# I Ching/The Moving Line

I Ching | 64 Hexagrams | Core Hexagrams | Yarrow Stalks | Explanations | Hosts | Interpretation | Moving Line
According to Alfred Huang, who wrote The Complete I Ching, in the case of a Gua (Hexagram) with more than 1 moving line, not all moving lines are to be consulted. The rules for consulting a moving line are:
* If there are two moving lines - one Yin and the other Yang - consult only the Yin moving line
* If the two moving lines are both Yin or both Yang, consult the lower one
* If there are three moving lines, consult only the middle one
* If there are four moving lines, consult only the upper of the two non-moving lines
* If there are five moving lines, consult only the other, non-moving line
* If six lines are all moving, consult the Decision of the new Gua, the approached Gua
* Since there is a seventh invisible line in the first and second Gua, Qian and Kun, for these Gua consult the seventh Yao Text, called All Nines or All Sixes
Notes: In the table below,
(1) "SC" refers to the name of the Gua in Simplified Chinese
(2) "Change in Line 1" means that Line 1 is the Moving Line. Ditto for the other lines.
(3) For each Gua, the top line in the "Line Interpretation" column is the binary representation of the Gua. For example, the first Gua is "Qian", and it can be represented by "111111". When the table is sorted by the "Line Interpretation" column, it will also be sorted by the binary representation of the Gua, and the I Ching hexagrams arranged by Shao Yong, in vertical sequence, appears. In other words, Shao Yong arranged the Gua from "000000" (as the first hexagram) to "111111" (as the last hexagram, in strict binary order, about a thousand years ago.
| Gua (Hexagram) | SC | Line Interpretation |
| 01 ䷀ (乾 qián) | 乾 | 111111 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. Change in Line 2 means: Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. Change in Line 3 means: All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is beset with cares. Danger. No blame. Change in Line 4 means: Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. When all the lines Change, it means: There appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune. |
| 02 ䷁ (坤 kūn) | 坤 | 000000 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, Solid ice is not far off. Change in Line 2 means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, Yet nothing remains unfurthered. Change in Line 3 means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works, but bring to completion. Change in Line 4 means: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise. Change in Line 5 means: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. When all the lines Change, it means: Lasting perseverance furthers. |
| 03 ䷂ (屯 zhūn) | 屯 | 010001 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers. Change in Line 2 means: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; He wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, She does not pledge herself. Ten years--then she pledges herself. Change in Line 3 means: Whoever hunts deer without the forester Only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time And prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation. Change in Line 4 means: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go on brings good fortune. Everything acts to further. Change in Line 5 means: Difficulties in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow. |
| 04 ䷃ (蒙 méng) | 蒙 | 100010 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: To make a fool develop It furthers one to apply discipline. The fetters should be removed. To go on in this way brings humiliation. Change in Line 2 means: To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune. To know how to take women Brings good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household. Change in Line 3 means: Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze, Loses possession of herself. Nothing furthers. Change in Line 4 means: Entangled folly brings humiliation. Change in Line 5 means: Childlike folly brings good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: In punishing folly It does not further one To commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers Is to prevent transgressions. |
| 05 ䷄ (需 xū) | 需 | 010111 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame. Change in Line 2 means: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: Waiting in the mud Brings about the arrival of the enemy. Change in Line 4 means: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. Change in Line 5 means: Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune. |
| 06 ䷅ (訟 sòng) | 讼 | 111010 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: If one does not perpetuate the affair, There is little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes. Change in Line 2 means: One cannot engage in conflict; One returns home, gives way. The people of his town, Three hundred households, Remain free of guilt. Change in Line 3 means: To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works. Change in Line 4 means: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, Changes one's attitude, And finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune. Change in Line 5 means: To contend before him Brings good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, By the end of morning It will have been snatched away three times. |
| 07 ䷆ (師 shī) | 师 | 000010 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens. Change in Line 2 means: In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration. Change in Line 3 means: Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune. Change in Line 4 means: The army retreats. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: There is game in the field. It furthers one to catch it. Without blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger transports corpses; Then perseverance brings misfortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The great prince issues commands, Founds states, vests families with fiefs. Inferior people should not be employed. |
