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I Ching · No.07 · Shih / The Army

Shih / The Army (Hexagram 7): English translation of the I Ching judgment, line statements and changing-line readings.

Primary Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaShih / The Army
Parent 父母Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应
Sibling 兄弟Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄
Wealth 妻财Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄

Original Text (The Judgment)

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.

Translation

Shih (The Army) Hexagram. Divination about the military situation of the commander-in-chief brings no disaster. The Image says: The lower trigram is Kan, and Kan is water; the upper trigram is Kun, and Kun is earth, resembling 'water in the midst of the earth'. This is the image of the Army Hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the earth that holds rivers, accommodating and nurturing the masses.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Worrying and exhausting the masses, with infinite changes; fair and selfless, overcoming all difficulties. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face numerous difficulties, with worry and exhaustion for the masses. It is advisable to tolerate others, work hard, and eliminate all obstacles.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Be tolerant of others, cultivate yourself and bide your time.
  • Wealth 财运: Having wealth and a storehouse, cherish them well.
  • Household 家宅: Marriage between old relatives, worthy of celebration.
  • Health 身体: Abdominal bloating; regulate your Qi and there will be no worry.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Warfare 战征: The hexagram is named 'The Army' (Shih), and the meanings of the lines are very clear. One can investigate line by line, and the fortune or misfortune will verify itself.
  • Business 营商: Kun represents wealth and gathering; Kan represents people and receiving; it naturally possesses the capacity of tolerance and protection. Kan water is within the earth, accommodated by the earth. The source of wealth is like water, flowing endlessly; from this, one can know the abundance of business. Auspicious.
  • Fame & Career 功名: Water is within the earth, like a scholar who is still in hiding and has not yet become prominent, but whose moral capacity can naturally accommodate people and things. Once employed, like water flowing to pay homage to the sea, the influence will spread far and wide. 'Superior man' (Junzi) is a title for those with virtue and position. Auspicious.
  • Marriage 婚嫁: Since Kun and Kan interact with each other, and earth and water are close, this must be a marriage between old relatives. Very auspicious.
  • Illness 疾病: It must be a disease of water retention and abdominal bloating. Kan represents the heart and worry. One should quiet the mind and regulate the Qi, relieve worries and find joy, and it will heal itself.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Kun above). 'Shih' refers to the army. Kan is water, danger; Kun is earth, obedience, implying quartering troops among the peasantry. Military actions are dangerous and war is risky; employing the army is a last resort for the sage. However, it can resolve conflicts smoothly without obstacles because it conforms to the situation and is launched for a just cause, thereby turning misfortune into good fortune.

  • Overall Image 大象: The image of maintaining troops and gathering the masses, launching campaigns and attacking, causing mutual injury and making it hard to find peace.
  • Fortune 运势: Numerous difficulties; handle everything through formal and proper channels. Avoid acting arbitrarily or taking opportunistic shortcuts, and watch out for hidden enemies.
  • Career 事业: Great resistance and many difficulties, in a state of intense competition. One must cooperate closely with others, be cautious and prudent, act decisively, and avoid blind or rash moves. Moderation is key; pay attention to self-preservation. Be flexible and strict in self-discipline. By dealing with everything calmly and composedly, success will surely be achieved.
  • Business 经商: Having already accumulated certain savings, one can engage in large marketing activities, but will inevitably be involved in fierce commercial warfare. With a resolute and tenacious spirit and high business ethics, supplemented by flexible methods, do not covet small gains or let down your guard. Strengthen communication with others, and you will surely escape the predicament and turn danger into safety.
  • Seeking Fame 求名: Possessing excellent conditions, but requiring correct guidance. It is essential to demand strictly of oneself, overcome the interference of unfavorable factors, and through solid efforts, fame and wealth will surely be achieved.
  • Love & Marriage 婚恋: Be cautious and focused, otherwise one might fall into a 'triangle' dispute. Infatuated pursuit can achieve the goal.
  • Decision 决策: Naturally intelligent and flexible in personality, possessing a strong will, persistent in pursuing career goals, and moving forward in the face of difficulties. A great career can be accomplished. Fond of competition, good at debating, and adventurous, which inevitably brings trouble. One must be mature and prudent, not covet credit, and prioritize the mean (neutrality and righteousness).

