I Ching Hexagrams:
Meanings of All 64
The I Ching (Book of Changes) consists of 64 hexagrams, each representing a unique archetype or life situation. An I Ching hexagram is a symbol made up of six lines stacked on top of each other. Each line is either Yang (a solid line) or Yin (a broken line), reflecting the interplay of opposite forces. These six-line figures are the foundation of I Ching divination – when you cast coins or use yarrow stalks (or an online tool like Ask Yi) to consult the oracle, the result is given as one of these 64 hexagrams.
#1 Force
Judgement:
This hexagram is the first of the sixty-four hexagrams. It is a purely yang hexagram symbolizing Heaven. Heaven is characterized by robust strength, unceasing movement, and a regular pattern to its motion.
Advice:
We should strive to improve ourselves and gather strength to achieve our ideals, but we must also conduct our affairs in line with the natural order (objective laws of reality).
#2 Field
Judgement:
This hexagram symbolizes the Earth, which signifies great success and smooth progress. It is beneficial to remain steadfast and gentle like a mare. If a noble person sets out to do something and tries to take the lead, he may lose his way; if instead he follows others, he will reach his goal and it will be auspicious. For instance, going to the southwest will bring friends, while going to the northeast will lead to losing friends. Being content, compliant, and holding firm to what is right will bring good fortune.
Advice:
Kun represents the earth, which is characterized by submissiveness and generosity. This suggests that having a broad and tolerant mind is fundamental to being a good person, and it highlights the importance of following the natural order (objective laws) in what we do.
#3 Sprouting
Judgement:
This hexagram symbolizes the beginning of things. It indicates vast potential and smooth progress, and consulting the oracle would bring a lucky sign. However, nothing should be done or acted upon yet. It is an auspicious time to establish great ambitions or goals.
Advice:
At the onset of a venture when difficulties come at you head-on, you should neither ignore them nor be intimidated. Trust that as long as you persist and avoid acting blindly, the dawn of success will eventually come.
#4 Enveloping
Judgement:
This hexagram symbolizes youthful ignorance but promises smooth progress. It’s not about the teacher seeking out the ignorant student, but the uneducated person seeking out the teacher for knowledge. On the first divination, the spirit gives some guidance. If one asks repeatedly, hoping for a more pleasing answer, it will offend the spirit and then no answer will be given. However, as long as one’s behavior is proper and one is truly sincere, it is favorable to seek guidance (through divination).
Advice:
For an individual, to establish oneself in society and achieve anything, one must first be educated to shed ignorance. For society to progress, education must be actively promoted, and it should be seen as a two-way process between teacher and learner.
#5 Attending
Judgement:
This hexagram symbolizes waiting. With sincerity, one can gain others’ trust and smoothly overcome even the greatest difficulties. Consulting the oracle yields auspicious signs. It is also favorable to undertake crossing a great river (to embark on a big venture).
Advice:
The judgment indicates that upon meeting initial difficulties, one should patiently wait for the right opportunity. Once the timing is ripe, act promptly and you will achieve success. Therefore, one should be cautious and, at the same time, always prepared to make a move.
#6 Lawsuit
Judgement:
This hexagram represents conflict or litigation. It comes about when honesty or trust is obstructed and there is fearful apprehension. By staying neutral and not taking sides, one can achieve good fortune. But if one keeps fighting to the bitter end, it will turn dangerous. It is favorable if a great person (an authority or wise mediator) can step in, and not favorable to venture across great rivers (to undertake major risks).
Advice:
A person who appears strong and is morally upright may easily come into conflict with others, and once conflict starts, it can hinder them from accomplishing great things. This suggests that if an issue is not a matter of principle, you should compromise and try to get along harmoniously with others.
#7 Leading
Judgement:
This hexagram symbolizes a mass of soldiers. If the leader is just and upright, it is auspicious and there will be no misfortune.
