Variations on a Theme

Using the Fu Hsi method of analysis, where we list the hexagrams in binary order, we find that all of the yin based hexagrams are variations on a theme that is found in all yang based hexagrams (or visa versa. Where you start, yin or yang, is up to you).

In other words we can take the binary sequence of hexagrams with a yin base line and slide them over the top of the binary sequence of hexagrams with a yang base line and the resulting pairs will reflect variations on a theme. Ths is not the same as the oppositions emphasis where we fold the binary order in the middle and each hexagram folds to its opposite hexagram.

This page lists the variations pairs with the yin hexagram followed by the yang hexagram; all hexagrams in each pair are structurally the same other than the base line.

The meditation exercise is to reflect on the characteristics of each hexagram and see the theme that spans each pair.

02, 24

General theme: devotion where in 24 we keep coming back to the 'true' way whereas in 02 we keep developing our devotion, we never leave the 'way'.

23, 27

General theme: (pruning compared to hungering)

08, 03

General theme: (uniting compared to sprouting)

20, 42

General theme: (admiration compared to augmentation)

16, 51

General theme: (forsight/enthusiasm compared to transformation)

35, 21

General theme: (progressing compared to regulating)

45, 17

General theme: (celebrating/congregating compared to believing)

12, 25

General theme: (neutralising compared to disentangling)

15, 36

General theme: (levelling compared to uncompromising)

52, 22

General theme: (discerning compared to facading)

39, 63

General theme: (overcoming obstructions compared to completion/ correct sequencing)

53, 37

General theme: (gradual development compared to rigid structuring)

62, 55

56, 30

31, 49

33, 13

07, 19

04, 41

29, 60

59, 61

40, 54

64, 38

47, 58

06, 10

46, 11

18, 26

48, 05

57, 09

32, 34

50, 14

28, 43

44, 01