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaShih / The ArmySix RelativesNajiaLin / Approach
Parent 父母Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Offspring 子孙Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄Wealth 妻财Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄Sibling 兄弟Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄
Wealth 妻财Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Sibling 兄弟Ding Chou 丁丑▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Ding Mao 丁卯▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世
Offspring 子孙Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄  × →Parent 父母Ding Si 丁巳▄▄▄▄▄▄▄

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows the host going forth according to the rules (for such a movement). If these be not good, there will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: The army goes forth in order; if order is not good, there is misfortune. The Image says: The army goes forth in order; losing order brings misfortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will see their wealth increase daily if they manage operations properly. However, those who act rashly will achieve little and fail much. The wicked will face many dangers, difficulties, punishments, and injuries. Officials should prudently maintain the righteous path to win the appreciation of their superiors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Seeking something by departing from the path will ultimately lead to humiliation.
  • Wealth 财运: Shipping business: Auspicious if it conforms to righteousness.
  • Household 家宅: Govern the household with rules, otherwise it will surely be unfortunate.
  • Health 身体: More cold than heat; advisable to seek early medical treatment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Fame & Career 功名: The first line represents starting out to seek fame. 'The army goes forth in order' is correct, just as a scholar values the Dao above all else. If one loses the Dao, even if honored, it ends in humiliation. Misfortune.
  • Business 营商: The first line indicates a newly established business; water within the earth indicates shipping commerce. In short, seeking profit through righteousness is auspicious, while losing righteousness brings misfortune.
  • Household 家宅: The Shih Hexagram has Kan inside and Kun outside. This house must face south-southwest (sitting on Zi-Chou, facing Wu-Wei). The household has a large population. 'The army goes forth in order' is like saying the household should be governed by law. If not good, the family fortunes will surely be unfortunate.
  • Illness 疾病: The Shih Hexagram has one Yang and five Yin lines, indicating more cold than heat. The disease is in its initial stage; it is advisable to invite a good doctor for treatment, otherwise it is unfortunate.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lin (Approach). Great success and supreme fortune, a favorable divination. When it comes to the eighth month, there may be danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing the Marsh; the upper trigram is Kun, representing the Earth. The dyke rises above the great marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This is the image of Lin (Approach). The superior person, observing this image, rules over the world, teaches and civilizes the people, thinks deeply and extends benevolence, tolerates and embraces all people, and their virtue and deeds are boundless.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Approaching the lower from above, supporting and assisting each other; be mindful of danger in times of peace, and always remain cautious and vigilant. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, good fortune arrives, all matters go as wished, and human relations are harmonious, but one should not act with too much haste.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Kun above). Kun is Earth, Dui is Marsh. The earth is higher than the marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This symbolizes the ruler personally presiding over the world, governing the country and securing the state, with harmony between the upper and lower classes.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaShih / The ArmySix RelativesNajiaK'un / The Receptive
Parent 父母Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Offspring 子孙Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄Wealth 妻财Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄Sibling 兄弟Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄
Wealth 妻财Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Officer/Ghost 官鬼Yi Mao 乙卯▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  ○ →Parent 父母Yi Si 乙巳▄▄           ▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄Sibling 兄弟Yi Wei 乙未▄▄           ▄▄