Advice:
As a commander, one must adhere to the righteous path, follow the way of Heaven, and care for the people. Then if you go to war, you will surely achieve victory.
#8 Grouping
Judgement:
This hexagram symbolizes close union and mutual support. The initial divination gives an auspicious sign. Asking again still shows a lucky omen, indicating no misfortune. This is because the previously rebellious subjects have also come to submit. Those who stubbornly refuse to come around will face misfortune.
Advice:
For a ruler, building a very close bond with the people is beneficial for the development of the whole country. For the people, it is important to go along with the greater trend; if peace and unity have become the common desire of everyone from the leaders down to the common folk, they should submit to a just ruler. This teaches us that harmony is most valuable.
#9 Small Accumulating
Judgement:
This hexagram symbolizes a "small accumulation" and denotes smooth progress. The sky is filled with dark clouds, but the rain hasn’t fallen yet. The dark clouds are moving in from the western outskirts.
Advice:
This hexagram illustrates the idea that "you must accumulate small steps to travel a thousand miles; without gathering little streams, you can’t form a river or sea."
#10 Treading
Judgement:
This symbolizes proceeding with caution: you stepped on a tiger’s tail, yet the tiger did not turn to bite you, meaning things go smoothly.
Advice:
Anyone starting a new venture will encounter difficulties. If we refuse to do it just because it’s hard, we will never reach the shores of success. So we have to be willing to take risks.
#11 Pervading
Judgement:
Symbolizes 'prosperity' (通泰); the yin recedes and the yang advances, which is extremely auspicious.
Advice:
After Heaven and Earth meet, thunder, rain, wind, and lightning are produced, nourishing all beings and helping them flourish. This is because the natural order is being followed, indicating that to maintain lasting smooth success, one must conform to the Heavenly Way (the laws of nature).
#12 Obstruction
Judgement:
Symbolizes blockage and closure. Petty people create obstructions so that higher and lower cannot communicate; it’s not conducive for the gentleman to stay righteous. It foretells that prosperity will turn into decline.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that yang energy retreats and yin comes; Heaven and Earth cannot interact, hindering the growth of all things. It’s a stage of extreme stagnation. What should we do? When blocked and obstructed, we should search broadly for the causes, identify the heart of the problem, and then apply the appropriate remedy.
#13 Concording People
Judgement:
Symbolizes harmonizing with people. Uniting with others on the broad plain brings success; it is favorable to ford great rivers and for the gentleman to hold firm to his principles.
Advice:
Li Guangdi noted: “Even amid great unity, each follows its kind and distinctions naturally exist. Thus high and low have their order, relationships differ in closeness; people’s wisdom or foolishness and goodness or evil differ; things have ranks of noble or base, refined or coarse. By classifying and differentiating, allowing each its due, that is how ‘great unity’ is achieved.” This implies we must seek commonality while preserving differences, so that each can receive what they are due.
#14 Great Possessing
Judgement:
Attaining abundant possessions — extremely auspicious.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that if we follow the Heavenly Way, we will become prosperous.
#15 Humbling
Judgement:
Symbolizes humility — smooth progress, and the gentleman can sustain his humble virtue to the end.
Advice:
The Qian (Humbling) hexagram teaches that a gentleman should cultivate the virtue of humility.
#16 Providing-For
Judgement:
Symbolizes joy; for feudal lords, deploying the army is beneficial.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that when all the people under heaven have submitted to you, at this time you should act according to the timing of Heaven.
#17 Following
Judgement:
Symbolizes following — extremely auspicious, favorable to consult the oracle, and without misfortune.
Advice:
The Sui (Following) hexagram tells us that our willingness to follow must be principled — based on fairness and rectitude, and aligned with the will of the people. It advocates moving with the times, seizing opportunities, and advancing or retreating appropriately. It requires people to abandon personal biases and selfish interests, to choose the good and follow it, to be good at listening to and adopting others’ honest advice, and always to put the bigger picture first.
