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

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

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.

Translation

Huan (Dispersion). Success. The king approaches his ancestral temple. It is beneficial to cross the great river. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Kan, Kan is water. Wind moving over the water is the image of Dispersion. The ancient kings, observing this image, presented sacrifices to the Supreme Deity, established ancestral temples, and promoted the 'moral education' of honoring Heaven and filial piety toward ancestors.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Separation and dissolution, disasters disperse. Seize the opportunity to observe changes, nurture prestige, and build up strength. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, there may be difficulties at first, but in the end, the troubles will be resolved. If one is careful in all things, everything will go smoothly; avoid self-indulgence and lawlessness.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The tide is turning; success comes naturally when conditions are ripe.
• Wealth 财运: With the blessing of the spirits, wealth flows smoothly.
• Household 家宅: Pray to the spirits for blessings; a match made in heaven.
• Health 身体: The illness is severe; it may be hard to save the patient.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is smooth and prosperous, with the momentum of riding the wind and breaking the waves.
• Warfare 战征: It is advantageous to use the navy.
• Business 营商: Wealth flows like water, protected and blessed by the heavenly spirits, bringing great profit.
• Fame & Career 功名: The wind guides the sails, and success comes naturally; a sign of achieving fame in the near future.
• Household 家宅: It is advisable to pray to the deities, and blessings will naturally follow.
• Marriage 婚姻: A second son and an eldest daughter; they make a naturally fine match.
• Illness 疾病: 'Wind blowing over water' implies passing away without remaining, a critical sign of illness; 'establishing temples' suggests the soul returning to the tomb, hence it is inauspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: Difficult to recover.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter in spring or summer, and a son in autumn or winter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Xun above). The wind blows over the water, swelling the waves and spreading in all directions. Huan means the scattering of flowing water. It symbolizes the dispersion of organization and people's hearts. Proactive measures and methods must be taken to overcome and defeat evils, rescue the situation from dispersion, and turn danger into safety.

• Overall Image 大象: The wind blows over the water's surface, dispersing and flowing, just as the spring breeze disperses the severe cold, melting ice and snow.
• Fortune 运势: Although there are anxieties and worries, the difficulties will eventually be resolved and everything will go smoothly; avoid self-indulgence and slackness.
• Career 事业: Being in a relatively difficult situation, mainly because people's minds are not united. Strong measures must be taken to achieve stability and unity. Among these, the most important is to adhere to the righteous path, uphold a spirit of absolute selflessness, and win over people's hearts to gather the dispersed.
• Business 经商: The market condition is chaotic and the direction is unclear. Taking appropriate risks is absolutely necessary. However, one must be fair and selfless, restraining personal desires. It is also entirely necessary to seek the cooperation and support of influential parties.
• Seeking Fame 求名: You must calm your mind, study hard to raise your level of knowledge, and increase your talents. The dispersed situation must be governed, which requires multi-talented people. The future is bright, and the key depends on individual effort.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: As long as both parties hold pure intentions, it will surely be happy and successful.
• Decision 决策: In order to expand your career, you must employ active means to overcome and defeat the illness of internal disunity. First, you must eliminate selfishness, sacrificing the minor self to fulfill the greater self. Never get involved in disputes of right and wrong. In this way, a stable situation can be regained. In a good environment, the prospects for all undertakings are bright.