| 08 ䷇ (比 bǐ) | 比 | 010000 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Hold to him in truth and loyalty; This is without blame. Truth, like a full earthen bowl: Thus in the end Good fortune comes from without. Change in Line 2 means: Hold to him inwardly. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: You hold together with the wrong people. Change in Line 4 means: Hold to him outwardly also. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 5 means: Manifestation of holding together. In the hunt the king uses beaters on three sides only And foregoes game that runs off in front. The citizens need no warning. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: He finds no head for holding together. Misfortune. |
| 09 ䷈ (小畜 xiǎo chù) | 小畜 | 110111 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Return to the way. How could there be blame in this? Good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: He allows himself to be drawn into returning. Good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: The spokes burst out of the wagon wheel. Man and wife roll their eyes. Change in Line 4 means: If you are sincere, blood vanishes and fear gives way. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: If you are sincere and loyally attached, You are rich in your neighbor. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The rain comes, there is rest. This is due to the lasting affect of character. Perseverance brings the woman into danger. The moon is nearly full. If the superior man persists, Misfortune comes. |
| 10 ䷉ (履 lǚ) | 履 | 111011 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Simple conduct. Progress without blame. Change in Line 2 means: Treading a smooth, level course. The perseverance of a dark man Brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: A one-eyed man is able to see, A lame man is able to tread. He treads on the tail of the tiger. The tiger bites the man. Misfortune. Thus does a warrior act on behalf of his great prince. Change in Line 4 means: He treads on the tail of the tiger. Caution and circumspection Lead ultimately to good fortune. Change in Line 5 means: Resolute conduct. Perseverance with awareness of danger. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Look to your conduct and weigh the favorable signs. When everything is fulfilled, supreme good fortune comes. |
| 11 ䷊ (泰 tài) | 泰 | 000111 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to his kind. Undertakings bring good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: Bearing with the uncultured in gentleness, Fording the river with resolution, Not neglecting what is distant, Not regarding one's companions: Thus one may manage to walk in the middle. Change in Line 3 means: No plain not followed by a slope. No going not followed by a return. He who remains persevering in danger Is without blame. Do not complain about this truth; Enjoy the good fortune you still possess. Change in Line 4 means: He flutters down, not boasting of his wealth, Together with his neighbor, Guileless and sincere. Change in Line 5 means: The sovereign I Gives his daughter in marriage. This brings blessing And supreme good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The wall falls back into the moat. Use no army now. Make your commands known within your own town. Perseverance brings humiliation. |
| 12 ䷋ (否 pǐ) | 否 | 111000 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: When the ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to his kind. Perseverance brings good fortune and success. Change in Line 2 means: They bear and endure; This means good fortune for inferior people. The standstill serves to help the great man attain success. Change in Line 3 means: They bear shame. Change in Line 4 means: He who acts at the command of the highest Remains without blame. Those of like mind partake of the blessing. Change in Line 5 means: Standstill is giving way. Good fortune for the great man. "What if it should fail, what if it should fail?" In this way, he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The standstill comes to an end. First standstill, then good fortune. |
| 13 ䷌ (同人 tóng rén) | 同人 | 111101 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Fellowship with men at the gate. No blame. Change in Line 2 means: Fellowship with men in the clan. Humiliation. Change in Line 3 means: He hides weapons in the thicket; He climbs the high hill in front of it. For three years he does not rise up. Change in Line 4 means: He climbs up on his wall; he cannot attack. Good fortune. Change in Line 5 means: Men bound in fellowship first weep and lament, But afterward the laugh. After great struggles they succeed in meeting. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Fellowship with men in the meadow. No remorse. |
| 14 ䷍ (大有 dà yǒu) | 大有 | 101111 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: No relationship with what is harmful; There is no blame in this. If one remains conscious of difficulty, One remains without blame. Change in Line 2 means: A big wagon for loading. One may undertake something. No blame. Change in Line 3 means: A prince offers it to the Son of Heaven. A petty man cannot do this. Change in Line 4 means: He makes a difference Between himself and his neighbor. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: He whose truth is accessible, yet dignified, Has good fortune. Change in the Sixth place means: He is blessed by heaven. Good fortune. Nothing that does not further. |
| 15 ䷎ (謙 qiān) | 谦 | 000100 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: A superior man modest about his modesty May cross the great water. Good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: A superior man of modesty and merit Carries things to conclusion. Good fortune. Change in Line 4 means: Nothing that would not further modesty In movement. Change in Line 5 means: No boasting of wealth before one's neighbor. It is favorable to attack with force. Nothing that would not further. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Modesty that comes to expression. It is favorable to set armies marching To chastise one's own city and one's country. |
