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I Ching hexagrams paired with Tarot Cards

rosada

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I asked the AI to suggest which tarot card would pair with with each hexagram.. I wouldn’t have come up with the same answers - Like I would have matched hexagram 1. The Creative with The Magician - the card referencing the creative power of focused intention - but I find the AI’s choices do seem to give meaningful new perspectives:

1. **Hexagram 1 - The Creative (The Fool)**: Both represent new beginnings, potential, and the adventure of starting fresh. The Fool embodies optimism and a leap of faith, much like the pure creativity of Hexagram 1. As I mentioned above, I would have chosen The Magician to pair with 1. The Creative but now I think The Fool is an even better choice because The Fool card represents pure vibration which will activate whatever thought is aligned with it, which is more in keeping with The Creative energy which is not yet channeled into any mental construct.

2. **Hexagram 2 - The Receptive (The High Priestess)**: This pairing symbolizes intuition and receptivity. The Receptive emphasizes listening and understanding, much like the High Priestess’s connection to inner wisdom and intuition. Also the High Priestess card represents a state of silence which supports Receptivity.

3. **Hexagram 3 - Difficulty at the Beginning (The Chariot)**: Both reflect overcoming initial challenges. The Chariot signifies control and determination, aligning with navigating obstacles in the face of the first hurdles in Hexagram 3. The illustration on The Chariot card is of one horse looking to the left and the other to the right which underscores the key Difficulty, which way to turn? Stay or go?

4. **Hexagram 4 - Youthful Folly (The Page of Swords)**: This pairing highlights the curiosity and eagerness of youth. The Page of Swords is inquisitive and ready to learn, aligning with the theme of learning through mistakes in Hexagram 4. The Page of Swords is eager to take action but as the illustration shows, he must pause and wait and watch, much like the foolish youth.

5. **Hexagram 5 - Waiting (The Hanged Man)**: Love this pair. What better way to illustrate 5.Waiting than with a man tied and hanging upside down knowing there is nothing he can do and so calmly waits. Both the hexagram and the card emphasize patience and surrender. The Hanged Man encourages seeing things from a different perspective, resonating with the wisdom of waiting and the need for inner clarity in Hexagram 5.

6. **Hexagram 6 - Conflict (The Five of Wands)**: This pairing captures the essence of competition and struggle. The Five of Wands represents conflict and differing opinions, much like the tensions explored in Hexagram 6. Wands are associated with the mind so here it emphasizes that conflicts begin with mental misunderstandings.

7. **Hexagram 7 - The Army (The Emperor)**: I think this is a great choice. Both hexagram 7 and The Emperor symbolize structure, leadership, and authority. The Emperor reflects control and discipline, aligning with the organized approach of Hexagram 7.

8. **Hexagram 8 - Holding Together (The Lovers)**: This pairing emphasizes unity and relationships. The Lovers signify partnership and harmony, resonating with the themes of collaboration found in Hexagram 8. The Lovers also does not necessarily indicate a long term commitment just as hexagram 8 warns one may eventually discover that ultimately at ’8.6 the person has no head for holding together”.

9. **Hexagram 9 - The Taming Power of the Small (The Hermit)**: Great match. This pairing focuses on introversion and careful consideration. The Hermit embodies self-reflection and wisdom, resonating with the gentle strength of Hexagram 9.

10. **Hexagram 10 - Treading (The Ace of Pentacles)**: The creation of The Master Mind! Both signify expanding opportunities. The Ace of Pentacles represents the potential for material success, similar to the progress possible when one aligns with the flow as in Hexagram 10.

11. **Hexagram 11 - Peace (The Two of Cups)**: Peace is the result of harmony and balance in relationships. The Two of Cups emphasizes mutual respect and connection, mirroring the peaceful themes in Hexagram 11.

12. **Hexagram 12 - Standstill (The Four of Pentacles)**: Both signify holding on and conserving resources. The Four of Pentacles reflects feeling a need to maintain stability which can also lead to a feeling of stagnation as in Hexagram 12.

13. **Hexagram 13 - Fellowship (The Six of Cups)**: This Six of Cups focuses on community and shared joy aligning with the fellowship of Hexagram 13.

14. **Hexagram 14 - Possession in Great Measure (The Ten of Pentacles)**: This pairing highlights abundance and legacy. The Ten of Pentacles represents wealth and family heritage, resonating with the prosperous themes of Hexagram 14.