II. Line Statements

Six at the Beginning 初六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, divided, shows its subject engaged in rescuing (from the impending evil) and having (the assistance of) a strong horse. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the beginning: The flood suddenly arrives, so one escapes on horseback, falling and getting injured in the rush, but fortunately avoiding the disaster of drowning; good fortune. The Image says: The good fortune mentioned in the line for Six at the beginning is because the yin line at the bottom lies beneath the yang line of Nine in the second place, indicating yielding obedience to the strong. It is like a horse obeying a person's will.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune: For those who obtain this line, they will be promoted by their superiors, and all plans will succeed. Officials will be highly regarded and can expect promotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Saved from danger; there will surely be future blessings.
• Wealth 财运: With the help of colleagues, one can make a profit.
• Household 家宅: The new mansion is ready for habitation.
• Health 身体: Immediate treatment is advisable.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: In the first encounter on the battlefield, relying on an excellent warhorse, one manages to break the siege and escape danger, hence good fortune.
• Business 营商: Capital is small, but fortunately, with the help of colleagues, a profit is made.
• Fame & Career 功名: Undergoing the fortune of the Wu-Horse, fame will surely be achieved.
• Household 家宅: A newly built mansion, fortunately facing the direction of wealth and horse (Lu Ma), good fortune.
• Marriage 婚姻: For a male horoscope (Qian Zao), one born in the Year of the Horse is auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: The illness should be treated urgently; finding a physician surnamed Ma will bring good fortune.
• Travelers 行人: The stagecoach-horse (Yi Ma) is active; returning is imminent.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chung Fu hexagram. Offering pigs and fish; though the offering is modest, the heart is sincere—auspicious. It is also beneficial to cross the great river. This is an auspicious divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui is marsh. Wind over the marsh, wind rising and waves surging—this is the image of Chung Fu. In observing this hexagram, the noble person, inspired by the transformation of the state through moral influence, prioritizes moral education first, and thus carefully deliberates legal trials and does not lightly impose severe punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Trustworthy and substantial, sincere and faithful; assisted by close friends, plans and hopes can be fulfilled. Small good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the upright and sincere will find good fortune, receiving help from friends and succeeding in their endeavors; those with evil intentions will face misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Xun above). The original meaning of Fu is to hatch; the hatching date of an egg is highly precise, carrying the meaning of trust or faithfulness. The shape of the hexagram is solid on the outside and empty on the inside, symbolizing sincerity and truth in the heart, hence it is called the Chung Fu (Inner Truth) hexagram. This is the foundation of establishing oneself and conducting oneself in society.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows its subject, amid the dispersion, hurrying to his contrivance (for security). All occasion for repentance will disappear.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: The flood surges and destroys the house foundation. Life is safe. A blessing in disguise. The Image says: Sweeping away and washing off the filth is exactly what the heart desires.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who obtain this line, their plans will succeed, or they may start a family. Officials will hold real power.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is smooth, and all desires are fulfilled.
• Wealth 财运: Trading of goods goes exactly as desired.
• Household 家宅: First dispersing then gathering; the woman is older than the man.
• Health 身体: Deeply worried and frowning, but a good doctor can cure it.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is smooth and suitable; obtaining one's desires, disasters and regrets both vanish.
• Business 营商: Transporting goods and trading, having something to rely upon, one can attain their wishes; good fortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: What is desired will surely be accomplished.
• Warfare 战征: Although facing dispersion and defeat, having something to rely on allows one to plan recovery; what regret can there be?
• Marriage 婚姻: The inner trigram is Kun, its second line changing to Qian forms Kan, and Kan is the second son; the outer trigram is Qian, its fourth line changing to Kun forms Xun, and Xun is the eldest daughter. In this match, the woman must be older than the man. Wood and Water nourish each other, making them a fine couple.
• Household 家宅: The family in this house faces the danger of flight and ruin, but fortunately, they find support outside, which is 'agreeable to my wishes'.
• Illness 疾病: Depressed and unhappy, leaning on a table and lying down; meeting a good doctor, one can be free of worry.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Kuan Hexagram. During the sacrifice, libation is poured to summon the spirits but the human sacrifice is not offered, because the head of the captive to be used for the sacrifice is swollen and cannot be used as an offering. The Xiang Commentary (The Image) says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun representing wind, and the lower trigram is Kun representing earth. The wind blows across the great earth, brushing over all things—this is the image of Contemplation. The ancient kings, observing this image, took emulation from the wind that flows in all eight directions, thereby inspecting the principalities, observing the conditions of the people, and promoting moral transformation.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Viewing the superior from below, traveling and observing; maintain a calm mind and peaceful spirit, and hold fast to one's post. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram find themselves in the midst of change, with restless minds; it is advisable to observe with great detail, wait for the right opportunity to act, and never advance rashly.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Xun above). The wind blows over the earth, symbolizing the widespread dissemination of moral teachings. The Kuan (Contemplation) hexagram and Lin (Approach) hexagram are inverse hexagrams (zong gua) to each other, used interactively. Those above view the world with righteousness; those below look up to those above with reverence, leading to the submission and obedience of the people's hearts.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows its subject discarding any regard to his own person. There will be no occasion for repentance.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: The flood rushes upon one's body, yet one fortunately escapes disaster, which is still a cause for celebration. The Image says: Washing his body indicates that his aspiration lies in educating others and governing the country.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who obtain this line, ordinary people will gain profit. Officials will go abroad or away to take up their posts.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Brave in rushing to face difficulties, worthy of respect.
• Wealth 财运: Valuing wealth over life, bringing trouble upon oneself.
• Household 家宅: Going out to avoid disaster; the aspiration of keeping chastity.
• Health 身体: Turning danger into safety.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The third line is at the extremity of Kan; this is a time when fortune meets Kan's danger. Forgetting oneself to face the crisis and managing to escape, one can avoid regret.
• Warfare 战征: Capable of serving the state while forgetting self; loyal and brave, highly commendable. What regret can there be in going?
• Business 营商: Transporting goods abroad, wading through wind and waves, experiencing all kinds of hardships; a sign of valuing wealth over life.
• Fame & Career 功名: The honor of sacrificing one's life to achieve virtue, leaving a name in the annals of history.
• Marriage 婚姻: The aspiration to sacrifice oneself to preserve integrity; tragic yet admirable.
• Household 家宅: This house is situated right above the Kan water; it is advisable for the owner of the house to travel and handle matters elsewhere to avoid disaster.
• Travelers 行人: Has not returned yet.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Childbirth is imminent; giving birth to a boy.

