About this edition
This is the full core text of the I Ching: the Judgment of each of the 64 hexagrams and its six line texts, in the original Chinese with an English translation by manpo. It is the same translation shown in every reading on Ask Yi.
Each hexagram below links to its own page, where every line is explained and read for love, career and decisions. The same text is available as a free PDF to keep offline.
Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Quote and share it freely for non-commercial use, with credit to manpo, askyi.app.
How to use this book
1 · Cast
Toss three coins six times. Heads count 3, tails 2: each toss gives 6, 7, 8 or 9.
2 · Draw
Build the lines from the bottom up. 7 and 9 are solid, 8 and 6 are broken; 6 and 9 are changing.
3 · Find
Look it up in the chart: lines 1–3 give the column, lines 4–6 the row.
4 · Read
Read the Judgment, then your changing lines. Each line names the hexagram it changes to.
Want a reading for your own question, with the reasoning shown? Cast online on Ask Yi.
Contents
Upper Canon · 1–30
- 1The Creative
- 2The Receptive
- 3Difficulty at the Beginning
- 4Youthful Folly
- 5Waiting
- 6Conflict
- 7The Army
- 8Holding Together
- 9Small Taming
- 10Treading
- 11Peace
- 12Standstill
- 13Fellowship
- 14Great Possession
- 15Modesty
- 16Enthusiasm
- 17Following
- 18Work on the Decayed
- 19Approach
- 20Contemplation
- 21Biting Through
- 22Grace
- 23Splitting Apart
- 24Return
- 25Innocence
- 26Great Accumulating
- 27Nourishment
- 28Great Exceeding
- 29The Abysmal, Water
- 30The Clinging
Lower Canon · 31–64
- 31Influence
- 32Duration
- 33Retreat
- 34Great Power
- 35Progress
- 36Darkening of the Light
- 37The Family
- 38Opposition
- 39Obstruction
- 40Deliverance
- 41Decrease
- 42Increase
- 43Breakthrough
- 44Coming to Meet
- 45Gathering Together
- 46Pushing Upward
- 47Oppression
- 48The Well
- 49Revolution
- 50The Cauldron
- 51The Arousing, Thunder
- 52Keeping Still
- 53Development
- 54The Marrying Maiden
- 55Abundance
- 56The Wanderer
- 57The Gentle
- 58The Joyous
- 59Dispersion
- 60Limitation
- 61Inner Truth
- 62Small Exceeding
- 63After Completion
- 64Before Completion
Upper Canon
Hexagram 1: The Creative (乾)
乾 · qián · Heaven over Heaven · also “Force”
In brief
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).
The Judgment
元，亨，利，贞。
“Great success, smooth progress, benefit, and perseverance.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 1.1
- 1.2
见龙在田，利见大人。
“A dragon appears in the field; it is favorable to meet with a person of great stature.”
Changes to 13 · Fellowship
- 1.3
君子终日乾乾，夕惕若，厉无咎。
“The noble person works tirelessly throughout the day and stays alert into the evening; there may be danger, but no harm will come.”
Changes to 10 · Treading
- 1.4
- 1.5
飞龙在天，利见大人。
“The flying dragon is in the sky; it is beneficial to meet with a great person.”
Changes to 14 · Great Possession
- 1.6
- All
lines见群龙无首，吉。
“Seeing many dragons with no single leader—good fortune.”
All six lines change to 2 · The Receptive
Full meaning of hexagram 1: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 2: The Receptive (坤)
坤 · kūn · Earth over Earth · also “Field”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
元，亨。利牝马之贞。君子有攸往，先迷；后得主，利。西南得朋，东北丧朋。安贞吉。
“Great success. It is favorable for the mare to maintain her virtue (steadfastness). If the noble person sets out and tries to lead, he goes astray; if he follows, he finds his way, and it is favorable. Going southwest, one gains friends; going northeast, one loses friends. Staying calm and upright brings good fortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 2.1
- 2.2
直、方、大，不习，无不利。
“Straightforward, square, and large-hearted, without deceit— nothing will be unfavorable.”
Changes to 7 · The Army
- 2.3
含章，可贞。或从王事，无成有终。
“Concealing one’s talent allows one to remain correct. If one takes up the king’s affairs, there may be no great achievement, but things will end well.”
Changes to 15 · Modesty
- 2.4
- 2.5
- 2.6
龙战于野，其血玄黄。
“Dragons fight in the wilderness, their blood is black and yellow.”
Changes to 23 · Splitting Apart
- All
lines
Full meaning of hexagram 2: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 3: Difficulty at the Beginning (屯)
屯 · zhūn · Water over Thunder · also “Sprouting”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
元亨，利贞。勿用有攸往。利建侯
“Great success and favorable to be upright. Do not undertake anything right now. It is favorable to set up great aims.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 3.1
磐桓。利居贞。利建侯。
“A boulder blocks the path. It is beneficial to stay steadfast and upright. It is also favorable to set lofty goals.”
Changes to 8 · Holding Together
- 3.2
屯如，邅如。乘马班如，匪寇婚媾；女子贞不字，十年乃字。
“Blocked and hesitant. A team of horsemen lingers, but they are not bandits—they are a wedding procession. The young woman stays chaste and does not wed; only after ten years does she marry.”
Changes to 60 · Limitation
- 3.3
即鹿无虞，惟入于林中。君子几，不如舍。往吝。
“Chasing a deer without a guide, you only end up in the woods. The wise person senses this and decides it’s better to stop; going on would lead to trouble.”
Changes to 63 · After Completion
- 3.4
乘马班如，求婚媾；往吉，无不利。
“Riders assemble on horseback, seeking a marriage alliance. Going forward is fortunate; there is nothing unfavorable.”
Changes to 17 · Following
- 3.5
屯其膏。小，贞吉；大，贞凶。
“Having worked through the hardship, one is about to spread one's blessings widely. For one who is small and gentle, steadfastness brings good fortune; for one who is strong and great, one should hold to what is right to guard against misfortune.”
Changes to 24 · Return
- 3.6
乘马班如，泣血涟如。
“Horsemen charge forward in unison, weeping blood that flows in streams.”
Changes to 42 · Increase
Full meaning of hexagram 3: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 4: Youthful Folly (蒙)
蒙 · méng · Mountain over Water · also “Enveloping”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
亨。匪我求童蒙，童蒙求我；初筮告，再三渎，渎则不告。利贞。
“Success. It is not that I seek out the young and ignorant; the young ignorant one seeks me. The first oracle consultation provides guidance; asking again and again is disrespectful, and then it will give no answer. It is favorable to remain upright.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 4.1
发蒙，利用刑人。用说桎梏，以往吝。
“Initiating enlightenment: it is useful to apply discipline, as one restrains a wrongdoer; to let things go unchecked brings regret.”
Changes to 41 · Decrease
- 4.2
包蒙，吉。纳妇，吉。子克家。
“Embracing the ignorant brings good fortune. Taking a wife is auspicious. The son is able to manage the household.”
Changes to 23 · Splitting Apart
- 4.3
勿用取女，见金夫，不有躬。无攸利。
“Do not take this woman in marriage. Seeing a man of wealth, she will not preserve herself. Nothing beneficial can come of it.”
Changes to 18 · Work on the Decayed
- 4.4
困蒙，吝。
“Trapped in ignorance — it is distressful (leads to misfortune).”
Changes to 64 · Before Completion
- 4.5
- 4.6
击蒙；不利为寇，利御寇。
“Dispelling ignorance with force; it’s not good to act like a villain, but it is good to fend off a villain.”
Changes to 7 · The Army
Full meaning of hexagram 4: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 5: Waiting (需)
需 · xū · Water over Heaven · also “Attending”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。
“With sincerity and confidence comes great success; being upright and steady is auspicious. It is favorable to cross the great river.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 5.1
需于郊，利用恒，无咎。
“Waiting in the outskirts; it is beneficial to be constant. No blame.”
Changes to 48 · The Well
- 5.2
需于沙，小有言，终吉。
“Waiting on a sandbar, there may be minor complaints, but in the end it is auspicious.”
Changes to 63 · After Completion
- 5.3
- 5.4
- 5.5
- 5.6
入于穴，有不速之客三人来，敬之，终吉。
“One enters a cave, and three unexpected guests arrive; treat them with respect, and it ends in good fortune.”
Changes to 9 · Small Taming
Full meaning of hexagram 5: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 6: Conflict (訟)
訟 · sòng · Heaven over Water · also “Lawsuit”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
有孚窒惕，中吉；终凶，利见大人，不利涉大川。
“Truth is present but blocked, causing caution — staying balanced brings good fortune; pushing it to the end brings misfortune. It is favorable to meet with a great person, but not favorable to cross the great river.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 6.1
不永所事，小有言，终吉。
“Do not persist in a dispute over your affairs. There may be minor complaints, but in the end it will be good.”
Changes to 10 · Treading
- 6.2
不克讼，归而逋，其邑人三百户。无眚。
“Unable to win the dispute, he retreats and flees home, to a village of three hundred households. No misfortune.”
Changes to 12 · Standstill
- 6.3
食旧德，贞厉，终吉；或从王事，无成。
“Living by the old virtues, holding firm brings danger at first but ends in good fortune. Or if one follows the king’s service, there is no achievement.”
Changes to 44 · Coming to Meet
- 6.4
不克讼，复即命，渝。安贞，吉。
“Unable to win the dispute, he returns and accepts fate, changing his approach. Stay calm and correct – good fortune.”
