In I Ching PLUS we have discovered a pattern whereby we can identify a hexagram that serves to describe by analogy the 'mud' or 'clay' from which a particular hexagram's meaning has developed.
For example, for hexagram 01, that symbolises 'pure' yangness including its most refined form, we have identified hexagram 28, excess, as the best description of the 'raw' format of yangness. Thus 28 here reflects 'too much yang' and out of this has emerged more refined expressions we find in hexagram 01.
The methodology to identify these pairs, of a hexagram and its 'raw' description, is simple and reflects the use of context-free grammar analysis, i.e. application of reflections to a sequence. In this particular case, for each hexagram you simply change lines 1 and 6 to identify the other hexagram in the pair. (There is MUCH more to this, stemming from Five-Phase Theory applied to the I Ching, and in particular the WOOD phase. What follows is a snapshot into this realm where, overall, 16 hexagrams play a part in describing the WOOD phase of each hexagram - this focus on analogies to other hexagrams to describe aspects of one hexagram is also covered in the page on the Recursive I Ching ).
For your meditation, what follows is a list of the 64 pairs of hexagrams (note that within each pair the elements serve as reciprocals, thus as 28 describes the 'raw' form of 01, so 01 acts to describe the 'raw' form of 28 and so in reality there are 32 pairs. For clarity we list the 64 pairs emphasising the movement from raw to refined.):
Here hexagram 01 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 28 where hexagram 28 expresses the concept of excess, of being too full ( a negative emphasis) as well as expressing the more positive emphasis of going beyond what is required; doing more than the bare minimum. Thus the general 'pure yangness' expressed in 01 develops into the more 'refined' expression of hex 28.
Here hexagram 02 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 27 where hexagram 27 expresses hungering, of being too empty and needing filling. Hexagram 27 thus expresses both the uncontrollable 'drive' to fill oneself, and so be open to filling oneself with 'rubbish' just to satisfy the need, as well as the more positive drive to do better, to acquire knowledge. Thus the general 'pure yin' and so a LACK of yang, as manifest by hexagram 02 develops into the more refined expression of hexagram 27.
Here hexagram 03 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 20 where hexagram 20 expresses admiration, of being seen to set an example and so implicitly influence others to set off new endevours. From a negative perspective hexagram 20 also reflects envy. The 'raw' emphasis in 03 is on sprouting, on beginning something with an intent, setoff by admiration/envy.
Here hexagram 04 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 19 where hexagram 19 expresses both the approaching of the 'low' to the 'high' as well as the 'high' deferring to the 'low' by allowing the approach. The 'raw' form expressed in 04 is that of a student approaching a teacher for training.
Here hexagram 05 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 57 where hexagram 57 expresses the use of cultivation to become influencial. Hexagram 05 reflects the biding of one's time making new friends and waiting for the 'correct' moment to move forward. Hexagram 05 also reflects the concept of serving one's dues through service.
Here hexagram 06 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 58 where hexagram 58 expressed the use of self-reflection leading to an intensity in communications; refined skills in socialisation. Hexagram 06 reflects the 'raw' emphasis of seeking compromises to enable development but ensuring you go half-way, no more, no less. Thus out of compromising we learn refined expression of oneself.
Here hexagram 07 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 41 where hexagram 41 expresses concentration, distillation. The 'raw' emphasis in 07 is that of establishing uniformity, sameness; a concentration of forces. The negative perspective is on decrease where uniformity removes the creative aspects of differences.
Here hexagram 08 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 42 where hexagram 42 expresses the act of augmentation and so of increase. Hexagram 08 emphasises accumulation of associates into a pool of potentials and out of this develops hexagram 42.
Here hexagram 09 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 48 where hexagram 48 expresses the act of setting a well as a source of development, as a foundation around which a culture develops. Hexagram 09 reflects the roots of this foundation-setting process in its expression of foundation setting by making small gains and slowly building on those.
Here hexagram 10 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 47 where hexagram 47 expresses 'forced' enclosure; the using of a fence to surround a tree forces the roots of the tree to go deep and so entrench the tree in the local context. Hexagram 10 shows the 'raw' form of this where conduct is required as we follow a particular path, the path acting to enclose.
Here hexagram 11 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 18 where hexagram 18 expressed the correcting of corruptions, of past deeds gone bad. Hexagram 11 shows the 'raw' form of this with its emphasis on establishing and maintaining harmony and so balance.
Here hexagram 12 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 17 where hexagram 17 expresses the establishment and maintaining of beliefs, of followings. Hexagram 12 shows the 'raw' context from which 17 has emerged where the hexagram 12 emphasis is on firming one's beliefs through neutralising the attacks of others on those beliefs.