#18 Correcting
Judgement:
Symbolizes correcting decay and disorder — extremely auspicious, favorable to ford great rivers. But one must set out just before and just after the critical turning point of events.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that within decline lies new birth, but new birth cannot happen under just any conditions; it requires specific conditions that we must create. Therefore, during this transformative period, we should act in accord with Heaven’s timing. Conforming to Heaven’s timing here means: first, preventing problems before they arise; second, when troubles occur, finding ways to resolve them. Whether through prior prevention or subsequent solution, all actions must align with the Heavenly principles, correcting those that are improper.
#19 Nearing
Judgement:
Symbolizes supervision and approach. Extremely auspicious, favorable for divination. However, by the eighth month (when yang declines and yin rises), misfortune will arrive.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that on one hand, one must strive to improve one’s own cultivation and lead by example so that the people sincerely submit to one’s leadership. On the other hand, one must implement moral education among the people to raise the entire nation’s character.
#20 Viewing
Judgement:
Symbolizes contemplation and reverence. Before a sacrifice, one washes hands; after washing but before presenting the offerings, people gaze up to him with sincere respect.
Advice:
As a leader, one must not only attend to one’s own virtue, but also pay attention to observing the sentiments of the people.
#21 Gnawing Bite
Judgement:
Symbolizes 'biting together' (meshing). Do your best to remove obstacles to achieve smooth progress; it bodes well for taking legal action. [Note: '啮合' literally means 'to bite together,' symbolizing things fitting together smoothly.]
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that since the ultimate purpose of the law is to help people correct their mistakes, punishment should not be overly harsh, and those enforcing it must be fair and upright.
#22 Adorning
Judgement:
Symbolizes 'embellishment' or adornment; things go smoothly. Any action taken will yield only small gains. [Note: '文饰' means outward adornment or polished appearance.]
Advice:
This hexagram hints that as a leader, focusing on minor courtesies can indeed bring small benefits, but one must not overemphasize surface things. Only by improving oneself from inside out and doing real good for the people will you earn their support.
#23 Stripping
Judgement:
Symbolizes 'peeling away' or disintegration; it is unfavorable to take any action. [Note: '剥落' literally means peeling off, indicating decay or decline.]
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that a leader must fundamentally safeguard the interests of the people and should restrain the power of petty individuals, to prevent them from harming the loyal and disrupting governance.
#24 Returning
Judgement:
Symbolizes 'return' or restoration; things go smoothly. Whether going out or staying in, one stays free of ills. When friends come, there’s no blame. Returning to the original path, after seven days comes the return—this is the natural cycle of heaven. It is favorable to undertake something.
Advice:
This hexagram suggests that mistakes are inevitable, but if one realizes they are lost and returns to the right path, disaster can be avoided.
#25 Without Embroiling
Judgement:
Symbolizes not acting wrongly (innocence) — extremely auspicious and favorable for divination. But if one does not hold to rectitude, there will be disaster, and it will not be favorable to take action.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that as long as you remain upright and just, and act in accord with Heaven’s way, you will not come to harm.
#26 Great Accumulating
Judgement:
Symbolizes great accumulation; it is favorable to consult the oracle. Not dining at home will bring an auspicious sign; going forth to ford the great river will be fortunate.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that to accomplish great things, one must: (1) work hard to learn, enhance your skills, and cultivate fine virtues; (2) recruit and develop worthy people, and make good use of them; (3) wait for the right opportunity.
#27 Swallowing
Judgement:
This hexagram symbolizes nurturing; holding firm to the correct way brings good fortune. By observing how nourishment works, one should understand to seek food for oneself by the proper path.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us to follow the proper Dao of sustenance.
#28 Great Exceeding
Judgement:
Symbolizes great excess: the house’s beam is bent under heavy weight. It is favorable to take action, and things will go smoothly.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that in times of turmoil, do not blindly take extreme or reckless actions, but as long as you follow the right path, it will be favorable to act.
