I Ching · No.48 · Ching / The Well

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

(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.

Translation

The Well Hexagram. Rebuilding the town but not rebuilding the well amounts to doing nothing. People come and go to draw water from the well. If the well becomes dry and silted up, and instead of cleaning it, one breaks the water pitcher, this is an image of danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Xun, and Xun is wood; the upper trigram is Kan, and Kan is water. Water seeps down and trees grow: this is the image of The Well. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on the well water that nourishes people, thereby encouraging the people to be industrious and to exhort one another.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Still water connects to the source, and fortune is calm; do not change what you guard, and maintain the status quo. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should cultivate their character and nourish their nature, let things take their natural course, and face them with composure. Stillness brings benefit, while movement brings misfortune.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Wood and water generate each other; there is hope for success and fame.
• Wealth 财运: The profits exceed the principal; this is naturally gratifying.
• Household 家宅: Repair the house to prevent water leaks; Yin and Yang achieve their proper balance.
• Health 身体: Excessive swelling of the kidney-water; seek immediate treatment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently entering a fortune where wood and water generate each other, which can help in achieving success.
• Warfare 战征: There is an image of water destroying wood; the navy will encounter distress. It is advisable to make efforts to assist them so they can escape danger.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Wood above water' has the image of receiving spring rain for growth; success and fame can be expected.
• Business 营商: An image where profits exceed the principal; auspicious.
• Household 家宅: The pillars and beams of this house are feared to suffer from dampness and rot; urgent repairs are advisable.
• On Marriage 一问婚姻: Kan is male and Xun is female; the male is above the female, representing the proper order of Yin and Yang; auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Sudden overflow of kidney-water; urgent treatment is advisable.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Xun below and Kan above) superimposed. Kan is water; Xun is wood. Trees obtain water and grow vigorously. People rely on the well for life, and the well is dug by people. They nourish each other; the well nourishes people with water, never running dry. People should adopt this virtue to be industrious and self-encouraging.