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows (the leader) in the midst of the host. There will be good fortune and no error. The king has thrice conveyed to him the orders (of his favour).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: The commander is in the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king thrice bestows commands. The Image says: The commander is in the midst of the army, good fortune, because he receives the favor of heaven. The king thrice bestows commands, because the commander can pacify the ten thousand states.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will meet noble benefactors, and plans can succeed. Officials will receive the appreciation of their superiors with opportunities for promotion. Scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: An outstanding talent, highly appreciated.
  • Wealth 财运: Outstanding in strategy, leading to profit.
  • Household 家宅: Respected by neighbors; marriage is auspicious.
  • Health 身体: Circulate Qi and blood, and the illness will be relieved.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Fame & Career 功名: Nine in the second place commands five Yin lines with a single Yang. The line says 'In the midst of the army, good fortune', meaning a crane among chickens—an outstanding talent. 'The king thrice bestows commands' means conferring peerage based on ability, prominently receiving the royal decree.
  • Business 营商: Nine in the second place is the ruler of the hexagram. The person must have outstanding strategies, be known as mature and experienced in business, and can be elected as the head of a commercial association. Auspicious.
  • Household 家宅: Saying 'in the midst of the army, good fortune' means the family must be a prominent house in the village, namely a philanthropist in the community.
  • Marriage 婚姻: Nine in the second place changes to Kun. Kun is the way of the earth and the way of the wife. The natures of water and earth harmonize, hence it is auspicious.
  • Illness 疾病: Indicates water retention in the middle chamber. One must keep the water moving to ease the middle burner, then the illness will do no harm. Auspicious.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Supreme good fortune and benefit. Divining about a mare yields an auspicious sign. If the gentleman takes a journey, he first loses his way, but later finds his master; auspicious. Traveling to the southwest, he gains property; traveling to the northeast, he loses property. Divining about settling down yields an auspicious sign. The Great Image says: The condition of the Earth is receptive and spacious, conforming to the Way of Heaven. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the Earth, sustaining all things with his deep virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Gentle, yielding, harmonious, and quiet, possessing the virtue of carrying things with depth; quietly guarding peaceful compliance, while rash action invites loss. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram should adapt to the flow of fortune, control movement with stillness, and avoid acting independently; complying with others and cooperating will lead to great success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Kun below, Kun above) and is Yin in nature. It symbolizes the Earth (opposite to the Qian hexagram), complying with Heaven. It sustains all things, extending boundlessly. The Kun hexagram is symbolized by a mare, indicating that the Way of the Earth gives birth to and nurtures all things, while complying with Heaven and following the seasons with a gentle disposition. It uses 'first losing one's way, then finding' to prove that Kun complies with Qian and follows Qian, thereby grasping the correct direction, adhering to the right path, and obtaining good fortune.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaShih / The ArmySix RelativesNajiaShêng / Pushing Upward
Parent 父母Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Officer/Ghost 官鬼Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄Wealth 妻财Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Wealth 妻财Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世 × →Officer/Ghost 官鬼Xin You 辛酉▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Parent 父母Xin Hai 辛亥▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄Wealth 妻财Xin Chou 辛丑▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows how the host may, possibly, have many inefficient leaders. There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: The army carries corpses in the carriage. Misfortune. The Image says: The army carries corpses in the carriage, meaning a defeat at the front.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will face much grief and worry, or family members may pass away. Officials will hold office while awaiting vacancies.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Having position without virtue, misfortune is hard to avoid.
  • Wealth 财运: Depletion of goods and loss of wealth, extremely dangerous.
  • Household 家宅: Lacking peace, caution is paramount.
  • Health 身体: May pass away.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Business 营商: 'Kan' is a carriage, which is used to carry goods; Kan is also pitfall and ruin. If a carriage meets a narrow pass, it breaks and the goods overturn. A dead person is called a corpse, which is like a ruined carriage and lost goods. 'Perchance' is a term for what has not yet happened. 'Great lack of success' means great loss. Traveling merchants may not necessarily meet this danger, but they must guard against it. Such is the warning of the line's image.
  • Fame & Career 功名: 'The superior man obtains a carriage.' Obtain means virtue; a carriage is used to carry virtue in action. A superior man is a title of virtue and position. Or, it is said that 'carrying corpses' refers to those who occupy positions without virtue, hence misfortune.
  • Household 家宅: Geomancers refer to Kan-Yu; Kan is heaven and Yu is earth. Carrying corpses means the earth contains corpse-Qi; how could it not be unfortunate!
  • Marriage 婚嫁: The third line resides at the end of Kan, receiving the Qi of Qian. Qian below and Xun above form Hsiao Chu. The third line of Hsiao Chu says: 'The carriage loses its wheel spokes, husband and wife turn their eyes away in anger.' The Image says: 'Cannot regulate the inner chamber.' Its misfortune is obvious.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Although giving birth to a boy, it is unfortunate.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shêng (Pushing Upward) hexagram. Supreme success. It is beneficial to see the great man. Have no fear. Proceeding toward the south brings good fortune. The Image says: The outer trigram is Kun, Kun is Earth; the inner trigram is Xun, Xun is Wood. Wood growing within the earth is the image of Pushing Upward. Thus the superior man, in accordance with this image, conforms with virtue and duty, strengthens his cultivation, and starting from small things, step by step fosters high character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ascending and progressing upward, freely carrying out one's ambitions; emerging from darkness into light, gradually rising and advancing. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their luck is rising, all matters are developing positively upward, plans succeed, and both fame and fortune are achieved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below, Kun above). Kun is Earth and compliance; Xun is Wood and humility. The earth grows trees, which gradually develop and grow taller day by day to become useful timber, symbolizing step-by-step career advancement and a promising future, hence the name 'Shêng' (Pushing Upward).

