Eclectic Energies

I Ching

Translation from Chinese and commentary by

Ewald Berkers

1
Eclectic Energies I Ching
Translated from the Chinese received versions of the Zhouyi (the I Ching's core text) and Daxiang
(Images) by Ewald Berkers. All other text (commentaries, introductory texts, etc.) written by Ewald
Berkers.

Copyright Ewald Berkers, 2007.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or republished or resold in whatever way,
without the prior permission of the author.

License:
You are only allowed to make printed or digital copies for your personal use.

This version was generated 10 July 2023.

This eBook is sold as a PDF file at www.eclecticenergies.com.

2
Reference for casting coins

coins total line changing

0 heads + 3 tails 6 yin _ _ changing
6
5
1 heads + 2 tails 7 yang ___ 4
3
2 heads + 1 tails 8 yin _ _ 2
1

3 heads + 0 tails 9 yang ___ changing

Hexagram grid

Use this hexagram grid to find the hexagram number from your casting. The trigrams in the top row are
the upper three lines of the hexagram (the last three lines cast), the trigrams at the left side are the lower
three lines (the first three cast). Find the hexagram number that is at the intersection of the row from the
side trigram, and the column from the top trigram.

1 11 34 5 26 9 14 43

12 2 16 8 23 20 35 45

25 24 51 3 27 42 21 17

6 7 40 29 4 59 64 47

33 15 62 39 52 53 56 31

44 46 32 48 18 57 50 28

13 36 55 63 22 37 30 49

10 19 54 60 41 61 38 58

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Index

Reference for casting coins 3

Hexagram grid 3
Index 4
Hexagram list 5
Introduction to this book 6
Introduction to the I Ching 7
The I Ching 9
Appendices 138
Forming questions 139
Introduction to the Images 141
The Images 142

4
Hexagram list

1. Sunrise 33. Withdrawal

2. Land 34. Much Force
3. Difficulties 35. Progress
4. Ignorance 36. Wounded Brightness
5. Waiting 37. Family Members
6. Conflict 38. Estranged
7. The Army 39. Trouble
8. Associate 40. Release
9. Minor Restraint 41. Reduction
10. Stepping 42. Benefiting
11. Passing Through 43. Deciding
12. Obstruction 44. Providing
13. People Together 45. Meeting
14. Noble Presence 46. Advancing
15. Humbleness 47. Confined
16. Hesitating 48. The Well
17. Following 49. Change
18. Corruption 50. The Caldron
19. Approach 51. Shock
20. Examining 52. Keeping Still
21. Bite and Crack 53. Gradual Development
22. Beautifying 54. Marrying Younger Sister
23. Removal 55. Denseness
24. Return 56. The Traveler
25. Without Pretense 57. Penetration
26. Major Restraint 58. Exchange
27. Hunger 59. Dissolving
28. Too Much 60. Limitation
29. Abyss 61. Inner Trust
30. Separating 62. Too Little
31. Being Affected 63. Already Across
32. Permanence 64. Not yet Across

5
Introduction to this book

This I Ching project initially started for me as an effort to list the meanings of the hexagrams and lines.
There seemed to be quite some differences between the various I Ching translations that I'd been using,
and I found the meanings often not particularly clear.

While I was working on this list, I found ways to do my own translation from the original Chinese text of
the I Ching. The original Chinese is essentially a puzzle, for which one can develop various approaches to
"have the pieces fit." Using webpage technology to make the necessary information easily available (like
dictionaries and contextual checks), and building on my psychological and spiritual knowledge, I made
revision after revision of my text.

This has resulted in a I Ching translation that is in various details different from other I Ching translations.
The original Chinese is quite ambiguous, so it depends considerably on a translator's approach and
knowledge of the subject matter of the text what a I Ching translation is going to be like. I hope that my
psychological and spiritual knowledge, and my carrying on having a translation make sense beyond
learning from other translators' solutions, has brought about a reliable and useful text.

Ewald Berkers, 28 April 2007

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Introduction to the I Ching

What the I Ching is and its use as an oracle.

The I Ching is a collection of practical wisdom, pertaining to every conceivable situation. It originates in
ancient China and is the oldest Chinese classical text. "I Ching" means "Classic of Changes" or "Book of
Changes." (While mostly the spelling "I Ching" is used, "Yijing" is in fact the official modern spelling.)

There are 64 different main kinds of situations in the I Ching. Each one is indicated by a hexagram, which
is a symbol made up by 6 lines, each of which can be either broken or unbroken.

To obtain advice from the I Ching about one's current situation, one can consult it as an oracle. To decide
which hexagram is related to the situation at hand, a "random" hexagram is obtained by throwing coins (or
yarrow sticks, that traditionally were used). The "random" hexagram is supposed to not be random at all,
but to coincide with the situation.

There doesn't seem to be any scientific theory that explains how this can be (although some people think
quantum mechanics provides for a possible explanation). However, experience shows that it works in
practice. The psychologist C.G. Jung, who studied the I Ching, named this coinciding of seemingly
unrelated events synchronicity.

Hexagrams and lines 6

5
4
Hexagrams are sets of six lines, that can be broken _ _ or unbroken ___. The broken 3
2
lines are "yin," the unbroken lines "yang." Something is yin when it is female or dark, 1

earthly, passive etc. and yang when it is male or light, heavenly, active etc.

The 64 hexagrams are indicated by a number, that is universal. All translations and commentaries to the I
Ching use the same numbers. They also have a name, that may differ.

Consulting the I Ching

Traditionally the I Ching is consulted by throwing 50 yarrow stalks, but usually a set of three coins is used.
The coins are thrown six times, while a question is held in mind. It is also possible to just let the I Ching
comment on your current state, with no question held. (It is good to keep in mind that the I Ching will
really just comment on your current situation; it will not actually predict the future.)

The hexagram is built from the bottom up, so the first line is the bottom one, the sixth line the top one.

To calculate the lines from the coins thrown, values are assigned to the coins' sides. Tails equals a value of
2, heads a value of 3. The values of the three coins are added to get the total to determine the line. There are
four possibilities:

coins total line changing

0 heads + 3 tails 6 yin _ _ changing
1 heads + 2 tails 7 yang ___
2 heads + 1 tails 8 yin _ _
3 heads + 0 tails 9 yang ___ changing

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Even totals (6 or 8) give rise to a yin line, odd totals (7 or 9) a yang line.

Throws with all tails or all heads are considered changing lines. A changing line is a line that changes from
yin to yang or the other way around. The hexagram that is formed with the changing lines being changed,
is the resulting hexagram.

Look up what hexagram number goes with the hexagram lines on page 3. The scheme for determining the
lines from your throws is also there.

This is how to interpret the consultation:

No changing lines
Consider the hexagram text of the hexagram.

1 changing line
Consider the line text of the changing line.

2 or 3 changing lines
Consider the line texts, and also the hexagram text of the resulting hexagram.

4, 5 or 6 changing lines
Consider just the hexagram texts of the base and resulting hexagrams.
(You could check out the line texts, however they will often be conflicting, and may not clearly
relate to the situation.)

For hexagram 1 or 2, when all lines change

Consider the special text for this situation.

8
The I Ching

9
 1. Sunrise

The hexagram text

Sunrise.
A foundation for progress.
It is beneficial to persist.

Meaning: There is creative power, inspiration, or an idea, looking to become manifest. There may as yet be
no direct road for realization, though. Persistence is necessary to realize it.

Line 1
A submerged dragon is of no use.

Meaning: There is potential, but the time is not ripe. The idea is not yet ready to be carried out.
(The dragon is submerged in its pond, hibernating. It won't do anything. It is like the sun that hasn't come
up yet.)

Line 2
Seeing a dragon in the field.
It is beneficial to see a senior person.

Meaning: There is potential (an idea or inspiration) that is becoming manifest, coming to realization.
Some form of guidance will be beneficial, like the help of an advisor or mentor, or information from a
book.
(The dragon in the field is like the sun that has just come up.)

Line 3
Until the end of the day the noble one is vibrant, vibrant.
At sunset he is alert as if there is danger.
Without fault.

Meaning: Being very active all day, striving ceaselessly, still being quite alert in the evening. There is
nothing wrong with that.

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 1. Sunrise

Line 4
Something stirs in the depths.
Without fault.

Meaning: There is potential, but it's unreachable for now. There is no blame.
(When fish swim around in deep water, all you may see is something stirring there.)

Line 5
A dragon flying in the sky.
It is beneficial to see a senior person.

Meaning: Taking creative action, and exerting an influence. Some form of guidance will be beneficial, like
the help of an advisor or mentor, or information from a book.
(The dragon flying in the sky is like the sun that is now fully shining up in the sky, some time after sunrise.)

Line 6
A dragon going higher.
There is aversion.

Meaning: Going further than is suitable.

All lines changing

Seeing a group of dragons without heads.
Good fortune.

Meaning: There are lots of confusing things going on. Things go well.

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 2. Land

The hexagram text

Land.
A foundation for progress.
Beneficial is the persistence of a mare.
The noble one has a goal to move to.
Being confused at first,
later acquiring mastery.
It is beneficial that companionship is gained in the southwest,
companionship is lost in the northeast.
Calm persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: There is a new potential, for you to develop. At first you'll not know your way, but you'll gain a
handle on the situation and eventually master it. Just calmly proceed. It is beneficial to make partners and
allies, and not to move on with people who have different interests.
(At the original place and time of the I Ching, allies were in the southwest, territory they wanted to
conquer was in the northeast.)

Line 1
Treading on hoarfrost,
solid ice results.

Meaning: Things will solidify when making this step. One is really choosing whether or not to go for this
now.
(When treading on hoarfrost, which is powdery, the weight will turn it into solid ice. The tracks left by
stepping on hoarfrost are clear and hard to erase.)

Line 2
Straight through a large and unfamiliar area.
Without disadvantage.

Meaning: Going through unfamiliar territory. There is no disadvantage to that.

Line 3
Keeping the story to oneself allows for persistence.
Somebody relies upon a king's unfinished matters to come to an end.

Meaning: One is relying on the other to complete something. This unfinished stuff creates a tension. To
allow for a continuation, it is better to not speak one's heart.

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 2. Land

Line 4
Enclosing in a sack.
Without blame, without praise.

Meaning: Putting something away, saving it for later (for instance not saying something). Nothing wrong
with that, however, thus it is not possible to achieve any improvement.

Line 5
A yellow lower garment.
A source of good fortune.

Meaning: Being modest and ordinary. This allows for things to go well.
(Such a lower garment is like a kilt or skirt, and was commonly worn in ancient China. Nobles had
embroidered ones. Yellow was considered the color of the sand, being ordinary.)

Line 6
Dragons are fighting in the open field.
Their blood is black and yellow.

Meaning: There is fighting. This strife is incapacitating the contestants in some way.
(The dragons have yellow blood. When it dries up it becomes black. Apparently they are fighting for some
time now, or else there wouldn't have been dried up blood as well as blood that is fresh from the wounds.)

All lines changing

It is beneficial to endlessly persist.

Meaning: It is good to keep on persevering.

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 3. Difficulties

The hexagram text

Difficulties.
A foundation for progress.
It is beneficial to persist.
No use going to the goal that is there.
It is beneficial to set a target.

Meaning: Working on solving difficulties. This is a basis for further progress. It is important to persevere.
Because of the difficulties, it makes no sense to go to the actual goal. It is a good idea to try something.

Line 1
A large stone grave post.
It is beneficial to persist staying put.
It is beneficial to set a target.

Meaning: A long time stable situation, which should be conserved. It is a good idea to try something.

Line 2
Difficulties bring things to a dead end.
Carriage and horses are separated.
It is not enmity, but a love marriage.
The young woman persists, and does not betroth.
In ten years, then she betroths.

Meaning: Things have come to an impasse because of difficulties. One is cut off from something essential.
There may be some differences of opinion, that will however not lead to separation. Things will get a fresh
start when the time is right for that, which will however not be any time soon.

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 3. Difficulties

Line 3
Being close to deer without preparation.
Thinking about going into the midst of the woods.
The noble one almost doesn't seem to stop.
Going is inadequate.

Meaning: A special opportunity presents itself, that one isn't prepared for. To make use of it, one would
need to go deep into an unknown situation. This is not a good idea, one needs to resist the temptation.

Line 4
Carriage and horses are separated.
Seeking a love marriage.
Going brings good fortune, without disadvantage.

Meaning: One is cut off from something essential, and is seeking a satisfying union elsewhere to do
something about it. Things will go well if one takes action, there is no disadvantage to doing so.

Line 5
Difficulties that fertilize.
A little persistence brings good fortune,
A lot of persistence, misfortune.

Meaning: Difficulties that really present fertile opportunities to improve the situation. One must not
proceed too drastically, so as not to break things. The situation needs to be treated delicately, and things
will go well.

Line 6
Carriage and horses are separated.
Weeping of bloody tears.

Meaning: Being cut off from something essential. This brings great sadness and frustration.

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 4. Ignorance

The hexagram text

Ignorance.
Progressing.
It is not me seeking the ignorant youth,
the ignorant youth seeks me.
The first oracle informs.
A second or third muddies the waters.
Muddied, and thus uninforming.
It is beneficial to persist.

Meaning: Being ignorant, not knowing of something. There is progress, though. One is not in a position to
make demands.
If you receive this after asking the same question several times, consider that doing this will not make
things any clearer. Try working on understanding the answer you already have. You cannot force the Yijing
to give you a more convenient answer.

Line 1
Developing the ignorant.
It is beneficial to make use of exemplary people.
One needs to loosen restraints.
Shackles for proceeding are inadequate.

Meaning: Teaching something to someone. It is good to use examples and to be an example oneself. Don't
force someone to learn by restraining, it is not going to really work, and damages the other person.

Line 2
Being surrounded by ignorance.
Good fortune.
The contribution of a woman brings good fortune.
A child can be an expert.

Meaning: It may seem that there is no one around who knows what to do. But by allowing a fresh
perspective to take the lead, from someone one perhaps wouldn't expect it from, things go well.

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 4. Ignorance

Line 3
No use to marry the woman.
Seeing a firm man,
she is not herself.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.

Meaning: Losing oneself when being impressed by someone. Such servility is not good for either party.

Line 4
Confined by ignorance.
Inadequate.

Meaning: Not being up to the situation. One doesn't have enough experience or knowledge to be able to
deal with it.

Line 5
Youthful inexperience.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Being inexperienced. It is good to acknowledge one's inexperience, as this enables one to develop
oneself. Things go well.

Line 6
Attacking ignorance.
It is a disadvantage to turn into an enemy:
One better guards against enemies.

Meaning: Attacking someone for being ignorant (by insult, condemnation or disdain, for instance). This
turns one into an enemy, and people guard against enemies. It won't educate, and it will reduce one's
influence.

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 5. Waiting

The hexagram text

Waiting.
Have confidence in the sunlight.
Progressing.
Persistence brings good fortune.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.

Meaning: Waiting for something. Be patient while what you are waiting for is still likely to happen. This is
not stagnation, so hold on. It may be good to do something to get to a solution.
(The availability of sunlight denotes the time that it makes sense to wait, like until the end of the day, or
perhaps until rain clouds obscure the sun. "Having confidence in the sunlight," is being patient while there
is sunlight. Patience is a kind of confidence or trust.)