Changes to 59 · Dispersion
- 6.5
- 6.6
或锡之鞶带，终朝三褫之。
“He might be granted an ornate belt, but before the day is over, it is stripped off him three times.”
Changes to 47 · Oppression
Full meaning of hexagram 6: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 7: The Army (師)
師 · shī · Earth over Water · also “Leading”
In brief
As a commander, one must adhere to the righteous path, follow the way of Heaven, and care for the people. Then you stand in a strong position to prevail when you take the field.
The Judgment
贞，丈人吉，无咎。
“Steadfast correctness. A seasoned leader brings good fortune and no misfortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 7.1
师出以律，否臧凶。
“An army must be led forth with strict discipline; without it, misfortune will result.”
Changes to 19 · Approach
- 7.2
在师中，吉，无咎。王三锡命。
“He is in the middle of the army — good fortune, no blame. The king has thrice bestowed commands (honors) upon him.”
Changes to 2 · The Receptive
- 7.3
- 7.4
- 7.5
田有禽，利执言，无咎。长子帅师，弟子舆尸，贞凶。
“There are birds in the field— it’s good to capture them, no harm. The eldest son leads the army, the younger son carries the corpses back; remaining steadfast in that leads to misfortune.”
Changes to 29 · The Abysmal, Water
- 7.6
大君有命，开国承家，小人勿用。
“The great leader issues an order: to found a state or carry on a family, one should not employ petty people.”
Changes to 4 · Youthful Folly
Full meaning of hexagram 7: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 8: Holding Together (比)
比 · bǐ · Water over Earth · also “Grouping”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
吉。原筮，元永贞。无咎。不宁方来，后夫凶。
“Good fortune. The initial divination yields profoundly lasting auspices. No blame. The formerly rebellious come around; those who come later (or remain defiant) will meet misfortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 8.1
有孚比之，无咎。有孚盈缶，终来有它，吉。
“With sincerity, you join with others — no blame. If sincerity fills the earthen jar to the brim, even if something unexpected comes later, it will be good fortune.”
Changes to 3 · Difficulty at the Beginning
- 8.2
比之自内，贞吉。
“The union comes from within; being steadfast and true brings good fortune.”
Changes to 29 · The Abysmal, Water
- 8.3
- 8.4
外比之，贞吉。
“Outsiders unite with you; remaining steadfast and true is auspicious.”
Changes to 45 · Gathering Together
- 8.5
显比；王用三驱，失前禽，邑人不诫，吉。
“Manifest union. The king hunts by driving from three sides, letting the prey escape in front. The villagers are unafraid, which is auspicious.”
Changes to 2 · The Receptive
- 8.6
比之无首，凶。
“Holding together with others without taking the lead: misfortune.”
Changes to 20 · Contemplation
Full meaning of hexagram 8: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 9: Small Taming (小畜)
小畜 · xiǎo xù · Wind over Heaven · also “Small Accumulating”
In brief
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."
The Judgment
亨。密云不雨，自我西郊。
“Success. Dense clouds but no rain yet, gathering from the western outskirts.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 9.1
复自道，何其咎？吉。
“He returns to his proper path — what fault could there be? It is good fortune.”
Changes to 57 · The Gentle
- 9.2
- 9.3
舆说辐，夫妻反目。
“The wagon’s wheel comes off, and the spouses turn against each other.”
Changes to 61 · Inner Truth
- 9.4
有孚，血去惕出，无咎。
“With sincerity, worry departs and fear is dispelled — no blame.”
Changes to 1 · The Creative
- 9.5
有孚挛如，富以其邻。
“Sincerity binds people closely, and one becomes prosperous with the help of those around.”
Changes to 26 · Great Accumulating
- 9.6
既雨既处，尚德载；妇贞厉，月几望；君子征凶。
“After the rain has passed and things are settled, a man of virtue carries on accumulating merit. If the woman seeks an oracle, it’s dangerous. As the moon nears fullness, if the noble one goes on an expedition, it will be misfortune.”
Changes to 5 · Waiting
Full meaning of hexagram 9: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 10: Treading (履)
履 · lǚ · Heaven over Lake · also “Treading”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
履虎尾，不咥人，亨。
“Treading on the tiger’s tail, yet it does not bite— success.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 10.1
- 10.2
履道坦坦，幽人贞吉。
“The way ahead is broad and level; a reserved person who stays upright will have good fortune.”
Changes to 25 · Innocence
- 10.3
眇能视，跛能履，履虎尾咥人，凶。武人为于大君。
“The one-eyed man claims he can see; the lame man claims he can walk. He steps on the tiger’s tail and gets bitten — misfortune. A warrior should serve a great ruler.”
Changes to 1 · The Creative
- 10.4
履虎尾，愬愬，终吉。
“Having trodden on the tiger’s tail, he is fearful, but being cautious, in the end it is good.”
Changes to 61 · Inner Truth
- 10.5
- 10.6
视履考祥，其旋元吉。
“He examines his treading and inspects the omens; turning back brings great fortune.”
Changes to 58 · The Joyous
Full meaning of hexagram 10: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 11: Peace (泰)
泰 · tài · Earth over Heaven · also “Pervading”
In brief
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).
The Judgment
小往大来，吉，亨。
“Small things depart, great things arrive; auspicious and smooth.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 11.1
拔茅茹，以其汇；征吉。
“Pulling up a handful of grass, all its roots come out together. If one sees this omen when setting out, it is auspicious.”
Changes to 46 · Pushing Upward
- 11.2
包荒，用冯河，不遐遗。朋亡，得尚于中行。
“He embraces even the barren and can ford great rivers, leaving none afar or abandoned. Forming no cliques, he is able to support the ruler who walks the middle path.”
Changes to 36 · Darkening of the Light
- 11.3
无平不陂，无往不复。艰贞无咎。勿恤其孚，于食有福。
“There is no flat ground that doesn’t become uneven, and no going that doesn’t return. Persevering through difficulty brings no blame. Do not worry if you are not trusted; you will be blessed with nourishment.”
Changes to 19 · Approach
- 11.4
翩翩，不富，以其邻不戒以孚。
“Light and unburdened; though not wealthy, he and his neighbors trust each other without need of warning.”
Changes to 34 · Great Power
- 11.5
帝乙归妹，以祉元吉。
“Emperor Yi gave his daughter in marriage, thereby bringing blessings and great good fortune.”
Changes to 5 · Waiting
- 11.6
城复于隍。勿用师，自邑告命。贞吝。
“The city walls have collapsed into the moat. Do not use the army; an order comes from the city to cease. Divination yields an unfavorable omen.”
Changes to 26 · Great Accumulating
Full meaning of hexagram 11: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 12: Standstill (否)
否 · pǐ · Heaven over Earth · also “Obstruction”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
否之匪人，不利，君子贞；大往小来。
“In stagnation, ignoble people are in charge — unfavorable; it is difficult for the gentleman to remain upright. The great departs and the small arrives.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 12.1
拔茅茹，以其汇；贞吉，亨。
“Pulling up a blade of grass and all its roots come out together. Staying correct is auspicious and leads to smooth progress.”
Changes to 25 · Innocence
- 12.2
包承，小人吉；大人否，亨。
“Compliance brings fortune to the petty person; the great person says “no” and thus finds success.”
Changes to 6 · Conflict
- 12.3
- 12.4
有命无咎，畴离祉。
“Carry out the mandate and there will be no blame; all who join will share in the blessings.”
Changes to 20 · Contemplation
- 12.5
休否，大人吉；其亡其亡，系于苞桑。
“Cease the stagnation; for the man of grand aspiration, this is good fortune. Be ever mindful of peril — as if tied to thick mulberry bushes — and you will remain secure.”
Changes to 35 · Progress
- 12.6
Full meaning of hexagram 12: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 13: Fellowship (同人)
同人 · tóng rén · Heaven over Fire · also “Concording People”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
同人于野，亨，利涉大川，利君子贞。
“Fellowship with others in the open country — success. It is favorable to cross the great river; beneficial for the gentleman to remain steadfast.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 13.1
- 13.2
- 13.3
伏戎于莽，升其高陵，三岁不兴。
“Hiding the troops in the underbrush, climbing high hills — for three years, no attack is launched.”
Changes to 25 · Innocence
- 13.4
- 13.5
同人，先号咷，而后笑，大师克相遇。
“Fellowship: first wailing and then laughing — the great army meets and triumphs.”
Changes to 30 · The Clinging
- 13.6
Full meaning of hexagram 13: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 14: Great Possession (大有)
大有 · dà yǒu · Fire over Heaven · also “Great Possessing”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that if we follow the Heavenly Way, we will become prosperous.
The Judgment
元亨。
“Great success.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 14.1
无交害，匪咎；艰则无咎。
“Avoid harmful entanglements and you’ll have no blame; remain mindful of hardship to stay blameless.”
Changes to 50 · The Cauldron
- 14.2
大车以载，有攸往，无咎。
“A great wagon loaded (with goods) heads out; no misfortune.”
Changes to 30 · The Clinging
- 14.3
公用亨于天子。小人弗克。
“A noble can enjoy success granted by the Son of Heaven; a petty person cannot.”
Changes to 38 · Opposition
- 14.4
- 14.5
厥孚交如，威如，吉。
“His sincerity connects, and his dignity appears — auspicious.”
Changes to 1 · The Creative
- 14.6
Full meaning of hexagram 14: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 15: Modesty (謙)
謙 · qiān · Earth over Mountain · also “Humbling”
In brief
The Qian (Humbling) hexagram teaches that a gentleman should cultivate the virtue of humility.
