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Tetrad or Double Dichotomy or Cartesian Co-ordinate Analysis
The tetrad perspective in Western terms involves analysis in terms of the perpendicular axes of Cartesian co-ordinates. Two ranges of polar opposites, one running horizontally, the other vertically graph the details of phenomena in terms of equations in x and y. In China, the same philosophy is shown in the Tai Ji symbol in terms of two swirls of contrasting colors and two origins or eyes also of contrasting colors.
Tetrad vs Dyad Yin and Yang dyads expressed in two contexts, first as fully developed swirls; then as points of origin and final transition.
Tetrad as two related yet totally distinct Dyads
The four contrasting concepts of the tetrad are represented by the 4 Pythagorean dot patterns of the 7-dot vs the 8-dot and the 9-dot vs. the 10-dot dice numbers. The 7 & 8 pair comprise the inner and outer or x-axis. The 9 and 10 pair is the y-axis or the high energy and final quiescent state for the entire decad theme.
Describe 7 vs.8 Dyad. Seven represents the inner core of the dice cube. Each face of the dice cube is arranged so that the number of dots on the two opposite sides of the cube always adds to seven. Seven, in natural number theory is not just prime but the mystic number which is not a factor of 360 the lowest common denominator of the numbers 2,3,4,5,6,8,9,10 and 12.
There are 8 vertices to the cube, so the number eight represents the outermost defining corners of the cube overall. Together 7 and 8 represent in number symbolism the dyad from innermost to outermost. In Cartesian co-ordinates where these same number symbols are expressed in terms of perpendicular axes of polar opposites, the 7,8 axis represents the x-axis or spatial extent or time dimension.
Triangle of Nine with final dot missing from the Tetraktys
Total distinction of 8-dot and 9-dot axes and number symbolism. The 8-dot pattern of two squares of 4 dots or the vertices of the cube overall completes the symbolism that can be expressed upon a single dice cube. Either two dice cubes or the tetraktys or pattern of 1,2,3, and 4 dots forming a triangle must be used for the 9 and 10 symbolism. In Pythagorean number 10 is the complete and perfect set. The nine takes its symbolism from the triangle of 10 dots missing that clearly completing and satisfying single dot at the very top.
9-dot clearly implies its Dyad pair 10-dot and expresses the thirst or longing or energy dynamic set loose by having its gestalt pattern incomplete so that it is seeking completion. It is the pattern of everything pointing towards a dynamic to seek and find that completion and satisfaction in its final 10th dot. This pair of 9 &10 is thus the y-axis of Cartesian co-ordinates or the elevation or energy dynamic with 9 as the highest energy configuration and the final 10th as the ultimate quiescent completion of the decad.
The double-dichotomies of the
Tetrad hexagrams of the Water Cycle
Hex 7: The Corps. Trigrams: Water within HeartlandThe negative x-axis of the Water Cycle decad where rainwater is absorbed into the soil producing the beginning of the runoff process as the rain water fills up the soil it falls upon before overflowing to produce fluid water to form streaks and rivers.
Filling In. Trigrams: Water flowing over the Heartland.The positive x-axis of the Water Cycle decad represents the water in fluid motion falling down the elevation of the topography in its incessant journey to the lowest available reservoir. What begins with rain falling upon the soil and being absorbed, ends with the rivulets, streams and rivers coming to rest in the deep Lakes and the Sea.
Hex9: Fallow Field. Trigrams: Streaks over SunshineThe high energy positive y-axis of the Water Cycle decad represented by the high weather systems seen as streaks of clouds scuttling by under the influence of the upper steering winds and the jet stream. These weather systems are the high energy reality of the Water Cycle which must find the proper local conditions to stop traveling high in the heavens, form rain clouds and water the crop fields.
Hex10: Treads. Trigrams: Sunshine over Contents (Lake). The quiescent final state of the Water Cycle decad represented by the Deep Lake sitting under the sunshine where it peacefully evaporates water vapor to begin the Water Cycle all over again.
Tetrad of Agriculture and Community Development
Hex 17: Tracking. Trigrams: Swoops within Contents (Lake).The negative x-axis of the Agriculture decad is the energy stored up in potential wells represented by thunder within the topography and water collected in the lowest elevation. Both will give rise to kinetic dynamism as various forces set them loose for the benefit of society.
Hex 18: Ferment. Trigrams: Streaks within PeaksThe positive x-axis of the Agriculture decad is the expression of various forms of energy dynamic through the pressure gradients of the winds and the gravity potential of the mountain. Water will come rushing down the mountainside and the winds or growing wood will manifest their power over the course of time.
Hex19: Coming Together. Trigrams: Contents within HeartlandThe high energy positive y-axis of the Agriculture decad is expressed through the intense momentum of accumulated resources channeled by the local elevation or topography. Everything is surging in this interplay between the two Yang lines in the first and lowest line places with for Yin line places of open channel to draw its energy like a chimney through the sequence toward the top and final stage.
Hex20: Models. Trigrams Streaks over Heartland. The quiescent final state of the Agriculture decad where the growing wood has come to its ultimate development upon the land. This is the fully developed plant growth which stands out for all to see and to signal the time for the peasants to begin the harvest.
Tetrad of Justice or Karma or Cause-and-Effect
Hex 27: Nursing Trigrams: Peaks over Swoops.The negative x-axis of the tetrad of Justice or Karma decad. This hexagram represents the thirst or desire within that is the motivation for all action and thus all Karma as the effects of these desires as causes that put into motion the actions that will require justice to be administered.