Line 1
Waiting outside the city.
Better take a long time.
Without fault.

Meaning: What one is waiting for is still at quite a distance. One better count on it taking quite some time
to arrive. There is nothing wrong with doing so.

Line 2
Waiting on the beach.
Casually having talks.
Eventually good fortune.

Meaning: Waiting for the right moment to arrive. One might kill time by talking with people. Eventually
things go well.

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 5. Waiting

Line 3
Waiting in mud,
brings one in enemies' reach.

Meaning: Waiting because one is being stuck. This is a vulnerable position, as one cannot easily go away or
take action.

Line 4
Waiting in blood.
Get yourself out of the pit.

Meaning: Waiting in a dangerous situation. One needs to get out off this as soon as possible.

Line 5
Waiting with wine and food.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Enjoying oneself while waiting. As long as one doesn't forget about what one is waiting for,
things will go well.

Line 6
Entered into a cave.
There are uninvited guests,
three people arrive.
Respecting them will end in good fortune.

Meaning: One is in trouble and others unexpectedly intervene. By accepting this things will turn out well.

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 6. Conflict

The hexagram text

Conflict.
Trust has stopped.
Cautiousness while in the middle of this brings good fortune,
at the end misfortune.
It is beneficial to see a senior person.
A disadvantage for crossing the big river.

Meaning: There is a conflict, so there is no trust in the other party any more. One must be cautious now,
while in the middle of this conflict. If one needs to stay cautious things would not go well. An advisor or
mediator could be helpful. This situation is a problem when important things are at stake.

Line 1
Not perpetuating the situation,
the matter is small.
Have a talk.
Eventually good fortune.

Meaning: There is a conflict about something that matters little. It is not worth taking any further. Talking
will improve the relationship. Things will go well eventually.

Line 2
He cannot win this conflict.
He goes back, and then avoids the village people.
Three hundred households, without blunder.

Meaning: Backing off and then avoiding the situation, as this conflict cannot be won. The other side has
superior strength, so this is not a mistake.

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 6. Conflict

Line 3
Feeding on past conduct.
Persistence is dangerous,
eventually good fortune.
Somebody relies upon a king's unfinished matters.

Meaning: One is basing one's expectations on how the other behaved in a previous situation. It is however
dangerous to continue on the basis of this, though eventually things will go well. The other is not
completing a particular action, that one is expecting.

Line 4
One cannot win this conflict.
Returning immediately changes one's fate.
Persisting peacefully brings good fortune.

Meaning: Not engaging in conflict, as there is no way that one can win. This saves one from an unpleasant
fate. Things go well by going on peacefully.

Line 5
Conflict as a source of good fortune.

Meaning: Arguing the case will resolve the situation to satisfaction.

Line 6
Somebody grants him a big leather belt to wear.
By the end of the morning, it is stripped three times from him.

Meaning: A prize won in a conflict is easily lost. One will be challenged again and again.

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 7. The Army

The hexagram text

The army.
Persistence of elder people brings good fortune.
Without fault.

Meaning: Working as a team. Elder and experienced people know better how to deal with situations, and
their persistence can inspire less experienced people in the team. Nothing wrong with that.

Line 1
The army sets out according to discipline.
Obstructing the command brings misfortune.

Meaning: Setting forth in a disciplined way. Going against the team's orders or rules undermines its
effectiveness, and may have repercussions.

Line 2
Being amidst the army.
Good fortune, without fault.
The king three times gives orders.

Meaning: Participating fully in a team. Things go well, this is not wrong. The team receives orders from a
superior that need to be carried out.

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 7. The Army

Line 3
Somebody in the army carries corpses.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Holding on to something unessential, wasting energy and resources. This makes that things don't
go well.

Line 4
The army encamps to the left.
Without fault.

Meaning: There is not much work to do, so one steps back. Nothing wrong with that.
("Encamping to the left" means that the army encamps while it has no war to fight.)

Line 5
There are birds in the field,
better stop speaking.
Without fault.
The eldest son commands the army.
The younger son carries corpses.
Persisting brings misfortune.

Meaning: Doing something that one wouldn't have done if one had had more experience. It is not to
blame. This lack of experience may cause the wrong decisions to be made, or holding on to things that are
not essential. Going on with this makes that things don't go well.
(Birds might be alarmed and fly up, if they hear people speak. Their flying up would betray the soldiers'
position to the enemy. Experienced soldiers are aware of that.)

Line 6
The great ruler has ordered:
Establish cities and support families.
Ordinary people should not be employed.

Meaning: It is one's task to develop things, and make sure everyone is sufficiently supported. Unqualified
people should not have responsibilities they cannot bear.

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 8. Associate

The hexagram text

Associate.
Good fortune.
The primary oracle of the first day will always persist.
Without fault.
It is unsettling to have just arrived,
men who are late have misfortune.

Meaning: Associating with someone. Things go well, this is not mistake. Be well on time, if you're late
things won't go well. If you cast an oracle about the nature of this association on its first day, you will know
what always will be the situation with this.

Line 1
Having a trusting association with someone.
Without fault.
Have confidence,
a full well-bucket will eventually arrive.
There will be other good fortune.

Meaning: Associating with someone who one can trust to be willing to really help. It is not a mistake. This
person will not leave until things are finished. One can expect other good things from this relationship as
well.
(Here a well is being dug, and the comrade is helping until it is ready to use for getting water.)

Line 2
Associating with someone from within.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Intimacy. Associating with someone from one's inner self. Things go well by continuing doing
that.

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 8. Associate

Line 3
Association is not with the other.

Meaning: There is no real contact with the other person.

Line 4
Outwardly associating with someone.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Associating with someone outwardly, without intimacy. Things go well by keeping doing that.

Line 5
Manifesting association.
The king lets game be driven from three sides,
letting birds go at the front.
The people in the village are not warned.
Good fortune.

Meaning: There is one way out, other ways lead to trouble. The way out is safe. Things go well.
(As the people in the village are not warned, they will not use the way out to catch the birds, making that
way out safe.)

Line 6
Associating with someone headlessly.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Associating with someone out of confusion. This doesn't go well.

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 9. Minor Restraint

The hexagram text

Minor restraint.
Progressing.
Dense clouds, but no rain
from our western outlands.

Meaning: One is held back, but things are progressing nevertheless. There is a potential for new resources,
but they are not yet coming.

Line 1
Returning from a path.
How is this one's fault?
Good fortune.

Meaning: One cannot continue on a particular path, and needs to return from it. It may seem that one has
done something wrong, but is that really so? In fact, things go well.

Line 2
Being pulled back.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Being forced by the circumstances to go back. This is not much of a problem, things go well.

26
 9. Minor Restraint

Line 3
The spokes of the wagon's wheel get loose.
Husband and wife turn away their eyes.

Meaning: There is some kind of damage that makes it almost impossible to continue. This may lead to a
conflict of blaming each other.

Line 4
Have confidence,
bloodiness is past.
Leaving cautiousness behind is without fault.

Meaning: The damaging period is over, there is no reason any more for being cautious. Have confidence, it
is no mistake to let go of that.

Line 5
Having a trusting relationship,
enriched by one's neighbor.

Meaning: Being supported by someone near in a relationship of trust.

Line 6
It has already rained, it has already settled,
value and virtue are received.
The wife's persistence is dangerous.
The moon is nearly full.
The noble one's expedition has misfortune.

Meaning: One already has accumulated what one needs. Pressing for more at the last moment is
unnecessary and dangerous.

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 10. Stepping

The hexagram text

Stepping on the tiger's tail.
It does not bite the person.
Progressing.

Meaning: Placing oneself in a dangerous situation. One doesn't get harmed. There is progress.

Line 1
Simply treading ahead.
Without fault.

Meaning: Simply going one's way. Nothing wrong with that.

Line 2
Treading on an easygoing path.
Easygoing is the indistinct person.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Things are going easy, there are no problems to overcome. One doesn't draw much attention. By
going on things keep going well.

28
 10. Stepping

Line 3
A one-eyed man is able to see,
a cripple is able to walk.
Stepping on the tiger's tail,
the man gets bitten.
Misfortune.
A warrior acting for a great lord.

Meaning: Acting with too little capacities to do so, and thus getting into trouble. This would be acceptable
if one is willing to sacrifice oneself for a cause.

Line 4
Stepping on the tiger's tail,
scared, scared.
Eventually good fortune.

Meaning: Going into a scary situation. Eventually things will go well.

Line 5
A decisive step.
Persistence is dangerous.

Meaning: Making a decisive step. It is stressful to go on.

Line 6
Watching the steps, examining the omens.
One's turning back is a source of good fortune.

Meaning: Looking back at how one acted, the steps taken, and the indications one responded to. The
insight thus gained helps at having similar situations go well.

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 11. Passing Through

The hexagram text

Passing through.
Little goes, much comes.
Good fortune, progressing.

Meaning: Things move easily and supplely. Gains clearly outweigh the losses. Things go well and there is
progress.

Line 1
Pulling out grass with entangled roots, because it has accumulated.
Going brings good fortune.

Meaning: Removing something that has accumulated and is now in the way, weeding it out by the root.
Under the surface, things may be more entangled than one thought. One can move on and things will go
well.

Line 2
Barren surroundings necessitate fording the big river.
Not abandoning, but letting go of friends.
Value is lost and gained from targeted action.

Meaning: One needs to move elsewhere, as something essential is not available anymore. It may be
necessary to let go off friends, which is not the same as abandoning them. One needs to really go for it, in
order to make valuable gains, accepting that this also results in losses (that which is left behind).

30
 11. Passing Through

Line 3
Without levelness there is no slope,
without going no return.
Laborious persistence is without fault.
Do not worry,
one's confidence in a meal is blessed.

Meaning: There is no situation that stays forever, sometimes things go easy, sometimes they are difficult.
When one doesn't undertake something, one cannot have returns. It is not a fault to need to work hard.
While things are bad, it is good to keep in mind that as long as one can trust that one will have something
to eat, things are basically alright.

Line 4
Fluttering, fluttering.
Not enriched by one's neighbors.
Careless because of confidence.

Meaning: Moving to and fro, while not being supported by others. One's confidence is making one
careless.

Line 5
Emperor Yi gives his younger sister in marriage,
in order to bless.
A source of good fortune.

Meaning: Being given a place to have some kind of benefit. This helps things to go well.

Line 6
The city wall falls back into the moat.
The army should not be used.
Personally inform the city of its fate.
Persistence is inadequate.

Meaning: Being in a vulnerable position, without adequate defenses. One cannot undertake things that
require being strong. It is important to be fully aware of the situation. It is not a good idea to keep acting as
if one isn't vulnerable.

31
 12. Obstruction

The hexagram text

Obstruction.
This is not the other not benefiting the noble one's persistence.
Much goes, little comes.

Meaning: One cannot continue, one is being obstructed. This is frustrating. There is more loss than gain.
This isn't the other going against one's interests, actually. Blaming someone may make one feel better, but
isn't helpful at solving the problem.

Line 1
Pulling out grass with entangled roots, because of its accumulation.
Persistence brings good fortune.
Progressing.

Meaning: Removing something that has accumulated and is now in the way, weeding it out by the root.
Under the surface, things may be more entangled than one thought. Things go well by persevering with
this. There is progress being made.

Line 2
Supporting surroundings.
Ordinary people have good fortune,
senior people are obstructed.
Progressing.

Meaning: The surroundings support one. This provides stability, which is good if one doesn't have ideas to
realize, like with ordinary people having a long time job. But they also limit one's space, and thus obstruct
expansion. It is frustrating if one is a developed person, and is thus unable to realize one's ideas. There is
progress anyway.

32
 12. Obstruction

Line 3
Inciting surroundings.

Meaning: The surroundings incite one to action.

Line 4
Having a higher purpose.
Without fault,
but it is a category separate from happiness.

Meaning: Working on something that's important to you, perhaps regarding your personal or spiritual
development. There is nothing wrong with that. It is no pleasure to go through this development, but it
really needs to be worked with.

Line 5
Ending the obstruction.
Senior people have good fortune.
"It is away, it is away!"
Tying it to a thick mulberry tree.

Meaning: The obstruction is being ended, which makes one happy. It is probably an experienced person
who made this happen. One needs to safeguard things against getting obstructed again.

Line 6
Collapsing the obstruction.
At first frustrated, then glad.

Meaning: The obstruction is forcefully being ended, bringing relief.

33
 13. People Together

The hexagram text

People together in the open country.
Progressing.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.
Benefiting the noble one's persistence.

Meaning: Together with people in a neutral place (not a passionate connection with someone). There is
progress. This is a good time for big undertakings. It benefits one's objectives.

Line 1
People together at the gate.
Without fault.

Meaning: Together with people in a superficial connection. There is nothing wrong with this.

Line 2
People together in the clan.
Inadequate.

Meaning: Forming a clique, shutting people out. This is not an adequate way of dealing with people.

34
 13. People Together

Line 3
Soldiers lie hidden in the thicket.
Going up the high hills.
For three years one cannot prosper.

Meaning: Being with people one mistrusts. Because of the defensive positions being taken, it is not possible
to thrive for some time.

Line 4
Taking advantage of one's city wall,
they will not be able to attack.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Protecting oneself against the other with a barrier, so that the other cannot reach one. This goes
well.

Line 5
People together at first cry and wail,
but afterwards laugh.
Big armies overcome running into each other.

Meaning: Between the people together there are difficulties at first, but this passes, and the atmosphere
improves considerably.

Line 6
People together outside the city,
without aversion.

Meaning: Being with people while in a wide space. Dislike is not a problem, as there's quite some distance
between each other.

35
 14. Noble Presence

The hexagram text

Noble presence,
a foundation for progress.

Meaning: Being there in a magnanimous way. This will help progress.

Line 1
Disassociating from harm.
Not blaming the difficulty, and thus without blame.

Meaning: Disengaging from harmful actions. One is not taking the easy route of doing nothing, claiming it
is too much trouble. Therefore one is not to blame.

Line 2
A large wagon for transport.
There is a goal to move to.
Without fault.

Meaning: Having the means for something, while there is a need for that. There is nothing wrong with
putting it to use.

36
 14. Noble Presence

Line 3
A duke presents offerings to the Son of Heaven,
an ordinary person cannot.

Meaning: Being in a unique position to do something for someone, that others are not able to do.
(The Son of Heaven is the king.)

Line 4
It is not one's pride.
Without fault.

Meaning: Something that one would have been proud of isn't happening. One isn't at fault.

Line 5
Bowing deeply to a trustworthy associate,
with dignity.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Respecting a trustworthy person one associates with, with dignity. Things go well.

Line 6
From heaven's help comes this good fortune.
Without disadvantage.

Meaning: Being lucky to get what one needs. There is no disadvantage to this.

37
 15. Humbleness

The hexagram text

Humbleness.
Progressing.
The noble one brings things to a conclusion.

Meaning: Being humble. This helps bringing things to a good end, as one is not in a position to make
demands. There is progress.

Line 1
Humble, humble is the noble one,
needing this to cross the big river.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Being humble in order to get something done that is not easy. Things go well.
(The big river is much stronger than you. That force needs to be respected humbly in order to cross the
river safely.)

