Reference
I Ching Glossary
Key terms and concepts used throughout the I Ching, explained for beginners and experienced readers alike.
Hexagram (卦 guà)
A six-line figure that represents a specific pattern of energy or situation. There are 64 hexagrams in the I Ching, each built from two trigrams. The hexagram describes the dynamic interplay of inner and outer forces in any given moment.
Trigram (八卦 bā guà)
A three-line figure representing a fundamental natural force. There are eight trigrams: Heaven, Earth, Thunder, Water, Mountain, Wind, Fire, and Lake. Every hexagram is composed of an inner (lower) trigram and an outer (upper) trigram.
Yin (阴) — Broken Line (⚋)
The receptive, yielding, and nourishing energy. Represented by a broken line (two short dashes), yin corresponds to the moon, night, stillness, and the earth. In a reading, yin lines suggest receptivity, patience, and inner listening.
Yang (阳) — Solid Line (⚊)
The active, initiating, and expanding energy. Represented by a solid line, yang corresponds to the sun, day, movement, and heaven. In a reading, yang lines suggest action, clarity, and forward momentum.
Changing Line (动爻 dòng yáo)
A line that is in motion — either transforming from yin to yang or yang to yin. Changing lines indicate areas where the situation is actively shifting. They produce a second hexagram that shows the direction of change. A reading with changing lines is considered more dynamic and layered.
Inner Trigram (下卦 xià guà)
The lower three lines of a hexagram. It represents the inner, personal, or subjective aspect of the situation — your feelings, intentions, and private experience.
Outer Trigram (上卦 shàng guà)
The upper three lines of a hexagram. It represents the outer, social, or manifest aspect of the situation — how you appear to others and the external conditions you are navigating.
Nuclear Trigram (互卦 hù guà)
A secondary trigram derived from lines 2-4 and 3-5 of a hexagram. It reveals the hidden or intermediate phase of a situation — the process between the beginning and the outcome.
The Creative (乾 Qián)
Hexagram 1, composed of six yang lines. Represents pure initiating energy, vision, and leadership. Associated with heaven, the father, and the power of creative action.
The Receptive (坤 Kūn)
Hexagram 2, composed of six yin lines. Represents pure receptive energy, devotion, and nurturing presence. Associated with earth, the mother, and the power of holding space.
Line Position (爻位 yáo wèi)
Each of the six lines has a positional meaning. Line 1 (bottom) represents beginnings and hidden potential. Line 6 (top) represents completion and overextension. Lines 2 and 5 are central positions and often more favorable.
Judgment (卦辞 guà cí)
The main text of a hexagram, also called the Decision. It describes the overall meaning and guidance of the hexagram. Traditionally attributed to King Wen of the Zhou Dynasty.
Line Text (爻辞 yáo cí)
The text attached to each of the six lines within a hexagram. Each line text offers specific guidance for that position in the situation. Traditionally attributed to the Duke of Zhou.
The Ten Wings (十翼 shí yì)
A collection of ten commentaries written between 500-200 BC that transformed the I Ching from a divination manual into a philosophical classic. Included in the Confucian canon.
Synchronicity (共時性)
A concept introduced by Carl Jung to describe meaningful coincidences that are not causally connected. Jung saw the I Ching as a tool for exploring synchronicity — not predicting the future, but revealing the pattern of the present moment.