Christensen Yi Jing

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HEXAGRAM 1: CREATIVE FORCE

Pure yang, the male principle. The supreme, the fundamental, the activating force. It is auspicious.

The Lines (base to top, plus overall conclusion)

Deep in water dragon swimsDragon dances on the fieldThrough day and night prince stays alertDragon leaps above the wavesDragon hovers in the skyAt last dragon flies awayHeadless dragons everywhere

Commentary

Heaven over heaven.

Dragon is male and bright, tiger is female, dark. Pure yang cannot be sustained, and the dragons losetheir heads.

Ride the dragon. Be strong. Ride the change.

HEXAGRAM 2: EARTH

Pure yin, the female principle. The supreme, the fundamental, receptiveforce. It is auspicious.

The Lines (base to top, plus overall conclusion)

Crunch of white frost underfootTurning heads in shifting windsOne state destroys another Grain bundled in gunny sacksCourt folk clad in yellow robesBlack and yellow dragon bloodIn the long run it's all good

Commentary

Earth over earth.

Every line is broken. Pure yin cannot hold. Transformative.

HEXAGRAM 3: SPROUTING

Difficulty breaking through the crust. Confusion and chaos ensue.

The Lines (base to top)



Feint one way then wheel aboutHold together till dismissedHunt down game without a scoutHorses lined up for paradeLots of food for everyoneHorses lined up for parade

Commentary

Water over thunder. Upward movement from below, downward movement from above.

A thunderstorm may be cleansing.

HEXAGRAM 4: FOLLY

Don't go searching for the fool: he will find you. Asking once is fine; further questions yield nothing.


Unleash the whelp, let him goThe fool will do you no harmSome are not for marryingMatted tangles mask the viewMind the wisdom of the foolOne who gets slapped will laugh last

Tom's Commentary

Mountain over water. The spring emerging beneath a mountain represents the young fool who doesnot know which way to turn. Feel your way.

HEXAGRAM 5: WAITING

Danger ahead. Cross the water but do not rush ahead. Auspicious for the persistent.


Waiting at the temple gatesWaiting on a sandy beachWaiting in the filthy muckWaiting in a gush of bloodWaiting for some food and wineWaiting in the underground

Commentary

Water over heaven. Don't understand the lines to mean you shouldn't act; rather, prepare, be true tothe plan, bide your time, and act at the proper moment.

HEXAGRAM 6: ARGUMENT



To go all the way to the end will bring misfortune. Better to go half way. Favorable for an audience withan important person. Unfavorable for crossing the water.


Some tasks shouldn't last too longWatch out for the boss todayFlavorless food disappointsSome arguments can't be wonWho knows what the answer isHonors are sometimes withdrawn

Commentary

Heaven over water. Strength above, danger below. Things could get out of control. A time to beprudent.

HEXAGRAM 7: TROOPS

A good leader will bring good fortune.


An army sent to battleEmbedded with the soldiersComing home in body bagsForces mired in endless war Plenty to search and destroySomeone seeks to extend his rule

Tom's Commentary

Earth over water. Water flowing underground. Dangerous strength hidden from view.

The strong yang line is buried in the second place -- representing not the ruler who sends men off towar but the capable commander who does the best with what he's been given.

HEXAGRAM 8: JOINING

Gathering together will bring good fortune. If you build it they will come. Unfavorable for the last toarrive.


Join the sacrificial onesJoin the upper managementJoin the losers and the consJoin the fringe, the undergroundJoin the vast majorityJoin those who have no leader

Tom's Commentary



Water over earth. Rain naturally gathers into puddles, streams, lakes, rivers, and seas.

Things fall apart; things come together. Not much action is needed.

HEXAGRAM 9: SMALL FARMING

A small farm can be successful. Thick clouds, no rain.


Off the highway, off the roadA trail is blazed through the woodsUseless the wheel with no spokesThe blood of a gelding flowsRich by associationDownpour someday sure to come

Commentary

Wind over heaven.