Line 2
Making humble sounds.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Being humble and yielding. Persisting makes things go well.

38
 15. Humbleness

Line 3
Toiling humbly.
The noble one brings things to a conclusion.
Good fortune.

Meaning: By working hard and humbly things will be completed. Things go well. If one wouldn't be
humble, one might overestimate oneself and be satisfied too soon, not making the effort needed to actually
finish the job.

Line 4
Without disadvantage to signal humbleness.

Meaning: Signalling that one is humble to the other. This is without disadvantage.

Line 5
Not enriched by one's neighbor.
It is better to invade and grasp.
Without disadvantage.

Meaning: One is not given what one does need. It doesn't help to be humble and stay low here, it is better
to forcefully take it. This doesn't give any problems.

Line 6
Making humble sounds.
It is better to make use of the mobilized army,
and conquer cities and countries.

Meaning: One is being humble and yielding, but the situation calls for asserting oneself. It is better to act
more forcefully, and make use of one's resources, in order to get the important thing one needs.

39
 16. Hesitating

The hexagram text

Hesitating.
It is beneficial to set a target, and mobilize the army.

Meaning: Hesitating. It is a good idea to try something, and set things in motion.

Line 1
Making hesitating sounds brings misfortune.

Meaning: Being hesitant. This makes one miss out.

Line 2
Separated by rock,
but not until the end of the day.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: One is separated by some barrier from what one wants, but this is not going to last forever.
Things go well if one keeps persevering.

40
 16. Hesitating

Line 3
Staring hesitantly, resenting delays.
There is aversion.

Meaning: There is something one wants, and preferably quickly, but something is making one hesitant.
This is an unpleasant situation.

Line 4
Letting hesitation grow.
There is gain.
Do not distrust friends gathering together.

Meaning: One is being hesitant about going into a situation where one can gain something. Because one
distrusts people here, one's hesitation becomes stronger. However, one is among friends, there is no need
to not trust.

Line 5
Persistence.
Chronically ill, but does not die.

Meaning: The will to go on saves one.

Line 6
In the dark.
Hesitation is causing a change.
Without fault.

Meaning: Things are unclear. Because of that, one is hesitating. The time thus passing causes things to
change. One is not to blame for that.

41
 17. Following

The hexagram text

Following.
A foundation for progress,
it is beneficial to persist.
Without fault.

Meaning: Following someone else's initiative. This helps progress. It is good to keep doing this, it is not a
mistake.

Line 1
The official has changed his mind.
Persistence brings good fortune.
Going out of the gate and engage brings results.

Meaning: Changing one's mind over an issue that has consequences for someone else. Things go well by
keeping to this. There will be results by engaging with the new situation.

Line 2
Attaching to the little child,
one loses sight of the elder man.

Meaning: Connecting more to one's inner child, which causes one to forget about mature aspects of
oneself.

42
 17. Following

Line 3
Attaching to the elder man,
one loses sight of the little child.
Following is a search for gain.
It is beneficial to persist staying put.

Meaning: Connecting more to one's mature aspects, and thereby forgetting about the needs of one's inner
child. One is following someone or something in order to have gains from it. It is better to stay in the place
one is.

Line 4
Following has captured one.
Persisting brings misfortune.
There is confidence in the path because of its clarity
How is that a mistake?

Meaning: Through following someone else, one has gotten trapped. Things will not go well if one persists
in following. This path one is following seems so clear, so it may be hard to see what is wrong with it. It is
good to examine this.

Line 5
Confidence from appreciation.
Good fortune.

Meaning: One has confidence that comes from being appreciated. Things go well.

Line 6
Seize and bind it,
then follow and hold fast to it.
The king brings offerings on Western Mountain.

Meaning: It is very difficult to get and then keep something, so one needs to put quite a lot of effort into
that. Part of the difficulty is being dependent on unwilling others. It is doable, though.

43
 18. Corruption

The hexagram text

Corruption.
A foundation for progress.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.
Before the date three days,
after the date three days.

Meaning: There is deterioration. Remedying it will make further progress possible. It is a good idea to do
take on this large undertaking. One must prepare well, and keep a keen eye on how things are going.

Line 1
Managing a father's corruption.
There is a person investigating.
Without fault.
Seriousness will eventually bring good fortune.

Meaning: Dealing with deterioration caused by former neglect. Investigating into this will help doing
something about it. Being serious about it is necessary to eventually make things well.
(The "father" refers to an ancestral spirit, in ancient Chinese ancestor worshipping.)

Line 2
Managing a mother's corruption.
Persistence is not suitable.

Meaning: Dealing with deterioration caused by inherent weakness. Some consideration for the people
involved is called for. One shouldn't just try to push ahead.
(The "mother" refers to an ancestral spirit, in ancient Chinese ancestor worshipping.)

44
 18. Corruption

Line 3
Managing a father's minor corruption.
There is aversion.
Without much blame.

Meaning: Dealing with deterioration caused by former neglect. This is not a big issue, but it does raise
aversion. There is not much blame to this.
(The "father" refers to an ancestral spirit, in ancient Chinese ancestor worshipping.)

Line 4
Tolerating a father's corruption.
Proceed by seeing the inadequacy.

Meaning: There is negligence, and nothing is done to remedy the deterioration. Try to see what is wrong.
(The "father" refers to an ancestral spirit, in ancient Chinese ancestor worshipping.)

Line 5
Managing a father's corruption.
This needs straightening out.

Meaning: Managing the deterioration by correcting things.

(The "father" refers to an ancestral spirit, in ancient Chinese ancestor worshipping.)

Line 6
Not a matter of king and nobles,
but this matter is of high value.

Meaning: There is a matter of high importance to oneself, that however doesn't matter much to important
other parties.

45
 19. Approach

The hexagram text

Approach.
A foundation for progress.
It is beneficial to persist.
Arriving in the eighth month will bring misfortune.

Meaning: Approaching someone. This will help progress, it is a good idea to persevere. It's not so beneficial
if it happens prematurely, though.
(The eighth month refers to premature birth of a baby.)

Line 1
Sensitive approach.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Approaching with sensitivity to the other's feelings. Things will go well by persevering in this.

Line 2
Sensitive approach.
Good fortune, without disadvantage.

Meaning: Approaching with sensitivity to the other's feelings. This makes things go well, and doesn't have
any disadvantage.

46
 19. Approach

Line 3
Willing approach.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.
Being already worried about this is without fault.

Meaning: Approaching too easily, too willingly. This isn't going to work. It would be good if one is already
worried about that.

Line 4
Resulting in approach.
Without fault.

Meaning: This action will result in an approach. There is nothing wrong with it.

Line 5
Informed approach.
Proper for a great ruler.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Approaching in a situation where one is informed beforehand. This is appropriate for someone
in a leading position. Things go well.

Line 6
Friendly approach.
Good fortune.
Without fault.

Meaning: Approaching with friendliness. Things go well. It is not a mistake.

47
 20. Examining

The hexagram text

Examining.
Washed, but not offered.
There is confidence in discretion.

Meaning: Examining what is there, without doing anything. This cautious and unrevealing attitude makes
confidence possible.
(This is about a sacrificial offering, where the ritual consists of a washing and an offering.)

Line 1
Childlike observation.
For an ordinary person without fault,
but for the noble one inadequate.

Meaning: Observing in an immature way. This is not a problem for an ordinary person. If one has
responsibilities this is not adequate.

Line 2
Peeping observation.
Beneficial is the women's dedication.

Meaning: Observing in a limited way. One cannot adequately influence what one only sees half of, so it is
better to stay with what one can.

48
 20. Examining

Line 3
Examining my life advancing and retreating.

Meaning: Examining one's actions in life, what one does and doesn't do.

Line 4
Observing the appearance of the kingdom.
Beneficial and useful to be a guest of the king.

Meaning: Examining the social surroundings. For that, it helps to be invited by the leader.

Line 5
Examining my life.
The noble one is without fault.

Meaning: Examining oneself, in order to understand oneself and get rid of faults.

Line 6
Examining their life.
The noble one is without fault.

Meaning: Examining others in order to understand. This helps avoid wrong assumptions.

49
 21. Bite and Crack

The hexagram text

Bite and crack.
Progressing.
It is beneficial to do an investigation.

Meaning: Encountering something unexpected. It is good to investigate what it is. This is a situation of
progress.
(The hexagram name is about biting something, and then cracking it between the teeth, like one does with
seeds. With this there is a risk of forcefully biting on something that is very hard, or something decayed. So
one needs to investigate what one is biting on.)

Line 1
Learning to walk, covering the feet.
Without fault.

Meaning: Learning something for the first time. Nothing wrong with that.
(Covering the feet indicates a young child having the feet covered for the first time, after having been in a
bed with nothing on the feet.)

Line 2
Biting the skin, covering the nose.
Without fault.

Meaning: Immersing oneself into things, not taking time to sense what's there. It is no mistake to do this.
(Covering the nose indicates not being too careful with eating, so that one's nose gets into the food.)

50
 21. Bite and Crack

Line 3
Biting preserved meat,
encountering decay.
Slightly inadequate,
without fault.

Meaning: Being confronted with the consequences of neglect. There is no blame to this.

Line 4
Biting dried meat with bone,
getting a metal arrow.
Beneficial is laborious persistence.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Encountering something of value. One needs to work diligently on getting it. That will pay off,
though. Things go well.

Line 5
Biting dried meat,
getting yellow metal.
Persistence is dangerous.
Without fault.

Meaning: Encountering something valuable. If one is careful, one might recover it, but pushing too hard
can cause damage or injury. There is nothing wrong with this.
(The yellow metal found in the dried meat is probably an arrow from the hunt. One might recover it by
eating away the meat around it, but one must me careful not to bite too hard on the arrow itself.)

Line 6
What is there to learn with covered ears?
Misfortune.

Meaning: Not wanting to listen, being unable to take it in. One doesn't learn anything that way. This
blocks the unfolding of the situation, and makes things not go well.

51
 22. Beautifying

The hexagram text

Beautifying.
Progressing little.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.

Meaning: Making something beautiful. This makes for only little actual progress, as it isn't about what
actually matters. It is a good idea to have a goal for this.

Line 1
Making one's gait graceful.
Ten miles by carriage, yet going on foot.

Meaning: Doing something without any help or cutting corners, in order to grow in the process.

Line 2
Adorning his beard.

Meaning: Working on looking good.

52
 22. Beautifying

Line 3
Beautifully glistening.
Endless persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Something enticingly wonderful. It deserves endless persistence, and things will be going well.

Line 4
Beautiful snow-white.
A white horse with wings.
It is not enmity, but a love marriage.

Meaning: A haze of beauty. One doesn't want to do anything that might break the spell.

Line 5
Grace in an empty garden.
The roll of silk is a leftover.
A leftover is inadequate.
Eventually good fortune.

Meaning: Starting with only little. Things will eventually turn out well, though.
(A roll of silk was a bridegroom's gift at a betrothal rite.)

Line 6
Plain beauty.
Without fault.

Meaning: Being plain, simple and pure. This is sufficient ornamentation. Nothing wrong with that.

53
 23. Removal

The hexagram text

Removal.
It is a disadvantage to have a goal to move to.

Meaning: Removing something. Before this is done it is not practical to make plans.

Line 1
Removing the bed because of sufficiency.
Neglecting perseverance brings misfortune.

Meaning: Removing something because the situation is sufficient. It is important to follow through on this,
and not be negligent. Things won't go well if one doesn't.

Line 2
Removing the bed because of separation.
Neglecting perseverance brings misfortune.

Meaning: Removing something because there is a separation. It is important to follow through on this, and
not be negligent. Things won't go well if one doesn't.

54
 23. Removal

Line 3
Removing this.
Without fault.

Meaning: Breaking ties. This is not a mistake.

Line 4
Removing the bed because of superficiality.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Removing something because the situation isn't thorough enough. Things don't go well.

Line 5
A string of fish for pleasing the palace's people.
Without disadvantage.

Meaning: A gift in order to please someone. This is not a problem.

Line 6
Excellent fruit is uneaten.
The noble one obtains a wagon.
The ordinary person removes his hut.

Meaning: There is an excellent option to continue with, which hasn't been used yet. Taking that chance
allows one to get somewhere, not taking it means losing what one had.

55
 24. Return

The hexagram text

Return.
Progressing.
Going out and in without distress.
A friend arrives.
Without fault to,
instead of returning to one's path in seven days,
come back again.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.

Meaning: Returning early from what one was doing, for something better. There is nothing wrong with
this, and it shouldn't give any stress. There is still progress. It is a good idea to not lose sight of one's aims.

Line 1
Not far, and returning without respect.
Regret.
A source of good fortune.

Meaning: Deciding at an early stage that one doesn't want to continue, regretting to have set out. One goes
back, not respecting other's wishes to do continue. Returning helps things to go well.

Line 2
Put to rest and return.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Putting one's intention to rest and return. Things go well.

56
 24. Return

Line 3
Urgently returning,
danger.
Without fault.

Meaning: Some dangerous situation makes returning urgent. It's not wrong to do so.

Line 4
Targeted action,
returning by itself.

Meaning: Temporarily doing something else. When ready with that, one will naturally return to what one
was originally doing.

Line 5
Kindhearted return,
without aversion.

Meaning: Returning with no ill will, but with an attitude of friendliness. This is not out of aversion.

Line 6
Confused returning.
Misfortune,
this is a catastrophic blunder.
Using the mobilized army,
meant an eventual huge defeat.
This is regarded as misfortune for the ruler of one's state.
It results in that in ten years one is not able to go.

Meaning: Failure is forcing one to return. This is the result of an undertaking that was a big mistake. It'll
take quite some time to recover from this situation.

57
 25. Without Pretense

The hexagram text

Without pretense.
A foundation for progress.
It is beneficial to persist.
In fact, not being pure is a severe mistake.
It is a disadvantage to have a goal to move to.

Meaning: Being oneself, natural, without making an effort to appear different than one really is. This
makes real progress possible. It's beneficial to continue being this way. Not being thus is in fact a severe
mistake. Pursuing a goal may make it necessary to go against one's feelings, so this is a disadvantage to
being oneself.

Line 1
Being without pretense.
Going brings good fortune.

Meaning: Being natural, without pretending to be other than one really is. What one does will go well.

Line 2
Not plowing yields uncultivated land.
Thus, it is beneficial to have a goal to move to.

Meaning: Not taking action to make things happen, so nothing happens. It is better to work towards a
goal.

58
 25. Without Pretense

Line 3
Without pretense this is a catastrophe.
Someone tied up this ox.
A traveling man's gain,
is a village man's catastrophe.

Meaning: One person has an advantage from what is a loss to another. This is really unpleasant for the
latter.

Line 4
Persistence is possible.
Without fault.

Meaning: The situation allows for carrying on as intended. It is not a mistake.

Line 5
Without pretense this is distress,
but do not use a medicine to have happiness.

Meaning: Feeling really distressed. It is better not to try to make the feeling go away, as you would be
rejecting yourself. It's not possible to be happy when you reject yourself. Let nature take its course.

Line 6
Acting without pretense is a blunder.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.

