I. Foundations

Part 4: Eight Trigrams (Bagua)

4.2. Earthly Branches

The Twelve Earthly Branches are a core indexing system in traditional Chinese metaphysics, used for timekeeping, lunar months, directions, and Five Element correspondences.
These branches also play a significant role in I Ching Divination, providing a framework for interpreting omens and patterns. Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai.

1. In this series, I label the Twelve Earthly Branches with A to M to keep charts compact and easy to scan.

A (Zi, 子), B (Chou, 丑), C (Yin, 寅), D (Mao, 卯), E (Chen, 辰), F (Si, 巳), G (Wu, 午), H (Wei, 未), J (Shen, 申), K (You, 酉), L (Xu, 戌), M (Hai, 亥).

Note: there is no “I” in this sequence, because “I” is reserved for the Heavenly Stems in this system. To avoid confusion in practical use, “I” is intentionally skipped. This ordering follows both how non-native Chinese readers naturally memorize letter sequences, and the standard traditional order of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches used in Chinese systems.

2. Each branch carries a Five Element attribute and an animal sign.
   A: Water, Rat
   B: Earth, Ox
   C: Wood, Tiger
   D: Wood, Rabbit
   E: Earth, Loong
   F: Fire, Snake
   G: Fire, Horse
   H: Earth, Goat
   J: Metal, Monkey
   K: Metal, Rooster
   L: Earth, Dog
   M: Water, Pig
3. The branches also divide into yang branches and yin branches.
   Yang branches: Zi (A), Yin (C), Chen (E), Wu (G), Shen (J), Xu (L)
   Yin branches: Chou (B), Mao (D), Si (F), Wei (H), You (K), Hai (M)

In traditional Chinese timekeeping, the day is divided into twelve double hours (shichen), each named after an Earthly Branch, and commonly used in divination and astrology.
Nighttime is also described by five watches (geng), which align with the same clock ranges.

Daytime double hours (shichen)

• A (Zi): 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM
• B (Chou): 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM
• C (Yin): 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM
• D (Mao): 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM
• E (Chen): 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM
• F (Si): 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• G (Wu): 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
• H (Wei): 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
• J (Shen): 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
• K (You): 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• L (Xu): 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• M (Hai): 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Nighttime watches (geng)

• First watch: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (L, Xu)
• Second watch: 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM (M, Hai)
• Third watch: 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM (A, Zi)
• Fourth watch: 1:00 AM to 3:00 AM (B, Chou)
• Fifth watch: 3:00 AM to 5:00 AM (C, Yin)

Below is the practical reference table used most often: branch, element, lunar month, double hour, direction, and animal.
(All months below are lunar months.)

Save This: Wanyan Xuan’s Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches conversion table (Roman numerals and English letters)

I recommend saving a screenshot of the table below (or bookmarking this post), since you will use it constantly for chart setup: matching branches with Five Elements, lunar months, double hours, directions, and animals.

I. Foundations

Part 4: Eight Trigrams (Bagua)

4.1. Heavenly Stems

The Ten Heavenly Stems are: I (Jia, 甲), II (Yi, 乙), III (Bing, 丙), IV (Ding, 丁), V (Wu, 戊), VI (Ji, 己), VII (Geng, 庚), VIII (Xin, 辛), IX (Ren, 壬), X (Gui, 癸). These are significant in the context of I Ching Divination and other traditional Chinese practices. In fact, understanding these stems is vital for accurate I Ching Divination readings.

In traditional Chinese calendrical practice, the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches were used primarily to record days, and also to record years, months, and hours. Notably, I Ching Divination sometimes includes reference to these time cycles.

The Heavenly Stems are divided into Yin and Yang and play a role in many aspects of I Ching Divination.

• Yang Stems: I, III, V, VII, IX
• Yin Stems: II, IV, VI, VIII, X

Directions and Five Element correspondences: Consequently, I Ching Divination interprets these correspondences.

• I and II: East, Wood
• III and IV: South, Fire
• V and VI: Center, Earth
• VII and VIII: West, Metal
• IX and X: North, Water

I. Foundations

Part 3: Eight Trigrams (Bagua)

3.5. 64 Hexagrams, Eight Palaces, Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements

I. Foundations

Part 3: Eight Trigrams (Bagua)

3.4. Yao (Lines), Yin and Yang, and How to Count Line Positions

Everything else, trigrams, hexagrams, changing/active lines, and line texts, is built on top of it. This post lays out the essentials of I Ching Divination in a clean, practical way for English-language readers worldwide.

1. What is a yao (line)?

A yao is a single line in an I Ching diagram. There are only two kinds:

• Yang line (solid line), traditionally associated with strength, clarity, initiative
• Yin line (split line), traditionally associated with receptivity, yielding, consolidation

These lines combine into larger structures.