Clouds that bring no rain. Fretful anticipation and discord. Perhaps the smallness of the farm makesdrought less catastrophic.

The prognosis is uncertain. But don't sell out.

HEXAGRAM 10: WALKING

The trod-on tiger doesn't bite. Good news!


Walk about in silk slippersHiking down an easy roadAching feet will soon get wellTreading on a tiger's tailWalking in open sandalsWatch out what you're stepping on

Commentary

Heaven over lake. Strong over weak.

The direction is up -- get going.

HEXAGRAM 11: GREAT

Peace and prosperity. Descending smallness meets upward greatness. Harmony.



Self-possession. Great success.


Do not go against the grainLarge enough to bear the loadPreparing for the master At temples no sacrificeCaptives run about afraidHeaven smiles on all of them

Commentary

Fire over heaven. A shining beacon.

The place of honor, the fifth line, is given to a weak or modest person, who is supported by all theother lines. Even those who are not full of themselves can gain success.

HEXAGRAM 15: RAT

Modesty is rewarded.


A way across the river Squeals of a rat fill the air Rat: striving, striving, strivingMovement isn't always goodNeighbors may keep neighbors downTriumphal city entrance

Commentary

Earth over mountain. A lot is hidden.

Some things are better kept to yourself.

HEXAGRAM 16: ELEPHANT

Auspicious, if helpers get with the program.


A trumpeting elephantHard as a rock -- for a whileWatchful elephant lifts headThe elephant is warySigns of sickness now appear Elephants in the darkness

Commentary

Thunder over earth.

Elephants on parade. Get a team and put them to work.



HEXAGRAM 17: PURSUING

Woman on top. Joy and arousal. Auspicious.


Damaged houses tumbling downHold the boy and lose the manHold the man and lose the boyPursuit can turn to ambushCaptives watch victors' banquetConstrained ones should be watched

Commentary

Lake over thunder. Hard beneath soft.

Stay firm.

HEXAGRAM 18: WORK

Repair what has been damaged. Three days before and after crossing the water will be good.


Taking up the father's workTaking up the mother's workTaking up the father's workPutting down the father's workTaking up the father's workServing neither king nor lord

Commentary

Mountain over wind. Inertia above, vacilation below.

Conflict between the old and the new. Work it out.

HEXAGRAM 19: PREVAILING

Becoming great. Approaching will bring success.


Prevailing through persuasionPrevailing through persuasionPrevailing through coercionPrevailing through earnestnessPrevailing through reasoningPrevailing through honesty

Commentary

Earth over lake. Two strong lines rising.

There are some who can't be stopped.



HEXAGRAM 20: WATCHING

A ritual was left unfinished. That could be bad.


Watching little children playSecret glimpses through a screenAdvancing, receding viewsSeeing bright lights, big citySee ourselves as others doSee others as do they themselves

Commentary

Wind over earth. See and be seen.

HEXAGRAM 21: BITING

Bite through to success.


Shackles biting into anklesBiting into bleeding fleshBiting into rancid meatBiting into something hardBiting into pemmicanBitter pain of bitten ears

Commentary

Fire over thunder. Heavy stuff.

The hexagram is the image of an open mouth with an obstacle in the four place that needs to be bittentrhough.

Chew it over.

HEXAGRAM 22: DECORATION

Auspicious for going places.


Ornament feet for walkingDecorate an old man's beardMake it shine with gobs of gelCaparison the horsesThough humble the garden thrivesAll decked out in shades of white

Commentary

Mountain over fire. Fire illuminates mountain. Ceramic kilns produce ornaments.



It's a gift to be simple. It's a gift to be plain. But sometimes you have to dress things up a bit.

HEXAGRAM 23: SPLITTING

Splitting apart. Not a good time to go off and do things.


Dried-out old wood, bedposts splitEdges of bedcovers fraySomeone is beside himself Twin beds getting pushed apartKlatch of ladies: school of fishNo fine quilts for the homeless

Commentary

Mountain over earth. The single strong line at the top doesn't have enough support. The roof willcollapse.

