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

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

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.

Translation

Chun Hexagram. Supreme good fortune, a favorable divination. It is not advantageous to go out. It is advantageous to establish states and appoint feudal lords. The *Image* says: The upper trigram of Chun is Kan, which represents clouds; the lower trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Clouds moving above and thunder stirring below is the image of the Chun Hexagram. Observing this image, the gentleman takes pattern from the clouds and thunder, governing state affairs with the benevolence of clouds and the majesty of thunder.

Shao Yong's Commentary

All things are beginning to live, starting with difficulty; labor first and ease later, bitterness ends and sweetness comes. Inauspicious: For those who get this hexagram, they are in a difficult situation. It is suitable to defend and not to advance. Great effort and hard work are required to overcome difficulties before smooth progress can be achieved. This represents a sign of initial difficulty followed by resolution.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Suitable to defend, not to advance.
• Wealth 财运: Starting an enterprise is full of hardships.
• Household 家宅: Repairing the residence; initial discord in marriage.
• Health 身体: Preserve the primordial Qi.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fame & Career 功名: The inner *Zhen* and the outer *Kan* form *Chun*. *Zhen* is thunder, *Kan* is cloud, hence called 'clouds and thunder'. *Zhen* is exit, *Kan* is entry, wishing to go out but returning inside, hence called *Chun*. Also, *Zhen* is man, is the superior; *Kan* is warp, is law, hence called 'the gentleman organizes'. Thus the gentleman displays his organizing talents, yet his fortune encounters difficulty; it is suitable to wait for the proper time to act.
• Warfare 战征: Mobilizing troops and defending is called stationing (*Tun/Chun*). 'Clouds and thunder' represents accumulating momentum; 'organizing' represents harboring talent. Yet when encountering difficulty, it is suitable to defend, not to advance.
• Business 营商: The *Commentary on the Decision* (*Tuan*) says, 'The firm and the yielding begin to interact, and difficulties arise,' which must mean doing business for the first time. For all things newly created, one suffers much from their difficulty. Organizing (*jinglun*) refers to managing silk; thus, the business must lie in things like silk and cotton.
• Household 家宅: *Zhen* is the east, *Kan* is the north. *Zhen* is movement, *Kan* is pitfall. It is feared that there is activity in the northeast of the residence; it is suitable to manage and repair it.
• Marriage 婚姻: Thunder is Yang Qi, clouds are Yin Qi. 'The firm and the yielding begin to interact, and difficulties arise.' This means that at the beginning of marriage, there will surely be no harmony; it is suitable for an upright person to mediate and counsel.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy; it is feared there will inevitably be dangers and difficulties during the initial delivery.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Zhen below, Kan above). Zhen is thunder, symbolizing movement; Kan is rain, symbolizing danger. Thunder and rain together bring abundant dangers and a harsh environment. 'Chun' originally refers to plants sprouting from the earth. As all things begin to grow, they are full of hardships and obstacles, but if they follow the seasons and correspond to destiny, they will surely flourish.

• Overall Image 大象: Chun means difficulty; all matters wish to advance but cannot.
• Fortune 运势: Being in a difficult situation, tread carefully and consolidate at every step; it implies initial difficulty followed by resolution.
• Career 事业: At first, there are many disadvantages. One must advance despite difficulties, proceed with extreme caution, march forward courageously, remain flexible, and hope to achieve great success. When the opportunity arrives, it must be seized, yet one must not act with too much haste, and there will still be difficulties. Assistance from others is indispensable; therefore, one should routinely show benevolence and kindness.
• Business 经商: In the early stages of starting a business, steps are difficult, and there are many setbacks. Firmness of belief is most important; do not be misled by superficial appearances. One should actively forge ahead, act decisively, and open up a way. If one still cannot break free from the predicament, one should retreat to defend and preserve oneself, wait for an opportunity, and then execute grand plans.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Strive actively and pursue proactively, and success can be achieved.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: The road to happiness is strewn with setbacks. With loyalty and purity, pursuing boldly will lead to success and a happy marriage.