| 16 ䷏ (豫 yù) | 豫 | 001000 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Enthusiasm that expresses itself Brings misfortune. Change in Line 2 means: Firm as a rock. Not a whole day. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: Enthusiasm that looks upward creates remorse. Hesitation brings remorse. Change in Line 4 means: The source of enthusiasm. He achieves great things. Doubt not. You gather friends around you As a hair clasp gathers the hair. Change in Line 5 means: Persistently ill, and still does not die. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Deluded enthusiasm. But if after completion one changes, There is no blame. |
| 17 ䷐ (隨 suí) | 随 | 011001 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: The standard is changing. Perseverance brings good fortune. To go out of the door in company Produces deeds. Change in Line 2 means: If one clings to the little boy, One loses the strong man. Change in Line 3 means: If one clings to the strong man, One loses the little boy. Through following one finds what one seeks. It furthers one to remain persevering. Change in Line 4 means: Following creates success. Perseverance brings misfortune. To go one's own way with sincerity brings clarity. How could there be blame in this? Change in Line 5 means: Sincere in the good. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: He meets with firm allegiance And is still further bound. The king introduces him To the Western Mountain. |
| 18 ䷑ (蠱 gǔ) | 蛊 | 100110 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. If there is a son, No blame rests upon the departed father. Danger. In the end good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: Setting right what has been spoiled by the mother. One must not be too persevering. Change in Line 3 means: Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. There will be little remorse. No great blame. Change in Line 4 means: Tolerating what has been spoiled by the father. In continuing one sees humiliation. Change in Line 5 means: Setting right what has been spoiled by the father. One meets with praise. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: He does not serve kings and princes, Sets himself higher goals. |
| 19 ䷒ (臨 lín) | 临 | 000011 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Joint approach. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: Joint approach. Good fortune. Everything furthers. Change in Line 3 means: Comfortable approach. Nothing that would not further. If one is induced to grieve over it, One becomes free of blame. Change in Line 4 means: Complete approach. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: Wise approach. This is right for a great prince. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Greathearted approach. Good fortune. No blame. |
| 20 ䷓ (觀 guān) | 观 | 110000 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Boylike contemplation. For an inferior man, no blame. For a superior man, humiliation. Change in Line 2 means: Contemplation through the crack of the door. Furthering for the perseverance of a woman. Change in Line 3 means: Contemplation of my life Decides the choice Between advance and retreat. Change in Line 4 means: Contemplation of the light of the kingdom. It furthers one to exert influence as the guest of a king. Change in Line 5 means: Contemplation of my life. The superior man is without blame. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Contemplation of his life. The superior man is without blame. |
| 21 ䷔ (噬嗑 shì kè) | 噬嗑 | 101001 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: His feet are fastened in the stocks, So that his toes disappear. No blame. Change in Line 2 means: Bites through tender meat, So that his nose disappears. No blame. Change in Line 3 means: Bites on old dried meat And strikes on something poisonous. Slight humiliation. No blame. Change in Line 4 means: Bites on dried gristly meat. Receives metal arrows. It furthers one to be mindful of difficulties And to be persevering. Good fortune. Change in Line 5 means: Bites on dried lean meat. Receives yellow gold. Perseveringly aware of danger. No blame. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: His neck is fastened in the wooden cangue, So that his ears disappear. Misfortune. |
| 22 ䷕ (賁 bì) | 贲 | 100101 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: He lends grace to his toes, leaves the carriage, and walks. Change in Line 2 means: Lends grace to the beard on his chin. Change in Line 3 means: Graceful and moist. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 4 means: Grace or simplicity? A white horse comes as if on wings. He is not a robber, He will woo at the right time. Change in Line 5 means: Grace in the hills and gardens. The roll of silk is meager and small. Humiliation, but in the end good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Simple grace. No blame. |
| 23 ䷖ (剝 bō) | 剥 | 100000 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: The leg of the bed is split. Those who persevere are destroyed. Misfortune. Change in Line 2 means: The bed is split at the edge. Those who persevere are destroyed. Misfortune. Change in Line 3 means: He splits with them. No blame. Change in Line 4 means: The bed is split up to the skin. Misfortune. Change in Line 5 means: A shoal of fishes. Favor comes through the court ladies. Everything acts to further. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: There is a large fruit still uneaten. The superior man receives a carriage. The house of the inferior man is split apart. |
| 24 ䷗ (復 fù) | 复 | 000001 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Return from a short distance. No need for remorse. Great good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: Quiet return. Good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: Repeated return. Danger. No blame. Change in Line 4 means: Walking in the midst of others, One returns alone. Change in Line 5 means: Noblehearted return. No remorse. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Missing the return. Misfortune. Misfortune from within and without. If armies are set marching in this way, One will in the end suffer a great defeat, Disastrous for the ruler of the country. For ten years It will not be possible to attack again. |
