Bagua (Pa-Kua zhang) Eight Palms Basic Form

Index

Counter-Clockwise Descriptions Only

First Section

Begin facing counterclockwise along circle in ready position.

  1. Approach Horse and Ask for Directions LF pivots out on heel 45 degrees, but body does not turn, followed by RF stepping forward into (toe down?) empty stance. Arms are similar to Play the Lute posture. The most noticeable difference is that the palms are almost facing up.
  2. Flowers and Leaves Pivot on right heel, put weight on RL and circle step L Leg around so back is to center of circle. Arms are in Flowers and Leaves posture (RH above LH) which is similar to Tai Chi Hold the Ball except hands are near opposite elbows. Look over right shoulder at center of circle. Lily is sometimes turned so far her shoulders point to the center of the circle.
  3. Big Bird Flying
    1. (8 Nov 2003) Sweep LHand horizontally, palm up past R Elbow, and out and around while pivoting left at waist until facing center of circle. When LHand points to center of circle L Forearm rotates clockwise so that L Palm faces center of circle and L Thumb is essentially horizontal. At same time, RHand pushes, or "settles" down (about waist level).
    2. Bagua Walking LF pivots on heel to point tangent to circle. Then, starting with LF take eight steps around circle. Body should not move up and down but instead stay level. Do not show bottoms of feet.
  4. Swallow Throws its Tail At 7th step, body turns slightly to left and LH circles back (CCW) and begins to lower. Watch the left arm/hand do this circle. At 8th step, weight transfers to RF while LH comes down into top position of Flowers and Leaves (Bagua Hold the Ball). Both hands are palm down and near opposite elbows with fingers pointing up.
  5. Shut the Door and Push the Moon Out
    1. RH moves back toward L Wrist and RH turns palm up so wrists of hands are near each other. L fingers point up, R fingers point down. Weight transfers to L Leg and RH moves as if thrusting L elbow toward left.
    2. Pivot on L foot and circle step R Leg to face out from circle while bringing RH around into L over R Flowers and Leaves.
  6. Sweep RH horizontally, palm up past L Elbow , and out and around while pivoting right at waist until facing center of circle. When R Hand points to center of circle R Forearm rotates counter-clockwise so that R Palm faces center of circle and R Thumb is essentially horizontal. When rotating R Forearm press down with L Hand ending near waist.
  7. Repeat but in the opposite direction (Clockwise).

Second Section

Begin facing counterclockwise along circle in ready position.

  1. Approach Horse and Ask for Directions LF pivots out on heel 45 degrees, but body does not turn, followed by RF stepping forward into (toe down?) empty stance. Arms are similar to Play the Lute posture. The most noticeable difference is that the palms are almost facing up.
  2. Flowers and Leaves Pivot on right heel, put weight on RL and circle step L Leg around so back is to center of circle. Arms are in Flowers and Leaves posture (RH above LH) which is similar to Tai Chi Hold the Ball except hands are near opposite elbows. Look over right shoulder at center of circle. Lily is sometimes turned so far her shoulders point to the center of the circle.
  3. Big Bird Flying
    1. (8 Nov 2003) Sweep LHand horizontally, palm up past R Elbow, and out and around while pivoting left at waist until facing center of circle. When LHand points to center of circle L Forearm rotates clockwise so that L Palm faces center of circle and L Thumb is essentially horizontal. At same time, RHand pushes, or "settles" down (about waist level).
    2. Bagua Walking LF pivots on heel to point tangent to circle. Then, starting with LF take eight steps around circle. Body should not move up and down but instead stay level. Do not show bottoms of feet.
  4. Swallow Throws its Tail At 7th step, body turns slightly to left and LH circles back (CCW) and begins to lower. Watch the left arm/hand do this circle. At 8th step, weight transfers to RF while LH comes down into top position of Flowers and Leaves (Bagua Hold the Ball). Both hands are palm down and near opposite elbows with fingers pointing up.
  5. Shut the Door and Push the Moon Out
    1. RH moves back toward L Wrist and RH turns palm up so wrists of hands are near each other. L fingers point up, R fingers point down. Weight transfers to L Leg and RH moves as if thrusting L elbow toward left.
    2. Pivot on L foot and circle step R Leg to T-Step while facing out from circle. At same time bring RH around into L over R Flowers and Leaves.
  6. Brave Tiger is Out of the Cave (Note from 8 Nov 03: Lily had us practice movements 4,5,6 quickly, as one movement.) Turn body to right as stepping forward into Right bow stance (facing CW). RH and Elbow stay horizontal as they rise vertically in front of body to face height and with palm toward you. At the end of the movement the R elbow descends causing RH to rotate CW to spread finger position (palm is toward body, thumb points up, middle finger points left and little finger points more or less toward body). As the RH finishes, the LH pushes forward at chest height.
  7. Golden Bird Spreads its Wings Turn body to left facing out from circle. Leave 60% weight on R Leg with L Leg extended slightly. Cross arms in front of chest and circle RH (CCW) and LH (CW) until hands are parallel to left legs, both palms facing back. and pressing down and out along the line of the legs. R arm movement is quick, like an elbow strike. R arm stays bent at elbow, L arm is straight, parallel to L leg. The pressing down of hands is very forceful and fast.
  8. Move the Flower, Plant the Tree. Turn body to left into a left bow stance, while rotating L Arm so that LH is extended and palm up at shoulder height. Press RH down next to R Leg. Pivot LF on heel and circle turn R Leg to face center of circle while RH circles horizontally into L over R Flowers Hide Under Leaves posture.
  9. Take the Hat Off from the Back of Head Leave feet in place throughout this posture. RH sweeps to right until parallel or past shoulders with LH near right elbow. Circle LH down to front of body while R Elbow bends bringing RH (palm up) in circle to side and back of head. RH is flat, palm facing ceiling. Push with R Palm up along back of head and then over the back of the head as if removing a hat. As RH pushes past head, LH turns palm up so that RH ends in (R over L) Flowers Hide Under Leaves posture. Detail: turn body to left briefly before facing center of circle again for the next movement.
  10. Embrace the moon Turn body left into left bow stance while LH sweeps out past R Elbow and along outside of R Arm ending with LH extended tangent to circle (in CW direction) with palm up while RH presses own. Use momentum from RL to circle step body 90 degrees so back is to center of circle. RH circles to (L over R) Flowers Under Leaves posture and look over L Shoulder at center of the circle.
  11. Repeat but in the opposite direction. (Clockwise)

