I Ching

Materials on the 64 I Ching hexagrams with judgments, line texts, and traditional interpretations, organized for use alongside divination tools.

Core Topics

易经六十四卦卦辞爻辞易占

Adjacent Sections

Divination Divination Case Studies

I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.01 · Ch'ien / The Creative

Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.

I ChingYijingHexagram 1The CreativeDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.02 · K'un / The Receptive

Khwăn (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.

I ChingYijingHexagram 2The ReceptiveDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.03 · Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning

Kun (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be great progress and success, and the advantage will come from being correct and firm. (But) any movement in advance should not be (lightly) undertaken. There will be advantage in appointing feudal princes.

I ChingYijingHexagram 3Difficulty at the BeginningDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.04 · Mêng / Youthful Folly

Măng (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be progress and success. I do not (go and) seek the youthful and inexperienced, but he comes and seeks me. When he shows (the sincerity that marks) the first recourse to divination, I instruct him. If he apply a second and third time, that is troublesome; and I do not instruct the troublesome. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

I ChingYijingHexagram 4Youthful FollyDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 17 min

I Ching · No.05 · Hsü / Waiting (Nourishment)

Hsü intimates that, with the sincerity which is declared in it, there will be brilliant success. With firmness there will be good fortune; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

I ChingYijingHexagram 5Waiting (Nourishment)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 17 min

I Ching · No.06 · Sung / Conflict

Sung intimates how, though there is sincerity in one's contention, he will yet meet with opposition and obstruction; but if he cherish an apprehensive caution, there will be good fortune, while, if he must prosecute the contention to the (bitter) end, there will be evil. It will be advantageous to see the great man; it will not be advantageous to cross the great stream.

I ChingYijingHexagram 6ConflictDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.07 · Shih / The Army

Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

I ChingYijingHexagram 7The ArmyDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.08 · Pi / Holding Together [union]

Pî indicates that (under the conditions which it supposes) there is good fortune. But let (the principal party intended in it) re-examine himself, (as if) by divination, whether his virtue be great, unintermitting, and firm. If it be so, there will be no error. Those who have not rest will then come to him; and with those who are (too) late in coming it will be ill.

I ChingYijingHexagram 8Holding Together [union]Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.09 · Hsiao Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Small

Hsiâo Khû indicates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. (We see) dense clouds, but no rain coming from our borders in the west.

I ChingYijingHexagram 9The Taming Power of the SmallDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.10 · Lü / Treading [conduct]

(Lî suggests the idea of) one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.

I ChingYijingHexagram 10Treading [conduct]Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.11 · T'ai / Peace

In Thâi (we see) the little gone and the great come. (It indicates that) there will be good fortune, with progress and success.

I ChingYijingHexagram 11PeaceDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.12 · P'i / Standstill [Stagnation]

In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.

I ChingYijingHexagram 12Standstill [Stagnation]Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.13 · T'ung Jên / Fellowship with Men

Thung Zăn (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.

I ChingYijingHexagram 13Fellowship with MenDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.14 · Ta Yu / Possession in Great Measure

Tâ Yû indicates that, (under the circumstances which it implies), there will be great progress and success.

I ChingYijingHexagram 14Possession in Great MeasureDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.15 · Ch'ien / Modesty

Khien indicates progress and success. The superior man, (being humble as it implies), will have a (good) issue (to his undertakings).

I ChingYijingHexagram 15ModestyDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.16 · Yü / Enthusiasm

Yü indicates that, (in the state which it implies), feudal princes may be set up, and the hosts put in motion, with advantage.

I ChingYijingHexagram 16EnthusiasmDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.17 · Sui / Following

Sui indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. There will (then) be no error.

I ChingYijingHexagram 17FollowingDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.18 · Ku / Work on what has been spoiled [ Decay ]

Kû indicates great progress and success (to him who deals properly with the condition represented by it). There will be advantage in (efforts like that of) crossing the great stream. (He should weigh well, however, the events of) three days before the turning point, and those (to be done) three days after it.

I ChingYijingHexagram 18Work on what has been spoiled [ Decay ]Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.19 · Lin / Approach

Lin (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.

I ChingYijingHexagram 19ApproachDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.20 · Kuan / Contemplation (View)

Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;--with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

I ChingYijingHexagram 20Contemplation (View)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.21 · Shih Ho / Biting Through

Shih Ho indicates successful progress (in the condition of things which it supposes). It will be advantageous to use legal constraints.

I ChingYijingHexagram 21Biting ThroughDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.22 · Pi / Grace

Pî indicates that there should be free course (in what it denotes). There will be little advantage (however) if it be allowed to advance (and take the lead).

I ChingYijingHexagram 22GraceDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.23 · Po / Splitting Apart

Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.