The Judgment
亨。君子有终。
“Success. The gentleman brings it to completion.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 15.1
谦谦君子。用涉大川，吉。
“A truly humble gentleman. It is favorable to ford the great river — good fortune.”
Changes to 36 · Darkening of the Light
- 15.2
- 15.3
劳谦，君子有终，吉。
“Toiling with humility, a gentleman will have achievement; in the end, auspicious.”
Changes to 2 · The Receptive
- 15.4
- 15.5
不富，以其邻利用侵伐，无不利。
“Though not wealthy due to a neighbor’s incursions, attacking that neighbor now is beneficial and without fault.”
Changes to 39 · Obstruction
- 15.6
鸣谦，利用行师、征邑国。
“Proclaimed humility. It is favorable to send out the army and conquer the enemy state.”
Changes to 52 · Keeping Still
Full meaning of hexagram 15: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 16: Enthusiasm (豫)
豫 · yù · Thunder over Earth · also “Providing-For”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
利建侯，行师。
“It is advantageous to establish lords and mobilize the army.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 16.1
- 16.2
介于石，不终日，贞吉。
“Upright and firm as a rock; he realizes within a day that joy must be kept moderate. Persevering in correctness brings good fortune.”
Changes to 40 · Deliverance
- 16.3
盱豫悔；迟有悔。
“Casting flirtatious glances in pursuit of pleasure leads to regret; if the regret is late, there will be more regret.”
Changes to 62 · Small Exceeding
- 16.4
由豫，大有得，勿疑。朋盍簪。
“Proceeding with joy, he gains greatly; do not doubt. Friends gather to him as hair to a pin.”
Changes to 2 · The Receptive
- 16.5
贞疾，恒不死。
“Staying upright to guard against illness, one remains long in health and does not perish.”
Changes to 45 · Gathering Together
- 16.6
冥豫，成有渝，无咎。
“In utter darkness yet still joyful — this change leads to success; no misfortune.”
Changes to 35 · Progress
Full meaning of hexagram 16: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 17: Following (隨)
隨 · suí · Lake over Thunder · also “Following”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
元亨，利贞，无咎。
“Great success. Favorable to be steadfast and upright. No misfortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 17.1
官有渝，贞吉。出门交有功。
“An official post changes; perseverance brings good fortune. Going out and interacting with others yields achievements.”
Changes to 45 · Gathering Together
- 17.2
系小子，失丈夫。
“If you attach yourself to the young (unworthy), you lose the mature man.”
Changes to 58 · The Joyous
- 17.3
系丈夫，失小子；随有求得，利居贞。
“If you attach yourself to the true man, you lose the youth. In following, whatever one seeks will be obtained; it is favorable to stay at home and persevere.”
Changes to 49 · Revolution
- 17.4
随有获，贞凶；有孚在道，以明，何咎！
“Chasing others brought gain, but perseverance was unlucky. However, with sincerity on the right path, clearly, what misfortune could there be?”
Changes to 3 · Difficulty at the Beginning
- 17.5
- 17.6
拘系之，乃从，维之；王用亨于西山。
“Capturing and binding him to follow, tying him fast; the king makes offerings on the Western Mountain.”
Changes to 25 · Innocence
Full meaning of hexagram 17: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 18: Work on the Decayed (蠱)
蠱 · gǔ · Mountain over Wind · also “Correcting”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
元亨。利涉大川；先甲三日，后甲三日
“Great success. It is favorable to cross the great river; one should start three days before the turning point and three days after.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 18.1
干父之蛊，有子考，无咎，厉终吉。
“Rectifying the father’s corruption: if a son can do this, the father will not be harmed. Even if there is trouble, it ends in good fortune.”
Changes to 26 · Great Accumulating
- 18.2
干母之蛊，不可贞。
“Rectifying the mother’s corruption — do not be too assertive.”
Changes to 52 · Keeping Still
- 18.3
干父之蛊，小有悔，无大咎。
“Rectifying the father’s corruption — there is slight regret but no major blame.”
Changes to 4 · Youthful Folly
- 18.4
裕父之蛊，往见吝。
“Indulging the father’s corruption and letting it go — you will meet with regret.”
Changes to 50 · The Cauldron
- 18.5
- 18.6
不事王侯，高尚其事。
“He does not serve kings or princes, deeming his own pursuit supreme.”
Changes to 46 · Pushing Upward
Full meaning of hexagram 18: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 19: Approach (臨)
臨 · lín · Earth over Lake · also “Nearing”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
元亨，利贞；至于八月有凶。
“Great success, favorable to be upright; by the eighth month, misfortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 19.1
- 19.2
- 19.3
甘临，无攸利。既忧之，无咎。
“Honeyed approach — nothing to be gained. If this causes worry and reflection, there will be no blame.”
Changes to 11 · Peace
- 19.4
- 19.5
- 19.6
Full meaning of hexagram 19: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 20: Contemplation (觀)
觀 · guàn · Wind over Earth · also “Viewing”
In brief
As a leader, one must not only attend to one’s own virtue, but also pay attention to observing the sentiments of the people.
The Judgment
盥而不荐，有孚颙若。
“Having washed but not yet offered the sacrifice — sincerity is present, and he is looked up to with reverence.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 20.1
童观，小人无咎，君子吝。
“Childlike observation. For a petty person, no blame; for a gentleman, it is regrettable.”
Changes to 42 · Increase
- 20.2
窥观，利女贞。
“Peering observation — favorable for a woman to be chaste and firm.”
Changes to 59 · Dispersion
- 20.3
- 20.4
观国之光，利用宾于王。
“Observing the glory of the nation — it is beneficial to receive such an observer with the honors due a guest of the king.”
Changes to 12 · Standstill
- 20.5
- 20.6
观其生，君子无咎。
“His conduct is observed by all — the gentleman has no blame.”
Changes to 8 · Holding Together
Full meaning of hexagram 20: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 21: Biting Through (噬嗑)
噬嗑 · shì kè · Fire over Thunder · also “Gnawing Bite”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
亨。利用狱。
“Success. It is favorable to pursue legal proceedings.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 21.1
- 21.2
噬肤灭鼻，无咎。
“Biting into tender flesh and injuring your nose, yet no misfortune.”
Changes to 38 · Opposition
- 21.3
噬腊肉，遇毒；小吝，无咎。
“Biting into dried meat and encountering poison; a small misfortune, but no blame.”
Changes to 30 · The Clinging
- 21.4
噬干，得金矢；利艰贞，吉。
“Biting through dried meat on the bone, one encounters a metal arrowhead. It is favorable to inquire about difficult matters; good fortune.”
Changes to 27 · Nourishment
- 21.5
噬干肉，得黄金。贞厉，无咎。
“Biting into dried meat yields gold. The omen shows danger, but there is no misfortune.”
Changes to 25 · Innocence
- 21.6
何校灭耳，凶。
“Wearing a wooden cangue that injures the ears — misfortune.”
Changes to 51 · The Arousing, Thunder
Full meaning of hexagram 21: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 22: Grace (賁)
賁 · bì · Mountain over Fire · also “Adorning”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
亨。小利有攸往。
“Smooth progress. Undertakings will bring small benefit.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 22.1
- 22.2
- 22.3
贲如，濡如。永贞吉。
“Brilliantly adorned, with a glossy sheen. Persevering in what is right brings lasting good fortune.”
Changes to 27 · Nourishment
- 22.4
贲如，皤如。白马翰如；匪寇，婚媾。
“Adorned and pure white; a white horse gallops on. Not a raider, but a suitor seeking marriage.”
Changes to 30 · The Clinging
- 22.5
贲于丘园，束帛戋戋。吝，终吉。
“Adorning the fields and gardens, offering just a small bundle of silk. It seems meager—cause for embarrassment—but in the end it is auspicious.”
Changes to 37 · The Family
- 22.6
Full meaning of hexagram 22: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 23: Splitting Apart (剝)
剝 · bō · Mountain over Earth · also “Stripping”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
不利有攸往。
“It is not favorable to undertake anything.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 23.1
剥床以足，蔑；贞凶。
“The bed begins to fall apart at its feet; it is plainly an ill omen.”
Changes to 27 · Nourishment
- 23.2
剥床以辨，蔑；贞凶。
“The bed falls apart at the upper part of its legs; it is plainly an ill omen.”
Changes to 4 · Youthful Folly
- 23.3
- 23.4
- 23.5
鱼以宫人宠，无不利。
“Like fish threaded together, the palace women are all favored. Nothing is unfavorable.”
Changes to 20 · Contemplation
- 23.6
硕果不食。君子得舆，小人剥庐。
“The ripe fruit is not eaten. The gentleman obtains a carriage; the petty man’s hut is stripped.”
Changes to 2 · The Receptive
Full meaning of hexagram 23: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 24: Return (復)
復 · fù · Earth over Thunder · also “Returning”
In brief
This hexagram suggests that mistakes are inevitable, but if one realizes they are lost and returns to the right path, disaster can be avoided.
The Judgment
亨。出入无疾。朋来无咎；反复其道，七日来复。利有攸往。
“Success. No harm in coming or going; friends arrive with no blame. If one strays but returns to the path, in seven days comes the renewal. It is advantageous to have somewhere to go.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 24.1
不远复，无祗悔，元吉。
“He doesn’t go far before coming back, incurring no regret—supreme good fortune.”
Changes to 2 · The Receptive
- 24.2
- 24.3
- 24.4
- 24.5
- 24.6
迷复，凶，有灾眚。用行师，终有大败；以其国，君凶：至于十年不克征。
“Lost in going astray—ominous, with misfortune looming. If you go to war, you will suffer a great defeat; the ruler will face calamity, and there will be no victory for ten years.”