2. Trigrams and hexagrams are line structures

In classical I Ching structure:

• The eight trigrams (also called the eight basic trigrams, or bagua) are each made of three lines.
• The sixty-four hexagrams are each made of six lines.

3. Yin and yang lines are also called “six” and “nine”

Traditionally, the I Ching uses number-names for the two line types:

• Yang line is also called nine
• Yin line is also called six

It is a shorthand for the line’s yin or yang quality within the classical naming system.

4. How to count the line positions

 You count from the bottom upward.

For a six-line hexagram:

• Top line (at the top), also called the upper line
• Fifth line
• Fourth line
• Third line
• Second line
• First line (at the bottom), also called the initial line

5. The two special cases: Use-Nine and Use-Six

• Use-Nine is associated with a fully yang context (classically tied to Qian)
• Use-Six is associated with a fully yin context (classically tied to Kun)

These are not “extra lines” you stack onto the hexagram. They are a special kind of judgment line used in a complete yang or complete yin situation.

6. Why line texts matter in divination practice

In practical reading, the line position is not decoration, it is structure.

• The lower lines often describe beginnings, foundations, early signals.
• The middle lines often show development, pressure, decisions, and positioning.
• The upper lines often indicate culmination, excess, resolution, or reversal.

Below are two canonical sequences you can use as reference anchors, one for the full yin set (Kun), one for the full yang set (Qian).

Reference examples (line texts and translations)

Qian (The Creative / Heaven) – Heaven over Heaven: Origin and Smoothness. Benefit (or Advantage) and Constancy.

乾：元亨利贞。

· Interpretation: From the very beginning, everything proceeds smoothly. When used for divination, it will yield auspicious results.

· The Tuan Commentary says: Great indeed is the Origin of Qian! All things derive their beginning from it; and so it rules over Heaven. The clouds move and the rain is bestowed, the various things flow into their forms. Greatly illuminating the end and the beginning, the six positions are completed in time. In time, one mounts the six loongs to drive across the heavens. The Way of Qian changes and transforms, allowing each thing to find its correct nature and destiny. Preserving the union of the Great Harmony brings about Benefit and Constancy. It stands at the head of all things, and all nations enjoy peace.

· The Xiang Commentary says: Heaven’s movement is powerful. Thus the noble one strengthens himself without ceasing.

Use-Nine: A flight of headless (leaderless) loongs appears; auspicious.
用九：见群龙无首。吉。
• Interpretation: A group of loongs appears in the sky. They are flying gracefully, with their heads hidden in the clouds. This is a sign of good fortune.
• The Xiang Commentary says: The virtue of Heaven is not to act as the head.

Top-Nine: Arrogant loong will have regret.
上九：亢龙有悔。
• Interpretation: A loong flies to the highest point. It is apparent that it will encounter disaster.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Arrogant loong will have regret,” for what is full cannot last long.

Nine-Five: Flying loong in the heavens. Benefit in meeting great persons.
九五：飞龙在天。利见大人。
• Interpretation: A loong soars in the sky.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Flying loong in the heavens,” the great person is at his creative work.

Nine-Four: Wavering in the abyss. No errors.
九四：或跃在渊。无咎。
• Interpretation: Some loongs dive underwater to hide.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Wavering in the abyss,” to advance brings no errors.

Nine-Three: The noble one is creative and active all day, vigilant and apprehensive at night. Danger, no errors.
九三：君子终日乾乾，夕惕若。厉，无咎。
• Interpretation: Noble and virtuous individuals strive diligently throughout the day and remain cautious even at dusk.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Active all day,” this is to travel the Way again and again.

Nine-Two: Seeing loong in the fields. Benefit in meeting great persons.
九二：见龙在田。利见大人。
• Interpretation: A loong appears in the fields.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Seeing loong in the fields,” for the influence of virtue is widespread.

First-Nine: Hidden loong, do not use.
初九：潜龙，勿用。
• Interpretation: A loong remains in a latent state.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Hidden loong, do not use,” because the yang energy is still below.

Kun ䷁ sequence (all Six lines, plus Use-Six)

Kun (The Receptive / Earth) – Earth over Earth: Origin and Smoothness. Benefit or Advantage of a mare’s Constancy. The noble one has a direction to go, first gets lost, then finds the master. Benefit or Advantage. In the southwest find friends, in the northeast lose friends. Peaceful Constancy, auspicious.

坤：元亨。利牝马之贞。君子有攸往，先迷后得主。利。西南得朋，东北丧朋。安贞，吉。

• Interpretation: From the very beginning, everything proceeds smoothly. When used for divination regarding a mare, it will yield auspicious results. Noble and virtuous individuals may initially feel lost when seeking a political position, but they will eventually find a trusted leader. This is a fortunate outcome. If you make new friends in the southwest but lose old friends in the northeast, remain calm and consult the divination; the result will be favorable.