Meaning: Acting upon one's feelings and impulses is a severe mistake. Better not do this, it doesn't help
one. It is better to just feel these feelings without acting them out.

59
 26. Major Restraint

The hexagram text

Major restraint.
It is beneficial to persist.
Not eating at home brings good fortune.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.

Meaning: Some major problem is holding things back. It is necessary to put quite a bit of time and effort
into doing something about it, to make things go well. Don't give up.

Line 1
There is danger.
It is better to stop.

Meaning: It is better to stop, as this is a dangerous situation.

Line 2
The axle mounts of the wagon are loose.

Meaning: It is not possible to move on, as a vital part of the situation is damaged.
(The axle mounts keep the axle in place, and thus the wheels.)

60
 26. Major Restraint

Line 3
Chasing a fine horse.
Beneficial is laborious persistence.
It is said to get used to operating a wagon.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.

Meaning: Pursuing a worthwhile person or situation. With this comes getting used to dealing with it, him
or her. Things may be difficult, but it's good to keep going on. It is a good idea to move forward according
to some kind of plan.

Line 4
A young bulls' shed.
A source of good fortune.

Meaning: Keeping something under control while it's in its early stage. Things will not go out of hand, and
will also be going well later.

Line 5
The tusks of a castrated swine.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Making something potentially dangerous harmless, by altering its nature. Things go well.

Line 6
What is natural?
This is a crossroads.
Progressing.

Meaning: One is at a crossroads, and has to make a choice as to what is in accordance with what one really
wants. Making that choice is real progress.

61
 27. Hunger

The hexagram text

Hunger.
Persistence brings good fortune.
Examine the hunger spontaneously seeking to fill the mouth.

Meaning: Being hungry for something, having a desire or need. Things go well by persevering. It is good to
examine what one spontaneously seeks to satisfy the desire. What is the actual desire? Does what you try to
satisfy your desire with, actually satisfy your desire?

Line 1
You do away with your spirit tortoise,
and gaze hungrily at me with your mouth open.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Not relying on your own insight, but desiring it from elsewhere. This doesn't go well.

Line 2
Hunger is at its top.
Rejecting the customary.
With an empty mouth, undertakings bring misfortune.

Meaning: Needing something a lot, but rejecting the usual way of getting it. This makes it hard to
undertake things.

62
 27. Hunger

Line 3
Rejecting hunger.
Persisting brings misfortune.
In ten years never useful.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.

Meaning: Not acknowledging one's desire. Going on with this makes things not go well. This can keep
going on for years, and it's really of no use.

Line 4
Hunger is at its top.
Good fortune.
The tiger observes, gazing, gazing,
chasing her desire, chasing.
Without fault.

Meaning: Having a great desire for something, so that it completely captures one's attention. One is
pursuing it intently. There is nothing wrong with this. Things go well.

Line 5
Rejecting the customary.
To persist staying put brings good fortune.
Not suitable for crossing the big river.

Meaning: Rejecting what's customary is undermining oneself. It's better to keep things as they are now, and
not take on the big undertaking that would be required to get away from the usual.

Line 6
Letting the hunger be.
Unpleasant, but good fortune.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.

Meaning: Allowing a desire to be there, with no immediate way to satisfy it. This may be unpleasant, but
things do go well. It is a good idea to make an effort to do something about it, and perhaps go someplace
else for that.

63
 28. Too Much

The hexagram text

Too much.
The roof-beam is sagging.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.
Progressing.

Meaning: Something is too much for this situation. One better make a plan to do something about it, and
make it more robust. There is progress.

Line 1
Mats made of white grass.
Without fault.

Meaning: Being careful. Nothing wrong with that.

Line 2
A withered willow producing new shoots.
An older man getting a woman to marry.
Without disadvantage.

Meaning: Fresh impulses to a deteriorated situation. There is no disadvantage to this.

(An older man can have children with a younger woman.)

64
 28. Too Much

Line 3
The roof-beam is sagging.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Something is too much for this situation. This is not going well.

Line 4
A thick roof-beam.
Good fortune.
There is a different inadequacy.

Meaning: The situation itself is sufficiently robust, things go well. There is however something else that is
not adequate.

Line 5
A withered willow producing flowers.
An older woman getting an officer to be her husband.
Without fault, without improvement.

Meaning: A temporary flowering up of a deteriorated situation. No real renewal or improvement takes

place, however there is nothing wrong with this.
(An older woman cannot have children any more, even if her husband is young.)

Line 6
Waded too far, immersed to the top of the head.
Misfortune.
Without fault.

Meaning: One has gotten into the dangerous situation too far, and is unfortunate. It is not one's fault.

65
 29. Abyss

The hexagram text

Getting accustomed to the abyss.
Have confidence and support your heart.
For progress, taking action has value.

Meaning: A situation that is unfamiliar and dangerous, that one needs to get into and get accustomed to.
Have confidence. Feeling fear is natural in this situation, try to get emotional support for this. Taking
action is needed in order to have progress.

Line 1
Getting accustomed to the abyss.
Entering into a cave in the abyss.
Misfortune.

Meaning: A situation that is unfamiliar and dangerous, that one needs to get into and get accustomed to.
One however gets in too deep, and things don't go well.

Line 2
The abyss has a defile.
Seek small gains.

Meaning: There is only little maneuverability in this situation. It is safer to not try to achieve too much.

66
 29. Abyss

Line 3
Arriving at an abyss.
The defile in the abyss is for the time being a headrest.
Entering into a cave in the abyss is of no use.

Meaning: While being in a dangerous situation, taking a rest and not act. It would be of no use to go even
further into the situation at this moment.

Line 4
Jugs of wine and a food bowl,
repeatedly using a bucket,
bringing these in, as agreed, through the window, eventually.
Without fault.

Meaning: Making a detour to avoid trouble. There is nothing wrong with this.

Line 5
The valley is not overflowing,
respecting the previous level.
Without fault.

Meaning: The situation is stabilizing, the danger is not getting worse any more. No mistake made.

Line 6
Tied with a good rope,
placed in thorn bushes.
For three years no gains.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Something is bound to an inaccessible place, so that it cannot be of advantage for a long time.
Things don't go well.

67
 30. Separating

The hexagram text

Separating.
It is beneficial to persist.
Progressing.
Keeping a cow brings good fortune.

Meaning: Separating from something. It is good to persevere with that, this is progress. It's a good idea to
invest for the future, to be able to handle the loss.

Line 1
Threading clumsily,
but nevertheless respectfully.
Without fault.

Meaning: There is some stumbling or misstepping, perhaps because of lack of experience. This however
happens in a spirit of respect. It is not to blame.

Line 2
Yellow radiance,
a source of good fortune.

Meaning: A new situation which helps things going well.

(This yellow radiance is sunshine.)

68
 30. Separating

Line 3
The sun moves to the West, it goes away.
No drumming on pots while singing,
thus a lot of old people's moaning.
Misfortune.

Meaning: The end of a period is coming near. There is a tendency to moan and complain, and not try to
make the best of it. Things don't go well.

Line 4
It comes suddenly.
It flames up,
dies down,
and is forgotten about.

Meaning: A short-lived event, with no lasting influence.

Line 5
Tears come out like heavy rain.
Sorrow and sighing.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Grieving over a heavy loss. Things go well, however.

Line 6
The king issues a ban.
Going is appreciated,
though the verdict is that the captured leader is not a bad person.
Without fault.

Meaning: Getting rid of someone (or something). It is not so that there is something wrong with this
person, but the situation is thus that it's better that way. Doing this is not to blame.

69
 31. Being Affected

The hexagram text

Being affected.
Progressing.
It is beneficial to persist.
To take a wife brings good fortune.

Meaning: Being affected. There is progress. It is good to persevere. Things will go well by establishing a
union with someone.

Line 1
Affecting the big toes.

Meaning: Being only affected little, not enough to actually start acting on it.

Line 2
Affecting the calves.
Misfortune.
Staying put brings good fortune.

Meaning: Not being called into action by a genuine influence, but just by anxiety or some impulse. Things
will not go well if one acts. It is better not to react to this and stay put. Things will go well then.

70
 31. Being Affected

Line 3
Affecting the groin.
Holding on to what is followed.
Leaving is inadequate.

Meaning: Being attracted and attached to someone (or something). It wouldn't be a good idea to go away.

Line 4
Persistence brings good fortune, aversion goes away.
Wishes, wishes, come and go.
Companions follow your intentions.

Meaning: Having wishes. By making a decision and sticking to it, people can actually go with what you
want. Then things will go well and aversion will go away.

Line 5
Affecting the back muscles,
without aversion.

Meaning: Being affected by something one can count on, and that one doesn't dislike.
(When the back muscles are activated, one's posture becomes more straight. This is a sign of being
energized.)

Line 6
Affecting the jaws, cheeks and tongue.

Meaning: Trying to influence others with superficial talk.

71
 32. Permanence

The hexagram text

Permanence.
Progressing.
Without fault.
It is beneficial to persist.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.

Meaning: A permanent situation. There is progress, and nothing is wrong with it. It is good to go on,
preferably according to some kind of plan.

Line 1
Digging for permanency.
Persisting brings misfortune.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.

Meaning: Trying to make a situation more permanent, while this isn't appropriate. If continued, things will
go bad. It really doesn't serve any good purpose.

Line 2
Aversion goes away.

Meaning: The aversion to the situation goes away, and one gets used to it.

72
 32. Permanence

Line 3
Not continuing this virtue.
Somebody bears this disgrace.
Persistence is inadequate.

Meaning: Some good thing is not continued. This will feel unpleasant. It is not adequate to discontinue it.

Line 4
A field without birds.

Meaning: There is nothing to be found here of what one is looking for.

Line 5
Continuing this virtue.
Dedication of a housewife to others brings good fortune,
of a husband to children misfortune.

Meaning: For continuing this good thing, it is necessary to stick to one's proper role. Putting too much
time in other things may result in neglect.
(This line reflects the traditional view that women need to care for people, and that men are not supposed
to care for the children. Nowadays it may be considered that a husband should actually put time into a
relationship with the children, this being part of his proper role.)

Line 6
Constantly astir.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Constantly being busy (like, for instance, talking a lot). This is not truly useful. Things don't go
well.

73
 33. Withdrawal

The hexagram text

Withdrawal.
Progressing.
Little benefit in persisting.

Meaning: Withdrawing from a situation. This is progress. There is little need to keep withdrawn.

Line 1
Withdrawing the tail from danger.
No use going to the goal that is there.

Meaning: Withdrawing partly, to get out of danger. In this situation it is not possible to achieve an aim, as
one is only partially involved.

Line 2
Holding it with the leather of a yellow ox.
In no way will it succeed in getting loose.

Meaning: One is holding on to something very strongly. It will not escape.

74
 33. Withdrawal

Line 3
Attached withdrawal.
There is distress and danger.
Restraining subjugation and submissiveness brings good fortune.

Meaning: Withdrawing from a person or situation one is attached to. This is painful and risky. By not
trying to control each other, or acting submissive, things go well. Respect each other, while being yourself.

Line 4
Preferred withdrawal.
For the noble one good fortune,
the ordinary person is obstructed.

Meaning: Withdrawing, while preferring to do so. This is good for the one withdrawing, but frustrating for
the other party.

Line 5
Appreciated withdrawal.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Withdrawing because it is appreciated by the other party. Things will go well by persevering in it.

Line 6
Fertile withdrawal.
Without disadvantage.

Meaning: Withdrawing creates a fertile situation. The withdrawal is not causing any problems.

75
 34. Much Force

The hexagram text

Much force.
It is beneficial to persist.

Meaning: Using force. Persistence helps this to be effective.

Line 1
Strength is in the feet.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
Have confidence.

Meaning: There is not enough of a foundation yet to set forth in this situation. Pushing ahead won't work.
Have patience.

Line 2
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Persevering patiently makes things turn out well.

76
 34. Much Force

Line 3
The ordinary person uses force,
the noble one does nothing.
Persistence is dangerous.
A ram butts against the fence,
entangling his horns.

Meaning: Trying to force things. This results in getting stuck or some kind of damage. It's better to step
back and not do anything just now.

Line 4
Persistence brings good fortune.
Aversion goes away.
The fence breaks, disentangling.
Force is on the axle mounts of a big wagon.

Meaning: Managing to solve the problem by using force. Things go well if one perseveres. Aversion to the
situation will go away. The weakest link will break, and one is not stuck anymore.

Line 5
Losing the goat in the process.
Without aversion.

Meaning: While forcing the situation to try to save the object, one loses it. One will get used to the loss.

Line 6
A ram butts against the fence.
It is unable to move back,
it is unable to go through.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.
Difficult and thus good fortune.

Meaning: By trying to force things, one has gotten stuck. One is unable to move on or to go back. The
difficulty forces one to take a different, more careful approach. This different approach helps other things
later on to go better as well.

77
 35. Progress

The hexagram text

Progress.
The Marquis of Kang made use of given horses.
They multiplied to a great number.
Every day they mated three times during the daytime.

Meaning: Progressing by making effective use of opportunities.

(The Marquis let the horses he was given mate as often as possible, in order to have a lot of offspring.)

Line 1
Progress destroyed.
Persistence brings good fortune.
Trust nothing leniently.
Without fault.

Meaning: The progress one had is undone. Things will go well by persevering. Don't easily trust that
anything will go right. There is no fault.

Line 2
Progressing, but worried.
Persistence brings good fortune,
endure this now.
A great blessing from our Royal Mother.

Meaning: Being worried about the progress being made. Progress is possible by enduring what is
happening, taking it as a challenge. This helps one grow. One needs to hold on for things to go well.
(One can see this "Royal Mother" as some kind of goddess, who is offering a task to complete, in order to
have you learn something of great value.)

78
 35. Progress

Line 3
All consent.
Aversion goes away.

Meaning: All are in accord now, making progress possible.

Line 4
Progressing like a Five Skills Rat.
Persistence is dangerous.

Meaning: Trying to progress without the ability to do everything that is needed. Going on may get one into
trouble.
(It is said of the Five Skills Rat, that:
It can fly, but it cannot go past a roof,
It can climb, but it cannot do an entire tree,
It can swim, but it cannot cross a ditch,
It can dig, but it cannot conceal its body,
It can run, but it cannot before a man.)

Line 5
Aversion goes away.
Do not worry about loss and gain.
Going brings good fortune,
without disadvantage.

Meaning: Do not hesitate and worry about what will be gained and what will be lost, as everything will be
alright. Doing this brings no problems.

Line 6
Progressing with one's horns,
used only to reprove the city.
Danger.
Good fortune,
without fault.
Persistence is inadequate.

Meaning: Being aggressive to reprove someone. This is dangerous, but things go well. It is not a mistake if
done just once. But going on with this is not a good idea.

79
 36. Wounded Brightness

The hexagram text

Wounded brightness.
Beneficial is laborious persistence.

Meaning: Being weakened. It is good to work diligently on the situation.

(The brightness is the light of consciousness, one's aliveness, one's energy. It being injured means that one's
aliveness is diminished, one is being weakened.)

Line 1
Wounded brightness during flight,
lowering its wings.
The noble one on a journey,
for three days does not eat.
There is a place to go to.
The master and the people have a talk.