15. **Hexagram 15 - Modesty (Strength)**: Both signify the strength found in humility and self-control. The image of a woman stroking the lion on the Strength card emphasizes inner strength and self-control, resonating with the modesty portrayed in Hexagram 15.

16. **Hexagram 16 - Enthusiasm (Knight of Wands)**: This pairing embodies passion and action. The Knight of Wands is adventurous and driven, reflecting the enthusiastic energy of Hexagram 16.

17. **Hexagram 17 - Following (The Star)**: Both signify guidance and hope. The Star represents inspiration and a clear vision, aligning with the aspiration and direction of Hexagram 17.

18. **Hexagram 18 - Work on What Has Been Spoiled (The Tower)**: This pairing reveals the importance of transformation through crisis. The Tower signifies upheaval, reflecting the need to address pressing issues in Hexagram 18.

19. **Hexagram 19 - Approach (The Sun)**: Both signify hope and success. The Sun represents joy and clarity, mirroring the positive energy of approaching new ventures in Hexagram 19.

20. **Hexagram 20 - Contemplation (The Moon)**: This pairing emphasizes reflection and intuition. The Moon represents the unconscious and spiritual insights, resonating with the contemplative nature of Hexagram 20.

21. **Hexagram 21 - Biting Through (Justice)**: Both embody the need for clear decision-making and fairness. Justice emphasizes accountability, reflecting the necessity for clarity and resolution in Hexagram 21.

22. **Hexagram 22 - Grace (The Empress)**: This pairing highlights beauty and nurturing. The Empress represents fertility and abundance, aligning with the graciousness portrayed in Hexagram 22.

23. **Hexagram 23 - Splitting Apart (Death)**: This pairing signifies transformation through endings. Death represents necessary change, reflecting the theme of dissolution found in Hexagram 23.

24. **Hexagram 24 - Return (Wheel of Fortune)**: Both symbolize cycles and renewal. The Wheel of Fortune embodies the cyclical nature of life, resonating with the idea of returning in Hexagram 24.

25. **Hexagram 25 - Innocence (Ace of Cups)**: This pairing emphasizes fresh emotional beginnings. The Ace of Cups signifies new love and emotional awakening, mirroring the purity of Hexagram 25.

26. **Hexagram 26 - The Taming Power of the Great (The Emperor)**: Both represent strength and discipline in management. The Emperor embodies authority and control, reflecting the careful management of resources found in Hexagram 26.

27. **Hexagram 27 - Nourishment (Queen of Pentacles)**: This pairing highlights nurturing and care. The Queen of Pentacles embodies abundance and support, resonating with the theme of nourishment in Hexagram 27.

28. **Hexagram 28 - Great Exceeding (Ten of Swords)**: Both mark the end of a difficult phase. The Ten of Swords represents hitting rock bottom, aligning with the breaking point of Hexagram 28.

29. **Hexagram 29 - The Abysmal (The Devil)**: This pairing reflects the themes of fear and entrapment. The Devil represents bondage and challenges, mirroring the struggles in Hexagram 29.

30. **Hexagram 30 - The Clinging (The Emperor)**: This pairing signifies control and stability. The Emperor reflects established authority, aligning with the strength and persistence of Hexagram 30.

31. **Hexagram 31 - Influence (Two of Wands)**: Both symbolize the power of choices and personal influence. The Two of Wands represents foresight and planning, resonating with the idea of gentle influence in Hexagram 31.

32. **Hexagram 32 - Duration (Ten of Cups)**: This pairing embodies enduring happiness and connection. The Ten of Cups symbolizes lasting fulfillment, mirroring the idea of stability found in Hexagram 32.

33. **Hexagram 33 - Retreat (Eight of Cups)**: Both signify a need for withdrawal and reflection. The Eight of Cups emphasizes moving on, resonating with the themes of retreat in Hexagram 33.

34. **Hexagram 34 - The Power of the Great (The Chariot)**: Both signify determination and triumph over obstacles. The Chariot embodies victory through will, aligning with the strength of Hexagram 34.

35. **Hexagram 35 - Progress (Six of Wands)**: This pairing signifies success and recognition. The Six of Wands represents public acclaim, reflecting the progressive movement of Hexagram 35.

36. **Hexagram 36 - Darkening of the Light (Seven of Swords)**: Both reflect deception and secrecy. The Seven of Swords emphasizes cunning and strategy, resonating with the hidden challenges in Hexagram 36.