Changes to 27 · Nourishment
Full meaning of hexagram 24: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 25: Innocence (無妄)
無妄 · wú wàng · Heaven over Thunder · also “Without Embroiling”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
元亨，利贞。其匪正有眚，不利有攸往。
“Great success; favorable to be steadfast. If one is not upright, there will be misfortune; it is not favorable to undertake anything.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 25.1
- 25.2
不耕获；不畬。则利有攸往。
“Not plowing with an eye to the harvest, not clearing land with an eye to rich fields — then it is favorable to go forward.”
Changes to 10 · Treading
- 25.3
无妄之灾：或系之牛，行人之得，邑人之灾。
“Innocent misfortune: someone ties up an ox, a traveler finds it (a gain for the traveler, a disaster for the owner).”
Changes to 13 · Fellowship
- 25.4
- 25.5
无妄之疾，勿药有喜。
“An innocent illness—do not take medicine; there will be joy.”
Changes to 21 · Biting Through
- 25.6
无妄，行有眚，无攸利。
“Though free of wrongdoing, acting when the time has run out brings misfortune; nothing is favorable.”
Changes to 17 · Following
Full meaning of hexagram 25: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 26: Great Accumulating (大畜)
大畜 · dà xù · Mountain over Heaven · also “Great Accumulating”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
利贞；不家食吉；利涉大川。
“Favorable to be steadfast. Not eating at home is auspicious; it is favorable to cross the great river.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 26.1
- 26.2
- 26.3
良马逐，利艰贞；曰闲舆卫，利有攸往。
“Fine horses gallop. Perseverance through difficulty is beneficial. Practice skills of carriage and defense; it will be favorable to undertake something.”
Changes to 41 · Decrease
- 26.4
- 26.5
- 26.6
Full meaning of hexagram 26: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 27: Nourishment (頤)
頤 · yí · Mountain over Thunder · also “Swallowing”
In brief
This hexagram tells us to follow the proper Dao of sustenance.
The Judgment
贞吉；观颐，自求口实。
“Perseverance brings good fortune. Observe nourishment and seek your sustenance properly.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 27.1
舍尔灵龟，观我朵颐，凶。
“You abandon your sacred turtle to watch me stuff my cheeks—ominous.”
Changes to 23 · Splitting Apart
- 27.2
颠颐；拂经，于丘颐，征凶。
“With the mouth already full, yet defying what is proper and going up the hill to seize others’ provisions—going forth brings misfortune.”
Changes to 41 · Decrease
- 27.3
拂颐；贞凶，十年勿用，无攸利。
“Going against the nourishing way; the omen is bad. Do not attempt this for ten years; nothing to be gained.”
Changes to 22 · Grace
- 27.4
颠颐，吉；虎视眈眈，其欲逐逐，无咎。
“Nourishment from below is auspicious; like a tiger glaring and relentlessly pursuing its desire—no blame.”
Changes to 21 · Biting Through
- 27.5
拂经；居贞吉，不可涉大川。
“Deviating from the norm; remaining steadfast at home is auspicious, but do not cross the great river.”
Changes to 42 · Increase
- 27.6
由颐；厉吉，利涉大川。
“Proper nourishment—being wary in danger brings good fortune; it is favorable to cross the great river.”
Changes to 24 · Return
Full meaning of hexagram 27: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 28: Great Exceeding (大過)
大過 · dà guò · Lake over Wind · also “Great Exceeding”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
栋桡；利有攸往，亨。
“The ridgepole is bending; it is favorable to undertake something, and there will be success.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 28.1
- 28.2
枯杨生，老夫得其女妻，无不利。
“The withered poplar sprouts anew; an old man takes a young wife—nothing is unfavorable.”
Changes to 31 · Influence
- 28.3
- 28.4
栋隆，吉。有它，吝。
“The ridgepole bulges up—good fortune. If something else intervenes, it would be regrettable.”
Changes to 48 · The Well
- 28.5
枯杨生华，老妇得其士夫，无咎无誉。
“The withered poplar puts forth flowers; an old woman gets a young husband—no fault, no praise.”
Changes to 32 · Duration
- 28.6
过涉灭顶，凶，无咎。
“Excessively wading, submerging one’s head—misfortune, but no blame.”
Changes to 44 · Coming to Meet
Full meaning of hexagram 28: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 29: The Abysmal, Water (坎)
坎 · kǎn · Water over Water · also “Gorge”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
有孚，维心亨；行有尚。
“With sincerity, the heart finds success; going forth will have support.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 29.1
- 29.2
- 29.3
来之坎坎，险且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。
“Dangers come unceasingly, peril piled upon peril; falling into the pit—do nothing.”
Changes to 48 · The Well
- 29.4
樽酒，簋贰。用缶，纳约自牖。终无咎。
“A jug of wine and two bowls of food. Use an earthen pot and pass the provisions through the window. No blame in the end.”
Changes to 47 · Oppression
- 29.5
- 29.6
系用徽纆，寘于丛棘，三岁不得，凶。
“Bound with cords and placed in a thorn thicket for years, unable to escape—misfortune.”
Changes to 59 · Dispersion
Full meaning of hexagram 29: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Upper Canon
Hexagram 30: The Clinging (離)
離 · lí · Fire over Fire · also “Radiance”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
利贞，亨。畜牝牛吉。
“Favorable to persevere; success. Rearing a cow brings good fortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 30.1
履错然，敬之，无咎。
“Steps falter in confusion, but if you remain reverent and cautious, there is no blame.”
Changes to 56 · The Wanderer
- 30.2
- 30.3
日昃之离，不鼓缶而歌，则大耋之嗟，凶。
“The sun’s glare declines; if one does not drum on the pot and sing, one will sigh like an old man—ominous.”
Changes to 21 · Biting Through
- 30.4
突如其来如，焚如，死如，弃如。
“It rises suddenly, burns like fire, then dies out, discarded completely.”
Changes to 22 · Grace
- 30.5
- 30.6
王用出征，有嘉折首，获匪其丑，无咎。
“The king goes forth on campaign; he gloriously slays the enemy chief and captures his followers—no blame.”
Changes to 55 · Abundance
Full meaning of hexagram 30: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 31: Influence (咸)
咸 · xián · Lake over Mountain · also “Conjoining”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
亨，利贞；取女吉。
“Success, favorable to remain correct. Taking a woman in marriage is fortunate.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 31.1
- 31.2
咸其腓，凶。居吉。
“He feels it in his calves—ominous. Staying still is fortunate.”
Changes to 28 · Great Exceeding
- 31.3
咸其股，执其随，往吝。
“He feels it in his thighs, holding onto following another—going forth leads to distress.”
Changes to 45 · Gathering Together
- 31.4
贞吉，悔亡；憧憧往来，朋从尔思。
“Steadfastness brings good fortune and regret disappears. With people bustling to and fro, friends will go along with your intentions.”
Changes to 39 · Obstruction
- 31.5
- 31.6
Full meaning of hexagram 31: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 32: Duration (恆)
恆 · héng · Thunder over Wind · also “Persevering”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
亨，无咎，利贞，利有攸往。
“Smooth progress, no misfortune. It is beneficial to remain steadfast in what is right, and having a goal or direction will be advantageous.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 32.1
浚恒，贞凶，无攸利。
“Pursuing constancy too deeply—hold to what is right to guard against misfortune; otherwise nothing is gained.”
Changes to 34 · Great Power
- 32.2
- 32.3
不恒其德，或承之羞；贞吝。
“Failing to keep one's virtue constant, one may meet with disgrace; hold to what is right to guard against regret.”
Changes to 40 · Deliverance
- 32.4
- 32.5
恒其德，贞；妇人吉，夫子凶。
“Remain virtuous and steadfast. Good for the woman, bad for the man.”
Changes to 28 · Great Exceeding
- 32.6
Full meaning of hexagram 32: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 33: Retreat (遯)
遯 · dùn · Heaven over Mountain · also “Retiring”
In brief
This hexagram tells us to withdraw at the right time.
The Judgment
亨。小利贞。
“Success. It is advantageous for the small or gentle to hold firm to what is right.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 33.1
遁尾；厉，勿用有攸往。
“Retreating too late—danger. Don’t attempt to go anywhere now.”
Changes to 13 · Fellowship
- 33.2
- 33.3
系遁，有疾厉；畜臣妾，吉。
“Tangled in retreat, like an illness—danger. Keeping servants and concubines is fortunate.”
Changes to 12 · Standstill
- 33.4
好遁，君子吉，小人否。
“Preferring to retreat is lucky for the honorable, not for the dishonorable.”
Changes to 53 · Development
- 33.5
- 33.6
Full meaning of hexagram 33: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 34: Great Power (大壯)
大壯 · dà zhuàng · Thunder over Heaven · also “Great Invigorating”
In brief
This hexagram hints that even if a person is very powerful, they must not act recklessly.
The Judgment
利贞。
“It is favorable to remain steadfast and correct.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 34.1
壮于趾，征凶；有孚。
“Strength in the toes. Advancing now brings misfortune, even if sincere.”
Changes to 32 · Duration
- 34.2
- 34.3
小人用壮，君子用罔；贞厉，羝羊触藩，羸其角。
“A petty person uses force; a gentleman uses a net. Persevering now is dangerous – like a ram butting a fence and getting its horns stuck.”
Changes to 54 · The Marrying Maiden
- 34.4
贞吉，悔亡；藩决不羸，壮于大舆之輹。
“Staying steadfast brings good fortune and eliminates regret. The fence is broken and no longer restrains — the ram’s horns are freed, as strong as the axle of a great wagon.”