Third Section

Begin facing counterclockwise along circle in ready position.

  1. Approach Horse and Ask for Directions LF pivots out on heel 45 degrees, but body does not turn, followed by RF stepping forward into (toe down?) empty stance. Arms are similar to Play the Lute posture. The most noticeable difference is that the palms are almost facing up.
  2. Flowers and Leaves Pivot on right heel, put weight on RL and circle step L Leg around so back is to center of circle. Arms are in Flowers and Leaves posture (RH above LH) which is similar to Tai Chi Hold the Ball except hands are near opposite elbows. Look over right shoulder at center of circle. Lily is sometimes turned so far her shoulders point to the center of the circle.
  3. Big Bird Flying
    1. (8 Nov 2003) Sweep LHand horizontally, palm up past R Elbow, and out and around while pivoting left at waist until facing center of circle. When LHand points to center of circle L Forearm rotates clockwise so that L Palm faces center of circle and L Thumb is essentially horizontal. At same time, RHand pushes, or "settles" down (about waist level).
    2. Bagua Walking LF pivots on heel to point tangent to circle. Then, starting with LF take eight steps around circle. Body should not move up and down but instead stay level. Do not show bottoms of feet.
  4. Swallow Throws its Tail At 7th step, body turns slightly to left and LH circles back (CCW) and begins to lower. Watch the left arm/hand do this circle. At 8th step, weight transfers to RF while LH comes down into top position of Flowers and Leaves (Bagua Hold the Ball). Both hands are palm down and near opposite elbows with fingers pointing up.
  5. Shut the Door and Push the Moon Out
    1. RH moves back toward L Wrist and RH turns palm up so wrists of hands are near each other. L fingers point up, R fingers point down. Weight transfers to L Leg and RH moves as if thrusting L elbow toward left.
    2. Pivot on L foot and circle step R Leg to face out from circle while bringing RH around into L over R Flowers and Leaves.
  6. Hawk flies to heaven ? (March 8, 2003: Lily had us practice doing the next 5 parts in smooth and rapid sequence.) LH and L Elbow stay horizontal and rotate out and turn palm palm up. At same time, RH moves under L arm while R wrist rotates so that edge or palm of RH is near body. RH thrusts straight up (inside L arm) until wrist is at eye level. Palm is toward body. Body turns to right at waist and eyes look past RH toward center of circle. RH moves with body to point to center of circle. R Arm is at 45 degrees from vertical and makes a horizontal CW circle. LH stays palm up in front of stomach.
  7. White snake wraps around the body ? Body turns quickly to left at waist until eyes are looking at center of circle over L Shoulder. At same time, R Arm bends at elbow bringing RH near head with palm pushing up. LH moves from in front of body to the back with back of hand close to the lower spine. RH pushes up with palm toward ceiling. Shoulders are facing CW.
  8. LF steps back (tangent to the circle) and body pivots to left into L Bow stance. At the same time the LH moves to front of body and inside and across lowering R Arm. Then LH and RH sweep left with the body turn ending with LH palm up, RH palm down, L Hand extended and R Hand is in front of waist.
  9. Fair lady offers sage book ? Weight transfers to L Leg and RF steps forward into Right Bow Stance while RH turns palm up and is pushed forward as if offering a book to someone at chest height. At same time L Hand turns palm out and rests on R Bicep.
  10. The mountain about the head ? (March 8, 2003: Lily also had us practice the next four steps in smooth and rapid sequence.) Weight transfers back to L leg in empty stance. RF pivots on heel more than 90 degrees while body turns to left (outward from circle). Weight then settles on RF almost into Left almost-empty stance. While turning, the R arm bends at elbow so that RH moves near head and then presses up with palm to ceiling. LH is near L thigh similar to ending position in Brush Knee. Body is facing CCW.