Hex 28: High Over Head. Trigrams: Contents over Streaks.The positive x-axis of the tetrad of Justice or Karma represents excess over the available support and restraint that causes roof beams to bend and break and individual actions to exceed proper bounds and break the law.
Hex29: Deep Depths. Trigrams: Depths over Depths.The high energy positive y-axis of the tetrad of Justice or Karma or Cause-and-effect represents the racing of mountain streams as they follow the elevation of the topography towards their natural consequences and conclusions.
Hex30: Flaming Light. Trigrams: Flames over Flames.The quiescent final state of the tetrad of Justice or Karma represented by the peaceful motion of the sun through the sky from sunrise to sunset which is the model of clear, certain and absolute law determining the regular order upon which all life upon the Planet Earth depends.
Tetrad of Monogamous Love (Monad hex31)
Sex and Family Development
Hex 37 Homing Trigrams: Streaks over Flames. The negative x-axis of the tetrad of Monogamous Love develops the fundamental structure of the family household. Although his hexagram is traditional called The Family and its lines describe the various relationships within the household, it is only truly the structure of the household as the background context to the important living relationships that constitute the home.
Hex 38 Screens. Trigrams: Flames over Contents.The positive x-axis of the tetrad of Monogamous Love expresses the human energies of family life. This is the hexagram of sibling rivalry framed in terms of the squabbling and screaming of the two younger daughters forced to deal with each other with the parents and older siblings away somewhere. Here is the antagonism of fire and water which only scream at each other when they are forced to share the exact same place rather than being able to move each in their own element well away from the other.
Hex39: Valley Forge. Trigrams: Depths over Peaks.The high energy positive y-axis of the tetrad of Monogamous Love expresses purely symbolic terms about the trapped energy of the snow capped high mountains. This hexagram is the high energy that keeps monogamous love exciting and effective to hold the family unit together. As the parents spend their day working at their appointed tasks, the husband working hard in the fields; the wife dealing with the chores of housework and putting up with the required details of raising the children and adjudicating their petty disputes. What makes these tedious activities high energy of family development is the sexual tension that the loving spouses develop within themselves throughout the day.
Hex40 Release or Re-Lease. Trigrams: Swoops over Depths.The quiescent final state of the tetrad of Monogamous Love describes the sexual release and satisfaction of marital relations that is the point, purpose and final expression of the original attraction and courtship of the couple who accept all the social restrictions, follow all the expected family norms, and find their ultimate justification in the regular marital relations which are the definition of marriage in all cultures.
Tetrad of Spiritual Striving (Monad hex 41):
How the quest for the Divine in human life is satisfied.
Hex 47 Tapped Out (Missing) Trigrams: Depths under Contents.The negative x-axis of the tetrad of Spiritual Striving expresses the structural reality that ritual and sacrifice may have different success at various times in its ability to capture and hold the flow of the Divine. This is the hexagram of draining out the fluid content to enable the examination and repair of the structures established and prepared for the next rush of possible spirit.
Hex 48 Mine Trigrams: Depths over Streaks.The positive x-axis of the tetrad of Spiritual Striving expressing the human efforts to maintain Divine gifts and material needs easily available for daily use. This is the structure constructed as a portal deep into the material resources of the Planet Earth to bring to society what the Divine offers as a gift for human satisfaction and improvement.
Hex49: Molten Gold. Trigrams: Contents over Flames.The high energy positive y-axis of the tetrad of Spiritual Striving expressed in terms of the human energy invested in the changes of outer forms to reflect the current reality of the living Core from Source. This is the hexagram of political renewal through revolution traditional in Chinese history. It is also the annual shedding of the prior outer skin which has become a restraint and hindrance to current growth and continued living development.
Hex50: The Altar. Trigrams: Flames over Streaks.The quiescent final state of the tetrad of Spiritual Striving expressed in terms of the family structures that accommodate religious ritual into daily living. The intense striving of the individual to reach up toward Heaven to invoke human feelings of religious sacrifice to achieve spiritual growth through traditional activities performed with new and heartfelt zest comes to its ultimate final expression in the formal equipment of the household family ritual.
Tetrad of Divine Thunderbolt Within (Monad hex 51):
How the power of the Divine manifests within the human heart.
Hex 57: Streaks Streaking. Trigrams: Streaks over Streaks.The negative x-axis of the tetrad of Divine Thunderbolt within expresses the small still voice or ongoing mild currents of conscience always pushing the individual toward an ultimate realization of what the Divine demands of us. This is the absolute structure of the human mind that can not ignore totally or evade indefinitely what we each know is expected and demanded of us by our society and its moral imperatives.
Hex 58: Contents Contained. Trigrams: Contents over Contents.The positive x-axis of the Divine Thunderbolt Within expressed in terms of the human energy available through the interaction and relationship of social intercourse. This is the collection of secure surplus which is the essence of human happiness in terms of the set of social structures that allow the individual effects of social relations to remain within the community activities as village resources.
Hex59: Solution. Trigrams: Streaks over Depths.The high energy positive y-axis of the Divine Thunderbolt within expressed in terms of the release of tensions and twists built into human experience. The many slights and taunts of each person’s individual history are frozen into their innermost being and mental constraints. This is the power of the Divine to act like a thunderbolt or the warming trends of the spring to create inner realities of healing and release.
Hex60: Lining. Trigrams: Depths over Contents.The quiescent final state of the tetrad of the Divine Thunderbolt within expresses the mystical power of the Divine manifest in the simple reality that everything fits together to form the structures of normal living. As the fluid, rushing waters fit into the topography of the deep Lake or the Sea, so also the thunder stroke of the Divine ultimately brings about that happy state where all paths we trod for all our own reasons eventually lead us to our God-given destiny.
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