I ChingYijingHexagram 23Splitting ApartDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.24 · Fu / Return (The Turning Point)

Fû indicates that there will be free course and progress (in what it denotes). (The subject of it) finds no one to distress him in his exits and entrances; friends come to him, and no error is committed . He will return and repeat his (proper) course. In seven days comes his return. There will be advantage in whatever direction movement is made.

I ChingYijingHexagram 24Return (The Turning Point)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.25 · Wu Wang / Innocence (The Unexpected)

Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.

I ChingYijingHexagram 25Innocence (The Unexpected)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.26 · Ta Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Great

Under the conditions of Tâ Khû it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (If its subject do not seek to) enjoy his revenues in his own family (without taking service at court), there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous for him to cross the great stream.

I ChingYijingHexagram 26The Taming Power of the GreatDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 17 min

I Ching · No.27 · I / Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)

Î indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune (in what is denoted by it). We must look at what we are seeking to nourish, and by the exercise of our thoughts seek for the proper aliment.

I ChingYijingHexagram 27Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.28 · Ta Kuo / Preponderance of the Great

Tâ Kwo suggests to us a beam that is weak. There will be advantage in moving (under its conditions) in any direction whatever; there will be success.

I ChingYijingHexagram 28Preponderance of the GreatDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.29 · K'an / The Abysmal (Water)

Khan, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is. penetrating. Action (in accordance with this) will be of high value.

I ChingYijingHexagram 29The Abysmal (Water)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.30 · Li / The Clinging, Fire

Lî indicates that, (in regard to what it denotes), it will be advantageous to be firm and correct, and that thus there will be free course and success. Let (its subject) also nourish (a docility like that of) the cow, and there will be good fortune.

I ChingYijingHexagram 30The Clinging, FireDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.31 · Hsien / Influence (Wooing)

Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.

I ChingYijingHexagram 31Influence (Wooing)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.32 · Hêng / Duration

Hăng indicates successful progress and no error (in what it denotes). But the advantage will come from being firm and correct; and movement in any direction whatever will be advantageous.

I ChingYijingHexagram 32DurationDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.33 · TUN / Retreat

Thun indicates successful progress (in its circumstances). To a small extent it will (still) be advantageous to be firm and correct.

I ChingYijingHexagram 33RetreatDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.34 · Ta Chuang / The Power of the Great

Tâ Kwang indicates that (under the conditions which it symbolises) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

I ChingYijingHexagram 34The Power of the GreatDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.35 · Chin / Progress

In Ȝin we see a prince who secures the tranquillity (of the people) presented on that account with numerous horses (by the king), and three times in a day received at interviews.

I ChingYijingHexagram 35ProgressDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.36 · Ming I / Darkening of the light

Ming Î indicates that (in the circumstances which it denotes) it will be advantageous to realise the difficulty (of the position), and maintain firm correctness.

I ChingYijingHexagram 36Darkening of the lightDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.37 · Chia Jên / The Family [The Clan]

For (the realisation of what is taught in) Kiâ Zăn, (or for the regulation of the family), what is most advantageous is that the wife be firm and correct.

I ChingYijingHexagram 37The Family [The Clan]Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.38 · K'uei / Opposition

Khwei indicates that, (notwithstanding the condition of things which it denotes), in small matters there will (still) be good success.

I ChingYijingHexagram 38OppositionDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.39 · Chien / Obstruction

In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.

I ChingYijingHexagram 39ObstructionDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.40 · Hsieh / Deliverance

In (the state indicated by) Kieh advantage will be found in the south-west. If no (further) operations be called for, there will be good fortune in coming back (to the old conditions). If some operations be called for, there will be good fortune in the early conducting of them.

I ChingYijingHexagram 40DeliveranceDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.41 · Sun / Decrease

In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:--freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.

I ChingYijingHexagram 41DecreaseDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.42 · I / Increase

Yî indicates that (in the state which it denotes) there will be advantage in every movement which shall be undertaken, that it will be advantageous (even) to cross the great stream.

I ChingYijingHexagram 42IncreaseDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.43 · Kuai / Break-through (Resoluteness)

Kwâi requires (in him who would fulfil its meaning) the exhibition (of the culprit's guilt) in the royal court, and a sincere and earnest appeal (for sympathy and support), with a consciousness of the peril (involved in cutting off the criminal). He should (also) make announcement in his own city, and show that it will not be well to have recourse at once to arms. (In this way) there will be advantage in whatever he shall go forward to.

I ChingYijingHexagram 43Break-through (Resoluteness)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.44 · Kou / Coming to Meet

Kâu shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry (such) a female.

I ChingYijingHexagram 44Coming to MeetDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.45 · Ts'ui / Gathering Together [Massing]

In (the state denoted by) Ȝhui, the king will repair to his ancestral temple. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man; and then there will be progress and success, though the advantage must come through firm correctness. The use of great victims will conduce to good fortune; and in whatever direction movement is made, it will be advantageous.

