We have written the interpretations as suggestions and as simply and clearly as possible. Some of you will find they are sufficient to realize an answer. Others may gain a more visceral understanding by learning about the trigrams, what the 2 trigrams which make up the hexagram signify, how they are representing the inner and outer reality you are experiencing and, if there are changing lines, where you are in the progression of the concept.
Each of the 64 hexagrams embodies a specific component of life and points to the area of life your answer is highlighting as well as other specifics. For example, 3 suggests the situation you are asking about implies a brand-new beginning, 34, the use of personal power and 52, the value of stillness in certain situations.
Some very general suggestions to assist with interpretation.
Solid line: an initiating outward expression which ancient diviners also saw as “light”, indicating there is the ability to take the initiative. This could be considered a strength when there is a need for decisive action or a weakness when strength becomes aggression, for example.
Broken line: an inward, receptive impulse which the ancient diviners also saw as “dark”, indicating strength is found in accepting the initiative of others. This too could be considered a strength when there is a need to nurture some aspect of life into tangible form or a weakness when receptivity becomes apathetic, for example.
The 6 Lines: Line 1 is on the bottom and moves to Line 6 at the top
Line 1: At the beginning of a new concept or situation with a totally understandable lack of knowledge or experience.
Line 2: This is the center of the lower trigram, corresponding to the center of your internal being within this circumstance.
Line 3: At the topmost aspect of the lower trigram, there is more stress and risk because the experience is moving toward the cusp between your internal world and the external world.
Line 4: First emergence into the external environment, perhaps the beginning of a manifestation.
Line 5: The externalization of the concept, this is often, but not always, the highest expression of the wisdom within the concept embodied by the hexagram.
Line 6: The ending, the exhausting of motivation and energy for this concept as it comes to a natural end.
Trigrams are a set of 8 symbols originating in China containing various combinations of solid yang or broken yin lines. They were used in Taoist cosmology to represent the fundamental principles of reality.
Heaven – Initiating: pure creative, yang energy which cannot be exhausted and does not have form. Three solid lines, providing the entirety of the universe with direction and timing, its creatures with higher purpose, drive and motivation along with the necessary energy and ability to persevere. Attributes: tireless initiating energy and direction. Unbalanced: over-powering or aggression.
Thunder – Shock: the powerful sound of Heaven’s voice which provides access to energy to be used to carry out the laws of Heaven on earth. One solid line with two broken lines on top, there is a burst upward temporarily clearing obstructions and making way for new beginnings or renewals. Attributes: shocking energy for beginnings or renewal. Unbalanced: destructive, rash movements.
Fire – Discernment: an intelligent force which provides illumination and clarity which allows things to be placed into functional order. One broken line between two solid lines, allows for inspiration and discernment as well as the ability to recognize those of similar values in the formation of interdependent communities. Attributes: The ability to bring beauty, function and structure out of inspiration. Unbalanced: Burning too aggressively burns out quickly, co-dependency.
Lake – Opening Up: the impetus to reach out to others in the refreshing revitalization that interchange between people can bring. One broken line on top of two solid lines, there is comfort and joy in emotional exchanges where gentleness and flexibility allow for sharing. Attributes: Connecting with others for comfort, support and to share information. Unbalanced: Too focused on pleasure, too easily influenced by others.
Earth – Responding: vast and timeless, a receptive, nurturing space where initiating energy comes into tangible manifestation. Three broken lines, representing the reality we live in, the people and creatures around us and is based on principles of yielding, accepting and nurturing another’s initiative impetus. Attributes: the opportunity to nurture things into a successful reality. Unbalanced: May be too focused on others or too passive.
Mountain – Stillness: the solid stillness of tangible reality in the outside world and the reality of your individual character. It can be a protection against others’ influence or an isolating prison. One solid line on top of two broken lines provides borders so there are individual, distinctive structures. Attributes: allows for security and trust in individual identity and the solidness of reality. Unbalanced: Rigidity, stubbornness, keeping others out.
Water – Danger: representative of danger or peril because although it adapts to its surroundings, it cannot be held back and will consistently find its own way. One solid line between two broken lines, water sinks down with gravity representing darkness and the inconsistencies of the emotional realm. Attributes: The ability to empathize with others, find where you need to flow within life’s circumstances. Unbalanced: Fearful or over-reactive emotions.
Inner and Outer Trigram Position
Inner trigram (Lines 1 – 3) in the lower position shows in some cases shows what you experience within yourself or within the situation you are asking about. Tending toward a subjective experience, the inner trigram can also include your intentions, which may manifest through the outer trigram.
Outer trigram (Lines 4 -6) in the upper position illustrates what you will find in your exterior environment, whether you are taking action (or not) on the environment or if the environment is acting (or not) on you. This would tend to be a more objective experience which tends to deal with the realities of measurable concepts such as success or failure.
To assist, we’ve included further information on the Lines, Inner and Outer Trigram positions and Trigrams. There are many, many other sources for those who wish to go further such as https://www.jamesdekorne.com/GBCh/GBCh.htm
Further reading from our website: Divination
Our I Ching oracle uses Yarrow Stalk Algorithm Java script, more information about this method is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Ching_divination