The specific meanings of the four attributes became the subject of speculation at an early date. When an individual draws this oracle, it means that success will come to him from the primal depths of the universe and that everything depends upon his seeking his happiness and that of others in one way only, that is, by perseverance in what is right.

In relation to the human world, it denotes the creative action of the holy man or sage, of the ruler or leader of men, who through his power awakens and develops their higher nature.Īccording to the original meaning, the attributes are paired. In relation to the universe, the hexagram expresses the strong, creative action of the Deity. The power represented by the hexagram is to be interpreted in a dual sense-in terms of its action on the universe and of its action on the world of men. Thus the hexagram includes also the power of time and the power of persisting in time, that is, duration. Time is regarded as the basis of this motion. Its energy is represented as unrestricted by any fixed conditions in space and is therefore conceived of as motion. The hexagram is consistently strong in character, and since it is without weakness, its essence is power or energy. These unbroken lines stand for the primal power, which is light–giving, active, strong, and of the spirit. The first hexagram is made up of six unbroken lines.

I ching meanings and symbols