on the ever-changing, leading-edge of experience (even if it is not always comfortable) and by learning how to be content with “what is” as it continuously unfolds.
Line 4 – It is possible the people in your surroundings are not supportive. You may need to give up your position to move further afield. Without anger or false regrets, sincerely utilize your strength in following your true values regardless of whether you stay or leave.
Line 5 – This line represents a blessing through the joining of Heaven and Earth. One can find a way to harmonious action, even if that required action involves humility, sacrifice, forgiveness and acceptance. This placement indicates a good step toward lasting prosperity and happiness through moving to higher principles.
Line 6 – A suggestion that things may not be as great as you may have wished for. The laws of time cannot be overcome and everything eventually comes to a point of falling apart. When this happens and confusion sets in, allow this necessary transition to complete while you attend to present-time responsibilities in your home and community.