Meaning: Being weakened in the course of pursuing a goal. One is giving up necessities in order to put as
much of one's energy and resources as possible into the pursuit. It is a good idea to discuss the situation
with those involved.

Line 2
Wounded brightness,
injured in the left thigh.
Using a horse for rescue.
Strength brings good fortune.

Meaning: Being hurt and getting saved. If one is strong, things go well.

80
 36. Wounded Brightness

Line 3
Wounded brightness at the winter hunt in the South.
Getting a great start.
It is not possible to be fast and dedicated.

Meaning: Despite having a good start, things go slowly. It is not possible to speed things up.

Line 4
Being penetrated in the left of the belly.
Getting wounded brightness of his heart,
by leaving through the gate of the courtyard.

Meaning: Being hurt and demoralized, one leaves the situation.

(It is an arrow that has penetrated in the left of the belly.)

Line 5
Viscount of Ji's hidden brightness.
It is beneficial to persist.

Meaning: Tactfully feigning ignorance, in order to avoid being hurt by someone. It is a good idea to
continue to do that.
(The viscount of Ji feigned madness, in order to escape the abuses of a king.)

Line 6
Not brightness, but darkness.
At first ascending to heaven,
then going into the earth.

Meaning: Things seemed so bright at the start, but are turning unlucky.

81
 37. Family Members

The hexagram text

Family members.
Beneficial is the women's dedication.

Meaning: People are there for each other.

Line 1
Familiar is the home.
Aversion goes away.

Meaning: Being at home, in a familiar environment. Aversion goes away.

Line 2
Without a goal to achieve,
being within, offering food.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Providing care, not going out pursuing goals. Things go well by keeping doing this.

82
 37. Family Members

Line 3
Family members scolding, scolding.
aversion from harshness brings good fortune.
Woman and child giggling, giggling,
is eventually inadequate.

Meaning: It's not good to scold each other, it is better to avoid being harsh. But constantly giggling with
each other isn't good either, this will not help things to get going. Both inhibit real communication.

Line 4
Enriching the family.
Much good fortune.

Meaning: Providing support to each other. Things go very well.

Line 5
The king grants there to be a house.
Do not worry.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Finding one's place. There is no need to worry, things go well.

Line 6
There is trust and dignity.
Eventually good fortune.

Meaning: Trusting authority. This eventually makes things go well.

83
 38. Estranged

The hexagram text

Estranged.
In small matters, good fortune.

Meaning: Being estranged from someone, there is a sense of being separated. Things that are not too
important will go well.

Line 1
Aversion goes away.
The lost horse didn't run away by itself again.
See the dislike.
The other is without fault.

Meaning: The other person doesn't want to be with one. Try to see what the other dislikes, as this other
person isn't wrong here. One will get used to the situation.

Line 2
Meeting a master in the street.
Without fault.

Meaning: The other person is on this occasion in a position of power. Nothing wrong with that.

84
 38. Estranged

Line 3
Seeing a wagon being dragged,
its ox held back,
its man has a branded forehead and even a cut off nose.
Without beginning it ends.

Meaning: Being traumatized. There is past hurt that is now holding one back.

Line 4
Estranged and alone.
Associating in trust with the first man one meets.
Dangerous, without fault.

Meaning: Feeling isolated and estranged, and associating with the first person one meets in order to be able
to deal with the situation. One doesn't have much of a choice, one has to trust this person. This is
somewhat risky, but not a mistake.

Line 5
Aversion goes away.
The chief bows deeply and bites the skin.
Going forward, how is it wrong?

Meaning: The other is lowering himself making a first step to bridge the differences. Why not make a step
yourself? This will help the unpleasant tension going away.

Line 6
Alienated and alone.
Seeing a swine covered with mud being carried,
a demon was first in the cart.
First he draws his bow,
then he loosens his bow.
It is not enmity, but a love marriage.
Go and meet the rain,
and thus good fortune.

Meaning: Through a misunderstanding one sees the other negatively. This makes one feel separated and
alienated from the other. By looking at the situation again, or talking to the other, the misunderstanding
will be resolved, and things will go well.

85
 39. Trouble

The hexagram text

Trouble.
Beneficial is the southwest,
not beneficial is the northeast.
It is beneficial to see a senior person.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: There is trouble. It is beneficial to have partners and allies, and avoid people who have different
interests. Some advice or help might get one through. Things will go well if one perseveres.
(At the original place and time of the Yijing, allies were in the southwest, territory they wanted to conquer
was in the northeast.)

Line 1
Going through trouble,
arriving at improvement.

Meaning: Going through this trouble helps improving the situation.

Line 2
The king's official causes trouble.
The trouble is not his personal intention.

Meaning: Being given trouble by someone. This is not on purpose.

86
 39. Trouble

Line 3
Going through trouble,
arriving at reversal.

Meaning: Going through trouble to reverse the situation.

Line 4
Going through trouble,
arriving at continuation.

Meaning: Going through this trouble makes it possible to go on.

Line 5
Being in big trouble,
friends arrive.

Meaning: Friends come and help, because one is in deep trouble.

Line 6
Going through trouble,
arriving at growth.
Good fortune.
It is beneficial to see a senior person.

Meaning: Going through this trouble makes growth possible. Things go well. It is a good idea to get some
kind of help and advice with this.

87
 40. Release

The hexagram text

Release.
Beneficial is the southwest.
Without a situation to go to,
coming back brings good fortune.
If one does need to go somewhere,
doing it early in the morning brings good fortune.

Meaning: It is good to let go of what one was doing, and return to the normal situation. It is beneficial to
have partners and allies. If something still needs to happen, it is wise to do that on a short term.
(At the original place and time of the Yijing, allies were in the southwest.)

Line 1
Without fault.

Meaning: There is no mistake. Seeing something as a mistake, while it isn't one, keeps one unnecessarily
restrained.

Line 2
Catching three foxes while hunting,
getting a yellow arrow.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: Removing deceptive obstacles. This will pay off to clear the way. Going on will make things go
well.
(The foxes symbolize trickery and deception, taking them out thus makes things clear and clears the way. A
yellow arrow is one made of bronze. It flies more straight than ordinary arrows, which is symbolizing the
ability to go straight towards one's goals.)

88
 40. Release

Line 3
Carrying a burden and also riding,
brings one in enemies' reach.
Persistence is inadequate.

Meaning: Having something valuable in display, and needing one's attention for something else, like
keeping one's eyes on the road. This can attract the desires of others, who may not be of good will. One
might get robbed of it, so it is unwise to try to continue this way. It is better to find a safer way.

Line 4
Releasing also the thumbs.
The companionship attained that way is trustworthy.

Meaning: Letting go of the last bit of one's initial attitude of mistrust.

(This is about releasing one's thumbs from a bow. One has felt threatened by people and raised bows in
defense. When seeing the first signs of the situation not being threatening the bows are lowered. With
complete trust one also releases the thumbs from the bow strings.)

Line 5
The noble one being bound, is released.
Good fortune.
Have confidence in the ordinary person.

Meaning: Being tied to something, then being released. Things go well now. Having confidence in others
will make one open to support.

Line 6
The duke shoots a hawk at the top of the high castle wall.
He catches it.
Without disadvantage.

Meaning: Succeeding at eliminating a possible threat, who was taking a position at a hard to overcome
distance, able to oversee everything. This does not lead to any problems.
(The hawk, as a bird of prey, is a threat to the small livestock between the castle walls, but also to the
people. There will probably be chickens, pigeons perhaps. The duke, as leader of the castle, is responsible
for safety of people and livestock. He therefore skillfully shoots the hawk.)

89
 41. Reduction

The hexagram text

Reduction.
Have confidence,
it is a source of good fortune.
Without fault,
it allows for persistence.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.
How to do this?
Two bamboo bowls are suitable to be used for sacrifice.

Meaning: There is a reduction of something. It is not a real problem, one can use this situation to one's
advantage and go on. It's a good idea to have a plan. One can well do with something more simple.

Line 1
Finishing matters, proceeding hurriedly.
Without fault.
Consider diminishing them.

Meaning: Finishing what one is working on in a hurry, in order to be able to move on. Nothing wrong with
that. Perhaps one can diminish the amount of work in some way.

Line 2
It is beneficial to persist.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
It does no harm to benefit the other.

Meaning: Doing something for someone. This doesn't cause a disadvantage to oneself, it is good to go on
with this. Starting something else will make things not go well.

90
 41. Reduction

Line 3
Three people walking,
lose one person.
One person walking, however,
gets a friend.

Meaning: With three people together, one of them is likely to get outside the group. A person alone will
likely find a friend.

Line 4
Reducing one's speed,
lets one quickly be glad.
Without fault.

Meaning: Going more slowly makes things go more pleasurable. There is no need for hurry.

Line 5
Someone is benefiting one.
Ten pairs of such tortoise oracles cannot be disregarded.
A source of good fortune.

Meaning: Someone is doing something for one. One is in a very advantageous position, which was
probably already clear. This will be a continuing source of good things.
(Tortoise shell oracles used to be done in pairs. Two questions were asked: one to have the oracle comment
on doing something, the other for it to comment on not doing it. Lots of oracles about the situation have
apparently been positive here.)

Line 6
It does no harm to benefit the other.
Without fault.
Persistence brings good fortune.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.
Gaining service,
lacking a home.

Meaning: Being of service to someone. There is nothing wrong with that, things go well by going on with
it. It's a good idea to have a plan. One cannot do this in one's own place.

91
 42. Benefiting

The hexagram text

Benefiting.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.

Meaning: Benefiting from the situation. It's a good idea to have a plan for undertaking something, to make
good use of the opportunity.

Line 1
Advantageous for performing big works.
A source of good fortune,
without fault.

Meaning: The situation is advantageous for taking on big things. This will provide future benefit. It is not
wrong to do so.

Line 2
Someone is benefiting one.
Ten pairs of such tortoise oracles cannot be disregarded.
Endless persistence brings good fortune.
The king presents offerings to the deity.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Someone is doing something for one. One is in a very advantageous position, which was
probably already clear. There is no reason at all to give up. Showing appreciation is in order. Things go
well.
(Tortoise shell oracles used to be done in pairs. Two questions were asked: one to have the oracle comment
on doing something, the other for it to comment on not doing it. Lots of oracles about the situation have
apparently been positive here.)

92
 42. Benefiting

Line 3
A benefit from making use of an unfortunate affair.
Without fault.
Have confidence in targeted action.
Speak openly, being upright.

Meaning: Benefiting by making use of something that is unfortunate for someone else. There is nothing
wrong with this if one is open and honorable about it. One can confidently go for it.

Line 4
Targeted action,
speaking openly,
and compliance,
are beneficial so as to handle reliably
the moving of the capital city.

Meaning: Moving someplace else. To help things go reliably, it is a good idea to really go for it, inform
everyone involved openly, and to comply with regulations.

Line 5
Having confidence in a compassionate heart.
One shouldn't question this, it is a source of good fortune.
Having confidence in compassion is my virtue.

Meaning: Being compassionate and kind. This is a beneficial state, that helps a lot in matters with people.
Trust it, there really is no need to question it.

Line 6
In no way benefiting this.
Someone assaults him.
Stubbornness should not endure.
Misfortune.

Meaning: One is not in any way benefiting the situation. Others are probably irritated by this. It is not a
good idea to stubbornly persist in this attitude. Things don't go well.

93
 43. Deciding

The hexagram text

Deciding.
Making it known at the king's court.
Crying out the truth is dangerous.
Telling the city oneself,
it is a disadvantage to be close to battle.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.

Meaning: A decision. To inform others about the decision, it is best to tell key people first. It is not a good
idea to bluntly tell the truth, or to get aggressive about this. Having a positive purpose in mind will work
better. It is good to have a plan.

Line 1
Strength is from prior steps.
Going is unsuccessful,
it turns into a mistake.

Meaning: To have the force to succeed one needs to have worked through preparatory steps. Just starting
something doesn't mean that one will succeed. Doing that will turn out to be a mistake.

Line 2
A cry of alarm.
There will not be a battle at night,
do not worry.

Meaning: Being alarmed, as one seems to be attacked. There is no reason to fight now, though. No need to
worry about that.

94
 43. Deciding

Line 3
Forcefulness in the cheekbones,
having misfortune.
The noble one decides.
He decides to walk out alone in the rain and be drenched.
He is indignant.
Without fault.

Meaning: Being treated cruelly and resolutely walking away from this angering situation, being indignant.
One endures any discomfort this brings with it, such as being alone, or walking in the rain. No need to feel
guilty about this.
('Forcefulness in the cheekbones' is a Chinese expression for being pushy and hard.)

Line 4
There is no skin on the buttocks,
the journey is about to be halted.
Leading a sheep,
aversion goes away.
Words are heard, but not believed.

Meaning: Making a clear gesture of surrender, to stop being attacked or punished. Just saying that one
surrenders may not be enough to be trusted. The aversion to surrendering will go away.
(Having no skin on the buttocks is a result of punishment. Leading a sheep by hand used to be a gesture of
surrender for a besieged city.)

Line 5
Amaranth on the land,
decide, decide!
Targeted action is without fault.

Meaning: Encountering something of value in an unusual place and needing to decide whether to take it or
not. There is nothing wrong with going for it.
(Amaranth is also called Chinese spinach. Both the leaves and the small seeds are edible.)

Line 6
Without calling out.
Eventually misfortune occurs.

Meaning: Not trying to get help. This will result in the problem not getting solved, and things going wrong
at one time or another.

95
 44. Providing

The hexagram text

Providing.
The woman is strong.
No use to marry the woman.

Meaning: For the provision of something one is dependent on someone in a strong position. One cannot
win this person over to one's own side.

Line 1
Fastened to a firm Ni tree.
Persistence brings good fortune,
have a goal to move to.
Notice misfortune:
An entangled swine is sure to step around and trample.

Meaning: Having someone in a dependent position. Things go well by continuing if there is a good reason
for it. Because of the dependency, there is a responsibility for the well-being of this person. If the situation
does turn bad for the person, he or she will, within the limitations that are there, try to do something about
it.
(The Ni tree has very hard wood. So what is being fastened to it is securely tied. The swine, if gotten
entangled in the rope with which it is bound, will panic. It will move around wildly, entangling itself more
in the process. So one has a responsibility to keep an eye on things being okay.)

Line 2
There is fish in the surroundings.
Without fault to not benefit guests.

Meaning: There is something useful available. It is not wrong to not let others benefit from it.

96
 44. Providing

Line 3
There is no skin on the buttocks,
the journey is about to be halted.
It is unpleasant.
Without much blame.

Meaning: Being incapacitated one cannot proceed efficiently. This is unpleasant. One is not entirely to
blame for this.
(Having no skin on the buttocks is a result of punishment.)

Line 4
There is no fish in the surroundings.
Emerging misfortune.

Meaning: Something is not available. As time passes, the problems this raises will get worse.

Line 5
The melons are concealed by willow trees.
The story that fell from heaven is kept to oneself.

Meaning: Something useful is kept hidden, in order to have it for oneself.

Line 6
Providing the horns.
Inadequate,
without fault.

Meaning: Only part of what is needed is provided. It is not adequate, but not a mistake either.