Changes to 11 · Peace
- 34.5
- 34.6
羊触藩，不能退，不能遂，无攸利；艰则吉。
“A ram’s horns caught in a fence – it can’t retreat, can’t advance, nothing to gain. If it endures the hardship, there is good fortune.”
Changes to 14 · Great Possession
Full meaning of hexagram 34: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 35: Progress (晉)
晉 · jìn · Fire over Earth · also “Prospering”
In brief
This hexagram shows that to grow your enterprise, you must hold firm to the right path.
The Judgment
康侯用锡马蕃庶，昼日三接。
“Lord Kang received many horses and was granted audience three times in one day.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 35.1
晋如摧如，贞吉；罔孚，裕无咎。
“Advancing only to be thwarted – stay firm and it’s fortunate. If you lack others’ trust at first, still be generous; then there will be no blame.”
Changes to 21 · Biting Through
- 35.2
晋如愁如，贞吉；受兹介福，于其王母。
“Advancing with sorrow – stay true and it will be fortunate. You will receive great blessings from your ancestral mother.”
Changes to 64 · Before Completion
- 35.3
- 35.4
- 35.5
悔亡，失得勿恤；往吉。无不利。
“Regret is gone; don’t worry about loss or gain. Go forward – good fortune. Nothing unfavorable.”
Changes to 12 · Standstill
- 35.6
晋其角，维用伐邑，厉吉，无咎；贞吝。
“Progress at its peak – using it to attack a city is risky. It could be fortunate and without blame, but the divination is unclear.”
Changes to 16 · Enthusiasm
Full meaning of hexagram 35: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 36: Darkening of the Light (明夷)
明夷 · míng yí · Earth over Fire · also “Darkening of the Light”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
利艰贞。
“It is beneficial to hold to what is right in difficult times.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 36.1
明夷于飞，垂其翼；君子于行，三日不食。有攸往，主人有言。
“A wounded bird flies with drooping wings; a noble one travels unfed for days. If he acts, his host will scold him.”
Changes to 15 · Modesty
- 36.2
明夷；夷于左股，用拯马壮，吉。
“In darkness, wounded in the left thigh – using a strong horse brings good fortune.”
Changes to 11 · Peace
- 36.3
明夷于南狩，得其大首。不可疾贞。
“Hunting south in darkness, capturing the leader. Do not be too hasty or reckless.”
Changes to 24 · Return
- 36.4
入于左腹，获明夷之心，于出门庭。
“Entering the left side of the belly, he grasps the heart of the darkening, then leaves through the gate and courtyard.”
Changes to 55 · Abundance
- 36.5
箕子之明夷，利贞。
“Prince Jizi’s way in darkness – staying balanced was beneficial.”
Changes to 63 · After Completion
- 36.6
不明晦。初登于天，后入于地。
“Not bright but dim. First rising to the sky, later sinking into the earth.”
Changes to 22 · Grace
Full meaning of hexagram 36: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 37: The Family (家人)
家人 · jiā rén · Wind over Fire · also “Dwelling People”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
利女贞。
“Favorable for a woman to remain correct.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 37.1
- 37.2
无攸遂，在中馈，贞吉。
“No pursuing goals outside; she focuses on the household. Staying correct brings good fortune.”
Changes to 9 · Small Taming
- 37.3
家人嗃嗃，悔厉，吉；妇子嘻嘻，终吝。
“If the family head is stern, there may be some regret and difficulty, but it ends well. If the wife and children just laugh and play, it ends in misfortune.”
Changes to 42 · Increase
- 37.4
- 37.5
王假有家，勿恤，吉。
“The king brings his way of managing the family to the people – don’t worry, it’s auspicious.”
Changes to 22 · Grace
- 37.6
Full meaning of hexagram 37: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 38: Opposition (睽)
睽 · kuí · Fire over Lake · also “Polarising”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
小事吉。
“Handling things with caution brings good fortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 38.1
悔亡；丧马，勿逐自复；见恶人，无咎。
“Regret disappears. If a horse is lost, don’t chase it – it will come back on its own. Meeting a bad person causes no harm.”
Changes to 64 · Before Completion
- 38.2
- 38.3
见舆曳，其牛掣；其人天且劓。无初有终。
“An ox struggles pulling a cart; its driver is a slave marked on the forehead and with nose cut off. Though the start is difficult, it ends well.”
Changes to 14 · Great Possession
- 38.4
睽孤，遇元夫；交孚，厉无咎。
“Lonely in opposition, he meets a great man. With mutual trust, though it starts harshly, there’s no blame.”
Changes to 41 · Decrease
- 38.5
悔亡。厥宗噬肤。往何咎？
“Regret disappears. Kindred bite through skin (stick together). If we go forward together, what calamity could there be?”
Changes to 10 · Treading
- 38.6
睽孤，见豕负涂，载鬼一车，先张之弧，后说之弧；匪寇，婚媾；往遇雨则吉。
“Alone and suspicious, he sees a pig covered in mud and a wagon loaded with “ghosts.” He first draws his bow, then lowers it. They’re not bandits but a wedding party. Continue on, and meeting a heavy rain is good fortune.”
Changes to 54 · The Marrying Maiden
Full meaning of hexagram 38: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 39: Obstruction (蹇)
蹇 · jiǎn · Water over Mountain · also “Limping”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
利西南，不利东北；利见大人，贞吉。
“Better to go southwest; not good to go northeast. It’s favorable to see a great person. Persevering brings good fortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 39.1
- 39.2
- 39.3
- 39.4
- 39.5
- 39.6
往蹇，来硕，吉。利见大人。
“After many difficulties, he returns with great gains – good fortune. It’s favorable to see the great man.”
Changes to 53 · Development
Full meaning of hexagram 39: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 40: Deliverance (解)
解 · jiě · Thunder over Water · also “Taking-Apart”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
利西南；无所往，其来复吉；有攸往，夙吉。
“Good to go southwest. If you have nowhere to go, returning is lucky; if you have somewhere to go, acting early brings good fortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 40.1
- 40.2
田获三狐，得黄矢；贞吉。
“Caught three foxes in the field and obtained a yellow arrow – perseverance brings luck.”
Changes to 16 · Enthusiasm
- 40.3
负且乘，致寇至；贞吝。
“Carrying a load while riding in a grand carriage invites robbers. The omen is bad.”
Changes to 32 · Duration
- 40.4
- 40.5
君子维有解，吉，有孚于小人。
“The gentleman’s bonds are all loosened – good fortune. This is because he was sincere even with the petty people.”
Changes to 47 · Oppression
- 40.6
公用射隼于高墉之上，获之，无不利。
“The lord shoots a hawk on the high wall and catches it – nothing is unfavorable.”
Changes to 64 · Before Completion
Full meaning of hexagram 40: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 41: Decrease (損)
損 · sǔn · Mountain over Lake · also “Diminishing”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
有孚，元吉，无咎，可贞，利有攸往。曷之用？二簋可用享。
“With sincerity, great good fortune and no blame. It’s acceptable to be steadfast. It’s beneficial to have something to pursue. Why mention it? Even two bowls are enough for the offering.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 41.1
已事遄往，无咎；酌损之。
“Once your part is done, go swiftly – no blame. Consider where to cut back.”
Changes to 4 · Youthful Folly
- 41.2
利贞，征凶；弗损益之。
“It’s good to be steadfast, but pushing forward brings misfortune. Without reducing yourself, you can still benefit those above.”
Changes to 27 · Nourishment
- 41.3
三人行，则损一人；一人行，则得其友。
“If three travel together, one is lost. If one travels alone, he finds a companion.”
Changes to 26 · Great Accumulating
- 41.4
- 41.5
或益之十朋之龟，弗克违，元吉。
“Someone sincerely offers a tortoise worth ten pieces – you can’t refuse it, and it’s greatly fortunate.”
Changes to 61 · Inner Truth
- 41.6
弗损益之；无咎，贞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。
“Without decrease, you can increase others. No misfortune – the oracle shows good fortune. It’s good to have a direction to go. You will gain followers from beyond your own house.”
Changes to 19 · Approach
Full meaning of hexagram 41: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 42: Increase (益)
益 · yì · Wind over Thunder · also “Augmenting”
In brief
This hexagram emphasizes giving benefits to others, because it helps both sides.
The Judgment
利有攸往，利涉大川。
“It’s beneficial to undertake something; it’s favorable to cross the great river.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 42.1
利用为大作，元吉，无咎。
“It’s favorable to undertake a great enterprise – great fortune, no misfortune.”
Changes to 20 · Contemplation
- 42.2
或益之十朋之龟，弗克违。永贞吉；王用享于帝，吉。
“Someone sincerely offers a very valuable tortoise – you can’t refuse. Persevering long-term brings good fortune. The king uses it to make offerings – auspicious.”
Changes to 61 · Inner Truth
- 42.3
益之用凶事，无咎；有孚中行，告公用圭。
“Use your gains to handle misfortune – no blame. Act with sincerity and moderation, as reverently as if presenting a jade tablet to a lord.”
Changes to 37 · The Family
- 42.4
中行告公从，利用为依迁国。
“Report a plan that benefits both high and low to the Duke, and he follows. It’s useful as a basis to move the capital.”
Changes to 25 · Innocence
- 42.5
有孚惠心，勿问元吉：有孚惠我德。
“With sincerity and a benevolent heart – don’t ask, it’s great fortune. Sincerity in kindness makes the people appreciate my virtue.”