• Overall Image 大象: Water is absorbed by plants, nourishing the tree trunks. It also symbolizes lowering a drawing vessel into the well to fetch water, suggesting conservation and recurrence.
• Fortune 运势: The well is a static object and cannot move. Therefore, one should not be aggressive or take the initiative in affairs, and lacks momentum. It is more beneficial to remain calm and composed.
• Career 事业: In a stable state. It is neither advisable to advance rashly nor necessary to retreat. Instead, one should adopt a positive attitude to study hard, improve oneself, and enrich personal strength, waiting for the right opportunity to rise, which will lead to great achievements. The greatest fear is stagnation, otherwise one will be eliminated due to being out of step with the times.
• Business 经商: Market conditions are good, and one can continue according to the original policy. Also, continue to sincerely expand the market in the spirit of diligence and enterprise, paying special attention to cooperation and mutual assistance with others, and enriching and accumulating experience in practical activities.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Study hard with a proper purpose of contributing to society. Special attention should be paid to seeking advice from virtuous and worthy people, so as to be noticed and recommended.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: No need to be in too much of a hurry; there will be a matching partner.
• Decision 决策: Intelligent, quick-witted, and helpful. At the same time, there will be opportunities to fully display personal talents. As long as one can learn from the spirit of the 'well'—offering sincere devotion and continuously enriching one's talents—one will surely be valued by society.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows a well so muddy that men will not drink of it; or an old well to which neither birds (nor other creatures) resort.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: The well water is muddy and cannot be consumed. A collapsed trap can no longer hold wild beasts. The Image says: The well water is muddy and cannot be consumed, because mud has fallen into it. A collapsed trap can no longer hold wild beasts, which means that people have already abandoned this trap.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will face obstacles in their undertakings. Officials will retreat to idle posts, and those seeking fame will not succeed.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The time has passed and fortune has declined; old age is of no use.
• Wealth 财运: The goods are obsolete and difficult to sell.
• Household 家宅: Desolate and difficult to dwell in; marriage will not succeed.
• Health 身体: Chronic illness is untreatable.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The times have passed and fortune has declined; not employed by the world.
• Warfare 战征: There is a worry that weapons are decayed and old, unable to win victory.
• Business 营商: The goods are rotten and decayed, unfit for sale.
• Fame & Career 功名: Old age is of no use.
• Illness 疾病: It is a chronic illness. Untreatable.
• Marriage 婚姻: Of low character; although they are old relatives, it will not succeed.
• Litigation 讼事: Justice will certainly not be obtained.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy; guard against difficult rearing.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsü (Waiting) Hexagram. Captives are taken. Great good fortune, a favorable divination. It is beneficial to cross the great river. The Image says: The upper trigram of Hsü is Kan, representing clouds; the lower trigram is Qian, representing heaven. Clouds gather in the sky, waiting to bring rain, which is the image of the Waiting hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, eats and drinks, making merry, and waits for the right time to act.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The pit of Kan is ahead, obstructed and unable to advance; great vessels mature late, and the harvest comes afterwards. Minor misfortune: For those who get this hexagram, the timing is not yet ripe; patience is required to wait, as rushing forward will instead bring misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Kan above). The lower trigram is Qian, meaning strength and vigor; the upper trigram is Kan, meaning danger and pitfall. Meeting danger with strength, one should be stable and prudent, avoiding reckless action, observing the timing and waiting for changes; then where one goes will surely bring success.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows a well from which by a hole the water escapes and flows away to the shrimps (and such small creatures among the grass), or one the water of which leaks away from a broken basket.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second line: Shooting small fish in the well with a bow at the well's mouth. The jar is broken and leaking. The Image says: Shooting small fish in the well with a bow at the well's mouth—seeking food and survival in this way shows that the person has no one to rely on.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line should guard carefully to avoid disaster. Officials should withdraw to protect themselves.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Gaining the small and losing the large; possessing a hollow reputation in vain.
• Wealth 财运: Greedy for wealth but losing profit; the loss outweighs the gain.
• Household 家宅: Water is undrinkable; marriage is unfavorable.
• Health 身体: An ailment of leakage; difficult to treat even when seeking medical help.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: What is gained is small, while what is lost is great indeed.
• Warfare 战征: Mistakenly falling into the enemy's trap, the army enters a dark valley, resulting in broken pots and lack of provisions, unable to get out.
• Fame & Career 功名: Gaining a hollow reputation; how can it last?
• Business 营商: Due to greed for unexpected wealth, one loses the profit of their proper share.
• Marriage 婚姻: The family status is low, and the reputation is ruined; unfavorable.
• Household 家宅: This house has an abandoned well with a ruined mouth; the water is undrinkable.
• Illness 疾病: It is an ailment of leakage; it can be cured with treatment.
• Lost Items 失物: The object is already ruined; even if found, it is useless.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy; guard against this child having a disability.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Chien Hexagram. Divining this hexagram, it is beneficial to travel to the southwest, and unfavorable to travel to the northeast. It is beneficial to see noble lords and princes, obtaining an auspicious omen. The 'Xiang Zhuan' (Treatise on the Images) says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan represents water; the lower trigram is Gen, Gen represents mountain. Mountains and rocks are rugged and jagged, and the streams bend and turn, which is the image of the Chien hexagram. The noble person (Junzi) observes this image, realizes the difficulty of walking the path, and thus turns inward to seek within themselves, cultivating their virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Struggling to take a step, facing thousands of hardships; caught in a dilemma between advancing and retreating, one should endure and wait for the right time. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are plagued by anxiety and suffering, and every step is difficult. It is advisable to keep to the correct path, avoid acting rashly; those who venture into dangerous situations will meet with disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (lower Gen and upper Kan). Kan represents water, Gen represents mountain. Mountains are high and waters are deep, presenting numerous difficulties and life's hazards. Seeing danger and stopping, keeping oneself safe through wisdom—this can be called wisdom. Chien means difficulty in walking or limping.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows a well, which has been cleared out, but is not used. Our hearts are sorry for this, for the water might be drawn out and used. If the king were (only) intelligent, both he and we might receive the benefit of it.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third line: The sovereign sees that the well water is turbid and cannot be consumed, and feels sad for us. Once it is cleansed, it can be drawn and drunk. The sovereign is wise, and everyone receives their benefit. The Image says: The well water is turbid and cannot be consumed; this is a lament inspired by the scene. Praying for a wise sovereign is the hope to obtain benefits.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, keeping to one's place brings good fortune, while the ill-behaved may face disaster. Officials will find it difficult to meet an enlightened ruler and need to seek other opportunities.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Possessing talent but lacking fate; must wait for two years.
• Wealth 财运: Improper transportation and marketing; no profit can be made.
• Household 家宅: Cleansing the well makes it drinkable; it can be accomplished in two years.
• Health 身体: Restlessness of the mind; spring water from the well can cure it.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Possessing talent but not being employed; this is determined by fate.
• Warfare 战征: Weapons have been repaired, and soldiers are ready for use, but unfortunately there is no commander-in-chief, leading to demoralized spirit, which is a pity.
• Business 营商: Clearly seeing goods gathering like spokes of a wheel, which could yield profit; but not knowing how to transport and sell them, making it useless in vain.
• Fame & Career 功名: Possessing talent but lacking fate, abandoned by the world; after two years, when reaching the fifth line, employment can be expected.
• Marriage 婚姻: It cannot be accomplished at present, but will certainly succeed when reaching the fifth line, which must be after two years.
• Household 家宅: This house must have an old well that has been buried for a long time; it is advisable to cleanse and dredge it. Drinking this water will bring blessings to the whole family; if it is not cleansed and not drunk, it would be a great pity.
• Illness 疾病: It must be an illness of mental restlessness; drinking from the medicinal spring can cure it.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a boy.

