Detailed Explanation of the Eight Trigrams The Eight Trigrams are the basic symbolic system of the I Ching (Book of Changes). Each trigram consists of three lines (a three-line trigram) and represents fundamental natural phenomena and their attributes. ☰ Qian (Heaven) Element: Heaven · Attribute: Strength · Family Role: Father Direction: Northwest · Season: Late Autumn to Early Winter Keywords: Strength, Creativity, Leadership, Heaven ☱ Dui (Lake) Element: Lake · Attribute: Joy · Family Role: Youngest Daughter Direction: West · Season: Autumn Keywords: Joy, Speech, Communication, Lake ☲ Li (Fire) Element: Fire · Attribute: Radiance · Family Role: Middle Daughter Direction: South · Season: Summer Keywords: Light, Dependence, Wisdom, Fire ☳ Zhen (Thunder) Element: Thunder · Attribute: Movement · Family Role: Eldest Son Direction: East · Season: Spring Keywords: Shock, Action, Breakthrough, Thunder ☴ Xun (Wind) Element: Wind · Attribute: Penetration · Family Role: Eldest Daughter Direction: Southeast · Season: Late Spring to Early Summer Keywords: Penetration, Obedience, Dissemination, Wind ☵ Kan (Water) Element: Water · Attribute: Danger · Family Role: Middle Son Direction: North · Season: Winter Keywords: Danger, Depth, Wisdom, Water ☶ Gen (Mountain) Element: Mountain · Attribute: Stillness · Family Role: Youngest Son Direction: Northeast · Season: Late Winter to Early Spring Keywords: Stillness, Stability, Boundaries, Mountain ☷ Kun (Earth) Element: Earth · Attribute: Receptivity · Family Role: Mother Direction: Southwest · Season: Late Summer to Early Autumn Keywords: Gentleness, Support, Inclusiveness, Earth Return to I Ching Directory