97
 45. Meeting

The hexagram text

Meeting.
Progressing.
The king grants there to be a temple.
It is beneficial to see a senior person.
To progress, it is beneficial to persist.
Using large sacrificial animals brings good fortune.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.

Meaning: A meeting. There is a communal space for it. There is progress. It is good to get help or advice.
For progress it is necessary to persevere. The group needs to be sustained. It's a good idea to have a
common goal to move towards.

Line 1
Have confidence, it does not end.
If there is agitation, then a group seems to be shouting.
Each handshake turns into a smile.
Do not worry,
going forward is without fault.

Meaning: When a group is agitated, it may seem intimidating. But addressing the issue and shaking hands
will ease the situation. There is no need to worry, the connection will not be ended. It is no mistake to go
forward and address the issue.

Line 2
Pulling.
Good fortune, without fault.
Confidence is a priority.
It is beneficial to bring a summer sacrifice.

Meaning: Pulling, trying to make things go right. This is not a mistake, things go well. It is important that
one gets confidence in the situation. Therefore it is a good idea to do something extra.
(The summer sacrifice was one in which flute music was used. It was associated with joy.)

98
 45. Meeting

Line 3
Meeting and sighing.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.
Leaving is without fault,
though somewhat inadequate.

Meaning: Things don't really work out, and this is making each feel frustrated. It wouldn't be wrong to
leave the situation, though that wouldn't be a satisfying option.

Line 4
Much good fortune.
Without fault.

Meaning: Things go extremely well. There is nothing wrong.

Line 5
The group is in place.
Without fault.
It is not that the trust of the first day will always persist.
Aversion goes away.

Meaning: A group has been formed. There is nothing wrong. Keep in mind that the trust that is there at
first may not always be there. Initial aversion will be forgotten when one has gotten used to the situation.

Line 6
Uttering sighs, snot and tears.
Without fault.

Meaning: Expressing frustration and sadness. Nothing wrong with that.

99
 46. Advancing

The hexagram text

Advancing.
A foundation for progress.
It is useful to see a senior person.
Do not worry,
going South brings good fortune.

Meaning: Advancing. This situation helps progress. It is useful to get the help of someone who is
knowledgeable and experienced. There is no need to worry, things will go well.

Line 1
Advancing with consent,
much good fortune.

Meaning: Being welcomed to advance. This makes things go very well.

Line 2
Confidence is a priority.
It is beneficial to bring a summer sacrifice.
Without fault.

Meaning: It is important that the situation is such that one can trust it. It is therefore a good idea to do
something extra. This is not a mistake.
(The summer sacrifice was one in which flute music was used. It was associated with joy.)

100
 46. Advancing

Line 3
Advancing in an empty town.

Meaning: Advancing without meeting with resistance. However, this is towards something that isn't of
much value.

Line 4
The king brings offerings at Mount Qi.
Good fortune,
without fault.

Meaning: The goal of the advancement is attained. Things go well, nothing is wrong.

Line 5
Persistence brings good fortune,
advancing by steps.

Meaning: Advancing step by step. By persevering things will go well.

Line 6
Advancing in darkness.
Benefit is in not ceasing this.
Persist.

Meaning: Advancing while things aren't clear at all. Don't give up, keep going on.

101
 47. Confined

The hexagram text

Confined.
Progressing.
Persistence of a senior person brings good fortune.
Without fault.
There are words that are not honest.

Meaning: Being confined. There is progress. An experienced person can turn this situation into good
fortune. There was no mistake. This being entrapped will make one not be entirely honest to try to get out.

Line 1
Buttocks confined to a tree stump.
Going into a gloomy valley.
For three years not seen.

Meaning: Being depressed. Having a tendency to do nothing, think gloomy thoughts and stay away from
people.
("Buttocks confined to a tree stump" means sitting on a tree stump, and not leaving that spot, feeling that
that is impossible to do.)

Line 2
Confined to wine and food.
A scarlet ceremonial dress has just arrived.
It is beneficial to make a ritual sacrifice.
Undertakings bring misfortune,
without fault.

Meaning: Focussing on only pleasurable things. It is better to take on a more responsible attitude, and not
neglect more important things. This is not the time to undertake something new. One is not to blame.
(The scarlet ceremonial dress is needed for the ritual sacrifice.)

102
 47. Confined

Line 3
Closed in by rocks.
Pulling away thorns and thistles,
to go into his house.
He does not see his wife.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Being unpleasantly closed in by the situation, which is severely limiting. Things don't go well.
(This is about rocks that have fallen onto the house in an avalanche. Thorns and thistles are in the way
because they have come with the rocks. The wife might be somewhere underneath.)

Line 4
He arrives slowly, slowly,
confined in a metal carriage.
It is inadequate,
but it will end.

Meaning: Things proceed very slowly, as one is confined to one's limiting situation. Things don't go
adequately, but will come to a conclusion.

Line 5
Nose cut off, feet cut off.
Confined in a red ceremonial dress.
Then relief, there is freedom.
It is beneficial to offer sacrifices in worship.

Meaning: Being released from a situation where one is severely limited and oppressed.

Line 6
Confined by dolichos creepers.
In tottering is discomfort.
It is said that trembling is dislike.
There is aversion.
Going brings good fortune.

Meaning: Being entangled in an unpleasant situation, feeling uncomfortable. It may be a good idea to go
away for a while.
(Dolichos creepers tend to grow all around trees and fences, sort of entangling everything.)

103
 48. The Well

The hexagram text

The well.
The town renews, the well is not renewed,
but there is no loss, and there is no gain.
Coming and going, drawing from the well.
Being dried-up completely,
or not yet having a well-rope,
or a jug that is stuck in the well,
means misfortune.

Meaning: A resource. Usually it is constantly there, not changing when all else does, while its output
remains constant. One draws from it again and again. It can become unavailable, though, by running out,
or getting unreachable or blocked.
(A well was situated central to eight square pieces of land with different owners. It was used jointly by all
these eight households.)

Line 1
A well's mud one cannot drink.
This old well is without any birds.

Meaning: An old and neglected source that hasn't been maintained. It's not of any use anymore.

Line 2
At the well in the valley one shoots crucian carp.
The jug is worn-out and leaks.

Meaning: An old and worn-out source. It's of little use for what it was intended for, and is used for
something else.

104
 48. The Well

Line 3
The well has been cleared out, but is not drunk from.
It makes my heart ache,
as it could be used to draw water from.
The king understanding equals receiving its blessing.

Meaning: A valuable resource that is not being used. Being aware of the resource would mean being able to
put it to good use.

Line 4
The well is being tiled.
Without fault.

Meaning: The source is being restored so that it will be useful again. Nothing wrong with that.

Line 5
In the well there is a clear, cold spring for drinking.

Meaning: A valuable and useful source.

Line 6
The well receives.
Do not cover it,
have trust.
It is a source of good fortune.

Meaning: Someone (or something) who is used to providing now needs to take in. Like a teacher who now
needs to listen and learn, someone who usually nurtures who now needs to be nurtured, or a giver who
needs to receive. There may be a tendency to resist this, but it shouldn't be resisted. Trusting that things
will be all right if one lets this, will allow for replenishment of the source.

105
 49. Change

The hexagram text

Change.
When the day is over, there will be confidence.
A foundation for progress.
It is beneficial to persist.
Aversion goes away.

Meaning: There is a change. It takes some time to adjust, but then it'll be clear that things have changed for
the better. Just hold on. Initial aversion to it will go away.

Line 1
Fastened using the leather of a yellow ox.

Meaning: Things are too fixed to change them.

Line 2
When the day is over, change is arrived at.
Going brings good fortune.
Without fault.

Meaning: It takes some time before the change is happening. Things go well by going forward with this, it
is not a mistake.

106
 49. Change

Line 3
Undertakings bring misfortune,
persistence is dangerous.
When there has been talk of change three times,
there will be trust.

Meaning: One must not be too hasty applying change, or things will go wrong. One must convince people
whose cooperation one needs first. This may take a couple of times.

Line 4
Aversion goes away.
There is trust in the change of command.
Good fortune.

Meaning: There is sufficient trust in the changed rules and the way things are ruled. Initial resistance will
go away. Things go well.

Line 5
A senior person's tiger transformation.
It is not yet occupied.
Have confidence.

Meaning: A transformation that requires braveness, strength and experience. One isn't there yet. Have
confidence.

Line 6
A noble one's leopard transformation.
Ordinary people change face.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
To persist staying put brings good fortune.

Meaning: Going through a substantial transformation. Other people accommodate this change somewhat.
This is not the right moment to undertake things, as the change isn't settled yet. Things go well if one
persists in one's position.

107
 50. The Caldron

The hexagram text

The caldron.
A source of good fortune.
Progressing.

Meaning: A situation where a transformation takes place. It may be spiritual transformation, or some other
learning process that's beneficial for one's soul. This transformation helps things to go better in the future.
There is progress.

Line 1
A caldron with its legs turned up,
beneficial to expel clogged stuff.
Getting a maid for one's child.
Without fault.

Meaning: Making room for a transformation. One can remove the old and useless to make space, or free
time and resources by letting someone (or something) else do things. There is nothing wrong with this.

Line 2
The caldron is filled.
My partner is sick, I am not.
Being able to go to eat brings good fortune.

Meaning: The results of a transformation are available. One must however be in a state to use them, in
order to reap the benefits.
(When you're sick, you may not be able to eat.)

108
 50. The Caldron

Line 3
An ear of the caldron breaks off,
so that one is stopped from moving it.
The fat pheasant is not eaten.
Right then the rain wanes.
Aversion, but eventually good fortune.

Meaning: There is a problem that stops one from moving the result of the transformation to where it is
needed. Things will go well again, this situation is just a temporary setback.

Line 4
A leg of the caldron gets bent.
The duke's meal is spilled,
and he gets wet.
Misfortune.

Meaning: There is a problem so that the results of the transformational work are wasted. On top of that, it
also causes further trouble. Things are not going well.

Line 5
The caldron has yellow ears and metal carrying rings.
It is beneficial to persist.

Meaning: The situation is in a good condition, the results of the transformational work are ready to be
moved to where they are needed. It's good to go on this way.

Line 6
The caldron has jade carrying rings.
Much good fortune.
Without disadvantage.

Meaning: The situation is in an excellent condition, the results of the transformational work are ready to
be moved to where they are needed. This will have a lasting influence. Things are going very well. There is
no disadvantage to this.

109
 51. Shock

The hexagram text

Shock.
Progressing.
A shock comes, fright, fright!
Laughing and talking, ha, ha!
The shock startled in a hundred li,
but one did not lose the sacrificial wine in the ladle.

Meaning: There is a shock that has a lot of impact. Although one is alarmed by the shock, there is no real
harm done. When it's over one might even look back and make fun of it. Notwithstanding its force one
does not allow it to break one's concentration.
(100 li is about 40 kilometer or 25 miles.)

Line 1
A shock comes, fright, fright!
Afterwards there is laughing and talking, ha, ha.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Although one is alarmed by something shocking, there is no real harm done, and things go well.
One might even look back and make fun of it.

Line 2
A shock comes.
Danger.
Counting the lost valuables,
one goes up the Nine Hills.
One should not run after them,
in seven days they are regained.

Meaning: There is a dangerous shock that results in losses. One must bring oneself to safety, and don't
bother with these losses for the time being. When all is over, one will get everything back.

110
 51. Shock

Line 3
A shock, alert, alert!
Be startled into action, without blundering.

Meaning: Being shocked and alerted. One needs to take immediate action, and not make mistakes.

Line 4
The shock penetrates in mud.

Meaning: There is a shock, but its effect is smothered.

Line 5
Shocks come and go.
Danger.
One counts no losses,
but there is work to do.

Meaning: There are several dangerous shocks. Nothing is lost really, though the mess needs to be cleaned
up.

Line 6
Shocks, recover, recover!
Looking, wide-eyed, wide-eyed!
Undertakings bring misfortune.
The shocks are not in one's body,
but are in one's neighborhood.
There is no blame in the love marriage.
Have talks.

Meaning: There are shocks in one's vicinity, but they don't hit oneself. It is natural to be scared and watch
out for further trouble. One does need to recover from this. It is not yet the right time to start undertaking
things, things aren't safe yet. One shouldn't blame people who are near, everyone is just disoriented. It is
good to discuss the situation.

111
 52. Keeping Still

The hexagram text

Keeping one's back still,
uncaught is one's self.
Walking in the courtyard,
not paying attention to the people.
Without fault.

Meaning: Not doing something, being unmovable. One does not allow oneself to be influenced by others.
This is not a mistake.

Line 1
Keeping the feet still.
Without fault.
It is beneficial to endlessly persist.

Meaning: Not yet taking action. It is not wrong to do so. It is a good idea to keep persisting until things can
work out.

Line 2
Keeping the calves still.
One doesn't accept this.
Following one's intention is unpleasant.

Meaning: Going along with one's original intention would get one into an unpleasant situation. One
doesn't accept this, and holds back. This holding back gives a muscular tension in the calves and Achilles
tendons.

112
 52. Keeping Still

Line 3
Stopping at one's boundaries,
prioritizing one's cautiousness.
Danger heats the heart.

Meaning: Making caution a priority, and thus restricting oneself. The danger makes one nervous.

Line 4
Keeping oneself still.
Without fault.

Meaning: Not acting. This is not a mistake.

Line 5
Keeping the cheeks still,
so that one's speech is orderly.
Aversion goes away.

Meaning: Being reserved, so as to speak carefully. One's aversion to this will go away.

Line 6
Kindhearted restraint.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Something is held back, but not out of ill will. There is a friendly attitude. Things go well.

113
 53. Gradual Development

The hexagram text

Gradual development.
The woman marries.
Good fortune.
It is beneficial to persist.

Meaning: A gradual development is taking place. Things go well. It's good to persevere.
(The woman marrying refers to the gradual development that led to the actual marriage of a woman in the
times of the Yijing.)

Line 1
The geese gradually advance to the shore.
The little child is in danger.
Have a talk.
Without fault.

Meaning: Being at the beginning of a gradual development. As a beginner it is easy to run into trouble. As
that is to be expected, there is no blame. It is a good idea to talk about the situation with the people
concerned.

Line 2
The geese gradually advance to the cliffs.
Eating and drinking, glad, glad.
Good fortune.

Meaning: The gradual development is at a stage where it feels like reaching solid ground. This makes the
situation pleasurable, and one can use it to gain strength. Things go well.

114
 53. Gradual Development

Line 3
The geese gradually advance to the plateau.
A husband goes on a journey but does not return.
A wife gets pregnant but does not give birth.
Misfortune.
Better guard against robbers.

Meaning: The development that there was is being ruined. Things don't go well. This makes one
vulnerable, one needs to protect oneself against being taken advantage of.

Line 4
The geese gradually advance to the trees.
Some will find a flat branch.
Without fault.

Meaning: Being temporarily in an unusual situation, that one needs to deal with in a provisional manner.
Nothing wrong with that.

Line 5
The geese gradually advance to the grave mounds.
A wife for the third year doesn't get pregnant.
Eventually this in no way vanquishes good fortune.

Meaning: One doesn't reach a certain goal that one has worked towards. This however doesn't imply not
doing well in other aspects of life.

Line 6
The geese gradually advance to the plateau.
Their feathers are suitable for use at rituals.
Good fortune.