• Decision 决策: Difficult at the beginning, but if one possesses indomitable perseverance and unyielding spirit of struggle, the future is immeasurable. However, one is often not understood by others and sinks into loneliness and depression, causing the career to be in a difficult state, which requires the help of virtuous people to escape. If one can live with an optimistic spirit, achievements can be attained.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows the difficulty (its subject has) in advancing. It will be advantageous for him to abide correct and firm; advantageous (also) to be made a feudal ruler.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Hesitating and finding it hard to advance. This is a favorable divination for dwelling. If a shaman encounters this line, it is advantageous to establish states and appoint feudal lords. The *Image* says: Although hesitating and finding it hard to advance, his will and action remain upright. Nine at the beginning dwells below the Yin line of Six at the second, symbolizing nobility humbling itself before the lowly, and thus greatly winning the hearts of the people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who get this line, they will have no worries if they keep to their place, while the restless will find it unfavorable. Officials are temporarily not given important positions; if they firmly adhere to the correct path, good fortune can be expected. For a woman's fate, she will be a virtuous wife and bring prosperity to the household.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Wishing to advance but not advancing; firmly adhere to the correct path.
• Wealth 财运: Unfavorable for doing business; one may employ upright and noble persons.
• Household 家宅: Dwelling peacefully in a noble residence; marriage is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Health is free from concern.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: 'Pan Huan' (hesitating) is the appearance of not advancing, hence the text says 'advantageous to dwell in correctness, advantageous to establish feudal lords'. In times of experiencing full difficulty (*Tun/Chun*), internally one dwells in correctness to defend, and externally one seeks the worthy to assist; thus the people's hearts will turn toward one, unity will be like a fortress, and in the end, there will be nothing unfavorable.
• Business 营商: For the Nine at the beginning line, the Earthly Branch is at Zi (North), corresponding above to the Xu (Emptiness) Mansion, called Yuan Xiao. Xiao means consumption, and Xu also means consumption, which is unfavorable for traveling merchants. If one can defend correctness and employ the right people, there is still advantage.
• Fame & Career 功名: The first line must mean seeking fame/office for the first time. 'Pan Huan' means wishing to advance but not advancing. One must make one's will and action upright, be humble and yield oneself, and in the end, success will be attained.
• Household 家宅: The character 'Pan' contains 'Shi' (stone), referencing the idiom 'as secure as a monolith', which indicates that the foundation of the house is solid. The text 'advantageous to dwell in correctness' shows the peace of the dwelling. 'Advantageous to establish feudal lords' shows it must be a noble residence.
• Marriage 婚嫁: The text says 'nobility humbling itself before the lowly,' which indicates the image of marrying below one's high class, auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: The first line indicates giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Pi (Holding Together). Auspicious. Consult the oracle again; it remains highly auspicious and favorable. Inquiring about long-term fortunes, there will be no misfortune. States that are reluctant to submit come to pay court; those who arrive late will face trouble. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Images) says: The lower trigram is Kun (Earth), and the upper trigram is Kan (Water). Kun represents earth, and Kan represents water, resembling water on the earth; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking the principle of water adhering to the earth and the earth receiving rivers and seas, to establish and enfeoff various states and maintain close relations with the feudal lords.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Water flows on the earth, uniting in close harmony and joy; human relations are close and cooperative, and all matters are free from worry. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can gain the help of friends and the strength of the multitude, succeeding in their undertakings and reaching the pinnacle of honor and prominence.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Kun, upper Kan). Kun is Earth and Kan is Water. Water adheres to the great earth, and the earth receives rivers and seas, relying on each other in close intimacy. This hexagram is the exact opposite of the Shi (Army) hexagram, being its inverted hexagram. It expounds the principles of mutual affection and support, magnanimity and selflessness, and sincere unity.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows (its subject) distressed and obliged to return; (even) the horses of her chariot (also) seem to be retreating. (But) not by a spoiler (is she assailed), but by one who seeks her to be his wife. The young lady maintains her firm correctness, and declines a union. After ten years she will be united, and have children.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the second: Retreating and hesitant. Hesitating on the road, the carriage turns back. It is not a robber, but one who comes to seek marriage. The divination shows this woman does not conceive; she will conceive only after ten years. The *Image* says: The difficulty of the Six at the second line is because it rides upon the Yang of Nine at the beginning. Conceiving after ten years is an abnormal phenomenon.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who get this line, there are happy events of marriage. The authority of officials grows day by day.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Not accomplished for the time being, but can be accomplished in ten years.