| 25 ䷘ (無妄 wú wàng) | 无妄 | 111001 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Innocent behavior brings good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: If one does not count on the harvest while plowing, Nor on the use of the ground while clearing it, It furthers one to undertake something. Change in Line 3 means: Undeserved misfortune. The cow that was tethered by someone Is the wanderer's gain, the citizen's loss. Change in Line 4 means: He who can be persevering Remains without blame. Change in Line 5 means: Use no medicine in an illness Incurred through no fault of your own. It will pass of itself. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Innocent action brings misfortune. Nothing furthers. |
| 26 ䷙ (大畜 dà chù) | 大畜 | 100111 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Danger is at hand. It furthers one to desist. Change in Line 2 means: The axletrees are taken from the wagon. Change in Line 3 means: A good horse that follows others. Awareness of danger, With perseverance, furthers. Practice chariot driving and armed defense daily. It furthers one to have somewhere to go. Change in Line 4 means: The headboard of a young bull. Great good fortune. Change in Line 5 means: The tusk of a gelded boar. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: One attains the way of heaven. Success. |
| 27 ䷚ (頤 yí) | 颐 | 100001 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: You let your magic tortoise go, And look at me with the corners of your mouth drooping. Misfortune. Change in Line 2 means: Turning to the summit for nourishment, Deviating from the path To seek nourishment from the hill. Continuing to do this brings misfortune. Change in Line 3 means: Turning away from nourishment. Perseverance brings misfortune. Do not act thus for ten years. Nothing serves to further. Change in Line 4 means: Turning to the summit For provision of nourishment Brings good fortune. Spying about with sharp eyes Like a tiger with insatiable craving. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: Turning away from the path. To remain persevering brings good fortune. One should not cross the great water. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The source of nourishment. Awareness of danger brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. |
| 28 ䷛ (大過 dà guò) | 大过 | 011110 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: To spread white rushes underneath. No blame. Change in Line 2 means: A dry poplar sprouts at the root. An older man takes a young wife. Everything furthers. Change in Line 3 means: The ridgepole sags to the breaking point. Misfortune. Change in Line 4 means: The ridgepole is braced. Good fortune. If there are ulterior motives, it is humiliating. Change in Line 5 means: A withered poplar puts forth flowers. An older woman takes a husband. No blame. No praise. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: One must go through the water. It goes over one's head. Misfortune. No blame. |
| 29 ䷜ (坎 kǎn) | 坎 | 010010 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune. Change in Line 2 means: The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only. Change in Line 3 means: Forward and backward, abyss on abyss. In danger like this, pause at first and wait, Otherwise you will fall into a pit in the abyss. Do not act in this way. Change in Line 4 means: A jug of wine, a bowl of rice with it; Earthen vessels Simply handed in through the window. There is certainly no blame in this. Change in Line 5 means: The abyss is not filled to overflowing, It is filled only to the rim. No blame. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Bound with cords and ropes, Shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls: For three years one does not find the way. Misfortune. |
| 30 ䷝ (離 lí) | 离 | 101101 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: The footprints run crisscross. If one is seriously intent, no blame. Change in Line 2 means: Yellow light. Supreme good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: In the light of the setting sun, Men either beat the pot and sing Or loudly bewail the approach of old age. Misfortune. Change in Line 4 means: Its coming is sudden; It flames up, dies down, is thrown away. Change in Line 5 means: Tears in floods, sighing and lamenting. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The king uses him to march forth and chastise. Then it is best to kill the leaders And take captive the followers. No blame. |
| 31 ䷞ (咸 xián) | 咸 | 011100 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: The influence shows itself in the big toe. Change in Line 2 means: The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune. Tarrying brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds to that which follows it. To continue is humiliating. Change in Line 4 means: Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a man is agitated in mind, And his thoughts go hither and thither, Only those friends On whom he fixes his conscious thoughts Will follow. Change in Line 5 means: The influence shows itself in the back of the neck. No remorse. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks and tongue. |
| 32 ䷟ (恆 héng) | 恒 | 001110 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Seeking duration too hastily brings misfortune persistently. Nothing that would further. Change in Line 2 means: Remorse disappears. Change in Line 3 means: He who does not give duration to his character Meets with disgrace. Persistent humiliation. Change in Line 4 means: No game in the field. Change in Line 5 means: Giving duration to one's character through perseverance. This is good fortune for a woman, misfortune for a man. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Restlessness as an enduring condition brings misfortune. |
| 33 ䷠ (遯 dùn) | 遯 | 111100 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake anything. Change in Line 2 means: He holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him loose. Change in Line 3 means: A halted retreat Is nerve-wracking and dangerous. To retain people as men- and maidservants Brings good fortune. Change in Line 4 means: Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man And downfall to the inferior man. Change in Line 5 means: Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further. |