• The Tuan Commentary says: Ultimate indeed is the Origin of Kun! All things derive their life from it, as it follows and receives from Heaven. Kun, in its thickness, carries all things; its virtue matches the boundless. It contains the vast and illuminates the great; the various things all attain smoothness. The mare belongs to the category of Earth; it travels the earth without boundaries, gentle, compliant, with Benefit and Constancy. When the noble one acts, at first he may get lost and miss the Way, but later, by being compliant, he finds the constant principle. He finds friends in the southwest, and thus walks with his own kind; he loses friends in the northeast, but in the end there is cause for celebration. The auspiciousness of peaceful Constancy comes from corresponding with the boundless nature of the Earth.

• The Xiang Commentary says: The Earth’s condition is Kun. Thus the noble one, with his profound virtue, supports all things.

Use-Six: Benefit or Advantage in perpetual Constancy.
用六：利永贞。
• Interpretation: Always consult divination before taking action; doing so will lead to auspicious results.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Perpetual Constancy in the Use-Six line,” so that the conclusion may be great.

Top-Six: Loongs fighting in the wilds. Their blood is black and yellow.
上六：龙战于野。其血玄黄。
• Interpretation: Loongs in the field are fighting fiercely, and their blood is dark yellow in color.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Loongs fighting in the wilds,” its way has come to an end.

Six-Five: A yellow lower garment. Origin auspiciousness.
六五：黄裳。元吉。
• Interpretation: Yellow garments symbolize fortune and prosperity from the very beginning.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “A yellow lower garment; Origin auspiciousness,” for the pattern is on the inside.

Six-Four: A tied-up sack. No errors, no praise.
六四：括囊。无咎，无誉。
• Interpretation: If your situation resembles a tied-up sack with no outlet, you will neither make mistakes nor gain any honor.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “A tied-up sack; no errors,” through caution, one avoids harm.

Six-Three: Hidden brilliance, able to be constant.
六三：含章，可贞。或从王事，无成，有终。
• Interpretation: If you are someone skilled in self-expression, you may use this talent to inquire about your future. Alternatively, serving the king, though unlikely to bring great accomplishments, will lead to a good outcome later.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Hidden brilliance, able to be constant,” is to be revealed in its own time. “If in the service of a king,” one’s wisdom is brilliant and great.

Six-Two: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, yet nothing is not of Benefit or Advantage.
六二：直，方，大。不习，无不利。
• Interpretation: Being overly straightforward, rigid, or arrogant, if you avoid these three habits, nothing in the world will be inauspicious for you.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “The movement of the six in the second place” is straight and square. “Without purpose, yet nothing is not of Benefit or Advantage,” for the Way of the Earth is brilliant.

First-Six: Treading on frost, solid ice is coming.
初六：履霜，坚冰至。
• Interpretation: When you step on frost, thick ice will soon follow.
• The Xiang Commentary says: “Treading on frost, solid ice is coming,” for the yin begins to congeal.

I. Foundations

Part 3: Eight Trigrams (Bagua)

3.3. Pre-Heavenly and Post-Heavenly Eight Trigrams numbers, and He Tu and Luo Shu Five-Element numbers

In I Ching divination, “trigram numbers” are not merely abstract theory. In this section, we will cover several number frameworks that you will repeatedly need in real judgments. These include the Pre-Heavenly Eight Trigrams numbers, the Post-Heavenly Eight Trigrams numbers, and the He Tu and Luo Shu Five-Element numbers.

These number systems matter because many questions in divination are, in essence, “taking numbers.” If the matter involves quantity, such as how many people, how much money, or how far, you can often derive the answer. This is done through these numerical correspondences rather than by vague interpretation.

In the forthcoming Studies on Ancient I Ching Divination Cases (Zhouyi Gushi Kao, 《周易古筮考》), written by Shang Binghe (尚秉和, circa 1880 to 1910 CE) and translated by Wanyan Xuan (完颜璇)1, there are many cases in which taking numbers is essential.

Case 64: Ming – Hu Sen and Yuan Qishan Divine a Lost Gold Cup – 23. Bo to 27. Yi

Ming dynasty. Hu Sen excelled at divination, often hitting marvelously true. Traveling in Jinling with his fellow townsman Yuan Qishan, the two lodged at the Temple of Divine Music. The supervisor Yao Yishan had by chance lost a gold cup and harshly blamed his apprentices. The two took pity and divined, obtaining “Bo to Yi” {first line change}.