• Wealth 财运: Difficulties in selling; it consumes quite some time.
• Household 家宅: They are a good match, but must wait.
• Health 身体: Maintain the habit of exercising.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Marriage 婚嫁: The line says 'not a robber, but marriage,' which clearly speaks of a good match and not a resentful union. But it says 'the woman is chaste and does not conceive, after ten years she conceives,' showing that her marriage still has to wait.
• Warfare 战征: Six at the second is gentle and occupies a gentle position, showing the image of stagnation, hence 'difficulty' (*Tun-ru*). The *Chronicles of Zuo* (*Spring and Autumn Annals*) says: 'There was the sound of horses leaving the herd, and the Qi army then fled.' In ancient times, returning troops was called returning the division (*banshi*), hence 'turning back' (*ban-ru*). Thus we know the army must not advance immediately, but must conserve energy and build strength; only after ten years can victory be won.
• Business 营商: The character for marriage (*gou*) and purchase (*gou*) share the same pronunciation, and their meanings are also connected. Seeking to purchase with goods implies hesitation and indecision, hence 'difficulty and hesitation'. It also says 'after ten years she conceives.' Ten refers to a complete number; goods must not be hoarded for long, so could it mean ten days or ten months?
• Fame & Career 功名: A scholar seeking fame is like a woman seeking marriage. The words 'difficulty', 'hesitation', and 'turning back' all signify that it is not accomplished for the moment. 'After ten years she conceives'—this is the time.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a son.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Chieh (Limitation). Success. If one finds limitation painful, its good or bad fortune cannot be divined. The Image says: The lower trigram is Dui, which is the lake; the upper trigram is Kan, which is water. Water fills the lake, so one must build high dikes; this is the image of Chieh. The superior man, observing this image, establishes policy systems and confirms ethical principles.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Maintain self-control and moderation, stop at the right point; assess the timing and situation, know how to adapt. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is advisable to keep to one's place and avoid insatiable greed. Everything must be moderated and not taken to excess, and one should especially abstain from wine and sensual pleasures.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of different trigrams (Dui below, Kan above). Dui is the lake, Kan is water. The lake contains water, but its flow is limited; if there is too much, it will overflow. Therefore, there must be moderation, hence the name Chieh (Limitation). The Chieh hexagram is the opposite of the Huan hexagram; they are mutual inverse hexagrams, used in conjunction. Only when heaven and earth have measure can they remain ever-new; only when the state has regulation can it remain stable; only when the individual has self-control can they achieve perfection.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows one following the deer without (the guidance of) the forester, and only finding himself in the midst of the forest. The superior man, acquainted with the secret risks, thinks it better to give up the chase. If he went forward, he would regret it.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the third: Chasing the wild deer without the guidance of the forester. Thinking of the deer escaping into the forest. The gentleman is wise and deems it better to give up. To go deep into the forest will bring danger. The *Image* says: Chasing the wild deer without the guidance of the forester shows the intention is only to pursue the beast. The gentleman gives up the wild deer, knowing that going deep into the forest brings danger, and thus there is no other way.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who get this line, they must keep to their place, otherwise there will be disasters. Officials face suspicion of corruption and worry about suspension or demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Seeking treasures to gain profit is not worth pursuing at all.
• Wealth 财运: There is fear of loss; it is better to abandon it.
• Household 家宅: Seeking marriage not through the proper path will lead to difficulties.
• Health 身体: Do not indulge in desires to harm the body.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The line says 'chasing the deer without the forester, only entering the forest,' which is like marching an army without a guide, recklessly entering a dangerous place. One must discern the signs and retreat, otherwise it will surely be inauspicious.
