The 8 Trigrams from Feng Shui

The 8 Trigrams from Feng Shui are seen below with an accompanying explanation of each.

These images are in fact ancient chinese symbols whose origins lie in the I Ching - The Book of Changes. Each trigram is represented by 3 lines, the top line represents the influence of heaven, the middle humanity and the lowest line represents the influence of earth.

Through interpretation of the various combinations of these trigrams it is believed that human kind can be guided by following the path of least resistance offered by the influential forces of heaven (Yang) and Earth (Yin).

Note: Although there are 9 principal numbers in Nine Star Ki Astrology - there are only 8 trigrams, the number 5 does not have an associated trigram.

 

 

Chien - The Creative, Father (Heaven) 6 Metal

This trigram comprises 3 unbroken Yang lines and is associated with the head of the household - the father/leader/patriarch/male. It also signifies sky, energy, perserverance and heaven. Chien's element is big metal and its direction (using the later heaven configuration) is northwest.

People born in a 6 metal year are born into the year which fully represents male qualities. In general this means the person is straight and to the point and can be a good natural leader showing their natural authority. They are perceived as quiet and even-handed. Their need to be even-handed can appear as inflexibility however.

 

Corresponding number: 6

 

Chen - The Arousing, Eldest Son (Thunder) 3 Tree

This comprises 2 unbroken Yin lines above a single unbroken Yang line. It signifies the eldest son and it's image is that of Thunder.

It also symbolises the dragon, rising out of the depths and soaring into the sky. Hence the strong Yang line pushes from below the 2 broken Yin which give way. It's element is wood and direction is East.

People born in a 3 Tree year are inquisitive, open to exploring new things and adventurous. They can be somewhat hasty in their actions and can make mistakes. They are natural trailblazers for their younger siblings.

 

Corresponding number: 3

Kan - The Abysmal, Middle Son (Water) 1 Water

This comprises 1 unbroken Yang line in between 2 broken Yin lines. Kan is the middle son. Its element is water and direction north. It is not the most auspicious of trigrams and can signify hard work.

People born in a 1 water year make good arbitrators (being in the middle of the family, they can help broker peace during conflicts). Their softer, quieter qualities can help to diffuse heated situations.

 

Corresponding number: 1

 

Ken - The Mountain, Youngest Son (Mountain) 8 Soil

- This comprises one unbroken Yang line above two broken Yin lines. It signifies stillness, waiting and solitude. It is also associated with the youngest son, it's element is earth and direction northeast.

People born in this year benefit from the wisdom and experiences of those before them. This affords them greater opportunity for reflection and they can express this knowledge through their own more thoughtful approach. These individuals are very self-reliant.

 

Corresponding number: 8

Kun - The Receptive , Mother (Earth) 2 Soil

This comprises three broken Yin lines. It is associated with the mother/matriarch/maternal female. It's element is earth and direction southwest. It perfectly complements Chien according to the I Ching. It must be led by Chien to achieve it's full potential.

Contrasted to the Father (Chien), the Mother trigram has all female or Yin qualities. People born in this year are receptive to others, helpful, nurturing and caring. 2 soil people are naturally inclusive of others.

 

 

 

Corresponding number: 2

Li - The Clinging, Middle Daughter (Fire) 9 Fire

This comprises one broken Yin line sandwiched between two unbroken Yang lines. The element of Li is fire and it also represents the middle daughter. Li is associated with the sun, brightness, lightning, heat and dryness. It represents firmness and an unyielding exterior but is weak and hollow on the inside. Its direction is south.

In stark contrast to her same level brother (Middle Son 1 Water), people born in this year will rush to conclusions. The quality of fire does however bring light to a given problem. 9 Fire people are seen as direct and challenging but also add sparkle to any occasion!

 

Corresponding number: 9

Sun - The Gentle, Eldest Daughter (Wind) 4 Tree

This comprises two unbroken Yang lines above a single Yin line. It represents the eldest daughter and it can be thought of as 'penetrating'. It's colours are brown or green and it's element is wood. Direction is southeast.

People born in a 4 Tree year are prone to look for new ways to express themselves and new opportunities in their working life. They can also be very impetuous which leads to inevitable mistakes.

 

Corresponding number: 4

 

Tui - The Joyous, Youngest Daughter (Lake) 7 Metal

This trigram comprises one broken Yin line sitting above 2 unbroken Yang lines. It represents happiness and joy and is also associated with the youngest daughter. Tui is also the lake and can be seen as the mouth which utters joyous feelings. Outwardly weak but inwardly stubborn, it's element is metal and direction west.

As for her same level brother (Youngest Son 8 Soil), people born in this year have the knowledge available to them of those who have gone before. This gives them the ability to reflect but whereas their brother would reflect in a more intellectual fashion, these people are more emotionally and spiritually reflective.

 

Corresponding number: 7