The ten thousand things

Ying and Yang constantly change into each other. Their combinations are therefore in constant flux. As we have seen, the possible combinations grow as they combine: first two, then four, then eight. The permutations of the eight produce 64 pair of trigrams - the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching. Out of their interaction comes the multiplicity of the "ten thousand things".

To interpret the 64 hexagrams you must understand the original significance of the eight trigrams. They are said to have been divined by Fu Hsi, a king who may have lived around 3000 BCE. The trinities of Yin and Yang lines that make up the eight trigrams represent all the fundamental conditions on earth and in the cosmos.

The family of lines

Traditionally, the eight trigrams were thought of as a family that represented the primary configuration of energetic forces in every aspect of life. The sequence below is the original order into which they were first organized.

Father The Chinese name is Ch'ien, meaning Heaven. The three solid strokes indicate maximum Yang power, evoking a feeling of the great creative power and strength throughout nature. This is the force of inspiration, of leadership, of will power and determination.

Youngest Daughter The Chinese name is Tui - the Lake. The softer broken Yin line rests on the support of two Yang lines, as a new child is supported by the rest of the family. The feeling here is very fresh, the quality of being alert and attractive.This is also the power of communication, pleasure, and open-heartedness.

Middle Daughter The Chinese name is Li - Fire. Two Yang lines are pushed apart by the power of a single Yin line in the middle. The energy here is explosive, pushing two forces apart from within. There is a sense of the power of illumination, of clarity and intelligence.

Eldest Son The Chinese name is Chen - Thunder. The force of a single Yang line on the bottom is emerging up ward through the two Yin lines above it. But also, like the eldest son in a traditional family, the Yang power gives support to those who depend upon it. The concept of Thunder conveys the power and speed of a spark born of the forces of Yin and Yang - the irresistible release of stored energy.

Eldest Daughter The Chinese name is Sun -  the Wind. The penetrating energy of a single Yin line presses upward against two solid Yang lines. The energy is seemingly gentle and invisible, yet it is persistent, patient, and hard day, you work quietly yourself and the breeze is felt by other.

Middle Son The Chinese name is Hum (K'an) - Water. The outside lines of this trigram are two soft Yin lines. Within them is a strong Yang line. This expresses the mysterious power of Water, evoking the feeling of very deep, dark and cold energies. There is a sense of withdrawal, descent, and of something profound. But there is also danger here and great difficulty.

Youngest son The Chinese name is Ken - Mountain. Just as the tall mountain rests upon the earth, a solid Yang line is supported by two Yin lines, denoting the support that the young son, like the youngest daughter, receives from the rest of the family. The quality here is one of inner stillness, tranquillity, and meditation - a source of great strength for the family in time of future need.

Mother The Chinese name is K'un - the Earth. Here we have the full power of Yin, represented by three broken lines. This is the immense energy of earth, able to sustain all forms of life. This energy is expansive, fertile, and tolerant. It brings with it the quality of acceptance and of natural responsiveness. Here we have the power to nourish, sustain, and adapt.