Hexagram (Gua)

A hexagram (卦, guà) is a figure composed of six horizontal lines, each either solid (Yang, —) or broken (Yin, – –). The 64 possible combinations form the core of the I Ching (Book of Changes), one of the oldest Chinese classics.

Each hexagram has a name, an associated image, and interpretive texts (the "Judgment" and line statements). In divination, the hexagram you receive is meant to reflect the nature of your situation or question.

• 6 lines: read from bottom to top (line 1 is the bottom)
• Upper trigram: lines 4-5-6, representing external/heaven aspects
• Lower trigram: lines 1-2-3, representing internal/earth aspects
• 64 total hexagrams: each with unique symbolism and guidance

The hexagram system is attributed to legendary figures Fu Xi (trigrams) and King Wen of Zhou (64 hexagrams with judgments). The "Xici" (Great Commentary) explains the cosmological basis:

Richard Wilhelm, in his influential translation, describes the hexagram as:

A hexagram is made of two trigrams stacked together:

• Lower trigram (lines 1-3): often represents the inner situation, self, or earth
• Upper trigram (lines 4-6): often represents the outer situation, other, or heaven
• 8 trigrams × 8 trigrams = 64 hexagrams
• Each trigram has elemental and imagistic associations (e.g., Qian = heaven/creative, Kun = earth/receptive)

When consulting the I Ching, "moving lines" may appear—lines that are in the process of changing from Yin to Yang or vice versa. A hexagram with moving lines transforms into a second hexagram, showing the direction of change.

Reading a hexagram involves several layers:

1. Identify the hexagram: Which of the 64 did you receive?
2. Read the Judgment (彖辞): The overall meaning and advice
3. Consider the Image (象辞): The symbolic picture and suggested conduct
4. Check moving lines: If any, read their specific line texts
5. Look at the transformed hexagram: Where is the situation heading?

In FateFolio's I Ching tool, your hexagram is displayed with:

• Visual representation: Six lines with Yin/Yang clearly marked
• Moving lines highlighted: If present, shown transforming
• Judgment and Image texts: Both original and plain-language interpretation
• Transformed hexagram: If applicable, shows the resulting situation

Common misunderstandings about hexagrams include:

• Treating them as fortune-telling that predicts specific events
• Ignoring the transformed hexagram when moving lines are present
• Reading individual lines without considering the whole hexagram context
• Assuming one casting gives a permanent, unchanging answer
• Over-relying on simple "good/bad" interpretations

References include primary texts and established scholarly translations. Line-by-line interpretations may vary across traditions.