04/24/10

Chapter Eight: Introduce The Hexagrams - Chapter Eight: 2 Active Lines in Return 

This chapter introduces the 64 Heaven to Earth, I Ching hexagrams.  As noted earlier, hexagram and line text interpretations were written by R.L. Wing.  I use the text with author permission.  My future plans are to write hexagram text directly tied to the Change Cycle.  Until then, this is the best text demonstrating the compatibility of Heaven to Earth, I Ching principles with traditional I Ching interpretations.   

Overall, Heaven to Earth, I Ching is designed to open flat with hexagram text on the left side page and active line text on the right page.  Click for an example page.  Notice that Change Cycle numbers appear in the upper-outside corners of each page to ease hexagram search.

On the upper left, next to the Change Cycle number, are the more common names for hexagrams.  Names may vary by author, but find the traditional number located in the upper right corner of the left page. 

Next below is the hexagram image with key words for trigrams.  Primary text is under the image.  When you open hexagram text, double-check your coin toss image with the hexagram image, lower left.  You can use the element images of the Trigram Below and Trigram Above to compare with your I Ching result.  Avoid reading the wrong hexagram text.  In the illustration below, the Trigram Above element of Earth is paired with the Trigram Below element of Thunder.   

Around the hexagram image are the four elements that construct a hexagram.  They are expressed as the Trigrams Below and Above and the Inner and Outer Nuclear Trigrams.  The eight trigrams exert their image and energy (Heaven, Earth, Thunder, Wind-Wood, Water, Fire, Mountain, or Lake) in a manner tempered by its position in a hexagram.   

For example, Trigram Below Thunder and Trigram Above Earth are the bottom three lines and the top three lines, respectively.  Below and Above are related to external qualities.  Look to the chapter on trigram attributes to better appreciate the visible elements expressed in your environment.  The elements in the Trigram Below and Trigram Above positions represent the external forces being brought to bear.  

The Inner and Outer Nuclear trigrams are inside forces.  The elements work "inside" as subtle affects to influence the situation.  The Inner Earth and Outer Earth trigrams operate internal to the question because they form the center four lines of a hexagram.  They indicate the deep forces operating in the situation that are demanding a receptive attitude. 

Overall, view the four trigram elements as uniquely contributing to the dynamics of a hexagram.  Watch for how the elements are represented by changing factors in your situation. 

Next below the hexagram image is the main hexagram text.  Hexagram text is your general advice in response to your question.  To the left of the text are the twelve principle hexagrams. 

The right page lists the active line text with associated hexagrams.  At bottom right is Static Hexagram text for the hexagram Return. 

If you receive a static primary hexagram, pay attention to the static hexagram text on the lower right page.  Read that text whether the static hexagram is primary or secondary.  Generally, a static hexagram indicates the need to pause and review your options.  Here is Lesson Two: Static hexagrams. 

What about reading the inactive line text in a static hexagram?  Such conditions may show a missed opportunity, decision, or danger.  For this reason they can be read, but don’t get confused by weighing them too heavily.  Not advised for beginners.

Next to the Two Active Lines of Return