Part 2 – The Hexagram or Bagwa
A popular symbol of Feng Shui is the Bagwa / Bagua / Pa Kua but where does is come from?
Feng Shui Bagua mirror
As discussed in Part 1 – Yin and Yang, Chinese metaphysics is based on the duality of Yin and Yang and the 5 elements of the universe – Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire. If we look closely at the Bagwa there are 8 trigrams (sets of 3 lines) arranged in a hexagram. Fu Hsi (introduced in the previous article) invented the 8 trigrams (among many other things). It is said Fu Hsi invented this system of trigrams as a simple way to store a wealth of information based on his observations in nature.
Each trigram is made up of broken and unbroken lines. The single unbroken line represents a Yang line, and the 2 broken lines represent a Yin line. While no one knows for sure how and why Fu Hsi invented and chose to present the trigrams in this fashion, one explanation could be his natural observation of the world (albeit China) at the time. These trigrams representing Yin and Yang were originally arranged by Fu Hsi as depicted here and each is named after a natural form.
Hexagrams - Early Arrangement
Chien = Heaven; Tui = Lake; Li = Fire; Chen = Wood; Sun = Wind; Kan = Water;Ken = Mountain; Kun = Earth
Heaven is depicted above in the South (yes the South) and Earth is below in the North. The Fire or Sun is rising in the East and the water is in the West. The rest follows the position of China’s natural landscape of mountains, earthquake zones, lakes and so on. This early arrangement represents the forces of nature and the 8 trigrams in the form of a hexagram. Popular usage can be seen in:
- a Bagua mirror which may be seen hanging on doors or windows facing spiritual shars like churches, grave sites and police stations offering protection against negative spiritual influences that may attack their home
- the Lo Pan, a trusty tool of the Feng Shui consultant that carries the trigrams in the centre of the instrument surrounding the compass needle to protect it against negative spiritual energies
Feng Shui Lo Pan
- other symbols of protection that are based on this theme of the 5 elements of the universe that include The 5 element Pagoda – this is an object of protection that one can wear, carry or display and represents the 5 elements in the form of the shapes they represent. The construction of the pagoda follows the elemental rules of birth. With Earth in a square shape at the base giving birth to Metal – a circular shape that in turn gives birth to water, wavy in nature and gives birth to Wood represented by a rectangle that completes the pagoda with a triangle representing Fire
5 element pagoda
- The Pentagram – this is an ancient symbol with its first use dated interestingly as far back as 3500 BC – similar time frame when the Lo Shu and Trigrams were reportedly invented. The pentagram was first recorded as a symbol of power in Ancient Mesopotamia. With many cultures and beliefs since then claiming the pentagram and using it for deep and meaningful symbolism and messaging, it has more recently been aligned to the 5 elements of the universe due to the 5 points. Feng Shui symbols and products of the pentagram with the 8 trigrams embedded in the centre have been designed in jewellery, key rings and the like as amulets for protection.
The hexagram containing the 8 trigrams is an ancient symbol that carries the power of protection from the abstract energies we cannot see. Around 1000BC Emperor of the Chau Dynasty – King Wen rearranged this Early Heavenly arrangement into what is now known as the Later Heavenly arrangement depicted below.
Hexagrams - Later Arrangement
This rearrangement better serves people living on earth. It was changed to represent the seasonal influences of nature on living things. Additional observations about humans evolved to create a more accurate and relevant set of predictive data supporting each trigram. As such practitioners of Ba Tze or Four Pillars of Destiny, the I-ching and Feng Shui consultants rely on this later version of the hexagrams to serve the living.
By embedding the Yin and Yang symbol in the centre of the hexagram, it is obvious why the presentation of this symbol should be shown with Yang on the left and Yin on the right. Wood fuels the fire and these are the yang elements. While Water and Metal are the cooler yin elements. Interestingly, Earth is neutral and serves to cut through the centre of the Tai Chi representing its neutral nature and presence throughout the seasons.
Mariko Fisher is principal of FengShui by Sakura and is your Feng Shui consultant in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. FengShui by Sakura provides Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology courses in Sydney suitable for beginners. Mariko also carries a wide range of quality Feng Shui product, gifts and modern home ware with meaning and symbolism for home and office.