| 34 ䷡ (大壯 dà zhuàng) | 大壮 | 001111 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Power in the toes. Continuing brings misfortune. This is certainly true. Change in Line 2 means: Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: The inferior man works through power. The superior man does not act thus. To continue is dangerous. A goat butts against a hedge And gets its horns entangled. Change in Line 4 means: Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. The hedge opens; there is no entanglement. Power depends upon the axle of a big cart. Change in Line 5 means: Loses the goat with ease. No remorse. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: A goat butts against a hedge. It cannot go backward, it cannot go forward. Nothing serves to further. If one notes the difficulty, this brings good fortune. |
| 35 ䷢ (晉 jìn) | 晋 | 101000 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Progressing, but turning back. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one meets with no confidence, one should remain calm. No mistake. Change in Line 2 means: Progressing, but in sorrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. Then one obtains happiness from one's ancestress. Change in Line 3 means: All are in accord. Remorse disappears. Change in Line 4 means: Progress like a hamster. Perseverance brings danger. Change in Line 5 means: Remorse disappears. Take not gain and loss to heart. Undertakings bring good fortune. Everything serves to further. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Making progress with the horns is permissible Only for the purpose of punishing one's own city. To be conscious of danger brings good fortune. No blame. Perseverance brings humiliation. |
| 36 ䷣ (明夷 míng yí) | 明夷 | 000101 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Darkening of the light during flight. He lowers his wings. The superior man does not eat for three days On his wanderings. But he has somewhere to go. The host has occasion to gossip about him. Change in Line 2 means: Darkening of the light injures him in the left thigh. He gives aid with the strength of a horse. Good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: Darkening of the light during the hunt in the south. Their great leader is captured. One must not expect perseverance too soon. Change in Line 4 means: He penetrates the left side of the belly. One gets at the very heart of the darkening of the light, And leaves gate and courtyard. Change in Line 5 means: Darkening of the light as with Prince Chi. Perseverance furthers. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Not light but darkness. First he climbed up to heaven, Then he plunged into the depths of the earth. |
| 37 ䷤ (家人 jiā rén) | 家人 | 110101 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Firm seclusion within the family. Remorse disappears. Change in Line 2 means: She should not follow her whims. She must attend within to the food. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: When tempers flare up in the family, Too great severity brings remorse. Good fortune nonetheless. When woman and child dally and laugh, It leads in the end to humiliation. Change in Line 4 means: She is the treasure of the house. Great good fortune. Change in Line 5 means: As a king he approaches his family. Fear not. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: His work commands respect. In the end good fortune comes. |
| 38 ䷥ (睽 kuí) | 睽 | 101011 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Remorse disappears. If you lose your horse, do not run after it; It will come back of its own accord. When you see evil people, Guard yourself against mistakes. Change in Line 2 means: One meets his lord in a narrow street. No blame. Change in Line 3 means: One sees the wagon dragged back, The oxen halted, A man's hair and nose cut off. Not a good beginning, but a good end. Change in Line 4 means: Isolated through opposition, One meets a like-minded man With whom one can associate in good faith. Despite the danger, no blame. Change in Line 5 means: Remorse disappears. The companion bites his way through the wrappings. If one goes to him, How could it be a mistake? Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Isolated through opposition, One sees one's companion as a pig covered with dirt, As a wagon full of devils. First one draws a bow against him, Then one lays the bow aside. He is not a robber; he will woo at the right time. As one goes, rain falls; then good fortune comes. |
| 39 ䷦ (蹇 jiǎn) | 蹇 | 010100 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Going leads to obstructions, Coming meets with praise. Change in Line 2 means: The king's servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction, But it is not his own fault. Change in Line 3 means: Going leads to obstructions; Hence he comes back. Change in Line 4 means: Going leads to obstructions, Coming leads to union. Change in Line 5 means: In the midst of the greatest obstructions, Friends come. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Going leads to obstructions, Coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers one to see the great man. |
| 40 ䷧ (解 xiè) | 解 | 001010 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Without blame. Change in Line 2 means: One kills three foxes in the field And receives a yellow arrow. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: If a man carries a burden on his back And nontheless rides in a carriage, He thereby encourages robbers to draw near. Perseverance leads to humiliation. Change in Line 4 means: Deliver yourself from your great toe. Then the companion comes, And him you can trust. Change in Line 5 means: If only the superior man can deliver himself, It brings good fortune. Thus he proves to inferior men that he is in earnest. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The prince shoots at a hawk on a high wall. He kills it. Everything serves to further. |
| 41 ䷨ (損 sǔn) | 损 | 100011 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Going quickly when one's tasks are finished Is without blame. But one must reflect on how much one may decrease others. Change in Line 2 means: Perseverance furthers. To undertake something brings misfortune. Without decreasing oneself, One is able to bring increase to others. Change in Line 3 means: When three people journey together, Their number decreases by one. When one man journeys alone, He finds a companion. Change in Line 4 means: If a man decreases his faults, It makes the other hasten to come and rejoice. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: Someone does indeed increase him. Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Supreme good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: If one is increased without depriving others, there is no blame. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to undertake something. One obtains servants But no longer has a separate home. |