I ChingYijingHexagram 45Gathering Together [Massing]Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.46 · Shêng / Pushing Upward

Shăng indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. Seeking by (the qualities implied in it) to meet with the great man, its subject need have no anxiety. Advance to the south will be fortunate.

I ChingYijingHexagram 46Pushing UpwardDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.47 · K'un / Oppression (Exhaustion)

In (the condition denoted by) Khwăn there may (yet be) progress and success. For the firm and correct, the (really) great man, there will be good fortune. He will fall into no error. If he make speeches, his words cannot be made good.

I ChingYijingHexagram 47Oppression (Exhaustion)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.48 · Ching / The Well

(Looking at) Ȝing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) increase, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.

I ChingYijingHexagram 48The WellDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.49 · Ko / Revolution (Molting)

(What takes place as indicated by) Ko is believed in only after it has been accomplished. There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come from being firm and correct. (In that case) occasion for repentance will disappear.

I ChingYijingHexagram 49Revolution (Molting)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.50 · Ting / The Caldron

Ting gives the intimation of great progress and success.

I ChingYijingHexagram 50The CaldronDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.51 · Chên / The Arousing (Shock, Thunder)

Kăn gives the intimation of ease and development. When (the time of) movement (which it indicates) comes, (the subject of the hexagram) will be found looking out with apprehension, and yet smiling and talking cheerfully. When the movement (like a crash of thunder) terrifies all within a hundred lî, he will be (like the sincere worshipper) who is not (startled into) letting go his ladle and (cup of) sacrificial spirits.

I ChingYijingHexagram 51The Arousing (Shock, Thunder)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.52 · Kên / Keeping Still, Mountain

When one's resting is like that of the back, and he loses all consciousness of self; when he walks in his courtyard, and does not see any (of the persons) in it,--there will be no error.

I ChingYijingHexagram 52Keeping Still, MountainDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.53 · Chien / Development (Gradual Progress)

Kien suggests to us the marriage of a young lady, and the good fortune (attending it). There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

I ChingYijingHexagram 53Development (Gradual Progress)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.54 · Kuei Mei / The Marrying Maiden

Kwei Mei indicates that (under the conditions which it denotes) action will be evil, and in no wise advantageous.

I ChingYijingHexagram 54The Marrying MaidenDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 16 min

I Ching · No.55 · Fêng / Abundance [Fullness]

Făng intimates progress and development. When a king has reached the point (which the name denotes) there is no occasion to be anxious (through fear of a change). Let him be as the sun at noon.

I ChingYijingHexagram 55Abundance [Fullness]Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.56 · Lü / The Wanderer

Lü intimates that (in the condition which it denotes) there may be some little attainment and progress. If the stranger or traveller be firm and correct as he ought to be, there will be good fortune.

I ChingYijingHexagram 56The WandererDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.57 · Sun / The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)

Sun intimates that (under the conditions which it denotes) there will be some little attainment and progress. There will be advantage in movement onward in whatever direction. It will be advantageous (also) to see the great man.

I ChingYijingHexagram 57The Gentle (The Penetrating, Wind)Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.58 · Tui / The Joyous, Lake

Tui intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

I ChingYijingHexagram 58The Joyous, LakeDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.59 · Huan / Dispersion [Dissolution]

Hwân intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. The king goes to his ancestral temple; and it will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

I ChingYijingHexagram 59Dispersion [Dissolution]Divination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.60 · Chieh / Limitation

Kieh intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) if the regulations (which it prescribes) be severe and difficult, they cannot be permanent.

I ChingYijingHexagram 60LimitationDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 15 min

I Ching · No.61 · Chung Fu / Inner Truth

Kung Fû (moves even) pigs and fish, and leads to good fortune. There will be advantage in crossing the great stream. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

I ChingYijingHexagram 61Inner TruthDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.62 · Hsiao Kuo / Preponderance of the Small

Hsiâo Kwo indicates that (in the circumstances which it implies) there will be progress and attainment. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (What the name denotes) may be done in small affairs, but not in great affairs. (It is like) the notes that come down from a bird on the wing;--to descend is better than to ascend. There will (in this way) be great good fortune.

I ChingYijingHexagram 62Preponderance of the SmallDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.63 · Chi Chi / After Completion

Kî Ȝî intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.

I ChingYijingHexagram 63After CompletionDivination

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I ChingApr 23, 2026Read time 14 min

I Ching · No.64 · Wei Chi / Before Completion

Wei Ȝî intimates progress and success (in the circumstances which it implies). (We see) a young fox that has nearly crossed (the stream), when its tail gets immersed. There will be no advantage in any way.

I ChingYijingHexagram 64Before CompletionDivination

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