Here hexagram 13 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 31 where hexagram 31 expresses 'intense but restrained stimulation' aka Wooing. Hexagram 13 shows the 'raw' context from which 31 emerges where hexagram 13 emphasises associations with 'like-minded' people.
Here hexagram 14 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 32 where hexagram 32 expresses the concept of commitment and so duration. Hexagram 14 shows the 'raw' context from which 32 has emerged where hexagram 14 emphasises working an established direction successfully.
Here hexagram 15 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 22 where hexagram 22 expresses facading, beautifying, glossing over. Hexagram 15 shows the 'raw' context from which 22 emerges where hexagram 15 emphasises leveling things out, reducing extremes. (Research has shown that the more lacking a face in strong distinguishing marks so the more people find the face 'attractive'.)
Here hexagram 16 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 21 where hexagram 21 expresses problem solving, chewing things over, making, applying, laws. Hexagram 16 shows the 'raw' context from which 21 emerges where hexagram 16 emphasises the use of foresight, planning, and a positive attitude.
Here hexagram 17 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 12 where hexagram 12 expresses the defence of attacks on one's belief through neutralising the attacks; parrying the thrusts. Hexagram 17 reflects the 'raw' context from which 12 emerges with hexagram 17s emphasis on developing and maintaining a belief/following.
Here hexagram 18 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 11 where hexagram 11 expresses an emphasis on establishing balance and so harmony. Hexagram 18 reflects the 'raw' context from which 11 emerges with hexagram 18s emphasis on correcting corruptions, correcting past wrongs ( and so restoring balance).
Here hexagram 19 serves to describe the 'raw' form of hexagram 04 where hexagram 04 expresses an emphasis on socialisation by 'masking' the young; done through the process of the young approaching the old for education.
Here hexagram 20 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 03 where hexagram 03 expresses an emphasis on a 'beginning', a 'sprouting', and the difficulties that go with it. The new beginning reflects the more generic sense of being motivated to do something, that motivation in 20 being through the admiration of someone/thing.
Here hexagram 21 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 16 where the focus is on the use of planning, foresight and initial enthusiasm to get things going. The 'raw' form is in the problem-solving perspective of 21.
Here hexagram 22 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 15 where the focus is on leveling-out highs and lows, covering up the highs and lows to reflect 'modesty'. The 'raw' form is reflected in the basic focus of hexagram 22 of putting-on a facade.
Here hexagram 23 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 24 where the focus is on a return to the 'true' faith, the 'right' path. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 23s focus on pruning, on cutting back to the core, the fundamentals.
Here hexagram 24 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 23 where the focus is on the 'housekeeping', the removing of 'chaff' from the 'wheat' that is one's faith. The raw form is reflected in the focus of 24 on returning to the 'light'.
Here hexagram 25 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 45 where the focus is on celebration of one's faith, one's belief. The raw form is reflected in the focus of hexagram 25 on standing out to say one's piece - to assert without consideration of, without fear of, consequences..
Here hexagram 26 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 46 where the focus is on increased entanglement, on getting more involved. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 26 with its focus on holding firm to traditions etc.
Here hexagram 27 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 02 where the focus is on devotion and total trust in another/others. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 27 with an overall emphasis on a need to be filled, hungering.
Here hexagram 28 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 01 where the focus is on single-mindedness, total trust in oneself. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 28 and its focus on excess, too much 'yang'.
Here hexagram 29 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 61 where the focus is on a hard exterior and a soft interior, a sense of sympathy and even empathy, a sense of yielding, is present operating WITHIN the bounds of the exterior. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 29 and its focus on containment and control.
Here hexagram 30 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 62 where the focus is on maintaining social integration through exaggerations of traditions etc and so of an ideology. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 30 and its focus on developing ideologies, of being 'accepted' and offering something to cling to.
Here hexagram 31 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 13 where the focus is on establishing relationships with the 'like-minded. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 31 with its focus on 'intense stimulation' aka 'wooing' etc.
Here hexagram 32 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 14 where the focus is on being the center of power & wealth, setting the direction of things. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 32 with its focus on commitment.
Here hexagram 33 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 49 where the focus is on revelation and revolution. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 33 with its focus on trickery to draw the 'enemy' in.
Here hexagram 34 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 50 where the focus is on transformation, on cooking the raw into the refined. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 34 with its focus on invigoration.
Here hexagram 35 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 51 where the focus is on enlightenment and so sudden awareness, of something 'new'. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 35 with its focus on progress through bringing something into the 'light'.
