The Yijing Companion

The ancient Chinese Classic of Changes used for divination and philosophical guidance.

The core, original Bronze Age text of the Changes before historical commentaries were added.

The dual cosmic forces of receptive/passive energy (Yin) and active/creative energy (Yang).

A six-lined symbol formed by stacking two trigrams, representing a specific cosmic situation.

The individual horizontal lines that build a hexagram, read from bottom to top.

A three-lined symbol representing a fundamental force of nature; there are eight total trigrams.

The basic single building block of a hexagram, which can be either solid or broken.

A broken horizontal line representing receptive energy, written visually as “⚋”.

An unbroken horizontal line representing active energy, written visually as “⚊”.

A moving line at peak energy that flips into its opposite state in the resulting hexagram.

A highly active, mature Yang line that is actively changing into a Yin line.

A stable, growing Yang line that remains unchanged during the divination outcome.

A stable, quiet Yin line that remains unchanged during the divination outcome.

A highly receptive, mature Yin line that is actively changing into a Yang line.

The vertical placement of a line, which determines its timing and social status.

The first line of a hexagram, representing the beginning stage or hidden foundations.

The second line, representing inner modesty and the core of the lower trigram.

The third line, representing a stressful transition state at the top of the lower trigram.

The fourth line, representing cautious entry into the outer world and higher positions.

The fifth line, representing the ruler, peak success, and the ultimate position of authority.

The sixth line, representing the end of a cycle, retirement, or detachment.

The initial hexagram cast, representing the current situation and its immediate realities.

The resulting hexagram formed after changing lines flip, showing future trends.

An internal hexagram formed by lines 2, 3, 4, and 5, revealing hidden core motives.

The fluid process of transformation as energy shifts from one hexagram state to another.

The symbolic imagery and omens presented by the layout of the lines.

The qualitative verdict of a reading, ranging from good fortune to misfortune.

The overarching summary text of a hexagram, explaining its main theme and advice.

The philosophical text explaining how the natural elements of the trigrams relate to behavior.

The specific poetic text assigned to an individual line when it is triggered.

The Creative force representing Heaven, strength, fathers, and pure active energy.

The Joyous force representing Lakes, open communication, youngest daughters, and pleasure.

The Clinging force representing Fire, brightness, middle daughters, and intellectual awareness.

The Arousing force representing Thunder, movement, eldest sons, and sudden awakening.

The Gentle force representing Wind/Wood, penetration, eldest daughters, and flexibility.

The Abyssal force representing Water, deep danger, middle sons, and emotional depth.

The Keeping Still force representing Mountains, stillness, youngest sons, and boundaries.

The Receptive force representing Earth, devotion, mothers, and pure yielding energy.

The five elemental energies that drive all natural cycles: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water.

The harmonious nurturing loop where each element births and strengthens the next sequential element.

Burning wood feeds and creates a blazing fire.

Fire reduces matter to ash, creating rich soil and earth.

Deep earth compresses and concentrates minerals to form precious metal.

Metals melt into liquid forms, or condensation forms on metallic surfaces.

Rain and water nourish seeds to grow tall trees and plants.

The balancing, destructive loop where elements control or destroy one another.

Plant roots break through and deplete the soil.

Dirt walls dam up, absorb, and redirect flowing water paths.

Liquid douses, cools, and extinguishes burning open flames.

Intense heat melts, warps, and reshapes hard metallic structures.

Sharp metal axes chop down and clear away trees.

动 (dòng): Move, change, activate, or stir. 爻 (yáo): Line in a hexagram; Moving Yang: ─×─ (Old Yang, ritual number 9). Turns into a static Yin line (─ ─). Moving Yin: ─ o ─ (Old Yin, ritual number 6). Turns into a static Yang line (──).

The visual notation path showing how a situation shifts over time.