Repair the foundation. Some things can't be propped up for long.

HEXAGRAM 24: RETURNING

A good time for coming and going. Success. Auspicious.


Returning from across the wayReturning all contentedReturning from the riverbankTurning back in mid-journeyComing back in double timeComing back and getting lost

Commentary

Earth over thunder. A strong line has returned at the bottom ready to rise again.

Get back.

HEXAGRAM 25: SURPRISE

In inocence is success. Unnatural efforts are likely to fail.


Sudden summons to travelUndeserved rewards receivedMultiple views of an oxCorrect and true is the waySouls blindsided by sicknessSudden summons to travel



Commentary

Heaven over thunder. Springtime rains.

Expect the unexpected.

HEXAGRAM 26: LARGE FARMING

Get out of the house. Cross the water.


Something is happening hereA wheel wobbling off the cartThoroughbreds are neck and neck

An ox with a crumpled hornTusks that grow on gelded boarsBeneficence of heaven

Commentary

Mountain over heaven. Power under wraps. For how long?

HEXAGRAM 27: TEETH

The mouth. Seek nourishment. Good fortune.


Can't tell much from tortoiseshellsFortunetellers grind their teethTeeth continue getting groundTeeth continue getting groundAll the way down to the bonePainless extraction these days

Commentary

Mountain over thunder. Stillness over energy.

The hexagram shows an open mouth. Not all nourishment is of the body.

HEXAGRAM 28: FORDING

Lodgepoles sagging. Time to hit the road. Success will come.


White rush mats for kneeling onOld willow branches buddingLodgepoles are bending over



Lodgepoles are getting crookedWillow blossoms on old woodWater rises at the ford

Commentary

Lake over wind. Waters rising.

The hexagram shows a pole that is starting to separate at the top and bottom. Yet the importantsecond and fifth lines remain strong.

Sometimes you just have to move on.

HEXAGRAM 29: PIT

The abyss. A dark hour. Don't linger.


One pit inside another The sides of the pits are steepFalling, falling into themPouring wine into a glassThe pits will never be filledA hostage is bound with cord

Commentary

Water over water. There is water at the bottom of the ocean.

Submersed and surrounded. The only hope is to be as water.

HEXAGRAM 30: ORIOLE

Clinging. Don't let go. Good fortune may come.


Be damned sure to watch your stepFlash of yellow: oriolesRed in light of setting sunImmolated, abandonedWeap a river, howl a stormBounty placed on rebel heads

Commentary

Fire over fire. Dazzling brightness. Take care not to be blinded.

HEXAGRAM 31: CUTTING



Sacrifice may be auspicious.


Stubby foot with toes chopped off Ankles on a chopping blockSharp blades cut slashes in thighsRun away from the slasher Mutilated midsectionA chopped off tongue will not wag

Commentary

Lake over mountain. A mountain lake would be a pleasant place to meet friends.

Sometimes things aren't as bad as they seem. The gruesome images of the lines are a caution thatthis might not be a time for movement or talk.

Give it a rest.

HEXAGRAM 32: PERMANENCE

Hang on and you will succeed.


Dredging isn't permanentThis should not be troublingIt is best to stay the courseHunters cannot scare up gameSome omens cannot be ignoredHard to hit moving targets

Commentary

Thunder over wind. Sound and fury.

Don't be swayed.

HEXAGRAM 33: PIG

Retreat may bring limited success.


Pig's tail won't be wandering far Leather tether holds the pigThe pig will squeal when he is boundHealthy, fat, and handsome pigThe pig will serve a big groupPlenty of meat on his bones

Commentary

Heaven over mountain. Weakness threatens from below.



Watch your back.

HEXAGRAM 34: SERIOUS INJURY

The great and powerful are making a lot of noise. Not a bad thing for the rest of us.