Changes to 27 · Nourishment
- 42.6
莫益之，或击之；立心勿恒，凶。
“No one helps him, someone strikes him. If the heart is not steady (and is never satisfied), misfortune.”
Changes to 3 · Difficulty at the Beginning
Full meaning of hexagram 42: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 43: Breakthrough (夬)
夬 · guài · Lake over Heaven · also “Displacement”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that we should rally everyone to decisively break with villainous people, and not act with force impulsively.
The Judgment
扬于王庭，孚号有厉；告自邑，不利即戎；利有攸往。
“It is declared in the king's court, sounding a warning that comes with danger. The proclamation comes from the city. It is not favorable to immediately take up arms, but it is beneficial to take some action.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 43.1
壮于前趾，往不胜为咎。
“Strong only in the front toes—going forward will fail and bring misfortune.”
Changes to 28 · Great Exceeding
- 43.2
惕号，莫夜有戎，勿恤。
“A cry of alarm causes fear. Even if an enemy comes at night, do not worry.”
Changes to 49 · Revolution
- 43.3
壮于頄，有凶；君子夬夬独行，遇雨若濡，有愠，无咎。
“Showing anger on one's face leads to danger. A person of integrity remains resolute and walks alone. Though he gets caught in the rain and soaked and faces others' resentment, he will be without blame.”
Changes to 58 · The Joyous
- 43.4
臀无肤，其行次且；牵羊悔亡，闻言不信。
“With no skin on the buttocks, movement is slow and hesitant. If you can lead along a strong ally (symbolized by a sheep), regret will disappear; however, people hearing this do not believe it.”
Changes to 5 · Waiting
- 43.5
苋陆夬夬，中行无咎。
“Decisively cutting through amaranth weeds; staying in the middle path brings no misfortune.”
Changes to 34 · Great Power
- 43.6
无号，终有凶。
“Do not wail out loud—yet in the end misfortune cannot be avoided.”
Changes to 1 · The Creative
Full meaning of hexagram 43: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 44: Coming to Meet (姤)
姤 · gòu · Heaven over Wind · also “Coupling”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
女壮，勿用取女。
“The woman is dominant; do not take this woman in marriage.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 44.1
系于金柅，贞吉；有攸往，见凶，羸豕孚蹢躅。
“Tied to a metal brake—persevering is auspicious. If you venture out, misfortune is seen, like a frail pig restlessly scurrying about.”
Changes to 1 · The Creative
- 44.2
包有鱼，无咎；不利宾。
“A fish is wrapped up—no blame. But it's not suitable for a guest.”
Changes to 33 · Retreat
- 44.3
臀无肤，其行次且；厉，无大咎。
“With no skin on the buttocks, movement is slow and hesitant; there is danger, but no great misfortune.”
Changes to 6 · Conflict
- 44.4
- 44.5
以杞包瓜；含章，有陨自天。
“Using goji branches to wrap a melon; harboring virtue within, a blessing will fall from heaven.”
Changes to 50 · The Cauldron
- 44.6
Full meaning of hexagram 44: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 45: Gathering Together (萃)
萃 · cuì · Lake over Earth · also “Clustering”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that if one can be humble and courteous to others, one will surely be able to gather people together.
The Judgment
亨，王假有庙；利见大人，亨；利贞。用大牲吉，利有攸往。
“Smooth progress. The king goes to the ancestral temple. It is favorable to meet a great person—things go smoothly. It is beneficial to be steadfast. Offering a large sacrifice brings good fortune. It is advantageous to undertake something.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 45.1
有孚不终，乃乱乃萃；若号，一握为笑：勿恤，往无咎。
“Sincerity not maintained to the end leads to disorder and chaotic gatherings. If you call out, a single handshake can bring back laughter. Do not worry—proceed and there will be no blame.”
Changes to 17 · Following
- 45.2
引吉，无咎；孚乃利用禴。
“Led together—auspicious, no misfortune. Sincerity makes even a simple offering effective.”
Changes to 47 · Oppression
- 45.3
萃如嗟如，无攸利；往无咎，小吝。
“Gathered yet sighing—nothing is favorable. Going forward causes no misfortune, only a slight difficulty.”
Changes to 31 · Influence
- 45.4
- 45.5
萃有位，无咎，匪孚。元永贞，悔亡。
“Gathering in a position of honor, no misfortune, but no trust yet. Staying persistently upright and true will make regret vanish.”
Changes to 16 · Enthusiasm
- 45.6
Full meaning of hexagram 45: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 46: Pushing Upward (升)
升 · shēng · Earth over Wind · also “Ascending”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
元亨，用见大人，勿恤，南征吉。
“Great success. It is beneficial to see a great person; do not worry. An expedition southward brings good fortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 46.1
- 46.2
孚乃利用禴，无咎。
“With sincerity, even a modest spring offering is beneficial — no misfortune.”
Changes to 15 · Modesty
- 46.3
- 46.4
王用亨于岐山，吉，无咎。
“The king makes an offering at Mount Qi—auspicious and without misfortune.”
Changes to 32 · Duration
- 46.5
- 46.6
冥升，利于不息之贞。
“Ascending in darkness; it is favorable to remain steadfast and upright without ceasing.”
Changes to 18 · Work on the Decayed
Full meaning of hexagram 46: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 47: Oppression (困)
困 · kùn · Lake over Water · also “Confining”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
亨；贞，大人吉，无咎；有言不信。
“Success; perseverance. A great person is fortunate and without blame. Words spoken are not believed.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 47.1
臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三岁不觌。
“His buttocks are stuck on a stump; he enters a dark valley and doesn't see daylight for years.”
Changes to 58 · The Joyous
- 47.2
困于酒食，朱绂方来，利用享祀；征凶，无咎。
“Indulging in food and drink; a high official in red is about to arrive because of your rich offerings. If you take too big an action, it will be dangerous, but ultimately there will be no blame.”
Changes to 45 · Gathering Together
- 47.3
困于石，据于蒺藜；入于其宫，不见其妻，凶。
“Trapped among rocks, caught in thorns; on entering his house, he doesn't see his wife—misfortune.”
Changes to 28 · Great Exceeding
- 47.4
来徐徐，困于金车，吝，有终。
“He comes slowly; trapped in a golden carriage—distress, but it will come to an end.”
Changes to 29 · The Abysmal, Water
- 47.5
劓刖，困于赤绂；乃徐有说，利用祭祀。
“Nose cut off, feet cut off—distressed in scarlet robes; then slowly joy comes, and it is good to make offerings.”
Changes to 40 · Deliverance
- 47.6
困于葛藟，于臲卼；曰动悔有悔。征吉。
“Entangled in vines, in an unsteady place; acting rashly brings regret. If you truly repent and reflect, then going forth is auspicious.”
Changes to 6 · Conflict
Full meaning of hexagram 47: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 48: The Well (井)
井 · jǐng · Water over Wind · also “Welling”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
改邑不改井，无丧无得，往来井井。汔至亦未繘井，羸其瓶，凶。
“Towns can be moved, but not the well; nothing is lost, nothing is gained. People come and go to the well. The well has dried up and silted, yet no one clears it; the jug is broken—misfortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 48.1
井泥不食，旧井无禽。
“The well is muddy and not fit to drink from. An old well has no birds coming by.”
Changes to 5 · Waiting
- 48.2
井谷射鲋。瓮敝漏。
“The well's opening is used to shoot fish. The jug is damaged and leaking.”
Changes to 39 · Obstruction
- 48.3
井渫不食，为我心恻；可用汲，王明并受其福。
“The well is cleaned but no one drinks; my heart is pained. It should be used to draw water; if the ruler is wise, all share in the blessing.”
Changes to 29 · The Abysmal, Water
- 48.4
- 48.5
- 48.6
井收，勿幕；有孚，元吉。
“The well is completed—do not cover it. With sincerity, it is very auspicious.”
Changes to 57 · The Gentle
Full meaning of hexagram 48: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 49: Revolution (革)
革 · gé · Lake over Fire · also “Skinning”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
己日乃孚，元亨，利贞，悔亡。
“On the day of change, with sincerity—great success. It is beneficial to be firm. Regret will disappear.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 49.1
- 49.2
己日乃革之，征吉，无咎。
“When the proper day arrives, then change it. Going forth is auspicious, no misfortune.”
Changes to 43 · Breakthrough
- 49.3
征凶，贞厉；革言三就，有孚。
“Going forth is dangerous; divination shows peril. The reform plan was discussed three times, so it earned trust.”
Changes to 17 · Following
- 49.4
悔亡。有孚改命，吉。
“Regret disappears. With trust, change the mandate—auspicious.”
Changes to 63 · After Completion
- 49.5
大人虎变，未占有孚。
“The great man changes like a tiger; without divination, there is trust.”
Changes to 55 · Abundance
- 49.6
君子豹变，小人革面；征凶。居贞吉。
“The noble one changes like a leopard, the petty one changes his face. Going forth is unfortunate. Staying firm at home is auspicious.”
Changes to 13 · Fellowship
Full meaning of hexagram 49: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 50: The Cauldron (鼎)
鼎 · dǐng · Fire over Wind · also “Holding”
In brief
This hexagram tells us to discard the old and establish the new.
The Judgment
元吉，亨。
“Great fortune, smooth progress.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 50.1
鼎颠趾，利出否。得妾以其子，无咎。
“The cauldron's legs are overturned, which helps to pour out the bad. Gaining a concubine and her son—no blame.”
Changes to 14 · Great Possession
- 50.2
鼎有实；我仇有疾，不我能即，吉。
“The cauldron is filled. My rival is jealous of me and cannot understand me—auspicious.”