  11. Black bear turns its back ? Transition
    1. (8 Nov 2003 and 8 Mar 2003 version. This one looks official) Step forward into L bow stance, pivot LF and circle step R Foot to face center of circle ending in horse stance. Arms cross in front of chest and then press down and out to sides of body. Ending position is arms slightly curved at elbow and out from sides of body with hands pressing palms down and slightly out.
    2. (March 1 2003 version) Step back with LF tangent to circle while turning to face center of circle in a horse stance. Arms cross in front of chest and then press down and out to sides of body. Ending position is arms slightly curved at elbow and out from sides of body with hands pressing palms down toward floor.
  12. (Tiger Paws? ) 8 Nov 03: Arm movements in tiger paws are circular, like grabbing motion.
    1. Transfer a little weight to right leg and take a very small step left with LF tangent to circle while circling L Hand slightly toward center of circle and around to point tangent to circle and not quite chest high. LH looks like it is grabbing something and ends palm down while RH is palm down near R Waist. Feet should be in Left Bow Stance.
    2. (Lily stressed this on March 8, 2003) Focus on RH. Without stopping, take small shuffle step with RF while pushing RH forward s if grabbing something and bringing LH back to waist. Do not step past the LF. The RF should be 12-18 inches or more behind the LF. Both hands are palm down.
    3. Now, step with RF past LF into Right Bow Stance while pushing LH forward as if grabbing something and bringing RH back to Right waist. (When Lily does it the motion looks like a cat batting at something with its front paws.)
  13. Yellow sparrow picks leaves? Weight is on R foot. L foot T-step (?) Turn left to face out from the circle while moving RH above LH in Flowers under Leaves posture. Continue turning left while stepping into L Bow Stance while rotating L Arm so that LH is extended and palm up at shoulder height. Press RH down next to R Leg.
    1. Detail: LH has first two fingers pointing forward and last two (ring and little finger) bent at 90 degree angle similar to the "sword finger" of the sword form.
  14. Monkey picks fruit ? Bring LF back into a T-step (empty stance) while bringing LH back near L waist.
  15. Monkey runs out of cave ? Step forward with LF into Left Bow stance while thrusting LH forward again. Leave the LH forward taking another step into Right Bow Stance.
  16. Dragon spits tongue ? Transfer weight to the R leg into stand on one leg posture. At the same time, release the sword finger turning L Hand palm down, bring the R Arm in front of body at 45 degree angle from vertical. RH is palm up and press down with LH.
  17. Swallow touches the water ? Turn body to left to face the center of circle while stepping back with LF (tangent to circle). Keep 60% of weight on R Leg. While stepping back, LH circles back so L Arm is parallel with (slightly extended) L Leg. At the same time, the RH makes a large CCW circle from 2:00 position through 12:00 position, thrusting down the centerline of the body and continuing out to around the 3:00 position. Lily said the arms should form a straight line (which is parallel to the slightly extended L Leg.
  18. Embrace the moon Rotate from waist slightly to right while bringing arms into (RH over LH) Flowers under Leaves posture. While transferring weight to Left Bow Stance, move LH past R elbow out and around to the left until the L Arm is pointing tangent to the circle. Transfer weight to L leg and pivot on that leg to face out from the circle while moving arms into (LH over RH) Flowers under Leaves posture. Look back over L Shoulder toward center of circle.

