List of I Ching Hexagrams: Understanding the Ancient Chinese Divination System

The I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination system that dates back over two thousand years. It offers guidance and insight into the complexities of life through the interpretation of sixty-four hexagrams, which are symbols made up of six stacked lines. Each hexagram represents a unique combination of yin and yang, the fundamental forces in the universe.

In this blog post, we will explore a comprehensive list of all sixty-four I Ching hexagrams, providing a detailed description of each one and delving into their symbolism and interpretation.

Understanding the Hexagrams

Before we delve into the list of hexagrams, let us first understand the structure of these symbols. Each hexagram consists of six stacked lines, each line representing either yin (a broken line) or yang (a solid line). Yin represents the passive, yielding, and feminine aspects, while yang represents the active, assertive, and masculine aspects.

A hexagram is created by combining two trigrams, which are three-line symbols representing specific natural forces or principles. There are eight possible trigrams, and when combined in different ways, they create the sixty-four unique hexagrams of the I Ching.

The List of Hexagrams

Now, let us explore the complete list of sixty-four I Ching hexagrams:

1. Hexagram 01: The Creative (乾 Qián)
2. Hexagram 02: The Receptive (坤 Kūn)
3. Hexagram 03: Difficulty at the Beginning (屯 Zhūn)
4. Hexagram 04: Youthful Folly (蒙 Méng)
5. Hexagram 05: Waiting (需 Xū)
6. Hexagram 06: Conflict (訟 Sòng)
7. Hexagram 07: The Army (師 Shī)
8. Hexagram 08: Holding Together (比 Bǐ)
9. Hexagram 09: Small Accumulating (小畜 Xiǎo Xù)
10. Hexagram 10: Treading (履 Lǚ)
11. Hexagram 11: Peace (泰 Tài)
12. Hexagram 12: Standstill (否 Pǐ)
13. Hexagram 13: Fellowship with Men (同人 Tóng Rén)
14. Hexagram 14: Possession in Great Measure (大有 Dà Yǒu)
15. Hexagram 15: Modesty (謙 Qiān)
16. Hexagram 16: Enthusiasm (豫 Yù)
17. Hexagram 17: Following (隨 Suí)
18. Hexagram 18: Work on the Decayed (蠱 Gŭ)
19. Hexagram 19: Approach (臨 Lín)
20. Hexagram 20: Contemplation (觀 Guān)
21. Hexagram 21: Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)
22. Hexagram 22: Grace (賁 Bì)
23. Hexagram 23: Splitting Apart (剝 Bō)
24. Hexagram 24: Return (復 Fù)
25. Hexagram 25: Innocence (無妄 Wú Wàng)
26. Hexagram 26: The Taming Power of the Great (大畜 Dà Xù)
27. Hexagram 27: The Corners of the Mouth (頤 Yí)
28. Hexagram 28: Preponderance of the Great (大過 Dà Guò)
29. Hexagram 29: The Abysmal (坎 Kǎn)
30. Hexagram 30: The Clinging, Fire (離 Lí)
31. Hexagram 31: Influence (咸 Xián)
32. Hexagram 32: Duration (恆 Héng)
33. Hexagram 33: Retreat (遯 Dùn)
34. Hexagram 34: The Power of the Great (大壯 Dà Zhuàng)
35. Hexagram 35: Progress (晉 Jìn)
36. Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light (明夷 Míng Yí)
37. Hexagram 37: The Family (家人 Jiā Rén)
38. Hexagram 38: Opposition (睽 Kuí)
39. Hexagram 39: Obstruction (蹇 Jiǎn)
40. Hexagram 40: Deliverance (解 Xiè)
41. Hexagram 41: Decrease (损 Sǔn)
42. Hexagram 42: Increase (益 Yì)
43. Hexagram 43: Breakthrough (夬 Guài)
44. Hexagram 44: Coming to Meet (姤 Gòu)
45. Hexagram 45: Gathering Together (萃 Cuì)
46. Hexagram 46: Pushing Upward (升 Shēng)
47. Hexagram 47: Oppression (困 Kùn)
48. Hexagram 48: The Well (井 Jǐng)
49. Hexagram 49: Revolution (革 Gé)
50. Hexagram 50: The Cauldron (鼎 Dǐng)
51. Hexagram 51: The Arousing (震 Zhèn)
52. Hexagram 52: Keeping Still (艮 Gèn)
53. Hexagram 53: Development (漸 Jiàn)
54. Hexagram 54: The Marrying Maiden (歸妹 Guī Mèi)
55. Hexagram 55: Abundance (豐 Fēng)
56. Hexagram 56: The Wanderer (旅 Lǚ)
57. Hexagram 57: The Gentle (巽 Xùn)
58. Hexagram 58: The Joyous, Lake (兌 Duì)
59. Hexagram 59: Dispersion (渙 Huàn)
60. Hexagram 60: Limitation (節 Jié)
61. Hexagram 61: Inner Truth (中孚 Zhōng Fú)
62. Hexagram 62: Small Exceeding (小過 Xiǎo Guò)
63. Hexagram 63: After Completion (既濟 Jì Jì)
64. Hexagram 64: Before Completion (未濟 Wèi Jì)

Exploring the Symbolism and Interpretation

Each hexagram in the I Ching holds its unique significance and interpretation. The combination of yin and yang lines, along with the corresponding trigrams, creates a complex web of symbolism that unveils profound insights into a wide range of life’s situations and challenges.

Exploring the symbolism and interpretation of each hexagram requires a comprehensive study of the I Ching and its associated texts. Each hexagram possesses its own distinct characteristics, representing various aspects of human experience, relationships, natural phenomena, and spiritual development.

Some hexagrams reflect positive attributes such as strength, abundance, harmony, and progress, while others signify challenges like conflict, stagnation, and obstacles. By consulting the I Ching and contemplating the relevant hexagram, one can gain valuable guidance and wisdom to navigate through life’s complexities.

Conclusion

The list of sixty-four I Ching hexagrams provides a fascinating journey into the realm of ancient Chinese divination. Each hexagram encapsulates a unique combination of yin and yang forces, offering insights into life’s multifaceted tapestry.

While this blog post offers an overview of the list, it is merely a starting point for your exploration of the I Ching. To truly understand and benefit from the wisdom of the hexagrams, further study and interpretation are necessary. Embark on an enlightening journey through the I Ching, and discover the profound guidance it can bring to your life.