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The Creative

乾 (Qián)

Hexagram #1

Hexagram Structure

6
Yang Line
5
Yang Line
4
Yang Line
3
Yang Line
2
Yang Line
1
Yang Line

Upper Trigram

Heaven

Lower Trigram

Heaven

Core Essence

Keywords

creativitystrengthleadershipinitiative

Meaning

Represents pure creative energy, the power of heaven, and masculine principle. It signifies strength, leadership, and the beginning of all things.

Guidance

Take initiative and lead with confidence. This is a time for bold action and creative endeavors.

Classical Texts

Judgment

The Creative works sublime success, furthering through perseverance.

乾：元、亨、利、贞。

Image

The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring.

天行健，君子以自强不息。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Creative hexagram originates from ancient observations of heaven. Legend tells that Fuxi observed the celestial movements, seeing the endless motion of heavenly bodies and the orderly succession of seasons, from which he understood heaven's vigorous nature. The I Ching states 'Heaven's movement is full of power, thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring' - this is the core spirit of Qian. Ancient emperors often compared themselves to dragons, as dragons symbolize the power of Qian - able to rise and fall, expand and contract, changing endlessly. Confucius said in the Commentary: 'Great indeed is the Creative, all things owe their beginning to it, it contains all heaven.'

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Heaven Lower Trigram: Heaven **Judgment Analysis:** The Creative works sublime success, furthering through perseverance. 乾：元、亨、利、贞。 **Image Wisdom:** The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring. 天行健，君子以自强不息。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of The Creative can guide us: • Take initiative and lead with confidence. This is a time for bold action and creative endeavors. • Keywords: creativity, strength, leadership, initiative • Core Concept: Represents pure creative energy, the power of heaven, and masculine principle. It signifies strength, leadership, and the beginning of all things.

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