Fourth Section (10 May 03) (this is very rough version)

  1. Approach Horse and Ask for Directions LF pivots out on heel 45 degrees, but body does not turn, followed by RF stepping forward into (toe down?) empty stance. Arms are similar to Play the Lute posture. The most noticeable difference is that the palms are almost facing up.
  2. Flowers and Leaves Pivot on right heel, put weight on RL and circle LL around so back is to center of circle. Arms are in Flowers and Leaves posture (RH above LH) which is similar to Tai Chi Hold the Ball except hands are near opposite elbows. Look over right shoulder at center of circle. Lily is sometimes turned so far her shoulders point to the center of the circle.
  3. A Flock of Geese Fly
    1. Sweep LHand horizontally, palm up past R Elbow, and out and around while pivoting left at waist until facing center of circle. When LHand points to center of circle L Forearm rotates clockwise so that L Palm faces center of circle and L Thumb is essentially horizontal. When rotating L Forearm press down with R Hand ending near waist.
    2. Bagua Walking LF pivots on heel to point tangent to circle. Then, starting with LF take eight steps around circle. Body should not move up and down but instead stay level. Do not show bottoms of feet.
  4. Purple Swallow Throws its Tail At 7th step, body turns slightly to left and LH circles back and begins to lower. At 8th step, weight transfers to RF while LH comes down into top position of Flowers and Leaves (Bagua Hold the Ball). Both hands are palm down and near opposite elbows with fingers pointing up.
  5. Shut the Door and Push the Moon Out
    1. RH moves slightly out and back toward L Wrist and RH turns palm up so wrists of hands are near each other. L fingers point up, R fingers point down. Weight transfers to L Leg and RH moves as if thrusting L elbow toward left.
  6. Golden bird spreads its wings. Facing center of circle. Leave 60% weight on L Leg with R Leg extended slightly. Rotate R Hand at the wrist so fingers of both hands point up. Press down in circular motion with both hands (LH inside RH?), RH (CCW) and LH (CW), until RH is parallel to RLeg and LH is pressing down near top of L Thigh. The pressing down of hands is very forceful and fast.
  7. Move the flowers to the woods. Turn body to right (facing CCW on the circle) into a right bow stance, while rotating R Arm so that RH is extended and palm up at shoulder height. Press LH down next to L Leg. Pivot RF on heel and turn body right to face out of circle while LH circles horizontally into R over L Flowers Hide Under Leaves posture.
  8. Take off the hat from behind. Face outside of circle. LH sweeps to left until parallel with shoulders with RH near right elbow. LH sweeps to the center of the circle -- look to the center of the circle -- then face the outside of the circle again, while L Elbow bends bringing LH (palm up) to side and back of head. Push up with LH along back of head and then keep pushing up to the ceiling. Turn body to the right (CW on circle). Transfer weight to LL, and RL is held in empty stance, with toe touching the ground. RH circles down to rest along outside of right thigh. LH is still pushing up to the ceiling (from last posture).
  9. Clouds around the cliff. Step first with RF, then step forward to end in L bow stance. Bring LH down (from pressing up to ceiling) until hand is held in front of waist, palm facing away from body. RH rests by R thigh.
  10. Golden bird spreads its wings. Step back with RF to face center of circle again. Leave 60% weight on L Leg with R Leg extended slightly. Cross arms and press down in circular motion with both hands (LH inside RH?), RH (CCW) and LH (CW), until RH is parallel to RLeg and LH is pressing down near top of L Thigh. The pressing down of hands is very forceful and fast.
  11. Move the flowers to the woods. Turn body to right (facing CCW on the circle) into a right bow stance, while rotating R Arm so that RH is extended and palm up at shoulder height. Press LH down next to L Leg. Pivot RF on heel and turn body right to face out of circle while LH circles horizontally into R over L Flowers Hide Under Leaves posture.
  12. Black dragon wraps the waist. (Very similar to remove the hat from behind) Face outside of circle. LH sweeps to left until parallel with shoulders with RH near right elbow. LH sweeps to the center of the circle -- look to the center of the circle -- then face the outside of the circle again, while L Elbow bends bringing LH (palm up) to side and back of head. Push up with LH along back of head and then keep pushing up to the ceiling. RH wraps behind the small of the back. This is similar to (or combination of?) golden bird spreads its wings and snake creeping though grass (in tai chi).
  13. Capture the walking horse. Face outside of circle. First movement is Part Horses Mane to the right with R bow stance. Second movement is golden bird spreads its wings (legs don't change position) -- both arms cross in front of chest and continue to circle. LH extends beside L leg and RH presses down near right hip. Third movement is Part Horse's mane to the left, with L bow stance. The LH ends up with fingers spread apart, pointing to the ground, as in Brave/Fierce Tiger is out of Cave. This third movement may be number 14 below.
  14. Sweep the clothing and take the steps. Turn left (face CCW) as shift weight to LL (??L bow stance?). LH circles up, palm facing you, hold LH head-high. RH stays by right side or right thigh.
  15. Push the mountain into the sea. Keep LH in same position. Step forward into R bow stance and push forward with RH. (LH looks similar to when doing Brave Tiger is out of the Cage.)
  16. Bat lands on the ground. As you do this posture, turn to face the center of the circle (turn Left). Both hands circle to end with palms facing face (fingertips pointing to sky, pinkies close together. Hands continue to circle down so palms are facing chest. Then hands separate, RH to right side, LH to left side. This separation is also a pressing motion. When hands get to the lower edge of your rib cage (they don't quite go all the way to the waist), the hands start to turn: Rotate your arms at the shoulders (as in white snake sticks out tongue in section 6), until palms are facing ceiling and arms are outstretched. When doing this shoulder rotation, step back with RL, locking R knee behind L knee and bend the knees. Like a swooping bat. (or like the 7 stars tai chi posture) At end of posture, you are facing center of circle.
  17. Flying swallow touches water. Face center of circle. Lily make this next step very distinctive. This is not a kick, but a deliberate separate movement. Transfer weight to RL, and carefully pick up LL to place it down to the left, with the LL extended. 60% of wt on RL, LL is extended to the left. As the legs move, the LH makes a (big) CW circle in front of the right shoulder, then extends to the left with the left leg. RH extends out to right side of body. (details???)
  18. Embrace the moon. Shift weight, but don't take any steps, to a L bow stance. Turn body left into left bow stance while LH sweeps out past R Elbow and along outside of R Arm (it looked like a horizontal yin-yang circle) ending with LH extended tangent to circle (in CW direction) with palm up while RH presses own. Use momentum from RL to circle body 90 degrees so back is to center of circle. RH circles to (L over R) Flowers Under Leaves posture and look over L Shoulder at center of the circle.

