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Hexagram
The hexagram is a figure made up of six horizontal lines, continuous (yang) or broken (yin), used in the I Ching, the Chinese classic of changes. The 64 possible hexagrams describe qualities of situations and their movements. The term is also used for the six-pointed star (Seal of Solomon, Star of David), a distinct figure that shares the same name.
Hexagram in the I Ching
Each hexagram is composed of two trigrams (three lines each). The lines are read from bottom to top. An "old" (unstable) line transforms into its opposite, generating a second hexagram. Examples: hexagram 1 The Creative (all yang), hexagram 2 The Receptive (all yin), hexagram 11 Peace (yang below, yin above), hexagram 12 Standstill (opposite of Peace).
Hexagram as a star
The six-pointed hexagram, formed by two interlaced equilateral triangles, is a very ancient symbol present in many cultures (India, Middle East, Europe). In Judaism it is the Star of David, a national symbol. In Western esotericism it is the "Seal of Solomon" which represents the union of masculine and feminine principles, fire and water, sky and earth.
FAQ
How many I Ching hexagrams are there?
Sixty-four, from all combinations of six yin or yang lines.
Is the Star of David a hexagram?
Yes, although in distinct contexts the term applies to two very different forms: I Ching (six lines) and the Jewish star (two triangles).
How do you "read" a hexagram?
You identify the number (with tables or by calculating from the arrangement of lines), consult the classical text (judgment, image), possibly read the changing lines and move on to the second hexagram.