Hexagram Analysis

I Ching Hexagram 1 : 乾 Ch'ien / The Creative

The initial hexagram is comprised of six unbroken lines that symbolize the fundamental force of light, strength, and spirit. Its unwavering nature exudes power and energy, with the image of heaven representing its essence. This energy is boundless, unrestricted by spatial limitations, and is perceived as motion, with time serving as its foundation. The hexagram embodies the power of time and the ability to endure, or duration. The hexagram's power is interpreted in two ways, concerning its impact on the universe and humanity. In terms of the universe, it represents the potent and creative force of the divine. In relation to humanity, it signifies the creative power of the wise and virtuous, the leaders who awaken and cultivate the higher nature of those they lead.

The Judgment

Through perseverance, creative works achieve sublime success.

The attributes of sublimity, potentiality of success, power to further, and perseverance are paired according to their original meaning. When an individual draws this oracle, it signifies that success will come from the primal depths of the universe and that everything depends on seeking happiness for oneself and others through perseverance in what is right. The specific meanings of the four attributes were subject to speculation early on. The Chinese word for "sublime" means "head," "origin," or "great." Confucius explains that this attribute represents the generating power of the Creative, which permeates all of heaven. This attribute is inherent in the other three as well. The Creative has the power to lend form to archetypes of ideas, as indicated by the word "success." This process is represented by the image of clouds passing and rain doing its work, with individual beings flowing into their forms. These attributes show the great person the way to notable success by apprehending and giving actuality to the way of the universe (Tao). Each step attained becomes a preparation for the next, and time becomes the means of making actual what is potential. The act of creation is expressed in the attributes of sublimity and success, while the work of conservation is shown to be a continuous actualization and differentiation of form through the attributes of furthering and perseverance. In relation to the human sphere, the great person brings peace and security to the world through their activity in creating order. Another line of speculation links the attributes of sublimity, success, furthering, and perseverance with the four cardinal virtues in humanity. Love is linked to sublimity, morals to success, justice to furthering, and wisdom to perseverance. These speculations formed the bridge connecting the philosophy of the "five stages (elements) of change" with the philosophy of the Book of Changes, which is based solely on the polarity of positive and negative principles. This combination of thought systems opened the way for an increasingly intricate number symbolism.

The Image

The celestial motion exudes immense strength, inspiring the virtuous individual to fortify themselves with unwavering endurance.

The doubling of the trigram Ch'ien, which represents heaven, signifies its movement. As heaven completes one revolution in a day, the repetition of the trigram signifies the passing of time. This creates the concept of duration, which is a reflection of the unceasing power of the Creative. The sage learns from this image to strengthen themselves and eliminate all that is inferior, thus achieving tirelessness and enduring influence.