Repeat to other side. J

Fifth Section

  1. Approach Horse and Ask for Directions LF pivots out on heel 45 degrees, but body does not turn, followed by RF stepping forward into (toe down?) empty stance. Arms are similar to Play the Lute posture. The most noticeable difference is that the palms are almost facing up.
  2. Flowers and Leaves Pivot on right heel, put weight on RL and circle LL around so back is to center of circle. Arms are in Flowers and Leaves posture (RH above LH) which is similar to Tai Chi Hold the Ball except hands are near opposite elbows. Look over right shoulder at center of circle. Lily is sometimes turned so far her shoulders point to the center of the circle.
  3. Monkey Presents Peach Leave RH relatively motionless (relative to upper body) and sweep LH along bottom or R Arm while turning body to left (tangent to circle facing CCW), ending with arms in an `X' in front of body. L palm toward body, R palm away from body. Move palms of hands together, forearms vertical, wrists bent as if holding a large bowl and fingers pointing up. (This is the `presenting the peach' portion. Lily's hands were directly in front of her and she was looking through the `bowl' formed by the palms).
  4. Large Roc Spreads its Wings Separate arms keeping palms up. L Arm points toward center of circle and slightly down. R Arm points directly out from circle and slightly up. Starting with inside foot (LF) take eight steps holding arms in this posture.
  5. Cross Parry (Brush)? At 8th step (RF) weight transfers to RF, body faces tangent to circle (CCW), LH bends at elbow above (under?) R Arm. RH (palm up) sweeps in front of body and LH extends while turning body so that LH (palm up) points to center of circle. RH is palm up near waist. Weight is on RF in empty stance with LF pointing toward center of circle or to left of center.
  6. Follow the Motion, leading the way? Pivot LF on heel to point out of circle while extending RH under L Arm to point toward center of circle. At the same time transfer weight to LF and sweep RF in circular arc so that RF points outward from circle. (There is a slight pivot on the LF at the same time so that both feet are parallel pointing outward from circle.) RH should still be pointing toward center of circle with LH near waist and both palms still up. Body should be leaning toward the center of the circle. The right foot sweeps should be along the ground, with the outside of the foot brushing the ground and the inside of the foot slightly off the floor (the ankle is slightly bent -- adducted) 22 March 03.
  7. Side sweep a thousand pounds? Extend LH beneath R Arm and turn upper body through 360 degrees so that LH points toward center of circle with RH near waist. Feet pivot in place but, then weight goes to RF and lower body turns left so that LF is empty and pointing toward center of circle.
  8. Side sweep a thousand pounds? Extend RH beneath L Arm so that RH points toward center of circle. At the same time pivot on L Heel so L Foot points outward and turn by transferring weight to LF while swinging RF in circular arc so that both feet are parallel pointing outward. R arm should be pointing to center of circle.
  9. Sparrow hawk turns its body? Continue turning body to left with feet pivoting in place, while raising RH to be 10 degrees from vertical but leaning toward center of circle. When done fast, since the body is leaning toward the center with the R Arm on the same line as body, it looks like the RH almost stays in place and the body rotates about its (leaning) axis below the hand. This posture ends with the weight on the RF and LF pointing toward center of circle in a Left Empty stance while the RH is palm up above the head and LH is palm up at waist height.
  10. Golden Bird Flying? RH lowers (with a flourish -- looked like more than a circle ) and LH raises so both are chest high. Transfer weight to L Bow stance, turn hands palm out and push hands forward toward center of circle.
  11. Embrace the moon Transfer weight to RF, bring LF in near RF then step left (tangent to circle) while extending LH under R Arm while turning to L Bow stance. Pivot LF on Heel and swing RF in arc until both feet point outward and arms are in Flowers under petals posture.
  12. Now repeat in opposite direction until push hands toward center of circle (in R Bow stance).