#29 Gorge
Judgement:
Symbolizes layer upon layer of danger. If you have honesty and faith, you can win people’s hearts and proceed smoothly. Going out will surely gain assistance.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that when one is stuck in a long period of adversity and frustration, one needs not only firm faith and the courage to press forward, but also adaptability and caution in action.
#30 Radiance
Judgement:
Symbolizes clinging (attaching oneself). It is beneficial to remain steadfast and things will go smoothly. Keeping a cow (the gentle, receptive) brings good fortune.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that when you are at a loss, you can rely on external support to escape danger, but you must do so while following the right path.
#31 Conjoining
Judgement:
Symbolizes mutual attraction; smooth and favorable for staying on the right course. Marrying a maiden is auspicious.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that love between a man and a woman is mutual and must not be forced. By extension, all influence should be mutual and never coerced.
#32 Persevering
Judgement:
It symbolizes long-lasting smooth progress that won't lead to disaster. It is good to uphold correctness, and taking action will be favorable.
Advice:
This hexagram teaches the importance of perseverance. However, "constancy" here doesn’t mean never changing. Rather, there should be change within constancy and constancy within change. Whether to remain steady or to adapt should depend on the actual situation.
#33 Retiring
Judgement:
It symbolizes retreat and smooth withdrawal. Those who are mild or in a weaker position do well to stick to what is correct.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us to withdraw at the right time.
#34 Great Invigorating
Judgement:
It symbolizes great strength: it’s beneficial to hold firm to what is right.
Advice:
This hexagram hints that even if a person is very powerful, they must not act recklessly.
#35 Prospering
Judgement:
It symbolizes advancement. Lord Kang received rewards from King Cheng – many fine horses – and was granted an audience with the king multiple times in a single day.
Advice:
This hexagram shows that to grow your enterprise, you must hold firm to the right path.
#36 Darkening of the Light
Judgement:
It symbolizes the light being wounded. It’s good to remember hardships and remain steadfast in what is correct.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that when someone is stuck in darkness, they must both hold onto their integrity and adapt to the times to protect themselves.
#37 Dwelling People
Judgement:
It symbolizes a family, and it’s beneficial for the women to uphold what is right.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that the head of a family has a leadership role and must prevent problems before they arise. Thus, in managing the household one should balance firmness and gentleness, having both honesty and authority. Meanwhile, each family member should settle in their place, fulfill their duties, and work together.
#38 Polarising
Judgement:
It symbolizes separation and disharmony; being cautious in handling things is auspicious.
Advice:
This hexagram discusses estrangement among family or society members, implying that opposite sides of a conflict are also interconnected. In other words, everything contains contradictions — opposing sides that depend on each other and can transform into each other under certain conditions. Based on this, we should work together to eliminate hostile divisions while also allowing differences to exist. Create conditions for conflicts to turn in a positive direction, thereby driving things forward.
#39 Limping
Judgement:
It symbolizes difficulty in moving. It’s advantageous to head to the southwest, and unfavorable to go northeast. It’s good to seek an audience with a great person; consulting the oracle gives an auspicious sign.
Advice:
This hexagram teaches how to view difficulties and escape them. First, recognize hardship and retreat, waiting for the right time. Second, strengthen your moral character and gather forces from all sides, establishing a core leadership.
#40 Taking-Apart
Judgement:
It symbolizes the easing of dangers. It’s favorable to head southwest. If the great difficulty is resolved, one should return to set things right and restore order – that will be auspicious. One should take action, because acting promptly brings good fortune.
Advice:
This hexagram teaches that to overcome a great difficulty, you must be honest and gain the support of the people, and also stay just and fair. In particular, one should not assume everything is fine once a big difficulty is solved, because a new task will appear.
#41 Diminishing
Judgement:
It symbolizes decrease where both sides gain. It brings great fortune and no misfortune – a satisfying divination. It’s good to take action. (Why talk about two bowls? It means even a modest offering of two bowls of food can be used for a sacrifice.)
