I Ching and Human Design
The I Ching (Book of Changes) is one of humanity's oldest books, containing 64 hexagrams. Ra Uru Hu integrated the I Ching as one of four ancient systems forming Human Design (along with astrology, Kabbalah, and the Hindu chakra system).
But in Human Design, the I Ching isn't used as an oracle — it's the language of the genetic code. The 64 hexagrams correspond to 64 DNA codons, 64 bodygraph gates, and 64 archetypal themes of human experience.
Hexagram Structure
Each hexagram consists of 6 lines read from bottom to top. Each line can be solid (yang) or broken (yin).
The 6 lines divide into two trigrams:
- Lower trigram (lines 1-3) — the "inner" part, related to personal process
- Upper trigram (lines 4-6) — the "outer" part, related to interaction with the world
6 Lines: From Foundation to Wisdom
Line 1 — Investigator
Need for solid foundation. Researches, digs deep. Without foundation, feels anxiety.
Line 2 — Hermit
Natural talent best expressed when left alone. Needs an external call.
Line 3 — Martyr
Learning through experience — trial and error. Discovers what works and what doesn't.
Line 4 — Opportunist
Influence through relationships. The right network is key to realizing potential.
Line 5 — Heretic
Practical solutions and projection field. Others expect salvation.
Line 6 — Role Model
Three life phases: before 30, 30-50, after 50 — wise role model.
Trigrams in Human Design
8 trigrams: Heaven, Earth, Thunder, Water, Mountain, Wind, Fire, Lake — each with unique energy.
64 = Genetic Code
The correspondence between 64 I Ching hexagrams and 64 DNA codons points to a unified information structure underlying both ancient wisdom and modern genetics.
Explore the I Ching on our interactive page.
"The I Ching isn't divination. It's a language. The language the genetic code speaks. Human Design provides the key to this language." — Ra Uru Hu