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaShih / The ArmySix RelativesNajiaHsieh / Deliverance
Parent 父母Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Wealth 妻财Geng Xu 庚戌▄▄           ▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Geng Shen 庚申▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄  × →Offspring 子孙Geng Wu 庚午▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Wealth 妻财Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Offspring 子孙Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Wealth 妻财Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄  Self 世
Offspring 子孙Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄Sibling 兄弟Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows the host in retreat. There is no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: The army retreats to the left. No blame. The Image says: The army retreats to the left, no blame, because stationing the army on the left or right depends solely on the geographical environment and the enemy's situation, without violating the constant way of military march.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will live and work in peace, free from the disaster of rash actions. Officials will have poor fortune in their careers and should not have unrealistic expectations.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Career fortune is poor; do not have unrealistic expectations.
  • Wealth 财运: Secondary goods, can still yield a profit.
  • Household 家宅: Near the east, facing southwest is auspicious; marrying into the bride's family brings no blame.
  • Health 身体: Spring brings the Qi of life; the illness can be cured.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Household 家宅: The fourth line exits Kan and passes through Kun. Kun is southwest, so the house must face southwest. Auspicious matters favor the left. Since the house is close to the east, the Azure Dragon governs joy, bringing good fortune and no blame.
  • Fame & Career 功名: In general, a demotion in official rank is called 'left', namely a demotion. Saying 'retreating to the left' is inauspicious.
  • Business 营商: There is high and left-low, and 'retreat' also means low. Divining this line, one knows that the merchandise must not be of high quality. However, although the goods are secondary, profit can still be made, hence it is said: 'not departing from the normal way'.
  • Marriage 婚姻: Men favor right, women favor the left. The line says 'retreat to the left'; perhaps marrying into the bride's family? Yet marrying into the bride's family also brings no blame.
  • Illness 疾病: Since spring generates from the left, obtaining its life-giving Qi means the illness will surely be without blame.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsieh (Deliverance) Hexagram. It is advantageous to move toward the southwest. But if there is no definite destination, it is better to return; returning is auspicious. If there is a definite destination, it is advisable to set out early; setting out early is auspicious. The Great Symbolism says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Chen, representing thunder; the lower trigram is K'an, representing rain. Thunder and rain work together, nourishing and developing all things, which is the image of Deliverance. The noble person views this hexagram, and thereby pardons mistakes and forgives criminals.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties are dissolved and scattered; resolving hardships and settling disputes. Seize the opportunity and proceed early. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can free themselves from previous difficulties. It is advisable to seize good opportunities to plan endeavors; it is even better for those going abroad to seek undertakings.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (K'an below and Chen above). Chen is thunder and movement; K'an is water and danger. Danger is within, movement is without. In severe winter, heaven and earth are closed and blocked; at the extreme of stillness, movement begins. All things are renewed, winter departs and spring arrives, and all things are dissolved—this is Hsieh (Deliverance).

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaShih / The ArmySix RelativesNajiaK'an / The Abysmal (Water)
Parent 父母Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应Sibling 兄弟Wu Zi 戊子▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Sibling 兄弟Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄  × →Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Xu 戊戌▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Wu Shen 戊申▄▄           ▄▄
Wealth 妻财Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Wealth 妻财Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄Offspring 子孙Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows birds in the fields, which it will be advantageous to seize (and destroy). In that case there will be no error. If the oldest son leads the host, and younger men (idly occupy offices assigned to them), however firm and correct he may be, there will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: There is game in the field. It is advantageous to catch them. No blame. Let the eldest son lead the army. The younger son carries corpses; divination is unfortunate. The Image says: Let the eldest son lead the army, which is acting in accordance with the righteous path. The younger son carries corpses, because of improper deployment.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line will see their wealth increase daily. If people are employed properly, plans can be accomplished, but one must guard against the danger of petty men. Officials will either hold real power or rise to high status due to their remonstrating words. Scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Virtue must exceed talent, otherwise it is dangerous.
  • Wealth 财运: Experienced and mature, profitable.
  • Household 家宅: Beneficial to the eldest son; accomplished through matchmakers.
  • Health 身体: Jogging to keep fit.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Business 营商: The line says 'There is game in the field', which is like saying the farmer has grain and the merchant has profit. 'Catching them' refers to contracts and agreements. In the way of business, it is always advisable to rely on experienced and mature people as leaders, which brings profit, otherwise it is unfortunate.
  • Household 家宅: This house is probably newly purchased under contract; it is beneficial to the eldest son's family, but unfavorable to the other sons.
  • Fame & Career 功名: Indicates that the person's talent is well-known, having the skill to catch ten birds in one day. However, it is essential that virtue exceeds talent; if virtue is inferior to external things, even if upright, it is unfortunate.
  • Marriage 婚姻: 'There is game' refers to the ritual of presenting a wild goose; 'holding speech' refers to the matchmaker's letters. The contracted marriage is auspicious when it involves the eldest son and the eldest daughter.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, who is the eldest son of Zhen.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Repeated K'an Hexagram. Capture captives, console and pacify them, leading to success. On the way, one will receive assistance. The Image says: K'an represents water flowing continuously without stagnation, which is the image of the K'an Hexagram. The gentleman observes this image, thereby esteeming virtuous conduct, taking example from the continuous flow of water, and learning the methods of teaching and educating the people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties and dangers, repeated perils and entrapments; many obstacles in affairs, proceed with caution. Misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram face poor luck, numerous difficulties and dangers, and many blocked affairs; it is advisable to be cautious in speech and actions, retreat, and maintain safety.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (K'an below, K'an above). K'an represents water and danger. With two K'an stacked, it is danger upon danger, with numerous obstacles. One Yang is trapped between two Yins. Fortunately, Yin is empty and Yang is solid; sincerity and truthfulness can breakthrough and connect. Although dangers and difficulties are numerous, they serve to reveal the brilliance of human nature.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Six RelativesNajiaShih / The ArmySix RelativesNajiaMêng / Youthful Folly
Parent 父母Gui You 癸酉▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应 × →Parent 父母Bing Yin 丙寅▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Sibling 兄弟Gui Hai 癸亥▄▄           ▄▄Officer/Ghost 官鬼Bing Zi 丙子▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Gui Chou 癸丑▄▄           ▄▄Offspring 子孙Bing Xu 丙戌▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世
Wealth 妻财Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄  Self 世Sibling 兄弟Wu Wu 戊午▄▄           ▄▄
Officer/Ghost 官鬼Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄Offspring 子孙Wu Chen 戊辰▄▄▄▄▄▄▄
Offspring 子孙Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄Parent 父母Wu Yin 戊寅▄▄           ▄▄  Response 应