At the southwest corner of the dwelling, dig five inches down and you will get it.”
In Bo the upper is Gen ☶, which has the image of an overturned cup; the lower is Kun ☷, which is earth; and Gen signifies stopping, so they knew the cup had stopped within the ground. Also, Kun’s position is the southwest, hence “dig at the southwest corner.” In the Nine Palaces [1] the number of Kun is five. Therefore, “dig five inches.” In 27.Yi, lines two through four and three through five both form mutual-body Kun. Counting down from 27.Yi’s Six-Five reaches the fifth place among Kun’s lines, hence “five inches.”[2]

[Annotation from the Translator (Wanyan Xuan)]
[1] “Nine Palaces numbers” refers to the Luo Shu Nine Palaces (Luo Shu magic square): the placement of 1 to 9 in a 3×3 grid. It links numbers, directions, trigrams, and the Five Elements for image-number work (for example, Flying Stars, Na Jia method, Qimen Dunjia (奇门遁甲).

Note: Some books say “Kun’s number is five,” meaning Earth’s base number is 5 in the He Tu & Luo Shu Five Element Numbers system. This does not refer to the Kun palace index in the Nine Palaces. In the Nine Palaces grid, Kun’s palace is 2.

1

Studies on Ancient I Ching Divination Cases is a rigorous and authoritative case-based classic in the field of I Ching divination. Featuring a total of 170 cases drawn primarily from Chinese historical records, this work compiles divinations recorded across thousands of years of Chinese history. Many of these influenced major political decisions of their time. It builds on the original 139-case edition of Studies on Ancient I Ching Divination Cases. This English edition adds further cases excerpted from Shang Binghe’s other writings to form a fuller and more comprehensive corpus.

Compiled and interpreted by the renowned I Ching scholar Shang Binghe, the book offers comprehensive readings that integrate hexagram texts, line statements, symbolic imagery, and Six Lines (Na Jia) method analysis. For readers unfamiliar with Chinese history, each case includes contextual background to illuminate the historical figures and events involved.

The collection also makes clear the historical influence of I Ching divination in China. It shows how rulers and high officials could employ it fluently to assess national affairs and military campaigns. Additionally, it shows how specific readings became reference points in later tradition.

I. Foundations

Part 3: Eight Trigrams (Bagua)

3.2. Bagua Directions (Pre-Heavenly Eight Trigrams and Post-Heavenly Eight Trigrams)

Why “Bagua directions” matter in the practice of I Ching Divination.

When you study I Ching divination, you need a stable map that connects the Eight Trigrams to space. This directional backbone later connects outward into the He Tu Diagram, Luo Shu Diagram, and the five elements, so if you confuse direction mapping now, the later correspondence framework will feel inconsistent.

1) Pre-Heavenly Eight Trigrams directions

• Qian: South
• Kun: North
• Li: East
• Kan: West
• Dui: Southeast
• Zhen: Northeast
• Xun: Southwest
• Gen: Northwest

2) Post-Heavenly Eight Trigrams directions

• Zhen: East
• Dui: West
• Li: South
• Kan: North
• Qian: Northwest
• Kun: Southwest
• Gen: Northeast
• Xun: Southeast

A simple rule to avoid mixing systems

Treat Pre-Heavenly Eight Trigrams and Post-Heavenly Eight Trigrams as two different coordinate systems. Do not switch mid-study or mid-analysis.

A reliable habit:

1. Write at the top of your notes: Pre-Heavenly Eight Trigrams or Post-Heavenly Eight Trigrams.
2. Keep one reference chart visible until it becomes automatic.
3. Only after you are fluent should you start linking the map to the He Tu Diagram, Luo Shu Diagram, and the five elements.

A one-minute memorization drill (recommended)

For Post-Heavenly Eight Trigrams, drill the core frame first:

• East: Zhen
• West: Dui
• South: Li
• North: Kan

Then the corners:

• Northwest: Qian
• Southwest: Kun
• Northeast: Gen
• Southeast: Xun

How this connects to your actual divination workflow

If you are learning I Ching divination as a structured skill (especially if you plan to read classical material in depth), you want a consistent toolkit and reference environment. On ichingstream.com, you can use professional casting tools and a divination-specific perpetual calendar to keep your practice standardized while you study theory.

Six Lines Divination (Liu Yao, Wen Wang Gua) foundations, focusing on Earthly Branch peer harmony, Merge, Coincide and Align, and seasonal strength of the Five Elements.

I. Foundations

Part 2: Five Elements

2.2 In 2.1 we looked at the basic generation and overcoming cycle of the Five Elements. All three are core tools in I Ching (Liu Yao, Wen Wang Gua) divination.

2.2 Peer Harmony of the Five Elements

Peer harmony means two of the same element meeting.