Here hexagram 36 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 52 where the focus is on blocking and on becoming discerning in choices. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 36 with its focus on being uncompromising.
Here hexagram 37 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 39 where the focus is on obstructions, rigid resistance. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 37 with its focus on rigid structure. (In both cases the rigidity is positive as well as negative).
Here hexagram 38 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 40 where the focus is on relaxed structuring and so tension release. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 38 with its focus on dealing with oppositions to reduce tension.
Here hexagram 39 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 37 where the focus is on rigid structure. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 39 through its focus on rigid obstructions to 'free flow'.
Here hexagram 40 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 38 where the focus is on dealing with opposition. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 40 through its focus on tension release through relaxed structure.
Here hexagram 41 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 07 where the focus is on formal concentration and assertion of uniformity. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 41 with its focus on concentration, distillation.
Here hexagram 42 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 08 where the focus is on unifying. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 42 with its focus on augmentation.
Here hexagram 43 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 44 where the focus is on persuasion and seduction. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 43 with its focus on 'spreading the word'.
Here hexagram 44 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 43 where the focus is on 'spreading the word'. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 44 with its focus on persuasion/seduction.
Here hexagram 45 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 25 where the focus is on standing up in a crowd and asserting one's perspective. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 45 through its focus on celebrating one's belief as part of a congregation.
Here hexagram 46 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 26 where the focus is on holding firm to traditions. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 46 thorough its focus on increased entanglements.
Here hexagram 47 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 10 where the focus is on tightly following a path (and so being 'contained' by it). The raw form is reflected in hexagram 47 through its focus on forced enclosure enabling roots to go deep and so 'integrate' with the context.
Here hexagram 48 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 09 where the focus is on using small gains to stand-upon to become noticed. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 48 through its focus on setting-down foundations upon which one can develop (in particular a Well).
Here hexagram 49 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 33 where the focus is on trickery by drawing the enemy in through a structured retreat. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 49 through its focus on revelation/revolution, to unmask.
Here hexagram 50 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 34 where the focus is on great power that serves to actively invigorate. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 50 through its focus on 'cooking', on turning the raw into the refined, the act of transformation, with the 'cooked' now ready for consumption.
Here hexagram 51 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 35 where the focus is on making progress through bringing something into the 'light'. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 51 through its focus on a moment of 'enlightenment'.
Here hexagram 52 serves the describe the raw form of hexagram 36 where the focus is on being uncompromising. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 52 through its focus on blockage and on being discerning.
Here hexagram 53 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 63 where the focus is on completion, on closure, on getting a sequence 'correct'. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 53 through its focus on maturing, on gradual progress, delayed gratification.
Here hexagram 54 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 64 where the focus is on remaining open, on not completing, no closure (or mistakes in closure). The raw form is reflected in hexagram 54 through its focus on immaturity, on seeking 'instant' gratification over delayed, on being too hasty etc.
Here hexagram 55 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 56 where the focus is on loyalty regardless of location/situation. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 55 through its focus on the presence of diversity of choices, activities etc and as such, temptations.
Here hexagram 56 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 55 where the focus is on abundance, on an overflowing of diversity and temptations. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 56 through its focus on staying loyal regardless of the location/situation.
Here hexagram 57 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 05 where the focus is on bidding one's time, cultivating relationships whilst waiting for the 'opportune moment'. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 57 through its focus on cultivation and developing influence.
Here hexagram 58 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 06 where the focus is on compromise (through legal 'conflict'). The raw form is reflected in hexagram 58 through its focus on intense self-reflection and passion in expression.
Here hexagram 59 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 60 where the focus is on imposing limitations through introducing standards. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 59 through its focus on 'lifting the fog', through dispelling of illusions, making things 'clear'.
Here hexagram 60 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 59 where the focus is on dispelling illusions, make things clear. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 60 through its focus on standardisations.
Here hexagram 61 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 29 where the focus is on containment and control. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 61 through its focus on a strong exterior and a soft interior, a focus on yielding, empathy.
Here hexagram 62 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 30 where the focus is on guidance and direction-setting (an ideology etc). The raw form is reflected in the exaggerations of the value of traditions etc, of an ideology.
Here hexagram 63 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 53 where the focus is on maturing, on delayed gratification, gradual development. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 63 through its focus on completion, on closure, on getting a sequence 'correct'.
Here hexagram 64 serves to describe the raw form of hexagram 54 where the focus is on immaturity, on instant gratification. The raw form is reflected in hexagram 64 through its focus on remaining open, on mis-sequencing, non-completion (not doing it 'properly').