Bagua literally means "eight trigrams", the combination of 3 lines, either solid (for a Yang line) or broken (for a Yin one). The lines are familiar to those who consult the "I Ching". The Chi, the all pervading energy that moves through space or, in this instance, through a cycle of time. Understanding the eight trigrams will allow us to understand how to enhance good Chi and correct negative Chi.
There are 2 BAGUA diagrams in use today, the Traditional Bagua with the shape of an octagon and the 3-Door Bagua used in Black Hat Feng Shui.
Traditional Bagua 3-Door Bagua
In the Traditional Bagua each trigram is correlated to a specific compass direction. The 3-Door Bagua is simplified and views the space always as seen from one direction only - the entrance. Therefore the different areas lie in the same area of the house, e.g. Career is always in front, Wealth & Prosperity always on the left side in the back.
Here is a list of the eight Bagua areas and their meaning in a clockwise, circlular order for easier understanding:
KAN – WATER: Career, Way of Life, the Journey
Water is the beginning of each journey. We ride through life as on a river. If we can manage to go with the flow easily instead of fighting against the current, we will experience life with clarity and ease.
KEN – MOUNTAIN: Contemplation, Inner Knowledge, Wisdom
Stillness gives strength. The trigram consists of 2 open lines and a solid line on top as in a picture of a cave - a place where ancient sages would seek contemplation and peace.
ZHEN – THUNDER: Family, Elders, Ancestors
In ancient Feng Shui the reverance of the ancestors was very important. To provide the best gravesites to the forefathers would bring blessings and good fortune to the whole family. Thunder stands for outbursting energy, fast growth and upward movement.
XUN – WIND: Wealth & Prosperity, Fortunate Blessings
Blessings should be seen as a constant gentle happening - penetrating like wind. It is represented in the South East as Yin wood energy. This is one of the 2 areas most people are interested in, the other one being Relationships. Water and wood element enhance this aspect.
LI – FIRE: Fame & Reputation
Light and illumination are signs of clarity and strength. Fame and reputation standing for the way we would like our work to be manifested. Red colors in various shades, symbols representing fire and triangular-shaped objects enhance this aspect.
KUN – EARTH: Relationship, Marriage, Partnership
This sign consists of 3 Yin lines, the most receptive trigram of all and the strongest feminine sign. Being truly receptive is the final goal of any relationship. Listen to your partner, in private as well as in business, open your heart and receive like the earth.
DUI – LAKE: Children, Creativity, Joy
Like children, our artistic expressive endeavors share the qualities of creativity and joy. Deep strength is represented by 2 Yang lines above a light Yin line showing the joyful play of the waves on the surface.
QIAN (or CHIAN) – HEAVEN: Helpful friends, Travel
Heavenly energy manifests in the form of support and love from friends. A strong Qian area in a house signals that we share our achievments and energy with the outside world.
The center is called the TAIJI (or TAI CHI), the court in ancient houses and farms, the center of gravity and contemplation.
Ideally all Bagua areas should be even and similarily strong. Different elements, materials, geometric forms, colors and symbols are used to benefit each of them. Sometimes it is difficult to change outside landscaping to counteract missing areas when you are on the fifth floor of an apartment building, or to paint a building in a new color when you are a tenant. A simplified modern method to balance and strengthen all aspects of the bagua is integrated in the energetic program of the Space Harmonizers.
Recommended books:
Feng Shui Made Easy - William Spear
The I Ching - Richard Wilhelm, the classic guide to the Yijing.
The Philosophy of the I Ching - Carol Anthony
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui - silly name, good information
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