37. **Hexagram 37 - The Family (Ten of Pentacles)**: This pairing embodies heritage and nurturing relationships. The Ten of Pentacles reflects legacy, resonating with the values of family in Hexagram 37.

38. **Hexagram 38 - Opposition (Five of Swords)**: Both signify conflict and differing viewpoints. The Five of Swords represents discord, aligning with the tension described in Hexagram 38.

39. **Hexagram 39 - Obstruction (Five of Pentacles)**: This pairing reflects hardship and struggle. The Five of Pentacles signifies feeling left out or in need, resonating with the challenges in Hexagram 39.

40. **Hexagram 40 - Deliverance (Six of Swords)**: Both signify transition and relief from difficulty. The Six of Swords represents moving away from turmoil, aligning with the themes of deliverance in Hexagram 40.

41. **Hexagram 41 - Decrease (Four of Cups)**: This pairing signifies the importance of letting go. The Four of Cups embodies contemplation and reassessment of emotional needs, resonating with the idea of decrease in Hexagram 41.

42. **Hexagram 42 - Increase (Ace of Wands)**: Both signify new growth and opportunities. The Ace of Wands represents inspiration and new ideas, reflecting the abundance found in Hexagram 42.

43. **Hexagram 43 - Breakthrough (Ace of Swords)**: This pairing emphasizes clarity and insight. The Ace of Swords embodies breakthroughs in understanding, mirroring the transformative power of Hexagram 43.

44. **Hexagram 44 - Coming to Meet (Queen of Wands)**: Both signify attraction and connection. The Queen of Wands represents magnetism and confidence, resonating with the themes of coming together in Hexagram 44.

45. **Hexagram 45 - Gathering Together (Three of Cups)**: This pairing embodies celebration and community. The Three of Cups represents joy and collaboration, reflecting the unity emphasized in Hexagram 45.

46. **Hexagram 46 - Pushing Upward (Eight of Pentacles)**: Both signify hard work and dedication. The Eight of Pentacles emphasizes skill development, resonating with the upward momentum of Hexagram 46.

47. **Hexagram 47 - Oppression (Nine of Swords)**: This pairing reflects anxiety and mental struggle. The Nine of Swords embodies distress and worry, mirroring the themes of oppression in Hexagram 47.

48. **Hexagram 48 - The Well (Nine of Cups)**: This pairing embodies emotional fulfillment and abundance. The Nine of Cups represents wishes fulfilled, resonating with the deep-rooted satisfaction in Hexagram 48.

49. **Hexagram 49 - Revolution (Judgment)**: Both signify transformation and awakening. Judgment represents self-reflection and renewal, aligning with the revolutionary change in Hexagram 49.

50. **Hexagram 50 - The Cauldron (Knight of Cups)**: This pairing embodies emotional depth and creativity. The Knight of Cups represents romanticism and inspiration, resonating with the themes of nourishment in Hexagram 50.

51. **Hexagram 51 - The Arousing (The Tower)**: Both signify sudden change and revelations. The Tower represents upheaval and truth, mirroring the shocking realizations in Hexagram 51.

52. **Hexagram 52 - The Stillness (Four of Swords)**: This pairing emphasizes rest and reflection. The Four of Swords embodies recuperation and mental clarity, resonating with the stillness found in Hexagram 52.

53. **Hexagram 53 - Development (Three of Pentacles)**: Both signify teamwork and gradual progress. The Three of Pentacles emphasizes collaboration and building toward a goal, reflecting the development in Hexagram 53.

54. **Hexagram 54 - The Marrying Maiden (Ten of Swords)**: This pairing highlights transformation and the end of a cycle. The Ten of Swords signifies painful endings, resonating with the themes of transition in Hexagram 54.

55. **Hexagram 55 - Abundance (Nine of Pentacles)**: This pairing embodies a sense of prosperity and self-sufficiency. The Nine of Pentacles represents luxurious living, aligning with the abundance of Hexagram 55.

56. **Hexagram 56 - The Wanderer (The Fool)**: Both signify exploration and new experiences. The Fool represents spontaneity and adventure, resonating with the journey of the wanderer in Hexagram 56.

57. **Hexagram 57 - The Gentle (Queen of Swords)**: This pairing signifies wisdom and clarity. The Queen of Swords embodies intellect and independence, aligning with the gentle yet insightful nature of Hexagram 57.

