1. Core Concept (核心概念)
Bagua (八卦)—literally “Eight Symbols”—is a set of eight three-line patterns that form the foundational grammar of Chinese cosmology. Each trigram consists of three horizontal lines, where each line is either Yang (solid ——) or Yin (broken – –).
First recorded in the I Ching (易经, Book of Changes) around 1000 BCE, the Bagua system encodes all natural phenomena, directional energies, familial relationships, and cycles of transformation into eight primary archetypes.
| Trigram | Chinese | Lines | Natural Force | Direction | Family Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ☰ Qian | 乾 | ☰☰☰ | Heaven | Northwest | Father |
| ☷ Kun | 坤 | ☷☷☷ | Earth | Southwest | Mother |
| ☳ Zhen | 震 | ☳☳☳ | Thunder | East | Eldest Son |
| ☴ Xun | 巽 | ☴☴☴ | Wind | Southeast | Eldest Daughter |
| ☵ Kan | 坎 | ☵☵☵ | Water | North | Middle Son |
| ☲ Li | 离 | ☲☲☲ | Fire | South | Middle Daughter |
| ☶ Gen | 艮 | ☶☶☶ | Mountain | Northeast | Youngest Son |
| ☱ Dui | 兑 | ☱☱☱ | Lake | West | Youngest Daughter |
2. The Two Arrangements (两种排列)
Primordial Bagua (先天八卦 - Xian Tian)
Attributed to the legendary Fu Xi (伏羲), this arrangement reflects the natural, pre-creation state of the universe—a static, ideal map of cosmic forces in perfect balance. It is primarily used for philosophical contemplation and metaphysical study.
Manifested Bagua (后天八卦 - Hou Tian)
Attributed to King Wen of Zhou (周文王), this arrangement reflects the dynamic, post-creation world of human experience. It is the version used in practical applications like feng shui, medicine, and divination.
3. The Trigram Combinations (六十四卦)
When two trigrams are stacked, they form 64 Hexagrams (六十四卦)—the complete divinatory vocabulary of the I Ching:
- Qian + Qian (乾+乾) = 乾卦 — Supreme creative power, heaven above heaven
- Kun + Kun (坤+坤) = 坤卦 — Supreme receptivity, earth beneath earth
- Kan + Li (坎+离) = 既济 — Completion, water above fire (balance achieved)
Each hexagram provides philosophical guidance for a specific life situation, making the I Ching one of the world’s oldest self-help manuals.
4. Applications (应用)
Feng Shui (风水)
The Bagua map is overlaid onto floor plans to analyze energy flow:
- The North (Kan/Water) sector governs career—enhance with water features.
- The Southeast (Xun/Wind) sector governs wealth—enhance with wood elements and plants.
Martial Arts (武术)
Baguazhang (八卦掌)—“Eight Trigram Palm”—is a martial art where practitioners circle continuously while striking from unexpected angles, embodying the trigram principle of constant change and adaptability.
Traditional Medicine
Each trigram corresponds to body regions and energetic pathways, informing acupuncture point selection and herbal prescriptions.
Festivals & Temple Architecture
Many Taoist temples are constructed according to Bagua principles:
- The Temple of Heaven in Beijing is laid out along the Qian-Kun axis (Heaven-Earth).
- Spring Festival decorations often subtly incorporate trigram patterns for year-long protection.