Hobbling on an inured footHollow feeling isn't badRam gets hurt butting a fenceFence gets hurt by ram's buttingSomebody has lost her sheepThe ram is stuck in the fence

Commentary

Thunder over heaven. Big doings up at the top, not much notice of the lower levels. There will beplenty of warning if attention turns your way.

Just lie low.

HEXAGRAM 35: ADVANCING

Gifts received. Face time granted. Good progress.


Advancing with weapons raised

Aggressively advancingPatriots support the troopsSneaking up like mice sometimesThe objective gets awayTrumpets hail a victory

Commentary

Fire over earth. Conflagration.

Here comes the sun.

Enjoy it now.

HEXAGRAM 36: PHEASANT

A good result in troubled times.


Wounded pheasant, starving princePheasant with a bad thigh bonePheasant shot on southern huntWounded pheasant’s heart is pierced

Mad Jizi gets his pheasantSoaring up, plummeting down



Commentary

Earth over fire. Passion quenched. But not permanently.

Feigning madness, the last prime minister of Shang, Jizi, got himself released from prison. After difficult travel he established a new base in Korea.

Tough odds, but you can make it.

HEXAGRAM 37: HOUSEHOLD

A firm wife is good.


Making sure the house is safeEverything is cheaply doneSquabbling, endless bickeringSome households rich in everythingRegal domesticitySome heads are going to roll

Commentary

Wind over fire. Fanning the flames.

A hot stove. Domesticate life is not always easy, but one tends to eat well.

Show some appreciation.

HEXAGRAM 38: SPYING

Opposition. Success will come in increments.


Horses spooked by hunchbacked menWise man, met in alleywayBent is the horn of the oxStub legs can't follow foxesAncestors will eat the meat

Foxes, pigs, and ghosts in rain

Commentary

Fire over lake. Some things just don't mix.

Don't push your luck.

HEXAGRAM 39: STUMBLING

One direction is good, another is bad. Consulting someone who really knows will bring a good result.




Stumbling forth and strutting backPorters stumbling under loadsStumbling and turning aboutTurning back to join with friends

Friends appear for welcomingStumbling forth and riding back

Commentary

Water over mountain. Hard to get a foothold.

Choose the easier path.

HEXAGRAM 40: RELEASE

Deliverance. Go home if you can, otherwise finish your task quickly and take your leave.


Nothing is wrong with nothingFoxes shot with bronze arrowsFancy bags attract attentionCome on, friends are arrivingLet the big palooka goShooting a hawk on a hill

Commentary

Thunder over water.

The fish will bite. Get your limit and head back before lightning strikes.

Sometimes you've got to be quick.

HEXAGRAM 41: REDUCTION

Punishment is coming down, but fortune protects you. Make an offering of food.


Attending ceremoniesThings go well for stay-at-homesOne friend found, another lostGetting better all the timeBig money in tortoiseshellsReversing diminishment

Commentary

Mountain over lake. Rivers come to rest in the lake, their fury spent.

Take it easy and enjoy the view.



HEXAGRAM 42: INCREASE

Increase. A time for action. A good moment for crossing the water.


Major projects should start nowBig money in tortoiseshellsSome profit from disastersMidterms all are looking goodNo good comes from questioningRewards come to those who move

Commentary

Wind over thunder. It will rain everywhere.

Spread the wealth.

HEXAGRAM 43: STRIDING

Danger. A culptrit must be exposed. No arms. Take the matter to arbitration. Be earnest.


Hard to walk with injured legHowling in the dark, no fear

Hysterical and wet: slap facePain in the ass, pay no mindAntelope skip down the trailSudden silence is bad news

Commentary

Lake over heaven.

The lake has broken through to heaven. A single yin resting on a pillar of yang. Riches trickle down.

Deal with it.

HEXAGRAM 44

The image of the virago, scratching like a tiger cat, fighting like a raging boar.


Think before rushing forwardSomeone's crying in the nightSinging in the rain: they laughNot a fish in the kitchenMelons concealed under leaves

Even worse when the cries stop



Commentary

Heaven over wind. The yin line at the bottom seeks to conquer all five yang, keeping men like piggiesin a pen.