58. **Hexagram 58 - The Joyous (The Sun)**: Both embody positivity and optimism. The Sun represents joy and vitality, resonating with the jubilant themes of Hexagram 58.

59. **Hexagram 59 - Dispersing (Seven of Cups)**: This pairing reflects choices and possibilities. The Seven of Cups represents options and daydreams, mirroring the dispersing and diversifying energy in Hexagram 59.

60. **Hexagram 60 - Limitation (Three of Swords)**: This pairing signifies boundaries and emotional pain. The Three of Swords embodies heartache, resonating with the limitations explored in Hexagram 60.

61. **Hexagram 61 - Inner Truth (The High Priestess)**: Both emphasize introspection and intuition. The High Priestess embodies deep understanding, resonating with the self-discovery themes in Hexagram 61.

62. **Hexagram 62 - Small Exceeding (Page of Cups)**: This pairing emphasizes emotional openness and new beginnings. The Page of Cups represents curiosity and youthful sensitivity, resonating with the small exceedings of Hexagram 62.

63. **Hexagram 63 - After Completion (The World)**: Both signify fulfillment and achievement. The World embodies completion and success, reflecting the resolution found in Hexagram 63.

64. **Hexagram 64 - Before Completion (Seven of Wands)**: This pairing signifies readiness and the challenges before achieving a goal. The Seven of Wands reflects standing one's ground, resonating with the preparation aspect of Hexagram 64.
 
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Lakewater

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I'm using this as a reference. It's a shame it's not all the tarot, I'm still very new to tarot, what would you give the three of wands?
 

rosada

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Hexagram 34. They both represent responsibility and expansion. They mark a time for pausing, stabilizing and looking ahead before moving forward.
 
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rosada

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I haven’t looked into that. Feel free to add your discoveries to this thread!
 

surnevs

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..... and, in his book, Word by Word, for each of the hexagrams, references are added not only to tarot but also to qabalah and astrology.
Attached a screenshot from Hex 1
 

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rosada

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Just wanted to note an insight I got into hexagram 4 from the AI’s suggestion it could be represented by the tarot card The Page of Swords. The Page of Swords is a sharp enthusiastic youth who is eager to dive into life and Do ImportantThings yet the card’s illustration shows him standing on a hill doing nothing but looking all around. Coupling this image with hexagram 4 gives me an insight into what the Fool should do. He should be silently alert, waiting and watching like the page of swords - but instead this fool keeps asking more and more questions! So the Creator refuses to give him new answers and reminds him he already has his answer, ”persevere”. Okay, but what does this mean in an actual reading? Like the Fool, the problem for me was I didn’t understand what “Persevere” referred to. I was always then asking, “Persevere in what?” Now, thanks to the clue from the Page of Swords, I’m seeing hex 4 as one being advised to refrain from doing anything for the moment but to persevere in the Now - stay alert like the Page of Swords -WAIT - and see what emerges.
Which naturally then leads to 5. Waiting.

So I’m seeing “Persevere“ as meaning not necessarily keep doing with what you’ve been doing - like if you are in a bad relationship “persevere” doesn’t necessarily mean “stay in the relationship” Rather I see it now as meaning when you don’t immediately know what to do next, “persevere” in not doing anything, not taking any decisive action, but stay focused, stay in the Now and watch for signs of the next right path opening up.

I wonder if the 4-5 sequence “Fool - Wait!” is a message from Source when we’re on the verge of giving up? Like, when you’re so confused and don’t know where to begin to create order that you’re ready to gauge your own eyes out (3.6 Difficulty at the Beginning - Bloody tears flow.) so Source steps in (the one time in the whole I Ching Source speaks directly to us) and says “Don’t give up!!!”
 
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surnevs

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page of swords.jpg pt.jpg

In an old version from the 14th century, he looks straightforward (not to one side or the other). There are many versions.