Sixth Section

Walking fundamentals: the walking part of bagua is extremely important. Remember this is one of the 3 internal martial arts (?) and you generate heat and help qi flow through the walking. Imagine doing this in sand and that will help with your walking.

1. Correct posture. Be sure that you are straight, with your tailbone tucked in, knees slightly bent, as if ready to sit on a stool.

2. Correct stride. The inside foot skims the ground (not a shuffle) as you step forward. The inside foot (LF if going CCW) contact the ground only when you are ready to put weight on it. As you put weight on the LF, grip the grounds with your toes, arching the foot. The RF also skims the ground as it comes tangential to the circle (no one should see the soles of your feet). As you put weight on the RF , grip with your toes and relax the LF. This walking is quick, it is not a tai chi walk (not a empty stance-to bow stance).

As the outside foot (RF if going CCW) steps down, your body naturally should face the inside of the circle.

  1. Approach Horse and Ask for Directions LF pivots out on heel 45 degrees, but body does not turn, followed by RF stepping forward into (toe down?) empty stance. Arms are similar to Play the Lute posture. The most noticeable difference is that the palms are almost facing up.
  2. Flowers and Leaves Pivot on right heel, put weight on RL and circle LL around so back is to center of circle. Arms are in Flowers and Leaves posture (RH above LH) which is similar to Tai Chi Hold the Ball except hands are near opposite elbows. Look over right shoulder at center of circle. Lily is sometimes turned so far her shoulders point to the center of the circle.
  3. Big Bird Flying
    1. Sweep LHand horizontally, palm up past R Elbow, and out and around while pivoting left at waist until facing center of circle. When LHand points to center of circle L Forearm rotates clockwise so that L Palm faces center of circle and L Thumb is essentially horizontal. When rotating L Forearm press down with R Hand ending near waist.
    2. Bagua Walking LF pivots on heel to point tangent to circle. Then, starting with LF take eight steps around circle. Body should not move up and down but instead stay level. Do not show bottoms of feet.
  4. Swallow Throws its Tail At 7th step, body turns slightly to left and LH circles back and begins to lower. At 8th step, weight transfers to RF while LH comes down into top position of Flowers and Leaves (Bagua Hold the Ball). Both hands are palm down and near opposite elbows with fingers pointing up.
  5. Ox Looks at the Moon LH circles up, palm out, to the left, and you look at the moon (up in the sky) under the left arm. LH is not held stiffly, but curved (as in white cranes flashes its wings, but palm is out). RH pushes to left, below hip level, fingers pointing to floor. Stand in modified horse stance with weight slightly more on the LF.
  6. The king of the heaven holds the pagoda
    1. LH circles CCW to palm up (hand is about head-high). RH doesn't change position. Left bow stance (sometimes Lily shifts wt back to RF before converting to L bow stance)
    2. Right bow stance. RH extends palm up (hand is about head-high). LH stays palm up, but comes to rest beside R elbow.
  7. White snake sticks out tongue R hand/arm twists almost 360 degrees at the shoulder (so RH is almost palm up again), LH pulls back to left waist. LF touches down next to RF while you turn body (back is to center of circle) to face CW direction. Lift LF (stand on R leg), with LF near R knee. LH extends out in front, holding fingers in sword hand position. R Arm is extended out behind you.
  8. Fierce tiger jumps out of the cave Step forwardStep forward with LF, body faces center circle. The rest of this movement is almost exactly like Section 2: Brave Tiger is Out of the Cave Pivot RF tangent to circle and turn body to leftto right as stepping forward into left right bow stance (facing CCW). LRH and elbow rise vertically in front of body to face height and with palm toward you. At the end of the movement the LR elbow descends causing LRH to rotate CW to a finger up position. As the LRH finishes, the RLH pushes forward at chest height.
  9. Golden Bird Spreads its Wings Turn body to right left facing inside circle. Leave 60% weight on LR Leg with RL Leg extended slightly. Cross arms and circle LH (CW) and RH (CCW) until hands are parallel to legs and pressing down and out along the line of the legs. The pressing down of hands is very forceful and fast.
  10. (Remove the flowers to the woods) Move the Flower, Plant the Tree. Turn body to right left into a right left bow stance, while rotating LL Arm so that LLH is extended and palm up at shoulder height. Press RH down next to R Leg. Pivot RLF on heel and turn body right to face outside of circle while RH circles horizontally into L over R Flowers Hide Under Leaves posture.
  11. Take the Hat Off from the Back of Head Leave feet in place throughout this posture. RH sweeps to right until parallel with shoulders with LH near right elbow. Circle LH down to front of body (palm up?) while R Elbow bends bringing RH (palm up) in circle to side and back of head. Push up along back of head and then over the back of the head as if removing a hat. RH ends in (R over L) Flowers Hide Under Leaves posture (with both hands palm down?)
  12. Embrace the moon Turn body left into left bow stance while LH sweeps out past R Elbow and along outside of R Arm ending with LH extended tangent to circle (in CW direction) with palm up while RH presses own. Next movement is 4 steps with the feet, but it should look very smooth. Be sure you make all 4 steps. First, put weight on RF. Step out to left with LF. RF comes down in T-step in front of LF. Body turns to the left. Make 2 more small steps until you end up facing outside circle. At the same time, you are moving CW in the circle by about 2 feet. RH circles to (L over R) Flowers Under Leaves posture and look over L Shoulder at center of the circle.
  13. A Flock of Geese Fly Keeping feet in place, sweep/circle RH past L Elbow at a 45 degree angle and turn waist until RH points to center of circle. Look over R Shoulder to center of circle. Left hand near right elbow.
  14. Repeat but in the opposite direction. (Clockwise)