Too darn hot.

HEXAGRAM 45: OFFERING

Come together. The ruler is in his palace. Schedule an audience. Make an offering. Take a stand andthe result will be good.


Unruly, incoherent

Easy summertime livingComplaints and lamentationsEasy living anytimeWhat matter high officialsSorrow for the departed

Commentary

Lake over earth. A reservoir perhaps. A place to gather.

Don't be cheap with offerings.

HEXAGRAM 46: RISING

Carry on. See the important person. Great success.


A promotion is welcomeOfferings must be sincereThere's a city on a hillOffering on a mountainGoing up, stair after stair Treading on in dead of night

Commentary

Earth over wind. Something is stirring in the ground. Trees grow up. The image of advancement.

The ruler in the fifth line is receptive, the person in the second can advance.

Seize the day.

HEXAGRAM 47: TRAPPED

Auspicious for people in important positions. Disregard idle chatter. Everything will be all right.




Caning and imprisonmentDrinking beer when they show upHemmed in by high rocks and thornsShiny car travels slowly

Men in red robes, torturersTrapped amid strong twining vines

Commentary

Lake over water.

A lake empty of water. Torturers who come to take away the disappeared. A car bearing a prisoner.The images are grim, but setbacks can be strengthening, and the long-term prognosis is favorable.

Don't give up hope.

HEXAGRAM 48: WELL

The town may change, the well stays where it is. Deep waters are still. Lean too far over and the resultwill not be good.


Well full of muddy water Shooting catfish in a wellGood water that no one drinksWell lined with ceramic tilesClear, cool water from the well

An uncovered well gone dry

Commentary

Water over wind. Or water over wood: a well.

Reach down; raise up.

Repeat.

HEXAGRAM 49: LEATHER

Thinking about revolution. Leather is the fashion. No remorse.


Books bound in yellow leather Given as a sacrificeDressed up with triple ribbonsCaptives have to pay the priceThe best is clad in tiger fur Some leopard fur, some leather

Commentary



Lake over fire. The normal order upset. The king's a fool, the fool is king -- the one on the bottom getson top.

"The superior man sets the calendar in order and makes the seasons clear" (Wilhelm/Baynes).

HEXAGRAM 50: VESSEL

Great fortune and success.


Legs hold the vessel off the fireThe vessel's full, the wife is illBroken vessel in the rainUneven legs cause a spillVessel hanging on gold poleVessel hanging on jade pole

Commentary

Fire over wind. The air enters at the bottom, causing a good updraft, perfect for a ting-shaped vesselwith its three feet to raise it off the fire.

Life is good.

HEXAGRAM 51: THUNDER

Shock and laughter. Success. Don't drop anything.


First thunder and then laughter Danger in the thunderstormThunderclap threatens downpour Thunder over muddy groundThunder won't last forever Thunder causes heads to turn

Commentary

Thunder over thunder. That will give you a start.

In both trigrams the yang line is ready to advance, and nothing stands in the way of success.

Arrive with a bang.

HEXAGRAM 52: MOUNTAIN

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Stillness in a mountain range. Losing oneself there and taking no notice of others on returning: noblame.


Climbing the path step by stepCalves are beginning to acheTwisting groin give energyTake it easy on your backNot a word to anyoneRest for a while at the peak

Commentary

Mountain over mountain. Quietude. Attention turning inward.

Keep going, but tread lightly.

HEXAGRAM 53: LANDING

A woman prepares for her wedding. Auspicious.


Wild geese landing on a streamWild geese landing on some rocksWild geese landing on the shoreWild geese landing in some treesWild geese landing on a hillWill geese landing on a peak

Commentary

Wind over mountain. At the treeline. Geese fly in formation.

Coming down is the hardest thing.

HEXAGRAM 54: MARRIAGE

Not a good time for undertakings.