| 42 ䷩ (益 yì) | 益 | 110001 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune. No blame. Change in Line 2 means: Someone does indeed increase him; Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. The king presents him before God. Good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: One is enriched through unfortunate events. No blame, if you are sincere And walk in the middle, And report with a seal to the prince. Change in Line 4 means: If you walk in the middle And report to the prince, He will follow. It furthers one to be used In the removal of the capital. Change in Line 5 means: If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune. |
| 43 ䷪ (夬 guài) | 夬 | 011111 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Mighty in the forward-striding toes. When one goes and is not equal to the task, One makes a mistake. Change in Line 2 means: A cry of alarm. Arms at evening and at night. Fear nothing. Change in Line 3 means: To be powerful in the cheekbones Brings misfortune. The superior man is firmly resolved. He walks alone and is caught in the rain. He is bespattered, And people murmur against him. No blame. Change in Line 4 means: There is no skin on his thighs, And walking comes hard. If a man were to let himself be led like a sheep, Remorse would disappear. But if these words are heard They will not be believed. Change in Line 5 means: In dealing with weeds, Firm resolution is necessary. Walking in the middle Remains free of blame. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: No cry. In the end misfortune comes. |
| 44 ䷫ (姤 gòu) | 姤 | 111110 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: It must be checked with a brake of bronze. Perseverance brings good fortune. If one lets it take its course, one experiences misfortune. Even a lean pig has it in him to rage around. Change in Line 2 means: There is a fish in the tank. No blame. Does not further guests. Change in Line 3 means: There is no skin on his thighs, And walking comes hard. If one is mindful of the danger, No great mistake is made. Change in Line 4 means: No fish in the tank. This leads to misfortune. Change in Line 5 means: A melon covered with willow leaves. Hidden lines. Then it drops down to one from heaven. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: He comes to meet with his horns. Humiliation. No blame. |
| 45 ䷬ (萃 cuì) | 萃 | 011000 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: If you are sincere, but not to the end, There will sometimes be confusion, sometimes gathering together. If you call out, Then after one grasp of the hand you can laugh again. Regret not. Going is without blame. Change in Line 2 means: Letting oneself be drawn Brings good fortune and remains blameless. If one is sincere, It furthers one to bring even a small offering. Change in Line 3 means: Gathering together amid sighs. Nothing that would not further. Going is without blame. Slight humiliation. Change in Line 4 means: Great good fortune. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: If in gathering together one has position, This brings no blame. If there are some who are not yet sincere in the work, Sublime and enduring perseverance is needed. Then remorse disappears. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Lamenting and sighing, floods of tears. No blame. |
| 46 ䷭ (升 shēng) | 升 | 000110 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Pushing upward that meets with confidence Brings great good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: If one is sincere, It furthers one to bring even a small offering. No blame. Change in Line 3 means: One pushes upward into an empty city. Change in Line 4 means: The king offers him Mount Ch'i. Good fortune. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: Perseverance brings good fortune. One pushes upward by steps. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Pushing upward in darkness. It furthers one to be unremittingly persevering. |
| 47 ䷮ (困 kùn) | 困 | 011010 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: One sits oppressed under a bare tree And strays into a gloomy valley. For three years one sees nothing. Change in Line 2 means: One is oppressed while at meat and drink. The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming. It furthers one to offer sacrifice. To set forth brings misfortune. No blame. Change in Line 3 means: A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone, And leans on thorns and thistles. He enters his house and does not see his wife. Misfortune. Change in Line 4 means: He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage. Humiliation, but the end is reached. Change in Line 5 means: His nose and feet are cut off. Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands. Joy comes softly. It furthers one to make offerings and libations. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: He is oppressed by creeping vines. He moves uncertainly and says, "Movement brings remorse. " If one feels remorse over this and makes a start, Good fortune comes. |
| 48 ䷯ (井 jǐng) | 井 | 010110 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: One does not drink the mud of the well. No animals come to an old well. Change in Line 2 means: At the well hole one shoots fishes. The jug is broken and leaks. Change in Line 3 means: The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it. This is my heart's sorrow, For one might draw from it. If the king were clear-minded, Good fortune might be enjoyed in common. Change in Line 4 means: The well is being lined. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: In the well there is a clear, cold spring From which one can drink. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: One draws from the well Without hindrance. It is dependable. Supreme good fortune. |