See: "The Tarot" by Richard Cavendish, Chancellor Press, 1975
 
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surnevs

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Bradford Hatcher has The Hermit proposed as the significator for hexagram 4 (in the traditional king Wen sequence), and as I see it, it can be understood in two ways: The searcher ie the light, or candle, that this recluse hold in his hand (actually visually depicted this way from the earliest known decks of Tarocci) symbolising "to search" - and on the other hand, the wise man, or the sage, but where this light or candle symbolises enlightenment ie one who is capable to guide (versus searching for guidance). And this, all in all, I guess (which I can only do here), that Bradford Hatcher meant: namely that The Hermit is not the young fool searching for advice, but the one whom the young fool is consulting, to example me being the young fool forwarding my question to this Hermit / wise recluse / Sage...
This seems to be nearly the opposite of your suggestion with the Page of Swords, where this character symbolises the fool seeking advice.
Rosada, I think we should be careful to take the different visually depictions of the cards in the Tarot for interpretations of those cards, for example, the Page of Swords, as I mentioned: there are many visually depictions of this specific card...
 

rosada

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One could probably make a case for any card aligning with any hexagram:
Q: How does the Page of Swords align with hexagram 1?
A: The suit of Swords represents the mind and mental activity. The Page of Swords however is not taking action. He stands still and intently watches which resonates with the advice of 1.1 “Hidden dragon, do not act.”
Q: How does the Page of Swords align with hexagram 2?
A: The Page is vigilant, sometimes depicting a spy or a need to see, to know, but to not reveal. This could also be a characteristic of hexagram 2. Particularly 2.4.
Q: How does the Page of Swords align with hexagram 3?
A: While the suit of Swords is known for fast action, the Page is still and observes - good advice for when you’re first beginning to bring order out of confusion.
And so on…

Likewise as far as the illustrations. Different decks depict the cards differently so again it’s not possible to say which is the one true image and pick the one valid match.

But anyway, even with these injunctions against unilaterally decreeing which card goes with which hexagram I find looking for these associations to be a good mental exercise and for me it’s led to useful insights.
 

surnevs

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One could probably make a case for any card aligning with any hexagram:
Q: How does the Page of Swords align with hexagram 1?
A: The suit of Swords represents the mind and mental activity. The Page of Swords however is not taking action. He stands still and intently watches which resonates with the advice of 1.1 “Hidden dragon, do not act.”
Q: How does the Page of Swords align with hexagram 2?
A: The Page is vigilant, sometimes depicting a spy or a need to see, to know, but to not reveal. This could also be a characteristic of hexagram 2. Particularly 2.4.
Q: How does the Page of Swords align with hexagram 3?
A: While the suit of Swords is known for fast action, the Page is still and observes - good advice for when you’re first beginning to bring order out of confusion.
And so on…

Likewise as far as the illustrations. Different decks depict the cards differently so again it’s not possible to say which is the one true image and pick the one valid match.

But anyway, even with these injunctions against unilaterally decreeing which card goes with which hexagram I find looking for these associations to be a good mental exercise and for me it’s led to useful insights.


Whether Bradford Hatcher looked at hexagram 4 as being the Sage speaking to the inquirer or the other way round, as if the Hermit should be the inquirer consulting the Spirit or the I Ching, which I frankly know nothing about, the text still says, quote:

"méng. xiǎng.
IGNORANCE. SACRIFICE.
IGNORANCE. Let a SACRIFICE be conducted.
fěi wǒ qiú tóng méng.
NOT I SEEK CHILD IGNORANCE.
It was NOT I who SOUGHT the IGNORANT CHILD.
tóng méng qiú wǒ.
CHILD IGNORANCE SEEK ME.
It was the IGNORANT CHILD who SOUGHT ME.
chū shì gào. zài sān dú.
FIRST DIVINATION TELL. TWICE THRICE DISRESPECT.
When the DIVINATION was FIRST conducted, I SPOKE. To ask TWICE and
THRICE shows DISRESPECT.
dú zé bú gào lì zhēn.
DISRESPECT THEN NOT TELL FAVORABLE OMEN.
When there is DISRESPECT, I do NOT REVEAL a FAVORABLE OMEN." 1)

- where, I think, it is "I who"- sought, spoke, etc. or more correctly, it could look like if the main figure in hex. 4 is the one who advises and not the one who keeps asking...
Of course, I can be wrong in this viewpoint, and whether it is the one or the other way around wasn't what I was going for, but just that one can't see the absolute meaning of a Tarot card by looking at one version rather than another, Crowley's, Wait's, etc. etc.



________________________
1) Gregory C. Richter, LINK
 

surnevs

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.... on #8, in THIS thread, I propose The Fool, i.e., Tarot card 0, to be significant with hex. 4

But today I don't.

PS: Notice also #15 in this thread ( ;) )
 
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