Changes to 56 · The Wanderer
- 50.3
鼎耳革，其行塞，雉膏不食；方雨亏悔，终吉。
“The cauldron's handles are altered, causing its use to be blocked; the pheasant stew is not eaten. When rain comes, one feels regret, but as the rain cools the cauldron, in the end there is good fortune.”
Changes to 64 · Before Completion
- 50.4
鼎折足，覆公餗，其形渥，凶。
“The cauldron's leg breaks, spilling the lord's food; its body is stained—misfortune.”
Changes to 18 · Work on the Decayed
- 50.5
鼎黄耳金铉，利贞。
“The cauldron has yellow bronze ears and a metal pole; it is good to be correct.”
Changes to 44 · Coming to Meet
- 50.6
鼎玉铉，大吉，无不利。
“The cauldron has a jade handle—great fortune, nothing unfavorable.”
Changes to 32 · Duration
Full meaning of hexagram 50: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 51: The Arousing, Thunder (震)
震 · zhèn · Thunder over Thunder · also “Shake”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
亨。震来虩虩，笑言哑哑；震惊百里，不丧匕鬯。
“Smooth progress. Thunder comes rumbling, causing fear and trembling; afterward, laughter and conversation resume. Thunder shocks the land for a hundred li, but the sacrificial wine is not spilled.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 51.1
震来虩虩，后笑言哑哑，吉。
“Thunder crashes, bringing fear and trembling; later, laughter and chat fill the air—auspicious.”
Changes to 16 · Enthusiasm
- 51.2
震来，厉；亿丧贝，跻于九陵，勿逐，七日得。
“Thunder strikes—danger. In panic he loses valuables; he climbs to the high hills. Don't chase them; in seven days you will recover it.”
Changes to 54 · The Marrying Maiden
- 51.3
震苏苏，震行无眚。
“Thunder reverberates; moving with caution under the shock leaves no mistake.”
Changes to 55 · Abundance
- 51.4
- 51.5
震往来，厉；亿无丧，有事。
“Thunder continues back and forth—danger. By prudence nothing is lost; the sacrificial rites continue.”
Changes to 17 · Following
- 51.6
震索索，视矍矍，征凶；震不于其躬，于其邻，无咎；婚媾有言。
“He trembles nervously, glancing about anxiously—going forward leads to misfortune. The shock strikes his neighbor, not himself—no blame. If he ignores the warning, even with an alliance, going forth will lead to quarrel.”
Changes to 21 · Biting Through
Full meaning of hexagram 51: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 52: Keeping Still (艮)
艮 · gèn · Mountain over Mountain · also “Bound”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
艮其背，不获其身；行其庭，不见其人。无咎。
“He keeps still at his back, so he does not feel his body. He walks in his courtyard but does not see anyone. No blame.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 52.1
艮其趾，无咎，利永贞。
“He stops his toes—no misfortune. It is beneficial to remain permanently upright.”
Changes to 22 · Grace
- 52.2
艮其腓，不拯其随，其心不快。
“He stops his calves, not lifting the one who follows, and his heart is unhappy.”
Changes to 18 · Work on the Decayed
- 52.3
艮其限，列其夤，厉薰心。
“He stops at his waist, twisting his spine; danger burns in his heart.”
Changes to 23 · Splitting Apart
- 52.4
- 52.5
艮其辅，言有序，悔亡。
“He keeps his jaw still; his words are orderly, and regret disappears.”
Changes to 53 · Development
- 52.6
Full meaning of hexagram 52: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 53: Development (漸)
漸 · jiàn · Wind over Mountain · also “Infiltrating”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
女归吉。利贞。
“The woman's marriage is auspicious. It is favorable to be steadfast.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 53.1
鸿渐于干；小子厉，有言，无咎。
“A wild goose gradually approaches the shore; a naïve child interferes, causing trouble. There are words of reproach, but by proceeding gradually, no misfortune occurs.”
Changes to 37 · The Family
- 53.2
鸿渐于磐，饮食衎衎。吉。
“A wild goose gradually reaches a boulder; it eats and drinks happily. Auspicious.”
Changes to 57 · The Gentle
- 53.3
鸿渐于陆，夫征不复，妇孕不育，凶；利御寇。
“A wild goose gradually reaches the land. The husband's campaign does not return, the wife's pregnancy does not come to term—misfortune. It is favorable to resist invaders.”
Changes to 20 · Contemplation
- 53.4
鸿渐于木，或得其桷，无咎。
“A wild goose gradually flies to a tree; some find a flat branch. No misfortune.”
Changes to 33 · Retreat
- 53.5
鸿渐于陵，妇三岁不孕；终莫之胜，吉。
“A wild goose gradually reaches a hill. The woman does not conceive for years; yet in the end the husband never abandons her—good fortune.”
Changes to 52 · Keeping Still
- 53.6
鸿渐于陆，其羽可用为仪，吉。
“A wild goose gradually reaches the highlands; its feathers can be used as adornment. Auspicious.”
Changes to 39 · Obstruction
Full meaning of hexagram 53: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 54: The Marrying Maiden (歸妹)
歸妹 · guī mèi · Thunder over Lake · also “Converting the Maiden”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
征凶，无攸利。
“Setting out brings misfortune and nothing to gain.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 54.1
归妹以娣，跛能履，征吉。
“The maiden is married off as a secondary wife. She is like a lame person who can still manage to walk. Going forward will be fortunate.”
Changes to 40 · Deliverance
- 54.2
眇能视，利幽人之贞。
“Even with poor eyesight, one can still see. It is favorable for a quiet, reclusive person to remain steadfast.”
Changes to 51 · The Arousing, Thunder
- 54.3
归妹以须，反归以娣。
“The maiden is married off hoping to be the primary wife; heeding her elder sister, she returns to the proper way and marries as a secondary wife.”
Changes to 34 · Great Power
- 54.4
归妹愆期，迟归有时。
“The young woman missed the right time to marry; her long delay is actually waiting for a good opportunity.”
Changes to 19 · Approach
- 54.5
帝乙归妹，其君之袂，不如其娣之袂良；月几望，吉。
“Emperor Yi marries off his daughter to King Wen of Zhou, sending the younger sister as an accompanying wife. The elder sister, as the main wife, doesn’t dress as well as the younger sister (the companion). It’s like the moon nearly full—good fortune.”
Changes to 58 · The Joyous
- 54.6
女承筐，无实；士刲羊，无血。无攸利。
“A woman carries a basket but it has no contents. A man slits a sheep, yet no blood comes out. There is nothing to be gained.”
Changes to 38 · Opposition
Full meaning of hexagram 54: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 55: Abundance (豐)
豐 · fēng · Thunder over Fire · also “Abounding”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
亨，王假之；勿忧，宜日中。
“Everything flourishes. The king himself goes to the ancestral temple. Do not worry; the best time is when the sun is at its peak (midday).”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 55.1
遇其配主，虽旬无咎。往有尚。
“You meet a partner of equal strength. Even though both sides are evenly matched, there is no misfortune. Proceeding ahead will earn you esteem.”
Changes to 62 · Small Exceeding
- 55.2
丰其蔀。日中见斗。往得疑疾；有孚发若，吉。
“A great light is obscured; even at noon, the Big Dipper can be seen. Going forward now will invite suspicion. But if you move with genuine sincerity, it will be auspicious.”
Changes to 34 · Great Power
- 55.3
丰其沛，日中见沫；折其右肱，无咎。
“Great brightness is veiled; at noon you can see small stars. By choosing to break your right arm (restraining yourself), you incur no blame.”
Changes to 51 · The Arousing, Thunder
- 55.4
丰其蔀，日中见斗；遇其夷主，吉。
“The great light is obscured; at noon the Big Dipper is visible. Meeting someone of equal strength (a peer or leader) is auspicious.”
Changes to 36 · Darkening of the Light
- 55.5
来章，有庆誉，吉。
“A talented person arrives, bringing celebration and praise—auspicious.”
Changes to 49 · Revolution
- 55.6
丰其屋，蔀其家，窥其户，阒其无人，三岁不觌，凶。
“He enlarges his house and seals up his home, peeking through the door to find no one there. Not seeing a soul for years—this is ominous.”
Changes to 30 · The Clinging
Full meaning of hexagram 55: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 56: The Wanderer (旅)
旅 · lǚ · Fire over Mountain · also “Sojourning”
In brief
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.
The Judgment
小亨，旅贞吉。
“Small success. For a traveler, keeping to what is right brings good fortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 56.1
旅琐琐，斯其所取灾。
“The traveler acts in a petty, shameful way—this is how he brings disaster on himself.”
Changes to 30 · The Clinging
- 56.2
旅即次，怀其资，得童仆，贞。
“The traveler finds a lodging and holds onto his money; he even has a servant. He must remain righteous and firm.”
Changes to 50 · The Cauldron
- 56.3
旅焚其次，丧其童仆；贞厉。
“The traveler's inn burns down and he loses his servant. Remaining steadfast now is dangerous.”
Changes to 35 · Progress
- 56.4
旅于处，得其资斧，我心不快。
“The traveler stays for a while and gains an axe (to clear obstacles), but I am still not happy inside.”
Changes to 52 · Keeping Still
- 56.5
射雉，一矢亡；终以誉命。
“He shoots a pheasant, losing one arrow; in the end he earns praise for it.”
Changes to 33 · Retreat
- 56.6
鸟焚其巢，旅人先笑，后号咷；丧牛于易，凶。
“A bird’s nest is burned down. The traveler first laughs, then cries out loud. He loses an ox in a distant place - misfortune.”