| 49 ䷰ (革 gé) | 革 | 011101 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Wrapped in the hide of a yellow cow. Change in Line 2 means: When one's own day comes, one may create revolution. Starting brings good fortune. No blame. Change in Line 3 means: Starting brings misfortune. Perseverance brings danger. When the talk of revolution has gone the rounds three times, One may commit himself, And men will believe him. Change in Line 4 means: Remorse disappears. Men believe him. Changing the form of government brings good fortune. Change in Line 5 means: The great man changes like a tiger. Even before he questions the oracle He is believed. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The superior man changes like a panther. The inferior man molts in the face. Starting brings misfortune. To remain persevering brings good fortune. And makes the seasons clear. |
| 50 ䷱ (鼎 dǐng) | 鼎 | 101110 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: A ting with legs upturned. Furthers removal of stagnating stuff. One takes a concubine for the sake of her son. No blame. Change in Line 2 means: There is food in the ting. My comrades are envious, But they cannot harm me. Good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: The handle of the ting is altered. One is impeded in his way of life. The fat of the pheasant is not eaten. Once rain falls, remorse is spent. Good fortune comes in the end. Change in Line 4 means: The legs of the ting are broken. The prince's meal is spilled And his person is soiled. Misfortune. Change in Line 5 means: The ting has yellow handles, golden carrying rings. Perseverance furthers. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The ting has rings of jade. Great good fortune. Nothing that would not act to further. |
| 51 ䷲ (震 zhèn) | 震 | 001001 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Shock comes--oh, oh! Then follow laughing words--ha, ha! Good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: Shock comes bringing danger. A hundred thousand times You lose your treasures And must climb the Change hills. Do not go in pursuit of them. After seven days you will get them back. Change in Line 3 means: Shock comes and makes one distraught. If shock spurs to action One remains free of misfortune. Change in Line 4 means: Shock is mired. Change in Line 5 means: Shock goes hither and thither. Danger. However, nothing at all is lost. Yet there are things to be done. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Shock brings ruin and terrified gazing around. Going ahead brings misfortune. If is has not yet touched one's own body But has reached one's neighbor first, There is no blame. One's comrades have something to talk about. |
| 52 ䷳ (艮 gèn) | 艮 | 100100 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Keeping his toes still. No blame. Continued perseverance furthers. Change in Line 2 means: Keeping his calves still. He cannot rescue him whom he follows. His heart is not glad. Change in Line 3 means: Keeping his hips still. Making his sacrum stiff. Dangerous. The heart suffocates. Change in Line 4 means: Keeping his trunk still. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: Keeping his jaws still. The words have order. Remorse disappears. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Noblehearted keeping still. Good fortune. |
| 53 ䷴ (漸 jiàn) | 渐 | 110100 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: The wild goose gradually draws near the shore. The young son is in danger. There is talk. No blame. Change in Line 2 means: The wild goose gradually draws near the cliff. Eating and drinking in peace and concord. Good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: The wild goose gradually draws near the plateau. The man goes forth and does not return. The woman carries a child but does not bring it forth. Misfortune. It furthers one to fight off robbers. Change in Line 4 means: The wild goose gradually draws near the tree. Perhaps it will find a flat branch. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: The wild goose gradually draws near the summit. For three years the woman has no child. In the end nothing can hinder her. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The wild goose gradually draws near the cloud heights. Its feathers can be used for the sacred dance. Good fortune. |
| 54 ䷵ (歸妹 guī mèi) | 归妹 | 001011 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: The marrying maiden as a concubine. A lame man who is able to tread. Undertakings bring good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: A one-eyed man who is able to see. The perseverance of a solitary man furthers. Change in Line 3 means: The marrying maiden as a slave. She marries as a concubine. Change in Line 4 means: The marrying maiden draws out the allotted time. A late marriage comes in due course. Change in Line 5 means: The sovereign I gave his daughter in marriage. The embroidered garments of the princess Were not as gorgeous As those of the servingmaid. The moon that is nearly full Brings good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The woman holds the basket, but there are no fruits in it. The man stabs the sheep, but no blood flows. Nothing that acts to further. |
| 55 ䷶ (豐 fēng) | 丰 | 001101 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: When a man meets his destined ruler, They can be together ten days, And it is not a mistake. Going meets with recognition. Change in Line 2 means: The curtain is of such fullness That the polestars can be seen at noon. Through going one meets with mistrust and hate. If one rouses him through truth, Good fortune comes. Change in Line 3 means: The underbrush is of such abundance That the small stars can be seen at noon. He breaks his right arm. No blame. Change in Line 4 means: The curtain is of such fullness That the polestars can be seen at noon. He meets his ruler, who is of like kind. Good fortune. Change in Line 5 means: Lines are coming, Blessing and fame draw near. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: His house is in a state of abundance. He screens off his family. He peers through the gate And no longer perceives anyone. For three years he sees nothing. Misfortune. |