Seventh Section (19 April 2003)

  1. Approach Horse and Ask for Directions LF pivots out on heel 45 degrees, but body does not turn, followed by RF stepping forward into (toe down?) empty stance. Arms are similar to Play the Lute posture. The most noticeable difference is that the palms are almost facing up.
  2. Flowers and Leaves Pivot on right heel, put weight on RL and circle LL around so back is to center of circle. Arms are in Flowers and Leaves posture (RH above LH) which is similar to Tai Chi Hold the Ball except hands are near opposite elbows. Look over right shoulder at center of circle. Lily is sometimes turned so far her shoulders point to the center of the circle.
  3. Lion embraces the Ball
    1. Sweep LH past R Elbow out and around. When LH is tangent to circle both hands circle down, LH toward center of circle, RH away from center. LH ends palm up pointing toward center line, a beat later, RH ends above and in front of head palm out in blocking position. Body is upright and not leaning toward center.
    2. Bagua Walking (link updated 07 April 2003) LF pivots on heel to point tangent to circle. Then, starting with LF take eight steps around circle.
  4. Lion rolls the ball:
    1. At seventh step (inside foot), Both hands circle around and press down to inside while body turns to face center.
    2. At eight step, both hands circle CW up around and down to outside while trunk turns to face away from center.
    3. At ninth step, both hands come to front at waist level palms down fingers nearly touching ((press down?).
  5. Lion jumps on the ball: at tenth step, RH shoots forward at shoulder height palm down. LH also goes forward but is not as high nor as far forward as RH. LF slides forward behind RF with the leap.
  6. Lion opens its mouth: Body turns 180 degrees to the inside to face CW. At the same time both arms sweep down in vertical circle ending with L Arm extended in front of L Shoulder slightly above head height with palm facing floor at center of circle. R Arm is extended in front of R Shoulder at waist height with R Palm facing L Palm.
  7. Lion Turns body around: Turn LF so toes point out of circle, circle step with RF past line of circle so body points more to left than directly out of circle. Transfer weight to RF and circle step back with LF so both feet and body face center of circle. At same time, hands move to (RH over LH) Flowers under Leaves posture.
  8. Lion embraces the ball: Sweep L Arm to point tangent to circle, pivot LF on heel to point outward and circle step with RF to face outward from circle. Hands should be in (LH over RH) Flowers under Leaves posture.
  9. Repeat from step 3 but in the opposite direction.