• Business 营商: Contemplating the line statement, one knows they are not versed in business and unfamiliar with the geography. Going forward to seek goods will not only yield no goods but instead bring losses. Giving up and leaving causes no great harm.
• Marriage 婚嫁: This is seeking marriage by drilling holes through walls clandestinely; the path is exhausted.
• Fame & Career 功名: Climbing for glory and begging for favor; the way of the scholar is exhausted.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Six at the third is a Yin line occupying a Yang position, indicating giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ji Ji (After Completion). Success. This is a divination of small fortune. Good fortune at the beginning, but disorder will arise in the end. The Image says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan is Water; the lower trigram is Li, Li is Fire. Water is above and Fire is below; water douses fire, which is the image of After Completion. In view of this, the superior man prepares for trouble in times of peace, preventing disaster before it happens.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Success in crossing over, persevere and hold oneself in respect; moving from great to small, ensure the continuation of prosperity. Small fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a sign of career success and achievement, but they must guard against the inevitable decline after reaching the peak. Retreat and defense bring good fortune; further advance brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Kan above). Kan is Water, Li is Fire; water and fire interact. Water is above fire, the force of water extinguishing the fire; the work of putting out the fire is successfully completed. 'Ji' means already; 'Chi' means accomplished. 'Ji Chi' (After Completion) means that things have already succeeded, but disorder will arise in the end.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows (its subject as a lady), the horses of whose chariot appear in retreat. She seeks, however, (the help of) him who seeks her to be his wife. Advance will be fortunate; all will turn out advantageously.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the fourth: The carriage turns back; this is seeking marriage. To advance boldly will surely bring good fortune. The *Image* says: Daring to pursue and having the courage to go deep is because the person clearly understands the situation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who get this line, plans can succeed, all matters are in harmony, and they will receive help from friends, bringing great fortune and benefit. Officials will become famous and prominent, with opportunities for promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Act according to the trend, and there will be great development.
• Wealth 财运: Clearly seeing the benefit, there should be harvest.
• Household 家宅: Marriage is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Follow the doctor's instructions.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: 'The carriage turns back' is because they do not know the path of attack. Advancing with clarity makes them invincible everywhere, hence 'to advance brings good fortune, nothing is unfavorable'.
• Fame & Career 功名: The scholar hides his talents and waits for the time, and should not advance rashly. When the banner descends to summon him, he goes out to serve the people, and 'nothing is unfavorable'.
• Marriage 婚嫁: The *Book of Odes* says, 'The beautiful and virtuous lady is a good match (*qiu*) for the gentleman.' *Qiu* means to seek. One must wait for the gentleman to come and seek before marrying; hence it is auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sui hexagram. Supreme success, perseverance is fruitful, no misfortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder, and the upper trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Thunder enters into the middle of the marsh, the earth is cold and frozen, and all things lie dormant; this is the image of Following. In view of this image, the gentleman, modeling himself after the thunder that falls silent in accordance with the heavenly seasons, rests and works according to the times, and goes indoors to rest towards evening.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Complying and adapting, maintaining steadfastness and self-control; following opportunities, one must not be dictatorial. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should follow the general trend, and their affairs can succeed. Communicating and exchanging more with others in all matters can bring both fame and fortune. One must not obstinately cling to one's own views; those who are arbitrary and dictatorial will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Dui above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Dui represents joy. Movement followed by joy is 'Following' (Sui). Following refers to mutual compliance: oneself following external things, and external things following oneself, with communication between them. Following must adapt to the time and comply with the situation, having principles and conditions, and taking steadfastness as a prerequisite.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows the difficulties in the way of (its subject's) dispensing the rich favours that might be expected from him. With firmness and correctness there will be good fortune in small things; (even) with them in great things there will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the fifth: Accumulating fat meat. Meeting this line in divination, it is auspicious for small matters, but inauspicious for major matters. The *Image* says: 'Accumulating fat meat' means that the charity is not widespread.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who get this line, they must not be impatient in planning. Small matters can succeed, but there is no hope for major matters, and they may even invite disaster.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: No one to promote or support, temporarily hopeless.
• Wealth 财运: Small businesses can still profit, but large transactions are inauspicious.