Meaning: The development reaches its completion and bears its fruit. Things go well.

115
 54. Marrying Younger Sister

The hexagram text

A younger sister marries.
Undertakings bring misfortune.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.

Meaning: Not being in a position to make things happen one's own way. Trying to anyway will only bring
trouble, it won't work.

Line 1
A younger sister marrying as a second wife.
A cripple is able to walk.
Going brings good fortune.

Meaning: Making the best of an inferior position. While there's a lot one cannot do, one still can do
something, and that does go well.

Line 2
Someone with one eye is able to see.
Beneficial is the indistinct person's persistence.

Meaning: One is not able to see everything, and isn't being seen much oneself. It is a good idea to persevere
anyway.

116
 54. Marrying Younger Sister

Line 3
A younger sister marrying because she must.
Opposing a marriage to be a second wife.

Meaning: Opposing being forced into an inferior position.

Line 4
The marriage of the younger sister is overdue.
Delaying the marriage.
There is time.

Meaning: One is already too late for something, and has to delay it even more. There is in fact time for
that, though.

Line 5
At the marriage of the younger sister of emperor Yi,
the princess's gown,
was not as fine as the second wife's gown.
The moon is nearly full.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Accepting a lesser position in order to have fulfillment. This is a good moment for that. Things
will go well.
(The moon being nearly full, means that the amount of light at night is at this maximum the coming days.
Things are at its clearest now.)

Line 6
The lady holds a basket without contents.
The gentleman stabs a sheep, but there is no blood.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.

Meaning: Acting is just for appearances, and isn't genuine or sincere. It makes no sense to do this.

117
 55. Denseness

The hexagram text

Denseness.
Progressing.
The king grants this, don't be somber.
Suitable is midday.

Meaning: The situation is difficult to oversee. One might get pessimistic about it, but there is no need for
that. There is progress. It is a good idea to pick a time when things are at its clearest.(At midday there is the
most light, and shadows are shortest. This is the time of day that things are clearest.)

Line 1
One happens upon valuable circumstances.
Even if for ten days, without fault.
Going has value.

Meaning: One has a choice to enter into a situation that is important and valuable to oneself. Even if this
would turn out to be for only a limited time, this would be okay. It is valuable to enter into this situation.

Line 2
The shutters are thick,
at the middle of the day it appears to be a starry night.
Going on achieves distrust and distress.
Having confidence in openness equals good fortune.

Meaning: Having shielded oneself so, that one is inaccessible. Because of that, one will not be trusted easily.
Moreover, this makes things distressing. Things will go better if one is more open.
(The shutters are so thick, that it is very dark inside. Only some tiny holes let light in, seeming like stars.)

118
 55. Denseness

Line 3
Abundant is the falling water,
at the middle of the day it appears to be dusk.
He breaks his right forearm.
Without fault.

Meaning: The situation is so difficult to oversee, that one gets harmed easily. One is not to blame for that,
the situation is just too hard.
(It's raining so heavily that it is dark, and one can't see a thing. Stumbling and breaking one's forearm is
likely to happen then.)

Line 4
The shutters are thick,
at the middle of the day it appears to be a starry night.
One happens to be the hidden master.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Having shielded oneself from the outside, one is alone. Thus, in this hidden situation, one is
boss. Things go well.
(The shutters are so thick, that it is very dark inside. Only some tiny holes let light in, seeming like stars.)

Line 5
A medal arrives,
there is celebration and praise.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Being praised for an accomplishment. Things go well.

Line 6
Abundant is his house,
screening off his household.
He peeps out of his door.
It is very quiet, and without people.
For three years, he is unseen.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Screening oneself off from others for quite some time, keeping contact to a minimum. Things do
not go well.

119
 56. The Traveler

The hexagram text

The traveler.
Somewhat progressing.
The traveler perseveres.
Good fortune.

Meaning: One is not at home, being a stranger. There is no quick progress. One needs to keep traveling in
order to get somewhere. Things go well.

Line 1
The traveler is annoying, annoying.
In this way his situation attracts disaster.

Meaning: Annoying someone who is in his own place, while one is a stranger there. This arouses irritation
that can make things go bad.

Line 2
The traveler arrives at a camp,
carrying his possessions on his breast.
He obtains a committed young servant.

Meaning: As a stranger in a foreign place, being well-received and aided. There is little one has of one's
own.

120
 56. The Traveler

Line 3
The traveler burns down his camp.
He loses his committed young servant.
Danger.

Meaning: As a stranger, making it impossible to return to the place one had to stay. One cannot expect to
receive any help anymore now. Things are hard now.

Line 4
The traveler has a place to stay.
He obtains some properties and an ax.
"My heart is not cheerful."

Meaning: As a stranger, managing to get one's needs met, but not being really contented.

Line 5
Shooting the pheasant.
One arrow lost in the end,
to improve life.

Meaning: Getting rid of something, in order to improve one's life. This is a loss, but the loss is limited.

Line 6
The bird burns his nest.
The traveling man first laughs, later cries and wails.
Losing the ox in the process.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Carelessly destroying the place one had. At first it may not seem that bad, but when the
consequences become clear that will be different. One loses what one had. Things don't go well.

121
 57. Penetration

The hexagram text

Penetration.
Somewhat progressing.
It is beneficial to have a goal to move to.
It is beneficial to see a senior person.

Meaning: Penetrating into a situation. Progress goes slowly. It's good to have a plan. It is good to get some
help or advice.

Line 1
Advancing,
retreating.
Beneficial is a warrior's persistence.

Meaning: Temporarily penetrating into a situation. Discipline and resolute decisiveness are necessary.

Line 2
Penetrating into the fundament.
Consult records,
witches are confusing.
Good fortune,
without fault.

Meaning: Bringing hidden influences to light. It is important to use sources of information that are reliable
and unambiguous, to have certainty. Things go well, there is nothing wrong with doing this.

122
 57. Penetration

Line 3
Repeated penetration.
Inadequate.

Meaning: Repeatedly going over something. This doesn't help.

Line 4
Aversion goes away.
While hunting catching three kinds of animals.

Meaning: All objectives are attained. One's aversion to the situation goes away.

Line 5
Persistence brings good fortune.
Aversion goes away.
Without disadvantage.
Without a begin, it ends.
Before the date three days,
after the date three days.
Good fortune.

Meaning: Carrying an action through to deal with a difficult situation. This is no problem, one just has to
make a start, and keep in mind that this is taking some time. It is important to prepare thoroughly, and to
keep a keen eye on it while it's happening. Things go well.

Line 6
Penetrating into the fundament.
Losing one's property and ax.
Persisting brings misfortune.

Meaning: Trying too hard to bring hidden influences to light. This makes deciding difficult, and one risks
losing what one has. Things will not go well by pushing on.

123
 58. Exchange

The hexagram text

Exchange.
Progressing.
It is beneficial to persist.

Meaning: An exchange. There is progress. It is good to persevere.

Line 1
Harmonious exchange.
Good fortune.

Meaning: An exchange that is beneficial for both parties. It goes well.

Line 2
Trustworthy exchange.
Good fortune.
Aversion goes away.

Meaning: An exchange that can be trusted. It goes well. Initial aversion to it will go away.

124
 58. Exchange

Line 3
Coming exchange.
Misfortune.

Meaning: The exchange is not taking place now, but somewhere in the future. This is unfortunate.

Line 4
Deliberating an exchange, not yet settled.
Great distress, but there is joy.

Meaning: Deliberating an exchange one is not yet certain about. There are good as well as unpleasant
aspects to it.

Line 5
Confidence in the removal of the danger that is there.

Meaning: Relying on removing the danger that is there.

Line 6
Enticed exchange.

Meaning: Being enticed to an exchange.

125
 59. Dissolving

The hexagram text

Dissolving.
Progressing.
The king grants there to be a temple.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.
It is beneficial to persist.

Meaning: The situation dissolves, it will stop being there. This is progress. It is a good idea to start with
something else. Make good use of what has been given. It is good to persevere.

Line 1
Using a horse for rescue.
Strength brings good fortune.

Meaning: Using something to save one. If one is strong, things will go well.

Line 2
It dissolves!
Rush this opportunity.
Aversion goes away.

Meaning: The situation is dissolving. There is very little time left to do something, so one must rush to take
the opportunity. One's aversion to the situation will go away.

126
 59. Dissolving

Line 3
Dissolving oneself,
without aversion.

Meaning: Forgetting about oneself to get things done, without feeling aversion to doing so.

Line 4
The group dissolves.
A source of good fortune:
Dissolving makes space,
which is usually not considered.

Meaning: The group dissolves, it ceases to exist. While this may seem like a loss, it also makes room for
something new, which is actually quite good. This is often not considered.

Line 5
Sweat dissolves.
His loud cries dissolve.
The king stays put.
Without fault.

Meaning: The dissolving of a situation that has been fought to keep, is completed, and over. The one in
control stays in the same position. There is no mistake.

Line 6
Scattering one's blood.
Leaving to go far away.
Without fault.

Meaning: Leaving a harmful situation, so as to get to safety. It is not wrong to do so.

127
 60. Limitation

The hexagram text

Limitation.
Progressing.
Bitter limitations do not allow for persistence.

Meaning: Limitations to keep within. There is progress. Unpleasant limitations may initially be tolerated,
but are rarely enduringly accepted.

Line 1
Not going out of the door to the yard.
Without fault.

Meaning: Limiting oneself to what is familiar, not taking risks. It is not wrong to do so.

Line 2
Not going beyond the gate of the yard.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Limiting oneself too much, and by that missing opportunities.

128
 60. Limitation

Line 3
Not limiting,
and thus lamenting.
Without fault.

Meaning: Not observing limits will produce problems. These problems make one, or some other party,
complain. No one is to blame.

Line 4
At peace with limitations.
Progressing.

Meaning: Being at peace with limitations. They are enabling progress.

Line 5
Sweet limitation.
Good fortune.
Going has value.

Meaning: Limitations that are accepted and pleasant. Things will go well. Operating within these
limitations brings value.

Line 6
Bitter limitation.
Persisting brings misfortune.
Aversion goes away.

Meaning: Limitations that are unpleasant. Things will not go well by keeping them. One's aversion to the
situation will go away.

129
 61. Inner Trust

The hexagram text

Inner trust of piglets and fishes.
Good fortune.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.
It is beneficial to persist.

Meaning: Having confidence like piglets and fishes have. Things go well. This is a good moment for big
undertakings. Keep going on.
(Inner trust is trust in oneself: confidence. The natural behavior of young pigs and of fish is with a lot of
confidence.)

Line 1
Anticipation brings good fortune.
There is elsewhere no comfort.

Meaning: Things will go well by anticipating things. One needs to be aware of what is going to happen, and
prepare for it. Over-preparing or not preparing at all will not help to make one confident and comfortable.

Line 2
A crane makes sounds in the shadows,
her young responds to it.
I have a fine flagon of wine,
me and you together will waste it.

Meaning: Being close and connected to someone in a relationship of sharing.

130
 61. Inner Trust

Line 3
Getting an opponent.
One stirs up, the other quits.
One weeps silently, the other sings.

Meaning: Opposing someone, doing the opposite of what the other is doing. Just because one person wants
to initiate something, the other wants to stop. Just because one person is in a bad mood, the other one is
happy.

Line 4
The moon is nearly full.
One of the pair of horses runs away.
Without fault.

Meaning: One goes one's own way, in order to be true to oneself. This is a good moment for that. It is not
wrong to do so.
(The moon being nearly full, means that the amount of light at night is at this maximum the coming days.
Things are at its clearest now.)

Line 5
Having a trusting relationship.
Without fault.

Meaning: A connection to someone where each can trust the other. Nothing wrong with that.

Line 6
A mountain pheasant's song ascending to heaven.
Persisting brings misfortune.

Meaning: It sounds great, but this is not going to get very far. Things will not go well if one continues.
(A pheasant is only able to fly short distances, and mostly prefers to run. It is not able to fly very high.)

131
 62. Too Little

The hexagram text

Too Little.
Progressing.
It is beneficial to persist.
Small things are possible,
big things are not possible.
The flying bird leaves this song:
It is not suitable to be above,
it is suitable to be below.
Much good fortune.

Meaning: There is not a great potential, but there is progress. This is no reason to give up. One must not
try to achieve big things, only small things are within reach. It is suitable to work with what is close by and
details, the big picture is not what can be dealt with right now. Keeping this low profile, things will be quite
well.

Line 1
The bird by flying gets misfortune.

Meaning: By taking action, things go wrong.

Line 2
Passing one's grandfather,
but meeting one's deceased mother.
Not reaching one's ruler,
but meeting one's official.
Without fault.

Meaning: While unsuccessfully having tried solving a problem in a radical way, one gets to do it in a
simpler way. This is not a mistake.
(The grandfather and the deceased mother refer to ancient Chinese ancestor worship. The deceased mother
is not particularly high in the hierarchy of ancestors, but apparently sufficient here.)

132
 62. Too Little

Line 3
Not letting it pass, but protecting him,
following somebody injures him.
Misfortune.

Meaning: Complying with what the other wants will cause one harm. One needs to protect oneself from
that, one can't let it pass. Things don't go well.

Line 4
Without fault.
Not passing, but meeting him.
Going forward is dangerous, one must be on guard.
No use to endlessly persist.

Meaning: Facing a dangerous situation, by choice, instead of avoiding it. It is not a mistake to do so, one
must however be on guard. It is not a good idea to go on at any cost.

Line 5
Dense clouds, but no rain
from our western outlands.
The duke shoots an arrow with a line attached to it,
and takes what is in the hole.

Meaning: There is a potential for fresh new resources, but they aren't coming yet. One needs alternatives to
get what one needs. There are ways to reduce the extra amount of work for that.
(The rain that doesn't come indicates that there is quite a chance that the harvest is going to fail. So there is
a need for an alternate source of food. The duke therefore is using a way of hunting that makes it possible
to hunt a lot of animals quickly, with low expenses. He shoots his arrow into a hole, and then takes the
arrow back by pulling the line. If he hit an animal in the hole, he'll now be pulling it out at the end of the
arrow. If he didn't catch an animal, he didn't waste his arrow, and can try again or go on to another hole.)

Line 6
Not meeting, but passing him by.
The flying bird leaves him.
Misfortune.
This is indeed called a catastrophic blunder.

Meaning: It seemed one was going to get what one very much needs, but one does not. Things do not go
well. This is the result of a severe mistake.
(The bird is regarded as an omen. That it's leaving means that good fortune is leaving.)

133
 63. Already Across

The hexagram text

Already across.
Progressing.
Little benefit in persisting.
At first good fortune,
eventually disorder.

Meaning: The situation is ready, so there is no need for putting yet more energy into it. Things are still
progressing. Initially things go well. But there isn't a goal to work to any more, so one will become a bit
scattered if no new goal is taken up.

Line 1
Dragging one's wheels,
the tail gets wet.
Without fault.

Meaning: It is not easy to go forth, one needs to drag to get through. One may get harmed somewhat in the
process, not because one is doing something wrong, but because the situation is that difficult.
(The wheels that are dragged are from a cart that is pulled across a river. The ox that is pulling is in the
water, so its tail gets wet.)

