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The
Eight Trigrams of
the Yi Ching
By
Sallie Tsui Sien
Understanding the Eight Trigrams is fundamental to the
learning and
practice of
effective Feng
Shui. The eight
trigrams (known as Ba
Gua in Chinese)
are the roots of
the 64 hexagrams
in the Yi Ching (also
pronounced as I-Ching).
These hexagrams
are also used in
Xuan Kong Da Gua
Feng Shui.
Basic
to all these
formulae are the
trigrams. Each
trigram has its own
multiple sets of
meaning,
connotations and
symbols. Let’s
take a look at the
various meanings
of the trigram.
Each
line of a trigram
is called a ‘yao’.
It is either a yin
or a yang yao. The essence of yin
and yang are
represented in the
solid or broken
line of each yao
and its position
within the trigram
itself. A solid
line (-) is a yang
yao and the broken
line (--) is a yin
yao.
For
example, the Chien
trigram 
is
represented by
three solid lines
making Chien a yang
trigram.
Whereas
the Kun trigram 
is
represented by
three broken lines
making Kun a yin
trigram.
Let's
take
another example:
the Chen trigram 
is represented by
a solid line on
the first (bottom)
yao followed by two
broken lines on
the second
(middle) and
third (top) yao, making
Chen a
yang trigram.
These
trigrams
consisting of
three yaos tell us
a lot. Each
trigram indicates
a direction and is
associated with an
element, a colour,
a shape.
The identity of
the trigram also
has a bearing on a
person’s
character and the
body part most
likely to be
adversely
affected. Through
understanding the
trigram, a
practitioner can
often predict the
state of health of
a dwelling or
illnesses an
occupant may
suffer from when
under the
influence of an
untimely flying
star.
The
Eight Trigrams
are:
The Chien trigram’s
position in the
Later Heaven
Arrangement is the northwest.
It represents the
patriarch. Its
element is metal
represented by the
Lo Shu number 6.
Its elemental
properties also
represent the head
and lungs. Related
illness are
problems to the
lungs and head
region.
The Kun trigram’s
position in the
Later Heaven
Arrangement is the
southwest. It
represents the
matriarch. Its
element is earth
represented by the
Lo Shu number 2.
Its elemental
properties
represent the
stomach area.
Related illnesses
are to the skin
and the digestive
and reproductive
systems.
The Chen trigram’s
position in the
Later Heaven
Arrangement is the
east. It
represents the
first born male.
Its element is
wood represented
by the Lo Shu
number 3. Its
elemental
properties
represent the
limbs. Related
illnesses are to
the liver and
injuries to the
limbs.
 The Shun trigram’s
position in the
Later Heaven
Arrangement is the
southeast. It
represents the
first born female.
Its element is
wood and its Lo
Shu number is 4.
Its elemental
properties
represent the
hips. Related
illnesses are to
the bladder and
the liver.
 The Kan trigram’s
position in the
Later Heaven
Arrangement is the
north. It
represents the
second born male.
Its element is
water and its Lo
Shu number is 1.
Its elemental
properties
represent the
ears. Related
illnesses are to
the spleen, blood
and the ears.
 The Li trigram’s
position in the
Later Heaven
Arrangement is the
south. It
represents the
second born
female. Its
element is fire
represented by the
Lo Shu number 9.
Its elemental
properties
represent the
eyes. Related
illnesses are to
the heart and
eyes.
 The Gen trigram’s
position in the
Later Heaven
Arrangement is the
northeast. It
represents the
third born male.
Its element is
earth and its Lo
Shu number is 8.
Its elemental
properties
represent the
hands. Related
illnesses are to
the digestive
system, nose and
joints.
 The Tui trigram’s
position in the
Later Heaven
Arrangement is the
west. It
represents the
third born female.
Its element is
metal represented
by the Lo Shu
number 7. Its
elemental
properties
represent the
mouth. Respiratory
problem and mouth
ulcers are two
common illnesses
related to the Tui
trigram.
The
meanings and
implications of
the trigrams give
valuable clues as
to how to create
balance and
attract auspicious
Feng Shui to our
living space.
Once
we appreciate the
underlying and
basic concept of
this art, we will
begin to see that
Feng Shui adopts a
very sensible
approach to our
relationship with
the environment
and personal
living space. The
challenge of Feng
Shui practice lies
in its many
theories, methods
and
interpretations
which are strongly
emphasised in the
courses that
Sallie conducts.
© Sallie Tsui Sien 2005. All rights reserved
If you would like details of our courses,
please visit this
link courses
If
you would like
details for a Feng
Shui consultation
please
visit this link consultations
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