Cousin dances: wedding dayVision returns to veiled eyesCousin's sister dances tooA late-arriving marriageConcubine outshines the brideEmpty basket, bloodless meat

Commentary

Thunder over lake.

This wedding's a big deal. Face it: you're not doing anything else.



Are they right for each other?

HEXAGRAM 55

Abundance. Success. Shine like the sun.


Received by gracious hostessHer face: mask she hides behindStars appearing in daytimeHer face: mask she hides behindSomething good is coming soonPeak through the door: no one there

Commentary

Thunder over fire. Thunder and lighning: a powerful storm. No sun in the sky.

Bring our own light.

HEXAGRAM 56: GUEST

The wanderer. Never in one place, roams from town to town. Auspcious for travelers.


A guest is trashing the placeHe clasps his stuff to his chestHe is burning down the houseHis axe lies under the bedA pheasant is killed: one shotThe guest's laughter turns to tears

Commentary

Fire over mountain. Will the lookout see the smoke?

Take care to douse the embers before you move on.

HEXAGRAM 57: WIND

Time for a small offerings and seeing big people. It's good to have somewhere to go.


Advancing and retreatingPut your cards on the tableSpread them all out side by sideKilling three birds with one stoneNo beginning, but an end

Put your cards on the table



Commentary

Wind over wind.

A mighty wind is blowing.

Stay upright.

HEXAGRAM 58: SATISFACTION

Joyous. Success.


Peacefully passing the hoursSincere without remorseA rosy future foreseenStem infection, then relaxThe upstart put in his placeSeductive satisfaction

Commentary

Lake over lake. A still, tranquil sign.

Lots of water though.

Dangle your toes.

HEXAGRAM 59: DISPERSION

A leader returns. Cross the water. Success.


Dragged from danger by a horseCarried off on others' legsStretched thin, at the breaking pointRestless mind goes wanderingDripping sweat, crying out loudDon't get into it -- run off

Commentary

Wind over water. A cleansing wind.

Fewer mosquitoes.

HEXAGRAM 60



Through limitation and division comes success.


Shut the door to the courtyardShut the door to the courtyardAttending to the limitsOverlooking the limitsAccepting limitationsAll these limits are galling

Commentary

Water over lake. How to define the border? The two central yin lines blur together.

Everything's a muddle without limits. But you don't have to accept all the limits defined by others.

Work it out yourself.

HEXAGRAM 61: TRUTH

Cross the water. Trust pigs and fishes. Auspicious


Tranquil moment disruptedCrane cries in shadows. Drink wineMartial music, songs, and sobsLost horses under full moonBound together one by onePtarmigans flying up

Commentary

Wind over lake. Sincerity. Plunging the depths and spreading the word.

Gently.

HEXAGRAM 62: OVERSTEPPING

Stick to the small. Listen to the flying bird. Choose the low, reject the high.


Trouble meets the bird in flightThe sought one sends a lackeyWatch out when turning your backKeeping on might bring troubleDense clouds, no rain, bird in a caveFlying bird caught in a net

Commentary

Thunder over mountain. Lofty stuff.

Take care not to overstep.



HEXAGRAM 63: ACROSS

You've reached the other side. To start something now would look good at first but end in confusion.


A braided cord trails behindMy lady's hairpin is lostVictory in just three yearsThese rags: all the fashion onceIn the east an ox is slainWet hair plastered to your head

Commentary

Water over fire. Inhale the steam. The first is going out. Now is not the time for ambitious newbeginnings.

Savor completion. Pause before moving on.

HEXAGRAM 64

Not yet across. More water ahead.


Foxtail dangling in water Sculling paddles drawing near Ways to go, we're not there yetIn three years the kingdom wonGood things come to those who waitWet hair plastered to your head

Commentary

Fire over water.

Hexagram 63 was the image of completion. The water had been crossed. But that was not the lastword. In this final hexagram we are again short of the crossing.

I can't go on. I'll go on.

Christensen Yi Jing

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