Eighth Section

  1. Approach Horse and Ask for Directions LF pivots out on heel 45 degrees, but body does not turn, followed by RF stepping forward into (toe down?) empty stance. Arms are similar to Play the Lute posture. The most noticeable difference is that the palms are almost facing up.
  2. Flowers and Leaves Pivot on right heel, put weight on RL and circle LL around so back is to center of circle. Arms are in Flowers and Leaves posture (RH above LH) which is similar to Tai Chi Hold the Ball except hands are near opposite elbows. Look over right shoulder at center of circle. Lily is sometimes turned so far her shoulders point to the center of the circle.
  3. The horse of the heaven fly. Sweep LH past R Elbow out and around while pivoting left at waist until facing center of circle. Arms and hands should be pointing toward the center of the circle and in Big Bird Flying which is a slight modification of Approach Horse. The LH is palm up this time. Start the bagua walking. This next part varies from "swallos throws its tail" : On the 7th step, pivot body at waist to face left -- LH sweeps left also -- in the direction of the person following you. On the 8th step, assume the horse stance with more weight on the RF. Face center of circle. RH circles down over L arm, but LH is going to push out at the right shoulder. RH pushes out at the left waist. Both hands are bent at the wrist, fingertips pointing to the ceiling.
  4. Riding the horse and shooting the bow. Stay in the horse stance, but shift weight so that most of the weight is on the LF. LH circles up over the head as if to ward off a blow. RH is extended to the right of the body, palm pushing away (think of shooting a bow and arrow, and this is similar).
  5. Golden snake wraps the tree. Feet stay in the same position (i.e., don't take a step). Pivot the entire body around (go in the direction of the outstretched hand, so to the right). You will end up facing outside the circle. RH circles to the L shoulder, pushing away, fingertips to ceiling. LH circles to R waist, also pushing, fingertips to ceiling. Look to center of circle, over L fingertips (and right shoulder). At end of this posture, you are twisted like a pretzel (snake wraps around tree), L knee behind R knee. Lily said that this section of the bagua is best done in a high position because of all the twisting.
  6. Wild horse runs into the bar. This is like Parting Horse's Mane, step out with left foot to L bow stance (high position). You are still facing outside of circle.
  7. Golden snake wraps the tree. Feet stay in the same position (don't take any steps). Pivot the entire body around to the left this time, so you are facing the center of the circle. LH circles to the R shoulder, pushing away, fingertips to ceiling. RH circles to L waist, pushing away, fingertips to ceiling.
  8. Wild horse funs into the bar. This is like Parting Horse's Mane, step out with RF to R bow stance. You are facing center of circle.
  9. Wild horse visits the sea. Shift weight to LF. Turn RH so that palm faces outside of circle. Turn body to face left, without moving feet., and make large CW circle with RH (down, left, up, and to the right). As RH finishes its CW circle (when RH is at about the level of the R shoulder), 3 things happen simultaneously:
    1. LH makes CW half-circle and stops above the head.
    2. Lift RF (weight is on LF) and hold RF close to L knee (standing on one leg).
    3. RH finishes its big CW circle when it is parallel with the left thigh -- RH fingers are pointing downward to RF, palm to center of circle.
  10. Black bear reaches its palm out. Step out with RF into R bow stance. Extend RH out, palm up. LH circles down until L forearm is in front of throat. LH is bent at wrist, fingertips pointing to ceiling.
  11. Big snake turns its back. Transfer weight to LF. Entire R arm, from shoulder through elbow and wrist, turns over (as in previous snake postures) -- pivots at R shoulder joint.. At the same time, pivot R toes in to center of circle. Turn body to face CW on circle (?tangiental? to circle). Lift L arm moving the shoulder first. The left forearm sweeps past the face. Circle L arm until LH is palm up, L arm extended in front of you. Lift L foot (as in prior snake postures). Transition: step down with LF, sweep RF in circle around until both feet are facing outside of circle, hold arms in Flowers under the Leaves posture.
  12. Fierce Tiger is Out of the Cave Pivot RF tangent to circle and turn body to right as stepping forward into Right bow stance (facing CW). RH and elbow rise vertically in front of body to face height and with palm toward you. At the end of the movement the R elbow descends causing RH to rotate CW to a finger up position. As the RH finishes, the LH pushes forward at chest height.
  13. Golden bird spreads its wings. Turn body to left facing out from circle. Leave 60% weight on R Leg with L Leg extended slightly. Cross arms and circle RH (CCW) and LH (CW) until hands are parallel to legs and pressing down and out along the line of the legs. The pressing down of hands is very forceful and fast.
  14. Remove the flowers to the woods.. Turn body to left into a left bow stance, while rotating L Arm so that LH is extended and palm up at shoulder height. Press RH down next to R Leg. Pivot LF on heel and turn body left to face center of circle while RH circles horizontally into L over R Flowers Hide Under Leaves posture.
  15. Take the hat off from behind. Leave feet in place throughout this posture. RH sweeps to right until parallel with shoulders with LH near right elbow. Circle LH down to front of body (palm up?) while R Elbow bends bringing RH (palm up) in circle to side and back of head. Push up along back of head and then over the back of the head as if removing a hat. RH ends in (R over L) Flowers Hide Under Leaves posture (with both hands palm down?)
  16. Embrace the moon. Turn body left into left bow stance while LH sweeps out past R Elbow and along outside of R Arm ending with LH extended tangent to circle (in CW direction) with palm up while RH presses own. Use momentum from RL to circle body 90 degrees so back is to center of circle. RH circles to (L over R) Flowers Under Leaves posture and look over L Shoulder at center of the circle.

Repeat to the other side.