The Five-Phase I Ching

(Copyright © 2003 C. J. Lofting)

PAIR Dynamics in the Changing-Line Matrix

Of interest in the dynamics of hexagrams, an interesting pattern in the Changing-Line Matrix, is a relationship of PAIRS of hexagrams where there is a sense of direction, FROM A to B in the pairs. Thus, using the changing-line matrix for hexagram 51 it is natural for an association with hexagram 16 (see pairing below). This dynamic seems to reflect a compression of five-phase movement down to the level of pairs. Thus, as shown in the ICPlus listing of hexagrams, each hexagram has a 'direction', a goal. This sense is clearly formed in a general matrix focused upon direction. and gets repeated in subtle variations in these changing-line matrices, as in the above example of matrices for hexagram 51 where we read the pairs from top to bottom. Why? Because this reflects the natural path of energy flow - from HOT to COLD, HIGHER to LOWER and so gives us a direction to follow. Higher energy moves us bottom to top and reflects idealisation processes. There are still issues here as to how all of this seems to work in that the pairs can form relationships with nearby pairs and so subtly change meanings depending on context: IOW 09 TO 57 works in some contexts, others reverse this (and so reflect KO cycles rather than SHENG cycles).

Notice how, in the below sequence of pairs it is possible to link pairs semantically in different order to that done in the 'root' matrix in the general matrix focused upon direction. Thus below, the pair 57, 09 we can form a semantic link FROM the 53 of the 53,37 pair to the 09 of the 57,09 pair. In the general matrix we can form a semantic link in the order of 57 to 37.

Thus WITHIN the context of hexagram 51 we read things stepping backwards to identify flow, thus for the top right, peak energy state we have:

57 - this hexagram deals with cultivation and becoming influencial; with intergration with the social context and as such part of the 'flow' but all done in an implicit, 'easy' manner (and so being like the wind).

The question here is "How do I experience this cultivation and becoming influencial?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 09.

09 - this hexagram deals with the making of small gains, pilling them up and so 'standing upon them' to be noticed and so become influencial.

Thus the PATH to 57 passes through 09. If 57 'fails' so the situation falls back onto 09. Another observation to be considered is the differences in the energy nature of the core hexagram. By this I mean that hexagram 51 is energy expending, concentrated, and as such 57 reflects a DAMPENING focus, a focus on 'diffuse' use of energy (as in 'Wind') compared to the intense, precise use of energy (as in 'Thunder'). In yin-based hexagrams this excite/dampen process is reversed.

In the hexagram 51 changing-line matrix the next pair is:

53 - this hexagram deals with a developing relationship, constantly maturing over a long time.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of maturing?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 37.

37 - this hexagram deals with the tension release possible in a rigid structure - specifically a family/clan. The focus is on everyone occupying the 'correct' position and so no conflict; energy is conserved, not wasted in 'squabbles'.

Then follows:

59 - this hexagram deals with dispelling illusions and so making things 'clear' - to lift the fog.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of the dispelling of illusions?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 61.

61 - this hexagram reflects a soft core in a hard exterior and as such reflects softening/yielding - going to 'fight' for the underdog and so being sympathetic, even empathic.

20 - this hexagram deals with motivating others by being admired and setting an example.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of admiration?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 42.

42 - this hexagram deals with augmentation; with filling something up, making something attractive in some way.

44 - this hexagram deals with persuation/seduction/temptation and the primal attraction of yin/yang minus any 'formality'.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of being persuaded/seduced?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 01.

01 - this hexagram reflects perseverence and absolute singlemindedness. There is only ONE context and it is asserted forcefully.

33 - this hexagram deals with trickary in the form of a structured retreat that draws-in the enemy and as such forces the enemy into a trap or a position which can later benefit the counter-attack of those who retreated (one 'melts' into the darkness and draws in the enemy)

The question here is "How do I experience this form of structuring?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 13.

13 - this hexagram deals with the forming of loose associations with the 'like-minded' (and so lacks the explicit, rigid structure of its opposite - hex 07)

06 - this hexagram deals with arguement and compromise; with being prepared to meet someone/thing half way - no more, no less.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of compromise?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 10.

10 - this hexagram deals with maintaining conduct and carefully treading a specific path.

12 - this hexagram deals with neutralising the attacks of others and so increasing ones belief in ones self/faith etc. Each attack and successful defence solidifies one's faith. (The traditional IC sees this as 'baring the way' or refusing something and as such an emphasis on 'stagnation' - this 'negative' colouring reflects the ICs emphasis on CHANGE where here the emphasis is on stubbornly AVOIDING change.)

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of neutralising/parrying the thoughts etc of others?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 25.

25 - this hexagram deals with standing-up in a crowd to say one's thoughts regardless of consequence (or more so being young and so not considering consequences of one's action). It reflects an act of 'disentanglement'.

18 - this hexagram deals with correcting corruption, corruption caused by criminal activity or just by neglect.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of correcting?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 26.

26 - this hexagram deals with holding firm to 'quality' traditional beliefs, keeping their value as aids in social integration.

52 - this hexagram deals with discernment - the selection of 'value' through blocking some influences in favour of others.

The question here is "How do I experience discernment of 'value'?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 22.

22 - this hexagram deals with putting on a facade that serves to attract, to beautify the exterior, to 'clean-up'.

04 - this hexagram deals with socialisation of the young through teaching, the putting-on of the 'right' social mask.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of masking?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 41.

41 - this hexagram deals with concentration, distillation and so establishment of 'sameness' in the form of purity.

23 - this hexagram deals with pruning, with cutting-back; removing the chaff from the wheat.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of pruning?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 27.