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.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject scattering the (different) parties (in the state); which leads to great good fortune. From the dispersion (he collects again good men standing out, a crowd) like a mound, which is what ordinary men would not have thought of.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: The flood rushes toward the crowd, yet it is extremely fortunate because the crowd gathers on the hill, and the flood can only reach the foot of the hill; otherwise, the consequences would be beyond ordinary imagination. The Image says: Washing the masses indicates that the king's moral teachings are widely spread and his civilizing influence is greatly implemented.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune: For those who obtain this line, there is misfortune first followed by good fortune. Plans will harmonize and profit can be obtained. Officials will occupy key posts.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Great fortune is smooth; escaping difficulties to establish one's career.
• Wealth 财运: Distributing wealth to relieve danger, creating one's own world.
• Household 家宅: Naturally worth looking at; showing impressive prospects.
• Health 身体: Concentrating the primordial qi, the sick body heals itself.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Able to extricate oneself from difficulties and rebuild the foundation; exactly the time when great fortune is smooth.
• Business 营商: Possessing extraordinary means, able to distribute wealth to relieve danger, yet also capable of carving out a unique path.
• Fame & Career 功名: Possessing the air of standing outstandingly above all peers of the time.
• Warfare 战征: The grandeur of the military forces: suddenly dispersing and suddenly gathering, suddenly high and suddenly low; at one moment ten thousand horses are silent, at another a single mound towers high. The wonders of its variations are beyond expectation; these are divinely transformed troops.
• Illness 疾病: Disperse the external pathogens while condensing the primordial qi, and the illness will cure itself.
• Household 家宅: Neighbors are distant, forming a single household on its own, naturally enjoying quiet pleasure; good fortune.
• Litigation 讼事: 'Dispersing its crowd' (Huan Qi Qun), the litigation will surely be resolved; good fortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

