Preface: Positioning
In the system of I Ching divination, if the Original Hexagram (Ben Gua), Changed Hexagram (Bian Gua), and Moving Lines (Dong Yao) are considered the "skeleton and flesh" of an event (determining the core auspiciousness or inauspiciousness), then the Nuclear (Hu), Inverse (Zong), and Opposite (Cuo) hexagrams are the "meridians and spirit" (revealing causality and details).
- Principle: Maintain a clear distinction between primary and secondary. Focus first on the Original, Changed, and Moving lines (Primary), then on the Nuclear, Inverse, and Opposite (Auxiliary). Do not let the auxiliary overshadow the primary.
Chapter 1: Definitions and Functions (The Toolbox)
Before use, please clarify the dimensions represented by these three tools:
1. Nuclear Hexagram (Hu Gua): The "Hidden Core"
- Derivation: Formed by taking lines 2, 3, and 4 of the original hexagram as the lower trigram, and lines 3, 4, and 5 as the upper trigram.
- Function: Reveals the intermediate process, internal structure, or core means of the event's development.
- Metaphor: The "pulp." It may look like one thing on the outside (Original), but biting into it reveals something else (Nuclear).
2. Inverse Hexagram (Zong Gua): "Perspective Shifting"
- Derivation: Rotate the original hexagram 180 degrees (Line 1 becomes Line 6, Line 2 becomes Line 5, etc.).
- Function: Reveals the other party's perspective, the objective situation, or the two sides of the same coin.
- Metaphor: A "mirror." You think you are advancing (Original), but from the opposite side, it looks like you are retreating (Inverse).
3. Opposite Hexagram (Cuo Gua): "Shadow Contradiction"
- Derivation: Completely swap the Yin and Yang lines of the original hexagram (Yang becomes Yin, Yin becomes Yang).
- Function: Reveals latent crises, missing elements, or the most intense points of contradiction.
- Metaphor: A "shadow." The stronger the light (Original), the darker the shadow (Opposite).
Chapter 2: When to Use$1 (Trigger Mechanisms)
Not every divination requires these three. Auxiliary analysis is recommended in the following four situations:
1. Static Hexagrams (No moving lines) — Essential
- Reason: Without moving lines, there is no direction. Information is scarce, so you must dig into the "Nuclear" for internal contradictions and "Inverse/Opposite" for the external environment.
- Usage: Increase the weight of the Nuclear hexagram to 40%.
2. Excessive Movement (3 or more moving lines) — Recommended
- Reason: The situation is volatile, and individual line statements may contradict each other. A macro perspective is needed.
- Usage: Use the "Inverse" to see the ebb and flow of the overall situation, and the "Opposite" to identify extreme risks.
3. Ambiguous Results (Vague Information) — Supportive
- Reason: The Original is auspicious but the Changed is inauspicious, or the line statements are ambiguous.
- Usage: Use the "Nuclear" to deduce the process and see if internal issues are causing the poor outcome.
4. In-depth Consultation (Decision Analysis) — Deep Dive
- Reason: The querent wants to know more than just "good or bad"; they want to know "how to act," "what to watch for," and "why."
- Usage: Perform a holographic interpretation to find the breakthrough point.
Chapter 3: How to Use$2 (Operational Flow)
Please strictly follow this "Four-Step Method":
Step 1: Qualitative Analysis (Original & Changed)
- Read the Original Hexagram statement for the starting point; read the Changed Hexagram statement for the endpoint.
- Conclusion: Set the tone for auspiciousness (is it good or bad, major or minor$3).
Step 2: Causal Analysis (Nuclear)
- Question: Why this result$4 What happened in the middle$5
- Action: Arrange the Nuclear hexagram.
- If the Nuclear is auspicious, it indicates smooth internal operations supporting the Original.
- If the Nuclear is inauspicious (e.g., contains Kan/Danger), it suggests a polished exterior with internal pitfalls.
- Phrasing: "On the surface, this is A, but in practice, it contains the characteristics of B, so we should handle it using B's methods."
Step 3: Perspective Review (Inverse)
- Question: Am I being too subjective$6 How does it look from a rival's or bystander's view$7
- Action: Arrange the Inverse hexagram.
- If the Inverse is opposite in nature to the Original (e.g., Waiting vs. Litigation), remind the querent: You think you are waiting for an opportunity, but others think you are provoking conflict.
- Phrasing: "We need to look at it from another angle. If we step away from your position, this matter is actually..."
Step 4: Risk Control (Opposite)
- Question: What is the worst-case scenario$8 What am I missing$9
- Action: Arrange the Opposite hexagram.
- The Opposite often represents the side you are "blind" to.
- If the Original is rigid, the Opposite will be yielding. This reminds you to supplement with softer tactics.
- Phrasing: "The greatest hidden danger lies in... You need to supplement your ability in..."
Chapter 4: Weight Distribution (The Golden Rule)
To prevent confusion, please adhere to these weight proportions:
| Hexagram Type | Weight | Core Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Original + Changed | 50% | Overall situation, trends, final result |
| Moving Lines | 30% | Specific current guidance, entry point |
| Nuclear Hexagram | 10% | Process, means, internal secrets |
| Inverse + Opposite | 10% | Collateral evidence, perspective shifting, crisis warning |
Chapter 5: Practical Mnemonics (Quick Memo)
Original and Changed set the fate, Moving lines guide the current state.Complex matters$10 Check the Nuclear core, to see what's hidden behind the door.Shift your view with the Inverse sign, to know both their heart and thine.Find the gaps in the Opposite's shade, mend the flaws so the goal is made.
Appendix: Common Pitfalls
- Avoid "Substituting the Auxiliary for the Primary": If the Original and Moving lines indicate great success, but the Opposite is inauspicious, do not judge it as a failure. The Opposite's negativity is merely a reminder to "stay alert in times of peace," not a prediction of failure.
- Avoid "Over-Association": Do not nest hexagrams (e.g., taking a Nuclear of a Nuclear). This leads to endless numerology. Stick to the first layer of the Nuclear hexagram.
- Avoid "Forced Interpretation": If the meaning of the Original hexagram is already clear and direct, there is no need to force an explanation using Inverse or Opposite hexagrams. Simplicity is the way.
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