27 - this hexagram deals with hungering but with careful selection of what knowledge to absorb.

50 - this hexagram deals with transformation, taking the 'raw' materials and 'cooking' them to make something digestible.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of transforming?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 14.

14 - this hexagram deals with working into a position of influence and wealth and directing development.

56 - this hexagram deals with maintaining loyalty at a distance/in a crowd; thus despite diversity one remains 'true'.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of remaining 'true'?" the answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 30.

30 - this hexagram deals with guidance and developing and following a path, a sense of direction - an ideology.

64 - this hexagram deals with remaining open and the problems of trying to complete things too soon, too quickly.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of avoiding closure?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 38.

38 - this hexagram deals with mirroring, with dealing with opposition of others by reflecting them and so they see themselves 'in' you.

35 - this hexagram deals with progressing through bringing things into the 'sun'; ensuring prosperity through being 'accepted'.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of acceptance and progress?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 21.

21 - this hexagram deals with problem solving, with finding the 'correct' solution by revealing the essentials.

48 - this hexagram deals with the completion of a well, an enclosure, where the well is the source of nourishment and so is foundation-setting.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of foundation setting?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 05.

05 - this hexagram deals with serving one's dues; on proactively waiting for one's moment by establishing social ties useful later on.

39 - this hexagram deals with obstacles, being blocked, limping, closed-off, and getting around them.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of being closed-off?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 63.

63 - this hexagram deals with completion, an end, closure, with the potential of a new beginning.

29 - this hexagram deals with the act of containment and control where socialisation acts to 'guide' development.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of containment/control?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 60.

60 - this hexagram deals with the imposing of standards and so limitations with the aim of maintaining a degree of order.

08 - this hexagram deals with unifying, with attracting others through being a source of stimulation.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of attraction?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 03.

03 - this hexagram deals with sprouting and the overcoming of the initial difficulties associated with the process.

28 - this hexagram deals with excess, as well as the concept of going beyond what is required.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of excess, this going the extra 'mile'?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 43.

43 - this hexagram deals with spreading the word in an intense, single-minded, robust manner.

31 - this hexagram deals with intense stimulation, with wooing.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of stimulation?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 49.

49 - this hexagram deals with revelation, revolution, stripping away, and so revealing the hidden, removing the mask.

47 - this hexagram deals with enclosure. The particular emphasis is on enclosing a tree to force the roots to go deep and so 'integrate tightly with the context.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of a degree of integration with context?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 58.

58 - this hexagram deals with reflection or more so SELF reflection both internally (and so depth of persona) as well as externally (and so others see themselves in you).

45 - this hexagram deals with involvement in a crowd, all gathering for the purpose of celebration, being it spiritual or secular (but more so the former).

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of spiritual gathering?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 17.

17 - this hexagram deals with the finding/establishing of a belief and so a sense of following.

46 - thus hexagram deals with the entanglement with others and so getting more involved, pushing one's way 'up' the social ladder.

The question here is "How do I experience this entanglement?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 11.

11 - this hexagram deals with maintaining balance and harmony and as such being in the 'middle' of two states, establishing a link, an entanglement, between them.

15 - this hexagram deals with leveling, with lowering highs and lifting lows; making everything 'even' and so avoiding the expression of extremes. This process of leveling is representative of the expression of 19 where the 'low' approaching the 'high' and the 'high' deferring to the low reflect a leveling process at work.

The question here is "How do I experience leveling, the 'modesty' emphasis in 15?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in 36.

36 - this hexagram deals with being uncompromising in one's actions; there are no exceptions, even the 'well respected' have their sails lowered.

07 - this hexagram represents the establishment of uniformity, of the ONE order and as such is an example of the 'one path' perspective of 24.

The question here is "How do I experience the essence of uniformity, of a formal, 'balanced' collective?". The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 19.

19 - this hexagram represents the deferring of the high to the low and the low having the will to approach the high without fear. The recognition of high/low still exists but there is communication and so a formal sense of uniformity.

02 - this hexagram represents the notions of devotion to, and so total trust in, another/others. The question here is "How do I experience the essence of total devotion?". The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 24.

24 - this hexagram represents the returning to the one 'true' path; it details the distractions down other paths and the pulling back from those paths to return to the 'one' path. This process is an example of pure devotion as reflected in 02.

32 - this hexagram deals with total commitment and so consistency.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense of commitment and consistency?". The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 34.

34 - this hexagram deals with invigoration and so motivation - an emphasis on focus.

62 - this hexagram deals with the exaggeration of traditions etc as an act to maintain social structure within a realm of diversity.

The question here is "How do I experience this sense to maintain 'order' in diversity?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 55.

55 - this hexagram deals with diversity, with so much excess that 'core' concepts become 'hidden' behind all of the diversity of expressions and a degree of 'control' is required.

40 - this hexagram deals with the sudden release of tension through loosening, e.g. the breaking of summer heat by a thunderstorm.

The question here is "How do I experience this tension release, this rush of energy?" The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 54.

54 - this hexagram deals with immaturity and the excess energy expended to an exaggerated degree.

16 - this hexagram deals with the use of a positive attitude together with the use of foresight and so planning to ensure the successful accomplishment of a task.

The question here is "How do I experience this positive attitude and use of foresight?". The answer is in the behaviour expressed in hexagram 51.

51 - this hexagram deals with the emergence of something 'new', an enlightening, and so positive, 'moment' - an insight.

The above relationships are applied in all of the changing-line matrices with subtle re-ordering reflecting affect of context. The above has been an example based on the matrix for hexagram 51. I leave it to the reader to 'get the feel' in the other changing-line matrices.