Foundation guide · Symbols · 5 min read
How to read
a trigram.
A simple system for identifying Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui from three lines.
Foundation guide · Symbols · 5 min read
A simple system for identifying Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun, Kan, Li, Gen, and Dui from three lines.
A solid line is commonly called yang and a broken line yin. A trigram has three positions, producing 2 × 2 × 2 = 8 combinations. Traditional Chinese diagrams are read from the bottom upward.
| Trigram | Lines from bottom to top | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Qian ☰ | Yang, Yang, Yang | Heaven |
| Dui ☱ | Yang, Yang, Yin | Lake |
| Li ☲ | Yang, Yin, Yang | Fire |
| Zhen ☳ | Yang, Yin, Yin | Thunder |
| Xun ☴ | Yin, Yang, Yang | Wind |
| Kan ☵ | Yin, Yang, Yin | Water |
| Gen ☶ | Yin, Yin, Yang | Mountain |
| Kun ☷ | Yin, Yin, Yin | Earth |
Two trigrams can be stacked to form a six-line hexagram, producing 64 possible combinations. The lower trigram is often described as inner and the upper as outer. Interpretation depends on the full text and context, not just a lookup of two keywords.
Use the Eight Trigrams guide for the individual meanings.
Traditional diagrams are usually read from the bottom line upward. The visual arrangement can differ in modern websites, so always label the order.
Use the year-based calculator and see your traditional direction set.
Understand the two line types as relational concepts.
→Explore all eight natural images.
→See the elemental associations.
Baguapath presents traditional frameworks for cultural learning and reflection. Interpretations vary between schools and are not guarantees about health, wealth, relationships, or future events. Read our methodology and sources.