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 in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows a well, the lining of which is well laid. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth line: Lining the well with bricks, progress is smooth. The Image says: Lining the well with bricks, progress is smooth; this refers to the repair of the well.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to keep to one's place, and there may be the joy of relocation. Honest and upright officials can establish their destiny through self-cultivation and can expect promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Cultivate character and establish a name; one can expect to rise to higher levels.
• Wealth 财运: Reorganizing the old business; there should be profits.
• Household 家宅: Renovations are advisable; still need to wait for the right time.
• Health 身体: Exercise to stay fit.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Right at a time when fortune changes, one should cultivate and discipline oneself; not only will there be no blame, but advancement can also be expected.
• Business 营商: It is advisable to reorganize the old business, from which profits will naturally be gained.
• Fame & Career 功名: Cultivate character and establish a name; in two or three years, one can realize great ambitions.
• Warfare 战征: The Book of Odes says, 'I will sharpen my spear and halberd, and go forth together with you.' This applies to the present time.
• Marriage 婚姻: Still need to wait for the right time.
• Household 家宅: It is auspicious to renovate this house.
• Pregnancy 六甲: There is an image of playing with a tile; birth of a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Da Guo (Preponderance of the Great). The ridgepole sags under the weight. There is advantage in having a direction to go, and progress. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing a lake; the lower trigram is Xun, representing wood. With Dui above and Xun below, the lake waters submerge the wooden vessel; this is the image of Preponderance of the Great. The superior man, observing this image, takes warning that a heavy vessel will capsize; realizing that when encountering disaster and change, one should maintain integrity without yielding, remain securely in retirement without seeking office, and keep oneself quiet, detached, and content.