In simple terms, two identical elements together form a peer relationship.
In I Ching divination and other Five Elements systems, this peer relationship often represents:

• Siblings, colleagues, peers and friends
• People in the same profession or on the same “side”
• Partners who share similar roles or resources
• Competition between equals, including “robbing wealth” when peers fight over the same pie

Sometimes two woods combine and support each other, like teammates working together. Other times they pull from the same limited resource, like two business partners splitting one profit source. The story of the question and the positions in the hexagram will show you which way it goes.

2.2.1 Earthly Branch peer harmony in Six Lines Divination

In Six Lines (Liu Yao) divination we often talk about peer harmony between Earthly Branches.
Using the branch codes in this series, some common peer harmonies look like this:

In readings this can show:

• Extra support from people like you, same profession or same camp
• Competition from colleagues or rivals chasing the same opportunity
• A feeling of this is my crowd or this is my opponent at my own level

From here we can extend a key concept in Six Lines analysis: Merge.

Merge refers to the situation in which the element of the line in the hexagram is the same as the element of the monthly or daily branch.

This is peer harmony between the hexagram and the calendar.

Merge can be divided into Coincide and Align.

1. Coincide (值, zhi)
   Coincide refers to the situation where the branch of the line in the hexagram is the same character as the monthly or daily branch.
   The same applies to the day.
2. Align (临, lin)
   Align is relative to coincide. It refers to the situation where the element of the line in the hexagram has the same Five Elements as the monthly or daily branch but with a different character.

The strength of coincidence and alignment differs.

In practice, this gives you a concrete rule for Six Lines divination:

• A line that merges with the month or day is backed by time
• Coincide is the strongest form of this backing
• Align is also support, but slightly weaker

---

Further reading: English Editions of I Ching Divination Classics

• “I Ching Divination: Complete and Restored (Zengshan Buyi 增删卜易), Part 1 (Vols. 1 to 2)”
  Foundations for Six Lines (Liu Yao), Wen Wang Gua, and the Na Jia Method. 460+ case studies (Part 1 & 2)
  → Amazon US
• “I Ching Divination: Complete and Restored (Zengshan Buyi 增删卜易), Part 2 (Vols. 3 to 4)”
  Advanced rules with worked cases, practical checklists for real readings. 460+ case studies (Part 1 & 2)
  → Amazon US
• “The Orthodox Method of I Ching Divination (Bushi Zhengzong 卜筮正宗), Book 1 of 2 (Vols. 1 to 4)”
  Classic framework and methods, including the Golden Strategy and core disputes.
  → Amazon US
• “The Orthodox Method of I Ching Divination (Bushi Zhengzong 卜筮正宗), Book 2 of 2 (Vols. 5 to 7)”
  Eighteen key questions with case-based explanations for confident judgment.
  → Amazon US
• “Fire Pearl Forest (Huo Zhu Lin 火珠林): A Classical Text on Six Lines Divination”
  Technical essentials favored by practitioners, clear structure for application.
  → Amazon US
• “Undersea Eye (Haidi Yan 海底眼): The Core Principles of Six Lines Divination”
  Core principles that train pattern recognition and timing in real casts.
  → Amazon US
• “Collected Insights on I Ching Divination (Yi Donglin 易洞林)”
  Includes Donglin Secret Manual (洞林秘诀), Guo Shi Donglin (郭氏洞林), and Zhouyi Donglin (周易洞林).
  → Amazon US
• “Hidden Principles Ode: A Classic of I Ching (Six Lines) Divination (Chan Ao Ge Zhang 阐奥歌章)”
  A concise classic that clarifies core judgments and shows how to turn short verses into usable guidance.
  → Amazon US
• “Principles and Odes of I Ching Divination”
  Includes Mysterious and Subtle Discourse (Tong Xuan Miao Lun 通玄妙论) and Celestial Mysteries Ode (Tian Xuan Fu 天玄赋), organized for quick reference in real readings.
  → Amazon US

How Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water Shape Energy Flow in I Ching Divination

I. Foundations

Part 2: Five Elements

2.1 Interactions of the Five Elements (generation and overcoming)

The Five Elements are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Remember this order: in sequence they generate one another, and when separated by one position they overcome one another.

Generation: wood generates fire, fire generates earth, earth generates metal, metal generates water, and water generates wood.

To help you understand:

• Wood generates fire: wood and firewood can burn and give rise to flames.
• Fire generates earth: after fire burns, ashes are left behind, and in geology, volcanic eruptions can also form new land.
• Earth generates metal: mineral resources are excavated from layers of earth.
• Metal generates water: when the temperature drops, tiny droplets of water can appear on metal surfaces, and molten metal also appears in a liquid state.
• Water generates wood: plants need to draw water, and they grow when watered.