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that decrease isn’t a one-sided loss, but a reduction that benefits both others and oneself. So when a cutback is needed, make it without hesitation.
#42 Augmenting
Judgement:
It symbolizes increase. It’s good to take action and good to cross great rivers.
Advice:
This hexagram emphasizes giving benefits to others, because it helps both sides.
#43 Displacement
Judgement:
It symbolizes making a decisive resolution. One must expose the wrongdoing in the royal court and call on everyone to recognize such people, but this is dangerous. The decree comes from within the community. It's not wise to immediately resort to force, but it is good to take some action.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that we should rally everyone to decisively break with villainous people, and not act with force impulsively.
#44 Coupling
Judgement:
It symbolizes an encounter. If a woman is overly strong, one should not marry her.
Advice:
The name of this hexagram, 'Gou' (Coupling), implies that whether it's heaven and earth, man and woman, or ruler and subject, coming together and knowing one another all depend on fate. Whether they can get along harmoniously and enhance each other depends on factors like timing and circumstances, and it cannot be forced.
#45 Clustering
Judgement:
It symbolizes gathering and smooth progress. The king goes to the ancestral temple to make sacrifices. Meeting a high-ranking wise person is favorable and goes well. It is good to remain upright. Using a large animal as a sacrificial offering is auspicious. It is advantageous to embark on a venture.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that if one can be humble and courteous to others, one will surely be able to gather people together.
#46 Ascending
Judgement:
It symbolizes rising and is extremely auspicious. It is advantageous to meet someone of high status; there is no need to worry. Going on a campaign to the south will be lucky.
Advice:
This hexagram describes the process of growing from small to large and from low to high. It emphasizes that advancement is achieved gradually rather than in one giant leap. Therefore, we should start with small tasks and accumulate progress step by step to accomplish great goals. Also, be sure to base your actions on sincerity.
#47 Confining
Judgement:
It symbolizes distress: through hard effort one can succeed. One should hold firm; a person in a high position will have good fortune and no blame. At this time, words spoken may not be trusted by others.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that when a person is in a difficult situation, on one hand they must not despair or lose heart—they should patiently wait for the right opportunity; on the other hand, they should not be too weak, but take effective action. Additionally, it hints that even someone in a high position, if not humble, can end up in trouble.
#48 Welling
Judgement:
It symbolizes the well. A town or village can be relocated, but a well cannot be moved. Nothing is lost and nothing is gained. People around go back and forth to draw water from the well. The well is nearly reached but has silted up and no one clears it; they even break the water jar—this is a bad omen.
Advice:
This hexagram explains the close connection between well water and people's lives. Using the well as a metaphor, it tells us that to maximize the usefulness of both people and things, one must both cultivate one's character and also maintain things with timely care.
#49 Skinning
Judgement:
It symbolizes transformation. Implement the change when the situation urgently calls for it (the proper day), and do so with sincerity; it will go very smoothly. It is beneficial to be steadfast in principle. Regret will eventually vanish.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that reform must be done under the right conditions, so we must have a proper method: First, follow the natural course of events and choose the right timing—only when change is imperative should you boldly carry it out. Second, align with the will of the people so that they are truly convinced. Third, those carrying out the change must have pure motives and use proper means, not seek quick gains, and consider issues thoroughly and carefully.
#50 Holding
Judgement:
It symbolizes the cauldron—great luck and success.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us to discard the old and establish the new.
#51 Shake
Judgement:
It symbolizes thunder's movement and smooth progress. Thunder roars and the earth trembles, and some people are so frightened they shake all over, but after a while everyone is chatting and laughing as usual. The great thunder crashes, startling people within a hundred li, but the ritual ladle and wine are not dropped and the ceremonies continue normally.
