The Eight Trigrams can be associated with various attributes, including people, places, objects, parts of the body, and relationships.
Qian represents the father of the Trigrams, and is associated with Heaven. It symbolizes movement, the sky, creativity, power and strength and represents willpower and leadership. Qian is associated with the Metal Phase. Qian is associated with the head and the lungs, as well as with the number 6 and the direction of northwest. Its animal is the horse and its colors are gold, silver or white.
Dui is the youngest daughter. It is associated with a lake or Marsh. Dui has a quality of freshness, alertness and attraction, and represents communication and pleasure. Dui is also associated with the Phase of Metal. Dui is associated with the mouth, tongue or throat, the number 7, the direction of west and the color white. Swamp animals are associated with Dui.
Li is the middle daughter, and is associated with Fire. There is a sense of illumination, intelligence and a clinging quality. Li is associated with the Fire Phase. Li is associated with the eyes and heart, the number 9, the direction south and the colors red and purple. Wild birds are associated with Li.
Zhen is the eldest son, and is associated with Thunder. This represents the explosive power of Yang rising up through the Yin above it. Zhen is associated with Wood energy. Zhen is associated with the feet and the liver, the number 3, the direction of east and the colors of dark or jade green. The Dragon is the animal of Zhen.
Xun is the eldest daughter. Xun is associated with the Wind. Although gentle and invisible, it is persistent and hard-working. Xun is associated with the Phase of Wood, the thighs or buttocks, the number 4, the direction of southeast and the color green. The animal associated with Xun is the chicken.
Kan, associated with Water, is the middle son. A strong Yang line is concealed within two soft Yin lines, like the mysterious depth of the sea. There is a certain danger here, and difficulty. Kan is associated with the Water Phase, the blood, ears or kidneys, the number 1, the direction of north and the colors of black or very dark blue. Sea creatures are the animals associated with Kan.
Gen is the youngest son. This is the Mountain. There is inner stillness, tranquility and strength. Gen is associated with the Earth Phase, the fingers, spine, nose or small bones, the number 8, the direction of northeast and the color of yellow. The cat or dog is the animal for Gen.
The mother of the Trigrams is Kun, which is the Earth. Kun represents fertility, tolerance and receptiveness. It is associated with the Earth Phase, the abdominal area, the number 2 and the direction of southwest. Its colors are yellow and black and its animal is the cow or the mare.