Overcoming: wood overcomes earth, fire overcomes metal, earth overcomes water, metal overcomes wood, and water overcomes fire.

To help you understand:

• Wood overcomes earth: as plants grow, their roots must break through the soil and keep extending downward.
• Fire overcomes metal: the high temperature of fire can melt metal.
• Earth overcomes water: as the saying goes, “when water comes, earth blocks it.”
• Metal overcomes wood: an axe made of metal can chop down trees.
• Water overcomes fire: water can extinguish fire.

(The “to help you understand” section is only meant to help you grasp generation and overcoming among the Five Elements. It is not a theoretical explanation of the actual mechanisms of generation and overcoming.)

Next in Foundations.
Part 2.2: Peer Harmony of the Five Elements

Part 2.3: Applications of the three (generation, overcoming, harmony)

---

Further reading: English Editions of I Ching Divination Classics

• “I Ching Divination: Complete and Restored (Zengshan Buyi 增删卜易), Part 1 (Vols. 1 to 2)”
  Foundations for Six Lines (Liu Yao), Wen Wang Gua, and the Na Jia Method. 460+ case studies (Part 1 & 2)
  → Amazon US
• “I Ching Divination: Complete and Restored (Zengshan Buyi 增删卜易), Part 2 (Vols. 3 to 4)”
  Advanced rules with worked cases, practical checklists for real readings. 460+ case studies (Part 1 & 2)
  → Amazon US
• “The Orthodox Method of I Ching Divination (Bushi Zhengzong 卜筮正宗), Book 1 of 2 (Vols. 1 to 4)”
  Classic framework and methods, including the Golden Strategy and core disputes.
  → Amazon US
• “The Orthodox Method of I Ching Divination (Bushi Zhengzong 卜筮正宗), Book 2 of 2 (Vols. 5 to 7)”
  Eighteen key questions with case-based explanations for confident judgment.
  → Amazon US
• “Fire Pearl Forest (Huo Zhu Lin 火珠林): A Classical Text on Six Lines Divination”
  Technical essentials favored by practitioners, clear structure for application.
  → Amazon US
• “Undersea Eye (Haidi Yan 海底眼): The Core Principles of Six Lines Divination”
  Core principles that train pattern recognition and timing in real casts.
  → Amazon US
• “Collected Insights on I Ching Divination (Yi Donglin 易洞林)”
  Includes Donglin Secret Manual (洞林秘诀), Guo Shi Donglin (郭氏洞林), and Zhouyi Donglin (周易洞林).
  → Amazon US
• “Hidden Principles Ode: A Classic of I Ching (Six Lines) Divination (Chan Ao Ge Zhang 阐奥歌章)”
  A concise classic that clarifies core judgments and shows how to turn short verses into usable guidance.
  → Amazon US
• “Principles and Odes of I Ching Divination”
  Includes Mysterious and Subtle Discourse (Tong Xuan Miao Lun 通玄妙论) and Celestial Mysteries Ode (Tian Xuan Fu 天玄赋), organized for quick reference in real readings.
  → Amazon US

Read the pair, sense the turn, act in balance. This mindful approach is at the heart of I Ching Divination.

I. Foundations

Part 1: Yin and Yang

Yin and yang describe a relationship, not two fixed substances. We read every phenomenon through paired qualities that only make sense in relation to each other: bright and dark, movement and rest, warmth and coolness. What counts as yin or yang depends on context.

Four core dynamics.

1. Mutual dependence. No day without night, no inside without outside.
2. Wax and wane.
3. Transformation. Cloudy becomes clear, illness becomes recovery.
4. Mutual containment. Yin holds a seed of yang and yang holds a seed of yin. Deep rest prepares action, excess activity creates the need for rest.

Yin and yang are the foundation of tai chi and the Eight Trigrams. Laozi writes, “The Dao gives birth to One, One gives birth to Two, Two gives birth to Three, Three gives birth to the ten thousand things.” In the classical reading, “One” points to tai chi. Meanwhile, “Two” points to yin and yang. This provides the basic architecture of the Zhouyi symbol system and shows how the two qi of yin and yang unfold.

Read this ladder as a practical workflow for judgment. The Two Forms are the primary polarity signaled by yin and yang lines. Across the tradition, the Two Forms can be glossed as yin and yang or as Heaven and Earth. The Four Symbols can correlate with seasons, directions, or the Four Symbols in cosmology (Azure Loong, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Black Tortoise).

Use the levels to guide timing and proportion. The skill is to see which side is primary now, supply what is lacking, and refrain from what is already in excess. Reading this way turns theory into action: you identify the current polarity, gauge its degree, place it in an image, and decide the smallest step that restores balance.

Read the pair, sense the direction of shift, and act to rebalance. Over time this turns knowledge of opposites into a practical art of timing.