Changes to 62 · Small Exceeding
Full meaning of hexagram 56: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 57: The Gentle (巽)
巽 · xùn · Wind over Wind · also “Ground”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that one should be humble and yielding.
The Judgment
小亨，利有攸往，利见大人。
“Small success. It’s favorable to undertake something and to meet with a great person.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 57.1
进退，利武人之贞。
“Advancing or retreating with hesitation. This benefits the soldier’s perseverance in what’s right.”
Changes to 9 · Small Taming
- 57.2
巽在床下，用史、巫纷若吉，无咎。
“Humble yourself under the bed. Acting with the reverence of a scribe or shaman is auspicious and without blame.”
Changes to 53 · Development
- 57.3
- 57.4
悔亡，田获三品。
“Regret disappears. On the hunt, three kinds of game are caught.”
Changes to 44 · Coming to Meet
- 57.5
贞吉，悔亡，无不利；无初有终；先庚三日，后庚三日，吉。
“Being steadfast is fortunate, and regret disappears with nothing unfavorable. No success at first, but there is in the end. Announce changes three days before the Geng day and enact them three days after – good fortune.”
Changes to 18 · Work on the Decayed
- 57.6
巽在床下，丧其资斧；贞凶。
“Humble to the extreme, crouching under the bed, losing one's sturdy axe; one should hold to what is right to guard against misfortune.”
Changes to 48 · The Well
Full meaning of hexagram 57: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 58: The Joyous (兌)
兌 · duì · Lake over Lake · also “Open”
In brief
This hexagram tells us to treat others with a pleasant attitude and to please people in an appropriate way.
The Judgment
亨，利贞。
“Smooth progress; it is favorable to be steadfast and upright.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 58.1
- 58.2
- 58.3
- 58.4
商兑未宁，介疾有喜。
“Discussing joy is not yet settled; cutting off the malign influence brings celebration.”
Changes to 60 · Limitation
- 58.5
- 58.6
Full meaning of hexagram 58: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 59: Dispersion (渙)
渙 · huàn · Wind over Water · also “Dispersing”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that when things are scattered, one must work to unite people’s hearts.
The Judgment
亨，王假有庙，利涉大川，利贞。
“Success. The king himself goes to the temple. It’s favorable to cross the great river and to be steadfast.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 59.1
- 59.2
- 59.3
- 59.4
涣其群，元吉；涣有丘，匪夷所思。
“He disperses his group – great fortune. Dispersed people form a hill – unimaginable.”
Changes to 6 · Conflict
- 59.5
涣汗其大号，涣王居，无咎。
“His great command issues forth like sweat; the king stays in place – no blame.”
Changes to 4 · Youthful Folly
- 59.6
涣其血去逖出，无咎。
“Dispersing the worries, leaving fear far behind – no misfortune.”
Changes to 29 · The Abysmal, Water
Full meaning of hexagram 59: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 60: Limitation (節)
節 · jié · Water over Lake · also “Articulating”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that appropriately restraining our behavior leads to smooth success, but overdoing restraint will backfire.
The Judgment
亨，苦节不可，贞。
“Smooth progress. If restraint is too bitter, it is unacceptable to persist.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 60.1
- 60.2
- 60.3
不节若，则嗟若，无咎。
“If you cannot restrain yourself and thus sigh in regret – no blame.”
Changes to 5 · Waiting
- 60.4
- 60.5
甘节，吉。往有尚。
“Mild moderation – good fortune. Proceeding this way earns acceptance.”
Changes to 19 · Approach
- 60.6
苦节；贞凶，悔亡。
“Bitter restraint; one should hold to what is right to guard against misfortune, and regret disappears.”
Changes to 61 · Inner Truth
Full meaning of hexagram 60: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 61: Inner Truth (中孚)
中孚 · zhōng fú · Wind over Lake · also “Center Returning”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that sincerity can move everything. As long as you have it, any difficulty can be overcome.
The Judgment
中孚豚鱼吉。利涉大川，利贞。
“Inner sincerity that can move even pigs and fish – good fortune. It’s favorable to cross the great river and to remain steadfast.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 61.1
虞吉。有它不燕。
“Be content and sincere – good fortune. If you seek something else, you won’t be at peace.”
Changes to 59 · Dispersion
- 61.2
鸣鹤在阴，其子和之；我有好爵，吾与尔靡之。
“A crane calls from the shade, its young answers it; I have good wine, I share it with you.”
Changes to 42 · Increase
- 61.3
得敌，或鼓或罢，或泣或歌。
“Upon meeting the enemy, sometimes he beats the drum to advance, sometimes he stops; sometimes he weeps, sometimes he sings.”
Changes to 9 · Small Taming
- 61.4
- 61.5
- 61.6
Full meaning of hexagram 61: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 62: Small Exceeding (小過)
小過 · xiǎo guò · Thunder over Mountain · also “Small Exceeding”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that in a time of minor turbulence, one cannot take overly large actions.
The Judgment
亨，利贞；可小事，不可大事。飞鸟遗之音，不宜上，宜下，大吉。
“Smooth success and favorable to be correct; suitable for small matters, not for big matters. A flying bird leaves its call – it shouldn’t go up, but should come down. Great fortune.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 62.1
- 62.2
过其祖，遇其妣；不及其君，遇其臣，无咎。
“He passes his grandfather and meets his grandmother; he does not reach his lord, but the lord meets him and takes him as minister – no blame.”
Changes to 32 · Duration
- 62.3
弗过防之。从或戕之，凶。
“Don’t overdo it. If you indulge yourself, someone may harm you – misfortune.”
Changes to 16 · Enthusiasm
- 62.4
无咎，弗过遇之；往厉必戒。勿用，永贞。
“No fault; by not overstepping, one meets what comes. If going is dangerous, you must warn and stop it. But don’t hold forever; be flexible.”
Changes to 15 · Modesty
- 62.5
密云不雨，自我西郊。公弋取彼在穴。
“Thick clouds but no rain, over the western outskirts. The duke aims at the creature in the cave.”
Changes to 31 · Influence
- 62.6
弗遇过之；飞鸟离之，凶，是谓灾眚。
“Not meeting but exceeding; the flying bird gets caught – misfortune, a calamity.”
Changes to 56 · The Wanderer
Full meaning of hexagram 62: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 63: After Completion (既濟)
既濟 · jì jì · Water over Fire · also “Already Fording”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that after success, in order to prevent eventual chaos, one must act with greater caution.
The Judgment
亨小，利贞。初吉终乱。
“Small success; favorable to be steadfast. Beginning is good, ending in disorder.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 63.1
- 63.2
妇丧其茀，勿逐，七日得。
“The woman loses her carriage veil; do not pursue it – you’ll get it back in seven days.”
Changes to 5 · Waiting
- 63.3
高宗伐鬼方，三年克之；小人勿用。
“King Gaozong’s campaign against Guifang took three years to succeed; do not employ petty men.”
Changes to 3 · Difficulty at the Beginning
- 63.4
- 63.5
东邻杀牛，不如西邻之禴祭，实受其福。
“The east neighbor slaughters an ox; not as good as the west neighbor’s simple offering – he actually receives the blessing.”
Changes to 36 · Darkening of the Light
- 63.6
Full meaning of hexagram 63: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
Lower Canon
Hexagram 64: Before Completion (未濟)
未濟 · wèi jì · Fire over Water · also “Not Yet Fording”
In brief
This hexagram tells us that when your work is not yet successful, you should not rush ahead.
The Judgment
亨；小狐汔济，濡其尾，无攸利。
“Success; the little fox is almost across but wets its tail – nothing to be gained.”
The six lines read from the bottom up
- 64.1
- 64.2
- 64.3
未济，征凶，利涉大川。
“Not yet accomplished, going forth is unlucky; it’s favorable to ford the great river.”
Changes to 50 · The Cauldron
- 64.4
贞吉，悔亡；震用伐鬼方，三年有赏于大国。
“Staying correct brings good fortune, regret disappears; (like) thunder in action conquering Guifang – after three years rewarded by the great kingdom.”
Changes to 4 · Youthful Folly
- 64.5
贞吉，无悔。君子之光，有孚吉。
“Staying correct is lucky, no regret. The gentleman’s radiance, with sincerity, is auspicious.”
Changes to 6 · Conflict
- 64.6
有孚于饮酒，无咎；濡其首，有孚失是。
“Trusting in drinking wine – no blame; wetting his head – too much trust loses the way.”
Changes to 40 · Deliverance
Full meaning of hexagram 64: each line explained, love, career and decisions →
A note on the translation
I studied the Zhouyi (周易), the core text of the I Ching, at Peking University around 2012, and have kept a long-term practice since. Over the years, friends often asked me to help interpret their readings.
This edition sets the Chinese text of the Judgments and the six lines of all 64 hexagrams beside my English translation. My main reference is the lecture notes from that Peking University course. I translated for meaning rather than word by word, so the text reads naturally to a native English speaker while keeping the images of the original.
— manpo
Keep the whole book
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FAQ
Is this I Ching PDF free? Yes. The full text is free to read here and to download as a PDF, with no sign-up.
Can I share or quote it? Yes, for non-commercial use, with credit to manpo, askyi.app. It is licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.
Which translation is this? The Judgments and line texts are translated from the Chinese by manpo. It is the same translation used in every reading on Ask Yi.
Does it include the commentaries? This edition gives the core text: the Judgment and six lines of each hexagram. Each hexagram page on Ask Yi explains the lines in full.