Line 2
A woman loses her carriage-screen.
One should not run after it.
Seven days to regain.

Meaning: Losing something that exposes one. No need to run after what was lost. After a bit of time it will
be regained.

134
 63. Already Across

Line 3
The Eminent Ancestor attacked the Ghost region.
The third year he conquered it.
Ordinary people were not employed.

Meaning: For this hard and difficult undertaking, that takes quite some time to complete, one must not
deal lightly with things. One cannot leave this to be done by just anyone.

Line 4
Fine silk is there as cloths and rags.
Be careful until the end of the day.

Meaning: Although apparently all goes well, it is important to stay careful. This situation has the potential
to deteriorate and become unreliable.

Line 5
The eastern neighbor's butchered ox,
is not equal to the western neighbor's summer sacrifice.
Genuine worshippers receive the blessing.

Meaning: One may put equal effort into something as someone else, but being sincere about it will decide
whether one will actually reap the benefits.
(The summer sacrifice was one in which flute music was used. It was associated with joy. Such a sacrifice is
of course a lot less expensive than butchering an ox. But what matters is that the sacrifice is an act of
genuine worship, to receive the blessing that is supposed to come from it.)

Line 6
His head gets wet.
Danger.

Meaning: Being completely immersed in the situation. This is risky.

135
 64. Not yet Across

The hexagram text

Not yet across.
Progressing little.
The fox, being nearly across,
gets his tail wet.
This lacks a beneficial purpose.

Meaning: There is a last step to be taken to conclude things, but it cannot be done yet. So only little
progress is possible. Impatiently trying to make the last step anyway will only get one into trouble.

Line 1
Getting the tail wet.
Inadequate.

Meaning: Trying to finish too carelessly, which causes problems.

Line 2
Dragging his wheels.
Persistence brings good fortune.

Meaning: It is not easy to go forth, one needs to drag to get through. By persisting things will go well.
(The wheels that are dragged are from a cart that is pulled across a river.)

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 64. Not yet Across

Line 3
Not yet across, undertakings bring misfortune.
It is beneficial to cross the big river.

Meaning: Having to make final steps still to bring things to completion. Before this is done, it is not a good
idea to undertake other things. It is important to do work on finishing this.

Line 4
Persistence brings good fortune,
aversion goes away.
Shock was used to attack the Ghost region.
The third year one was rewarded with a great country.

Meaning: A firm and persistent approach improves the situation and makes things go well. One's initial
aversion to the situation will go away. Working on this may take quite some time, but it leads to a long
time advantage.

Line 5
Persistence brings good fortune, without aversion.
The noble one's wisdom is to be trusted.
Good fortune.

Meaning: By persevering things will go well. There is no aversion to the situation. It is better to trust this
person's insight and wisdom. Things go well.

Line 6
There is confidence from drinking wine.
Without fault.
Getting one's head wet.
Trust is surely lost.

Meaning: There is confidence that is not quite coming from reality, but from some kind of haze. That in
itself is not a problem. But it makes one do things that result in trouble. That will, in turn, undermine
trust.

137
Appendices

138
Forming Questions

The I Ching contains a particular kind of answers. These answers are descriptions of situations. These do
not always fit with the question you're asking, so you may want to keep that in mind when forming your
questions. The I Ching will for example not tell you in a clear way whether someone is in love with you or
not, it can just say something about what intent there is

To get an impression of what it is able to say, you might want to take a look at the hexagram names, and
read through some of the I Ching hexagrams.

Clarification of your current situation

Our emotions and defenses can make it harder to see what is really happening to us. Consulting the I
Ching is a good way of getting around that. Ask the Yi what's going on, what the situation is, or to explain
your state of mind, and you'll get a straight answer.

If you want to consult the I Ching about something in your life, it is in fact always a good idea to start with
asking it to clarify the situation, rather than asking what the future will be, or what to do. Often, this will
provide you with the insight you need, or help you answer other questions you might have, or make you
rethink what else you'd want to ask. The I Ching's answers to questions about your current situation are
usually the clearest and the easiest to understand, and the most useful.

Do or do not questions
When you ask the I Ching whether or not to do something, answers to a single question about this are
often not a straightforward yes or no. Basically, when the I Ching answers with "Good fortune," it's a Yes.
When there's "Inadequate," or "Misfortune," it's a No. "Aversion goes away," or "Without fault" indicate
that it's no problem.

When the I Ching indicates that the situation is "Without fault," it is usually so that the situation is one
where you might be worrying about whether this is wrong, or whether you are to blame, and it is telling
you that it isn't. It is fairly common for people to believe they may be doing something wrong, when that
actually isn't the case. This may stop you from doing the things you need to do.

If there isn't a clear yes or no to your question, it may be a good idea to split it into two questions, as
explained next.

This or that questions

If you want to make a choice between two or more options, the I Ching usually doesn't give a clear answer
if you present it with a single question. That is because you are really asking too many things for one
answer. Better is it to ask a question for each option, to let the Yi describe each resulting situation. If you
want to know whether to do something or not, you might ask "What if I do," and "What if I don't." Then it
is up to you to make a choice between the answers the Yi gave.

Questions about the future

It is not so that the world is some kind of movie, where the future already exists, just somewhere further on
the tape. There is only what there is now. That is why the I Ching doesn't really predict the future. So when
you ask "Will I find the right partner next year?" or "Will I get promoted in this job?", you're not going to
get a trustworthy answer. The Yi answers about what intent there is (it reflects intent). While an intent may
139
very well materialize some time in the future, another intent may show up that changes all this. You might
later find you don't want a partner because you have other priorities, or you might decide to switch jobs, so
that a promotion in your current job is not a possibility any more.

Getting comfort
In stressful situations, people tend to ask the I Ching questions that are basically a request for comfort.
However, the I Ching could only comfort you if the situation is actually safe. Otherwise it will have just
described the situation, and that may not have been what you really desired. If you still don't trust the
situation, asking again and again will also not satisfy, but may actually discomfort you even more.

Perhaps it is better to try to live with the truth of a situation. That truth may be that you don't know
enough about it. Feeling the nervousness or fear, the sadness or frustration, while not trying to make the
feeling go away, is actually a healthy way of dealing with these upsetting feelings.

Not asking the I Ching

Sometimes it is better to not turn to the I Ching, but to ask yourself.

When an answer that the I Ching gave isn't immediately clear, it may be tempting to ask again. It may help
you more, however, to ponder the answer a while longer. Reread it a couple of times. Perhaps you need to
look at your situation from a different angle to understand the answer. This may take you some time.

When you too often rely on the I Ching, you may get tempted to not rely on your own abilities to see what
is happening and what you feel. This estranges you from yourself, which is definitely not a good thing. It is
better to use the I Ching to learn from it, and to supplement or confirm your own insights. This will make
you more confident. Relying on the Yi to take you by the hand at every turn of the road just makes you
dependent and erodes your confidence.

140
Introduction to the Images

The Images consist of a description of the hexagram in terms of it's constituing trigrams, and a saying with
advice on how to achieve certain objectives. The term Image refers to how the theme of the hexagram
follows from the picture made by the hexagram, by its trigrams.

The trigrams are the three line parts, two of which, on top of each other, make up a hexagram. There are
eight different ones.

Heaven Earth Thunder Water Mountain Wind Fire Moisture

In the Images the names used for the trigrams are sometimes different from what's in this chart. This has
mostly to do with the broader range of meaning that the old Chinese words have, as compared to modern
English. The Chinese character for Moisture can for instance also mean Swamp, Mist or Dew. Sometimes
there are different words in the Chinese itself, like with Wood and Wind, which are considered to be
similar concepts in Chinese philosophy.

The sayings in the Images are mostly about issues relevant to rulers (law making, lawsuits, dealing with the
people one rules, etc.). They are not really texts illustrating the hexagrams, and sometimes are not even
about related issues. So they may only incidently be relevant to your I Ching consultations (which is why
these texts are not included with the main hexagram texts and the lines).

141
The Images

1
Heaven moves vigorously.
The noble one, by limiting himself, doesn't cease.

2
The power of the Soil: Land.
The noble one, through sincere virtue, completes things.

3
Clouds and Thunder: Difficulties.
The noble one, in order to manage, adjusts.

4
Under the Mountain emerges a Spring: Ignorance.
The noble one, in order to act fruitfully, nurtures virtue.

5
Clouds are high in the Sky: Waiting.
The noble one, by eating and drinking, is leisurely cheerful.

6
Heaven provides Water against movement: Conflict.
The noble one, in order to do a task, starts with a plan.

7
Inside the Earth there is Water: The Army.
The noble one, in order to shape the people, tames the crowd.

8
Under the Ground there is Water: Associate.
The former kings, in order to found the ten thousand cities, were friends with many nobles.

142
9
The Wind moves over Heaven: Minor Restraint.
The noble one, in order to be good, is civilized and virtuous.

10
Above is Heaven, below is Mist: Stepping.
The noble one, by discerning important and unimportant, is at ease with the people's will.

11
Heaven and Earth interact: Passing Through.
The sovereign, by deciding, accomplishes Heaven and Earth's way.
Assisting each other, Heaven and Earth harmonize,
in order to support and assist the people.

143
12
Heaven and Earth do not interact: Obstruction.
The noble one, in order to be economical and virtuous, avoids trouble and disallows honoring by salary.

13
Heaven provides Fire: People Together.
The noble one, by kinds and classes, discerns things.

14
Fire in Heaven above: Noble Presence.
The noble one, in order to stop the bad and spread the good, surrenders to Heaven, relaxing to life.

15
In the middle of the Land there is a Mountain: Humbleness.
The noble one, in order to reduce the many and augment the little, measures things and levels tilts.

16
Thunder comes forcefully out of the Earth: Enthusiasm.
The former kings, in order to create happiness, honor and virtue, made abundant sacrifices to the Upper
Deity, by fitting ancestor rituals.

17
Inside the Mist there is Thunder: Following.
The noble one, in order to face the dark, enters into leisurely rest.

18
Under the Mountain there is Wind: Corruption.
The noble one, in order to invigorate the people, nurtures virtue.

19
Above the Mist there is Land: Approach.
The noble one, by teaching and contemplating inexhaustibly, limitlessly cares for and shapes the people.

144
20
The Wind moves over the Land: Examining.
The former kings, by visiting the regions, observed the people and devised teachings.

21
Thunder and Lightning: Bite and Crack.
The former kings, in order to clarify penalties, instated laws.

22
Under the Mountain there is Fire: Beautifying.
The noble one, because of his insight in the people and politics, judges lawsuits without boldness.

23
The Mountain depends on the Ground on top: Removal.
The high, by reliable low, stabilizes the house.

145
24
Thunder inside the Earth: Return.
The former kings, in order to attain a day to close the frontier pass, discussed travelers not traveling, and
sovereigns not visiting the region.

25
Under Heaven is Thunder, moving things and providing: Without Pretense.
The former kings, in order to flourish, responded to the times, and nurtured the ten thousand things.

26
Heaven inside the Mountain: Major Restraint.
The noble one, with a growing knowledge of past sayings, goes and acts, in order to cultivate his virtue.

27
Under the Mountain there is Thunder: Hunger.
The noble one, in order to thoughtfully talk and speak, limits eating and drinking.

28
Moisture destroys the Trees: Too Much.
The noble one, by standing alone unafraid, retreats from the world without depression.

29
Flowing Water attains Familiarity with the Abyss.
The noble one, for constant virtuous conduct, practices and teaches matters.

30
Double Brightness creates Radiance.
The great person, by maintaining clarity, shines in the four directions.

31
Over the Mountain there is Mist: Being Affected.
The noble one, by being empty, accepts people.

146
32
Thunder and Wind: Permanence.
The noble one, by standing firmly, does not change direction.

33
Below Heaven there is a Mountain: Withdrawal.
The noble one, in order to keep ordinary people at a distance, is not malicious, but nevertheless stern.

34
Thunder in Heaven above: Much Force.
The noble one, in order to be informal, does not thread upon.

35
Bright Mountain on top of the Earth: Progress.
The noble one, in order to illuminate himself, brightens virtue.

147
36
Brightness enters inside the Earth: Wounded Brightness.
The noble one, in order to reach the many, uses obscurity as well as clarity.

37
Wind emerges from Fire: Family Members.
The noble one, in order for his words to have substance, also acts having endurance.

38
Fire above, Damp below: Estranged.
The noble one, in order to be similar, is also different.

39
Above the Mountain there is Water: Trouble.
The noble one, in order to be unselfish, cultivates virtue.

40
Thunder and Rain create Release.
The noble one, in order to forgive transgression, approves conviction.

41
Under the Mountain there is Mist: Reduction.
The noble one, by stopping anger, blocks passion.

42
Wind and Thunder: Benefiting.
The noble one, because of seeing good, accordingly moves, having faults, accordingly changes.

43
Damp above in Heaven: Deciding.
The noble one, by granting prosperity extending below, maintains virtue, and thus taboo.

44

148
Under Heaven there is Wind: Providing.
The sovereign, in order to issue commands, proclaims to the four directions.

45
Dew over the Land: Meeting.
The noble one, in order to get rid of instruments of war, is on guard but does not prepare.

46
Inside the Earth Wood comes to life: Advancing.
The noble one, in order to follow virtue, accumulates little by means of the high and big.

47
Swamp without Water: Confined.
The noble one, by conveying commands, achieves his purpose.

149
48
Above Wood there is Water: The Well.
The noble one, in order to have the people work, lets them urge each other.

49
In the middle of the Swamp there is Fire: Change.
The noble one, by managing the calendar, clarifies the seasons.

50
On top of Wood there is Fire: The Caldron.
The noble one, by standing upright, solidifies his command.

51
Successive Thunder: Shock.
The noble one, by fright and fear, cultivates frugality.

52
Joined Mountains: Keeping Still.
The noble one, in order to contemplate, does not leave his location.

53
On top of the Mountain there are Trees: Gradual Development.
The noble one, in order to maintain worthy virtue, perfects habits.

54
Above the Mist there is Thunder: Marrying Younger Sister.
The noble one, in order to perpetuate until the end, is aware of exhaustion.

55
Thunder and Lightning both result in Denseness.
The noble one, by judging lawsuits, brings about punishments.

56

150
On top of the Mountain there is Fire: The Traveler.
The noble one, with clarity and carefulness applies punishments, and does not obstruct lawsuits.

57
Going with the Wind: Penetration.
The noble one, in order to expand his command, performs services.

58
Double Swamp: Exchange.
The noble one, by associating with friends, discusses and practices.

59
The Wind moves over the Water: Dissolving.
The former kings, in order to sacrifice to the deity, established temples.

151
60
Above the Swamp there is Water: Limitation.
The noble one, in order to establish norms and rules, discusses virtuous conduct.

61
Above the Mist there is Wind: Inner Trust.
The noble one, in order to discuss trials, postpones death penalties.

62
Above the Mountain there is Thunder: Too Little.
The noble one, in order to act, does so with respect, loses with sorrow, and uses with frugality.

63
Water in Fire above: Already Across.
The noble one, by thinking about adversity, at the same time prepares and prevents it.

64
Fire in the Water above: Not Yet Across.
The noble one, in order to carefully identify things, stays put just now.

152