Advice:
This hexagram shows that the arrival of a shock can be either a disaster or a blessing. On one hand, it can scare people into caution, helping them avoid calamity; on the other hand, it can leave people in constant fear, unable to take effective measures to prevent disaster.
#52 Bound
Judgement:
It symbolizes restraint. By keeping still at the back, one avoids being noticed and doesn't let the body directly face the personal desires that should be restrained. For example, even walking in the courtyard, people turn their backs to each other and do not see the evil that is being restrained in one another, ensuring no disaster.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us not to be disturbed by external influences. When it is time to be still, be still; when it is time to act, act.
#53 Infiltrating
Judgement:
It symbolizes gradual progress. A woman's getting married is a fortunate event. It is favorable to consult the oracle (to be upright).
Advice:
This hexagram tells us to proceed in an orderly, step-by-step way. It also emphasizes that to truly achieve gradual progress, one must hold to the correct path.
#54 Converting the Maiden
Judgement:
It symbolizes a young woman being married off. If one acts improperly and moves forward at the wrong time, it will result in danger and nothing beneficial.
Advice:
This hexagram uses a romantic relationship as a metaphor. It teaches that moving forward at the wrong time or with bad intentions will lead to misfortune.
#55 Abounding
Judgement:
It symbolizes abundance and magnitude, and smooth progress. The king personally visits the ancestral temple. There’s no need to fear; the ideal time is when the sun is high at noon.
Advice:
This hexagram demonstrates the natural cycle of waxing and waning. It reminds us that to achieve abundance, we should act according to proper principles. It also emphasizes that in times of prosperity, one must be especially cautious and hold to the right path.
#56 Sojourning
Judgement:
It symbolizes traveling. Being modest, gentle, and careful can lead to success. A traveler who remains upright and steadfast will have good luck.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that when you are living away from home in a turbulent situation, it’s even more important to stick to integrity and balance.
#57 Ground
Judgement:
It symbolizes compliance and gentleness. Being modest and careful can lead to success. It’s advantageous to take action and beneficial to meet a person of high status.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that one should be humble and yielding.
#58 Open
Judgement:
It symbolizes joy and success, and things go smoothly. It’s beneficial to consult the oracle (remain correct).
Advice:
This hexagram tells us to treat others with a pleasant attitude and to please people in an appropriate way.
#59 Dispersing
Judgement:
It symbolizes dispersal (scattering) and smooth progress. The king personally goes to the ancestral temple to pray for protection. It’s good to cross a great river and to consult the oracle.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that when things are scattered, one must work to unite people’s hearts.
#60 Articulating
Judgement:
It symbolizes moderation and success. But if moderation is taken to an extreme, one cannot remain on the proper course.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that appropriately restraining our behavior leads to smooth success, but overdoing restraint will backfire.
#61 Center Returning
Judgement:
It symbolizes inner honesty. With sincerity one can even influence pigs and fish – this is lucky. It’s favorable to cross a great river and to consult the oracle.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that sincerity can move everything. As long as you have it, any difficulty can be overcome.
#62 Small Exceeding
Judgement:
It symbolizes a small exceeding and success, and is favorable for divination. But it only applies to small matters, not to big matters. A flying bird leaves a sad cry, warning people: one should not fly any higher, but should come down to rest – doing so will bring great luck.
Advice:
This hexagram tells us that in a time of minor turbulence, one cannot take overly large actions.
#63 Already Fording
Judgement:
It symbolizes that the affair is already completed; at this time even the small and weak succeed, and it’s favorable to stick to what’s right. If one is not careful to maintain success, things that were good at first will end in chaos.
Advice:
This hexagram hexagram tells us that after success, in order to prevent eventual chaos, one must act with greater caution.
#64 Not Yet Fording
Judgement:
It symbolizes that things are not yet accomplished; if you strive to complete them you can gain success. The little fox is about to get across the river but gets its tail wet, so there is no benefit.
Advice:
This hexagram hexagram tells us that when your work is not yet successful, you should not rush ahead.
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