• Household 家宅: Hoarding wealth harms harmony.
• Health 身体: Initial illness can be cured, but prolonged illness is critical.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fame & Career 功名: That on which the scholar relies to become distinguished depends entirely on the superior dispensing his bounty. If the superior 'hoards his bounty,' what hope is there for the scholar?
• Warfare 战征: If the superiors offer generous rewards, the subordinates are willing to fight to the death. If benevolence does not flow down, there will surely be divergence of hearts and minds, and the great cause will be lost. Inauspicious.
• Business 营商: 'Gao' refers to the capital for business. 'Hoarding the bounty' means accumulating without circulation. Small business can still be firmly defended, but large enterprises will inevitably fall into poverty and distress. Inauspicious.
• Illness 疾病: In humans, 'gao' refers to fat and blood. Accumulating without flowing indicates a disease of blockage and stagnation. In the beginning, it is still easy to treat, but a long-held illness is critical.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Nine at the fifth occupies the position of honor, indicating giving birth to a boy, who will be noble.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Fu (Return). Pervasive success. Going out and staying at home are both free from illness. There is profit to be made, and one can remain free from disaster. On the return journey, one will return in seven days. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Xiang Commentary says: The inner trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, representing thunder, and the outer is Kun, representing earth. When the weather is freezing and cold, thunder returns to the earth; going out and returning, returning in accordance with the season, this is the image of the Return hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking thunder as their model, closed the city gates on the winter solstice, not admitting merchants and travelers, and the ruler did not inspect the states.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cycles recur, and the spark of life buds anew; success is in sight, but impatience leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortunes are turning for the better. By going with the flow, undertakings can succeed, but it is not advisable to advance too hastily.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Kun above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Kun represents earth and compliance. Movement with compliance, following nature. Movement within compliance, yang on the inside and yin on the outside, moving in sequence, advancing and retreating freely, which is advantageous for moving forward.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows (its subject) with the horses of his chariot obliged to retreat, and weeping tears of blood in streams.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: The carriage turns back; crying silently, tears flowing in streams. The *Image* says: Tears of blood flow continuously, how can such a situation last long?

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who get this line, the family fortunes decline, and they must guard against losses. Officials must be highly vigilant against the slander of petty people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: No way forward; preserving life is of the utmost importance.
• Wealth 财运: Hesitation and indecision, completely missing good opportunities.
• Household 家宅: The family fortunes decline.
• Health 身体: Symptom of vomiting blood, inauspicious.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The top line occupies the extremity of difficulty (*Tun/Chun*), in a dilemma of advance or retreat, extremely destitute and sorrowful, even crying blood. This is the day of army defeat and nation ruin. Inauspicious.
• Business 营商: The phrase 'the carriage turns back' has been repeated three times above, indicating that hesitation and indecision in business have occurred repeatedly. Reaching the point of crying blood shows that losses have already been heavy, hence 'how can it last long?'
• Fame & Career 功名: The top line dwells at the end of *Kan*; there is no further advance, and it is a blessing just to preserve one's life.
• Illness 疾病: Known to be a symptom of vomiting blood. Inauspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl, and it is feared she may not grow to maturity.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Yi (Increase). Divining and encountering this hexagram, it is beneficial to have somewhere to go, and beneficial to cross great rivers. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder. Wind and thunder excite and strengthen each other; this is the image of Yi. In view of this image, the superior man, standing in awe of the power of wind and thunder, follows what is good when he sees it and corrects his faults when he has them.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the upper and increasing the lower, showing vigor and initiative; making progress to achieve fame, and merchants making profits. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram are in good luck, striving to make progress, receiving help from others, and able to gain fame and wealth.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below, Xun above). Xun represents wind; Zhen represents thunder. As wind and thunder rage together, their power grows stronger, the thunder grows louder, and they assist and strengthen each other, resulting in mutual benefit. This hexagram is the opposite of the Sun (Decrease) hexagram. It decreases the upper to increase the lower, while the latter decreases the lower to increase the upper. These two hexagrams explain the principles of decrease and increase.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.