Behind The Bagua: I Ching Insights To Deepen Your Understanding

Looking at the Feng Shui Bagua Map you will see a small three-line symbol called a trigram in each of the eight areas around the outside of the Map. 

These trigrams formed the basis of the Bagua Map, thousands of years ago.

The trigram symbolism also forms the basis of the I Ching, the ancient Chinese “Book of Changes.”

Each trigram consists of a three-line combination of solid (Yang) lines and broken (Yin) lines, symbolizing the ever-changing relationship of the essential life forces, Yin and Yang.

When two trigrams are combined they form one of 64 six-line hexagrams that illuminate the path you are currently on.

Consult the profound wisdom of the I Ching to deepen your understanding about the changes in your life, and to help you determine the best course of action in any situation.

I hope the descriptions below add to your enjoyment of Feng Shui, as well as encouraging you to take a look at the I Ching, the ancient book of Chinese wisdom that is still so relevant today.

Family & New Beginnings: This trigram is two broken (Yin) lines stacked on top of a solid (Yang) line. It symbolizes Thunder – the solid line is ready to “break through” the broken lines above it, shaking things up and causing “New Beginnings” to occur in your life.

Prosperity: This trigram’s two Yang lines over one Yin line symbolize a gentle, gathering Wind. It’s about how the wind gathers prosperity to you and then disperses it throughout your life.

Fame & Reputation: The broken line in between the solid line symbolizes Fire, illuminating your path and radiating your reputation out into the world.

Marriage & Relationship: The three broken (Yin) lines here create the most feminine, area on the Bagua, which makes sense: its meaning is Mother Earth. In this sector you nourish your most intimate relationships, just as a nurturing, supportive Mother would do.

Children & Productivity: Here we have a Yin line on top of two Yang lines, resembling the trigram’s literal meaning, Lake. A symbol of childlike joy, a Lake leads to delight because without this source of water, the all-important rice harvest would not have been possible in ancient China.

Travel & Helpful People: The three Yang lines here mean Heaven – the creative power of the universe. This sector is important because it’s considered the initiating force for all your activities in the world.

Life Journey & Career: This trigram, a solid line between two broken lines, means Water. It even looks a bit like a stream of water, doesn’t it? As you look at the Bagua you’ll see that this area is always close to the entrance to your home or office, where Chi energy flows in like a continuously nourishing stream of water.

Knowledge: Finally, this trigram — a Yang line atop two Yin lines — symbolizes (and resembles) the Mountain on the Bagua map. The stillness you experience at the foot of the mountain helps you to rest and open your mind to the understanding you need to proceed further in life.

By the way: are you wondering about the ninth area of the Bagua, in the center? The Map’s ninth area in the Center is symbolized by the familiar Yin/Yang symbol, connecting all the areas to one another 😉

If you’re curious to know more about the I Ching and how to use it in your life, let me know if you’d like my help in applying its deep wisdom.

(photo and illustrations by ABG)