The Rise of Zhou and Qin Dynasties and the Change of the Position of the Qian Diagram in the Eight Diagrams

Abstract

Compared Wen Wang eight diagrams with Fuxi eight diagrams, the position of the Qian (heaven) hexagrams shifted from due south to northwest, which was closely related to the early geographical environment and climate change in the eastern part of the Eurasian continent. In the pre-Qin period, the migration and conflict of ethnic groups were mostly caused from the northwest region. The western Zhou dynasty and the Qin empire both rose from the northwest region of China and became the decisive force influencing the historical process of China. People summarize the history and refine historical events into eight diagrams. The thought of “heaven’s way in the northwest” is the main reason for the change of the position of the hexagrams.