Common mistakes to avoid.

• Forgetting context. Water is yin against fire, yet yang against stillness.
• Chasing absolutes. What matters is the current tilt and the next turn, not a permanent label.

Micro-exercise（2 minutes）.
Pick something around you and name its pair: sound and silence, motion and stillness, warmth and coolness. Ask which side dominates and what signs would show a turn. This builds the reflex you will use in real casts.

Key takeaways.

• Yin and yang are relational and situational.
• Extremes invite reversal, balance restores function.
• Good practice adds what is missing and avoids what is already excessive.

Next in Foundations.
Part 2.1: Interactions of the Five Elements (generation and overcoming)
Part 2.2: Peer Harmony of the Five Elements
Part 2.3: Applications of the three (generation, overcoming, harmony)

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Further reading: English Editions of I Ching Divination Classics

• “I Ching Divination: Complete and Restored (Zengshan Buyi 增删卜易), Part 1 (Vols. 1 to 2)”
  Foundations for Six Lines (Liu Yao), Wen Wang Gua, and the Na Jia Method. 460+ case studies (Part 1 & 2)
  → Amazon US
• “I Ching Divination: Complete and Restored (Zengshan Buyi 增删卜易), Part 2 (Vols. 3 to 4)”
  Advanced rules with worked cases, practical checklists for real readings. 460+ case studies (Part 1 & 2)
  → Amazon US
• “The Orthodox Method of I Ching Divination (Bushi Zhengzong 卜筮正宗), Book 1 of 2 (Vols. 1 to 4)”
  → Amazon US
• “The Orthodox Method of I Ching Divination (Bushi Zhengzong 卜筮正宗), Book 2 of 2 (Vols. 5 to 7)”
  Eighteen key questions with case-based explanations for confident judgment.
  → Amazon US
• “Fire Pearl Forest (Huo Zhu Lin 火珠林): A Classical Text on Six Lines Divination”
  Technical essentials favored by practitioners, clear structure for application.
  → Amazon US
• “Undersea Eye (Haidi Yan 海底眼): The Core Principles of Six Lines Divination”
  Core principles that train pattern recognition and timing in real casts.
  → Amazon US
• “Collected Insights on I Ching Divination (Yi Donglin 易洞林)”
  Includes Donglin Secret Manual (洞林秘诀), Guo Shi Donglin (郭氏洞林), and Zhouyi Donglin (周易洞林).
  → Amazon US
• “Hidden Principles Ode: A Classic of I Ching (Six Lines) Divination (Chan Ao Ge Zhang 阐奥歌章)”
  A concise classic that clarifies core judgments and shows how to turn short verses into usable guidance.
  → Amazon US
• “Principles and Odes of I Ching Divination”
  Includes Mysterious and Subtle Discourse (Tong Xuan Miao Lun 通玄妙论) and Celestial Mysteries Ode (Tian Xuan Fu 天玄赋), organized for quick reference in real readings.
  → Amazon US

Six Lines Divination (Wen Wang Gua) for real life, the path to “the skilled need not divine.” — I Ching Stream

Series overview: This hub keeps the full table of contents for your Substack series. It links every chapter and quick‑reference post, and explains how to navigate. Chapters are published one‑by‑one; the directory below will be updated as new posts go live.

Case Studies are published separately and do not carry directory numbers. Each post includes clear subsections and ends with navigation.

Mini‑FAQ

• What is Six Lines Divination (Wen Wang Gua)?
  China’s mainstream I Ching divination method for 2,000+ years, noted for strong logical structure and the unique ability to predict timing.
• Where can I study in depth?
  Purchase the essential classics on ichingstream.com. See the “Essential Classics & Purchase Links” .“I Ching Divination – Complete and Restored” by Wild Crane Elder (Yehe Elder), 460+ real case studies. (Available starting October 1, 2025.)
• What tools can I use?
  Use the perpetual calendar and professional casting tools on ichingstream.com to support daily study and practice. (Available starting October 1, 2025.)
• What is free vs. paid content here?
  Free content includes the essential foundation charts and a small selection of cases. Paid content provides in‑depth explanations, full case analyses, and extended resources for systematic learning.