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.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sung (Conflict). Although there is profit to be made (capturing prisoners), one must remain vigilant and cautious. The matter is auspicious in the middle, but dangerous in the end. Divining this, it is favorable to see great men, but unfavorable to cross the great river. The Xiang (Image) Commentary says: The upper trigram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Kan, representing Water. Heaven and water move in opposite directions, going their separate ways, which is contrary to reason. This is the image of Sung. Reflecting on this image, the superior man takes heed to prevent conflict, being extremely cautious at the very beginning of planning any enterprise.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Heaven is high and water is deep, reaching far but not in intimacy. Be cautious in planning and retreat to defend; with respect and awe, there will be no misfortune. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, body and mind are unsettled, things are mostly unfavorable, and there are many disputes and lawsuits with others. It is advisable to cultivate character, nurture nature, and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below and Qian above). It is the opposite of the Hsü (Waiting) hexagram, making them reciprocal 'Zong' hexagrams. Qian represents strength and vigor, while Kan represents danger and entrapment. Strength and danger, vigor and danger, oppose each other, inevitably generating conflict. Conflict is not a good thing; one must be prudent and cautious.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject amidst the dispersion issuing his great announcements as the perspiration (flows from his body). He scatters abroad (also) the accumulations in the royal granaries. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: The flood overflows, submerging the capital and reaching the royal palace. Fortunately, the people had already evacuated, so there is no major disaster. The Image says: The royal palace encounters no disaster because the yang line of Nine in the fifth place resides in the middle of the upper trigram, occupying a noble and correct position, hence naturally free from disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Good fortune: For those who obtain this line, they are in the midst of good fortune, and everything goes well; those seeking profit will succeed. Officials will be promoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Occupying the central and correct position, all matters are auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Speaking and acting in accordance with the Mean, profits come naturally.
• Household 家宅: A wealthy and noble family; will surely obtain an honorable son-in-law.
• Health 身体: Will recover after a major sweat.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The position of fortune is correct; whether in speech or silence, movement or stillness, all matters are auspicious.
• Business 营商: The position is appropriate, and goods flow smoothly; wherever one goes, profit is made.
• Fame & Career 功名: Position is close to the sovereign, and fame spreads throughout the world; great good fortune.
• Warfare 战征: Orders are strict and clear, and military prestige is solemn; achieving merits of hard-won victory.
• Marriage 婚姻: Will surely obtain an honorable son-in-law.
• Household 家宅: This house is not the home of ordinary commoners.
• Illness 疾病: Cured as soon as one breaks into a sweat.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter, 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.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject disposing of (what may be called) its bloody wounds, and going and separating himself from its anxious fears. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: The flood recedes and worries are eliminated, but one must still remain vigilant and strengthen precautions; in this way, there will be no disaster. The Image says: There is the danger of bloodshed; go away, keep far away, so that one can stay away from disaster.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: For those who obtain this line, difficulty comes first followed by ease, and fortune turns for the better. Officials who travel to take office will encounter disaster.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is smooth and clear; no need to worry.
• Wealth 财运: Trading is smooth, and wealth flows in naturally.
• Household 家宅: Avoid conflicts; a sign of marrying far away.
• Health 身体: Congestion of qi and blood; it will be cured once cleared.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is smooth and open; disasters depart and blessings arrive.
• Warfare 战征: The body of the hexagram originates from Qian and Kun; the top line of Kun says 'dragons fight in the wilderness, their blood is black and yellow', indicating a sign of mutual injury if there is war.
• Business 营商: Blood signifies capital and wealth. Merchant ships venture far out, trade is prosperous, and profit can be gained; naturally, there is no cause for worry.
• Fame & Career 功名: A sign of casting aside the pen to join the army.
• Marriage 婚姻: A sign of marrying far away.
• Household 家宅: The master of the house should guard against the disaster of bloodshed; keeping far away, one can remain blameless.
• Illness 疾病: It is an ailment of qi and blood congestion; clearing the meridians and vessels can ward off disaster.
• Lost Items 失物: This item has gone far away and cannot be recovered.
• Litigation 讼事: It is advisable to go far away to avoid it, then one will be blameless.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

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.

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.