The I Ching is one of the few ancient divination texts to have survived, a remnant of the time when such works played a enormous role in daily and group life. Here is given the first two signs, Ch'ien, representing the male, and K'un, representing the female.
Hexagram 1, Ch'ien, Creative
Above: Ch'ien (heaven, the creative, male active)
Below: Ch'ien (heaven, the creative, male active)
All male (undivided) lines.
Hexagram 2, K'un, Receptive (Resting in Firmness)
Above: K'un (the earth, female, passive, receptive)
Below: K'un (the earth, female, passive, receptive)
All female (divided) lines.
The I Ching, Hexagram 1, The Ch'ien Hexagram; Creative
Ch'ien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
1. In the first (or lowest) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon lying hid (in the deep). It is not the time for active doing.
* 'The dragon lies hid in the deep; -- it is not the time for active doing:' -- (this appears from) the strong and undivided line's being in the lowest place.
2. In the second line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
* 'The dragon appears in the field:' -- the diffusion of virtuous influence has been wide.
3. In the third line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. (The position is) dangerous, but there will be no mistake.
* 'Active and vigilant all the day:' -- (this refers to) the treading of the (proper) path over and over again.
4. In the fourth line, undivided, (we see its subject as the dragon looking) as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake.
* 'He seems to be leaping up, but is still in the deep:' -- if he advance, there will be no error.
5. In the fifth line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
* 'The dragon is on the wing in the sky:' -- the great man rouses himself to his work.
6. In the sixth (or topmost) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.
* 'The dragon exceeds the proper limits; -- there will be occasion for repentance:' -- a state of fulness, that is, should not be indulged in long.
7. (The lines of this hexagram are all strong and undivided, as appears from) the use of the number nine. If the host of dragons (thus) appearing were to divest themselves of their heads, there would be good fortune.
* 'The same undivided line is used' (in all the places of this hexagram), but the attribute of heaven (thereby denoted) should not (always) take the foremost place.
The I Ching, Hexagram 2, The K'un Hexagram
K'un (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.
1. In the first line, divided, (we see its subject) treading on hoarfrost. The strong ice will come (by and by).
* 'He is treading on hoarfrost; -- the strong ice will come (by and by);' -- the cold (air) has begun to take form. Allow it to go quietly according to its nature, and (the hoarfrost) will come to strong ice.
2. The second line, divided, (shows the attribute of) being straight, square, and great. (Its operation), without repeated efforts, will be in every respect advantageous.
* The movement indicated by the second line, divided, is 'from the straight (line) to the square.' (Its operation), without repeated effort, in every way advantageous,' shows the brilliant result of the way of earth.
3. The third line, divided, (shows its subject) keeping his excellence under restraint, but firmly maintaining it. If he should have occasion to engage in the king's service, though he will not claim the success (for himself), he will bring affairs to a good issue.
* 'He keeps his excellence under restraint, but firmly maintains it:' -- at the proper time he will manifest it. 'He may have occasion to engage in the king's service:' -- great is the glory of his wisdom.
4. The fourth line, divided, (shows the symbol of) a sack tied up. There will be no ground for blame or for praise.
* 'A sack tied up; -- there will be no error; -- this shows how, through carefulness, no injury will be received.
5. The fifth line, divided, (shows) the yellow lower garment. There will be great good fortune.
* 'The yellow lower-garment; -- there will be great good fortune:' -- this follows from that ornamental (color's) being in the right and central place.
6. The sixth line, divided, (shows) dragons fighting in the wild. Their blood is purple and yellow.
* 'The dragons fight in the wild:' -- the (onward) course (indicated by K'un) is pursued to extremity.
7. (The lines of this hexagram are all weak and divided, as appears from) the use of the number six. If those (who are thus represented) be perpetually correct and firm, advantage will arise.
* '(The lines are all weak and divided, as appears from) the use of the number six:' -- but (those who are thus represented) become perpetually correct and firm, there will thereby be a great consummation.