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows the great ruler delivering his charges, (appointing some) to be rulers of states, and others to undertake the headship of clans; but small men should not be employed (in such positions).

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: The great ruler issues commands, to define states and establish families. A petty man should not be employed. The Image says: The great ruler issues commands, to reward merit. A petty man should not be employed, for he will surely sow disorder in the state.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. Those who obtain this line can establish a household or inherit the family estate, but must guard against petty men causing trouble. Officials will gain power and perform meritorious service. Professional talents will achieve fame through their skills.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

  • Fortune 时运: Rewarding merit; do not act like a petty man.
  • Wealth 财运: Attaining nobility through wealth; must guard against petty men.
  • Household 家宅: Family fortune is thriving; noble benefactors act as matchmakers.
  • Health 身体: Normal exercise.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

  • Household 家宅: The line says: 'The great ruler issues commands, to define states and establish families.' From this, we know the house must be a prominent and noble family. 'A petty man should not be employed' is a warning for their descendants.
  • Business 营商: Six at the top resides in Si, receiving the Qi of Xun. Xun represents business, and 'bringing threefold profit in the market'. This family must have risen through commerce. Xun also represents commands; the line says 'The great ruler issues commands', indicating they will become noble through wealth and their family fortunes will thrive daily. However, pride arising from wealth and associating with petty men are things to be guarded against.
  • Fame & Career 功名: Six at the top resides at the end of the hexagram, referring to the time of rewarding merit, showing prominent fame and rank. The eldest son of Zhen can naturally manage the family, but the second son of Kan should not be employed, hence: 'A petty man should not be employed'.
  • Marriage 婚姻: Lines three to six of 'Shih' form Kun. Kun is the way of the wife. The line says: 'define states and establish families', meaning both families are prominent households; it says: 'The great ruler issues commands', meaning the matchmaker must be a noble person. Auspicious.
  • Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, who will be noble.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Mêng Hexagram. Success and prosperity. It is not I who seek the ignorant youth, but the ignorant youth who seeks me. At the first divination, the spirits inform him. If he divines importunately a second and third time, it is importune; if it is importune, the spirits will not inform him. Yet it is a favorable inquiry. The Great Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, symbolizing the mountain; the lower trigram is Kan, symbolizing the spring. A spring gushing at the foot of the mountain is the image of Mêng (Youthful Folly). The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the forward-pressing mountain spring, thus cultivating his virtue through resolute and steadfast action.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Wisdom is not yet developed, ignorant and blocked; hesitant and lacking decisiveness. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their wisdom is like that of a child, unable to distinguish right from wrong and losing their direction. If they can follow the teachings of wise teachers and good friends to enlighten their intelligence, they will find success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Gen above). Gen is the image of a mountain, symbolizing stopping; Kan is the image of water, symbolizing danger. The shape of the hexagram represents danger at the foot of the mountain, yet continuing to advance without stopping, which constitutes ignorance, hence it is called the Mêng (Youthful Folly) hexagram. However, by seizing the opportunity and acting in a timely manner, it possesses the omen of enlightenment and smooth progress.


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.

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