| 56 ䷷ (旅 lǚ) | 旅 | 101100 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: If the wanderer busies himself with trivial things, He draws down misfortune upon himself. Change in Line 2 means: The wanderer comes to and inn. He has his property with him. He wins the steadfastness of a young servant. Change in Line 3 means: The wanderer's inn burns down. He loses the steadfastness of his young servant. Danger. Change in Line 4 means: The wanderer rests in a shelter. He obtains his property and an ax. My heart is not glad. Change in Line 5 means: He shoots a pheasant. It drops with the first arrow. In the end this brings both praise and office. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: The bird's nest burns up. The wanderer laughs at first, Then must needs lament and weep. Through carelessness he loses his cow. Misfortune. |
| 57 ䷸ (巽 xùn) | 巽 | 110110 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: In advancing and in retreating, The perseverance of a warrior furthers. Change in Line 2 means: Penetration under the bed. Priests and magicians are used in great number. Good fortune. No blame. Change in Line 3 means: Repeated penetration. Humiliation. Change in Line 4 means: Remorse vanishes. During the hunt Three kinds of game are caught. Change in Line 5 means: Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse vanishes. Nothing that does not further. No beginning, but an end. Before the change, three days. After the change, three days. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Penetration under the bed. He loses his property and his ax Perseverance brings misfortune. |
| 58 ䷹ (兌 duì) | 兑 | 011011 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Contented joyousness. Good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: Sincere joyousness. Good fortune. Remorse disappears. Change in Line 3 means: Coming joyousness. Misfortune. Change in Line 4 means: Joyousness that is weighed is not at peace. After ridding himself of mistakes a man has joy. Change in Line 5 means: Sincerity toward disintegrating influences is dangerous. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Seductive joyousness. |
| 59 ䷺ (渙 huàn) | 涣 | 110010 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: He brings help with the strength of a horse. Good fortune. Change in Line 2 means: At the dissolution He hurries to that which supports him. Remorse disappears. Change in Line 3 means: He dissolves his self. No remorse. Change in Line 4 means: He dissolves his bond with his group. Supreme good fortune. Dispersion leads in turn to accumulation. This is something that ordinary men do not think of. Change in Line 5 means: His loud cries are as dissolving as sweat. Dissolution! A king abides without blame. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: He dissolves his blood. Departing, keeping at a distance, going out, Is without blame. |
| 60 ䷻ (節 jié) | 节 | 010011 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Not going out of the door and the courtyard Is without blame. Change in Line 2 means: Not going out of the gate and the courtyard Brings misfortune. Change in Line 3 means: He who knows no limitation Will have cause to lament. No blame. Change in Line 4 means: Contented limitation. Success. Change in Line 5 means: Sweet limitation brings good fortune. Going brings esteem. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Galling limitation. Perseverance brings misfortune. Remorse disappears. |
| 61 ䷼ (中孚 zhōng fú) | 中孚 | 110011 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: Being prepared brings good fortune. If there are secret designs, it is disquieting. Change in Line 2 means: A crane is calling in the shade. Its young answers it. I have a good goblet. I will share it with you. Change in Line 3 means: He finds a comrade. Now he beats the drum, now he stops. Now he sobs, now he sings. Change in Line 4 means: The moon nearly at the full. The team horse goes astray. No blame. Change in Line 5 means: He possesses truth, which links together. No blame. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: Cockcrow penetrating to heaven. Perseverance brings misfortune. |
| 62 ䷽ (小過 xiǎo guò) | 小过 | 001100 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: The bird meets with misfortune through flying. Change in Line 2 means: She passes by her ancestor And meets her ancestress. He does not reach his prince And meets the official. No blame. Change in Line 3 means: If one is not extremely careful, Somebody may come up from behind and strike him. Misfortune. Change in Line 4 means: No blame. He meets him without passing by. Going brings danger. One must be on guard. Do not act. Be constantly persevering. Change in Line 5 means: Dense clouds, No rain from our western territory. The prince shoots and hits him who is in the cave. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: He passes him by, not meeting him. The flying bird leaves him. Misfortune. This means bad luck and injury. |
| 63 ䷾ (既濟 jì jì) | 既济 | 010101 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: He brakes his wheels. He gets his tail in the water. No blame. Change in Line 2 means: The woman loses the curtain of her carriage. Do not run after it; On the seventh day you will get it. Change in Line 3 means: The Illustrious Ancestor Disciplines the Devil's Country. After three years he conquers it. Inferior people must not be employed. Change in Line 4 means: The finest clothes turn to rags. Be careful all day long. Change in Line 5 means: The neighbour in the east who slaughters an ox Does not attain as much real happiness As the neighbour in the west With his small offering. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: He gets his head in the water. Danger. |
| 64 ䷿ (未濟 wèi jì) | 未济 | 101010 Change in Line 1 (the bottom line) means: He gets his tail in the water. Humiliating. Change in Line 2 means: He brakes his wheels. Perseverance brings good fortune. Change in Line 3 means: Before completion, attack brings misfortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. Change in Line 4 means: Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. Shock, thus to discipline the Devil's Country. For three years, great realms are awarded. Change in Line 5 means: Perseverance brings good fortune. No remorse. The light of the superior man is true. Good fortune. Change in Line 6 (the top line) means: There is drinking of wine In genuine confidence. No blame. But if one wets his head, He loses it, in truth. |
Ref: Yi Ching, translated by James Legge (1815 –1897)
back to: I Ching