Shao Yong's Commentary

With abundant Yang and scarce Yin, the situation is on the verge of collapsing; both root and branch are weak, so one must act according to one's capability. Misfortune: Those who get this hexagram will experience restlessness of body and mind, things going against their wishes, yet they force their way forward, leading to times of great regret. Beware of legal disputes and water hazards.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Dui above). Dui represents the lake and joy; Xun represents wood and obedience. The waters of the lake submerge the boat, resulting in a great mistake. The Yin and Yang lines are unbalanced, with Yang being large and Yin being small. It indicates extraordinary action and a state of excess, strong within and gentle without.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows a clear, limpid well, (the waters from) whose cold spring are (freely) drunk.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth line: The water is clean and the spring is cold, refreshing and delicious, fit for consumption. The Image says: The line statement of Nine in the fifth line speaks of clean water and a cold spring, refreshing and delicious, because the line of Nine in the fifth line occupies the central position of the upper trigram, symbolizing that one has attained the path of balance and correctness.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will succeed in their schemes and endeavors. Officials of upright character will receive praise from their superiors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: With balanced and correct conduct, employment can be expected.
• Wealth 财运: The financial source is long-lasting; profits can be gained.
• Household 家宅: Modest and polite; sharing joys and sorrows.
• Health 身体: Cold on the outside and hot on the inside; it can be resolved with cooling medicine.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The family fortunes must be poor, but fortunately meeting the right timing, employment can be expected.
• Business 营商: The well produces a cold spring, which metaphorically means the long-lasting nature of financial sources; profits can be expected.
• Fame & Career 功名: With balanced and correct conduct, one can enjoy the honor of highest nourishment.
• Household 家宅: Having the virtues of 'honest spring and yielding water'.
• Marriage 婚姻: The family style is pure and upright; sharing joys and sorrows, representing the proper relationship of husband and wife.
• Illness 疾病: It is an illness of external cold and internal heat; it is advisable to take cooling medicine.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.

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 at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, divided, shows (the water from) the well brought to the top, which is not allowed to be covered. This suggests the idea of sincerity. There will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: The trap is wide at the bottom and narrow at the top, extremely concealed, and can even be left uncovered. Sure enough, a wild beast is captured; supreme good fortune. The Image says: The line statement of Six at the top speaks of supreme good fortune because the line of Six at the top is at the head of the hexagram, indicating that the person ascends to a high noble rank and makes great achievements.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will find their undertakings smooth and financial resources abundant. Officials with high merits and deep virtue can obtain promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Merits and virtues are established in the world, receiving great esteem.
• Wealth 财运: Profits accumulate, which can be great and long-lasting.
• Household 家宅: Accumulating goodness prospers the family; a harmonious union of two families.
• Health 身体: Will recover within the day.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Merits and virtues are established in the world, and credibility lies with others; 'great success' and 'supreme good fortune,' representing the absolute peak of fortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: There is an image of being of great use and receiving great honors, not merely a minor position of a single official or a single town.
• Business 营商: Commerce converges and benefits are vast, which can be long-lasting and great; everything is auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: The top line responds to the third line, and the third line says 'all share in the blessing,' showing that both families are auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Whenever the army is about to depart, the tents are dismantled. 'Wu mu' means dismantling tents and advancing. Success is achieved in a single battle, hence called 'great success.' Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: 'Mu' also means 'evening,' indicating recovery can be expected between morning and evening; auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sun Hexagram. Small success. It is beneficial to have a destination, and beneficial to see great men. The Image says: This hexagram is formed by doubling the Sun trigram; Sun represents wind, thus the continuous wind follows, blowing incessantly. This is the image of Sun. The gentleman, observing this image, models himself on the incessantly blowing wind, thereby repeatedly clarifying teachings, repeatedly issuing government decrees, and instilling the great principles of social order.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Submissive and accommodating, acting with humility; gaining help from noble people, benefits lie in distant places. Small good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram experience fluctuating fortune; it is advisable to adapt to circumstances and act with humility, which will bring unexpected gains.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Sun below, Sun above). Sun is wind; two winds are superimposed, the continuous wind never ends, penetrating everywhere. Sun means submission. A humble attitude and behavior will lead to success in all endeavors.

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.