Explore next
• I Ching Divination — Series Hub (Advanced): overview and roadmap for the Advanced track. Read

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Start here：

I. Foundations
A. Yin–Yang
B. Five Elements
 1. Interactions of the Five Elements (generation and overcoming)
 2. Peer Harmony of the Five Elements
 3. Applications of the three (generation, overcoming, harmony)
 4. Prosperity and Decline of the Five Elements
 5. Physical Characteristics of the Five Elements
 6. Temperament and Traits of the Five Elements
C. Eight Trigrams
 1. Introduction to the Eight Trigrams
 2. Trigram Directions
 3. Trigram Numbers
 4. Lines
 5. The Sixty-Four Hexagrams
D. Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches
 1. Heavenly Stems
 2. Earthly Branches
 3. Relationships among the Earthly Branches
 4. The Sixty Jiazi Cycle
 5. Void in the Cycle
 6. Elemental Sounds (Na Yin)

II. Understanding Six Lines Divination
A. Reading the Chart Layout
B. Composition of Hexagram Symbols
C. Upper and Lower Trigrams
D. Primary Hexagram and Transformed Hexagram
E. Static Hexagram
F. Constancy and Regret

III. Casting in Six Lines Divination
A. Methods of Casting
B. Casting Hexagrams

IV. Six Lines Divination for Beginners
A. Relationships among Line Positions
 1. Proper Position and Improper Position
 2. Central and Correct
 3. Bearing from Below
 4. Adjacency (Peer Alignment)
 5. Correspondence
 6. Resting-upon (Support)
 7. Overriding
 8. Case Studies on Line-Position Relationships
B. Opposite and Reversed Hexagrams
 1. Reversed Hexagram
 2. Opposite Hexagram
 3. Case Studies on Opposite and Reversed Hexagrams
C. Additional Hexagram
D. Mutual Hexagram
 1. Four-Line Linked-Mutual
 2. Five-Line Linked-Mutual
 3. Case Studies on Mutual Hexagrams
E. Constants and Variables
 1. Constants
 2. Variables
 3. Case Studies on Constants and Variables
F. Half-Images
 1. Introduction to Half-Images
 2. Case Studies on Half-Images

V. On Prosperity and Decline
A. Seasonal Prosperity
 1. Prosperity and Decline of the Five Elements
 2. Appearances of prosperous, supportive, rest, constraint, and death
B. Trigram Prosperity and Rest
C. Prosperity and Decline of Hexagrams and Lines

VI. On Taking Symbols (Analogies)
A. Symbolic Analogies of the Five Elements
 1. Metal
 2. Wood
 3. Water
 4. Fire
 5. Earth
B. Symbolic Analogies of the Six Relationships
 1. Parents Line
 2. Officials and Ghosts Line
 3. Siblings Line
 4. Descendants Line
 5. Wife and Wealth Line
C. Symbolic Analogies of the Six Gods
 1. Azure Loong
 2. Vermilion Bird
 3. Hooked Snake
 4. Soaring Snake
 5. White Tiger
 6. Black Tortoise
D. Symbolic Analogies of Stems and Branches
 1. Meanings of the Heavenly Stems
 2. Meanings of the Earthly Branches

VII. Core Knowledge of Six Lines Divination
A. Host and Corresponding
 1. Host Line
 2. Corresponding Line
 3. Case Studies on Host and Corresponding

J. Hexagram Body and Host Body
 1. Hexagram Body
 2. Case Studies on Hexagram Body
 3. Host Body
 4. Case Studies on Host Body

VIII. Timing of Fulfillment
A. Determining Timing by Hexagram Symbols
B. Filling the Void as the Timing
C. Clash as the Timing
D. Tomb and Extinction for Timing
E. Line Positions for Timing
F. Methods for Timing by Line Positions
G. Determining Timing via Na Jia
H. Case Studies on Timing

IX. Thematic Divinations
A. Judging Auspicious and Ominous
 1. Core Principles
 2. Case Studies
B. Business Deals Divination
 1. Special Situations
 2. Case Studies
C. Portents Divination
 1. Concepts
 2. Case Studies
D. Lost-Item Divination
 1. Concepts
 2. Case Studies
E. Hidden-Object Divination
 1. Concepts
 2. Case Studies

X. Bonus Section
A. Seeking Wealth
B. Business Wealth
C. Seeking Employment
D. Illness
E. Relationships
F. Pregnancy and Childbirth
G. Examinations
H. Lost Items

………………

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FAQ: I Ching Divination Basics

Q1. What is Six Lines Divination (Wen Wang Gua)?
Six Lines Divination (Wen Wang Gua) has been the primary I Ching divination system in China for over two thousand years. It is grounded in the Na Jia Method and integrates insights from the Yarrow Stalk Method (Great Expansion Numbers) and Plum Blossom Numerology. Combining imagery-based practice (Xiang Fa) with principle-based analysis (Li Fa), it is uniquely effective at predicting timing.

Q2. How should I read Basics and Advanced?
Read them in parallel or sequentially. The two streams are complementary. Looking only from one perspective may be insufficient for a complete analysis.

Q3. Where can I find the case studies?
They are published in a separate stream called I Ching Divination Case Study Channel and are not numbered in this directory.

Q4. Will these materials be updated?
Yes. As new posts go live, the directory is updated here.