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I Ching the Individual meanings of each Hexagram
The Hexagrams (which consist of 6 lines) are built
up from the bast to the top. The first Three go at the bottom so look
this one up on the column going vertically down on the left hand side.
Then find the Top one, this is along the Horizontal line going from left
to right, where they meet give which Hexagram it is. The number can then
be looked up on the list below.
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1
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34
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5
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26
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11
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9
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14
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43
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25
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51
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3
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27
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24
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42
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21
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17
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6
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40
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29
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4
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7
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59
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64
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47
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33
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62
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39
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52
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15
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53
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56
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31
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12
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16
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8
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23
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2
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20
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35
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45
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44
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32
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48
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18
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46
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57
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50
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28
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13
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55
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63
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22
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36
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37
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30
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49
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10
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54
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60
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41
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19
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61
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38
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58
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Hexagram 1 Ch'ien - The Creative
Heaven over Heaven The creative force of the universe is available to
you if you are true to yourself. Trust that the unknowable workings of
fate are only serving to bring you the lessons you need to grow.
Hexagram 2 K'un - The Receptive 
Earth over Earth Cultivate a yielding, receptive nature that will provide
appropriate grounds for the seeds of wisdom to grow. A time to follow
as there is not sufficient experience to lead or initiate change. Reserve
and develop your inner strength for the future.
Hexagram 3 Chun - Initial Difficulty 
Water over Thunder A time of potential growth and new beginnings, maybe
initial adversity. A new situation can develop in any direction. Accept
any help that is offered and stay steadfast. Allow the situation to resolve
itself.
Hexagram 4 Meng - Innocence 
Mountain over Water Beginner's luck will will run out. Seek guidance from
an experienced teacher and learn from your own mistakes.
Hexagram 5 Hsu - Waiting 
Heaven over Water A time to wait and have faith in the order of things.
Observe yourself and your situation, correct any inferior feelings that
cause imbalance.
Hexagram 6 Sung - Contention Conflict 
Heaven over Water By imposing your view instead of accepting what comes,
makes you in conflict with the universe and attracts opposition. Disengage
from doubts, fears and impatience and communicate with others to develop
an understanding that will resolve conflict. Accept and respect the advice
of one wiser than you in this situation.
Hexagram 7 Shih - The Army 
Earth over Water Be firm in your purpose and exemplary in your actions,
be an inspiration to others hence gaining there support and achieving
a worthy goal.
Hexagram 8 Pi - Union Holding Together 
Water over Earth Strengthen bonds by reviewing your actions and demeanor.
Are you being truthful?. Be steady in your principles in the face of challenges
and temptations. Maintain inner truth and sincerity and you will achieve
much.
Hexagram 9 Hsiao Ch'u - Taming Force 
Wind over Heaven Forcing your way will only bring misfortune. Remain focused
on your path and remove obstacles with genital actions. Look at the long
term. Plant the correct seeds now to reap a harvest in the future. Cultivate
patience, tolerance, adaptability and detachment. Accept that all you
can do is change yourself.
Hexagram 10 Lu - Treading Carefully 
Conduct Heaven over Lake Be careful not to overstep the mark and cause
offense. Do not be subservient to those above you nor domineering to those
below and you will be able to move with confidence and meet with success.
Hexagram 11 T'ai - Tranquillity 
Peace Earth over Heaven A time of burgeoning potential. It is possible
to grow to great heights but keep your inner balance that has brought
you here. Do not relax into complacency.
Hexagram 12 P'i - Stagnation 
Standstill Heaven over Earth A difficult time is coming. Your run of good
fortune has waned. Retreat into yourself and have faith that things will
improve sooner if you persevere in the correct manner.
Hexagram 13 T'ung Jen - Companionship 
Fellowship with others Heaven over Fire A union with others coming together
for a mutual goal. Make sure that there are no reservations, or a state
of chaos might come about.
Hexagram 14 Ta Yu - Great Possession 
Possessing plenty Fire over Heaven By being true and honest you will enter
into a period of great abundance. An opportunity for you to shine. Maintain
your humility and integrity. If you abuse your strength you will lose
it.
Hexagram 15 Ch'ien - Humility 
Modesty Earth over Mountain Strive to remain modest. You can face any
obstacles if you remain modest and perceive what is good and right.
Hexagram 16: Yu - Happiness 
Enthusiasm Thunder over Earth A good time to start a new undertaking,
but be sure your foundations are strong. You have the energy to see plans
through. Maintain a strong inner clarity do not become egotistical.
Hexagram 17 Sui - Following 
Lake over Thunder Accept the way things are and maintain steady in response
to events. Inner truth and acceptance will lead to joy which will spread
to others.
Hexagram 18 Ku - Disruption 
Work on Corruption Mountain over Wind There is disorder. There is a chance
to redeem the situation by correcting the improper attitudes and ideas,
so changing the disruption to harmony. You need strength of character
and decisive action, but first find the cause. When found work quickly.
Hexagram 19 Lin - Approach 
Earth over Lake Good times are coming. Undertakings will be successful.
Higher powers approach you to give assistance. But don't relax what brought
you here.
Hexagram 20 Kuan - Observing 
Contemplation Wind over Earth The creative power of the universe works
in unseen ways, influencing situations and people without conscious intent.
Hexagram 21 Shih Ho - Biting Through 
Biting Through Fire over Thunder There is an obstacle here, possibly an
incorrect attitude that needs to be dealt with. Try to see the problem
clearly. Forcefulness will bring misfortune. Use your inner strength to
withdraw.
Hexagram 22 Pi - Adornment 
Grace Mountain over Fire A person who does not try to be alluring but
cultivates devotion to the simplicity of the inner truth possesses a grace
and beauty that shines through.
Hexagram 23: Po - Stripping Away 
Splitting apart Mountain over Earth Everything seems to be going wrong.
Attempting to influence the situation will only prolong it. Withdraw from
the unfavorable circumstances engage patient non-action allowing free
rein for the forces to settle.
Hexagram 24 Fu - Returning 
Earth over Thunder A time of increasing fortune. Watch and wait as things
progress at their own rate and draw in your strength for the time of growth
that is approaching.
Hexagram 25 Wu Wang - Correctness 
Innocence Heaven over Thunder Do not anticipate the future or hold on
to the passed at this point. Nurture your innocence so intuition can flow
and follow the guidance of the wiser adult.
Hexagram 26 Ta Ch'u - Taming Force 
Mountain over Heaven Remain calm and detached in the face of hostile provocation's
from others who seek to undermine your resolve. Your character is being
tested. Hold on to inner truth. Use these difficulties as opportunities
to increase your understanding. Some people may be fearful and jealous
of your spiritual progress. Pay them no heed and remain focused.
Hexagram 27 I - Nourishment 
Mountain over Thunder By feeding on the desires of the ego we promote
the growth of inferior spiritual qualities such as envy, self-pity, distrust.
By meditation we cultivate a tranquil, receptive state that allows wisdom
to flow from the universe.
Hexagram 28 Ta Kuo - Excess 
Lake over Wind You are under unbearable pressure, it is likely that you
will give way to the weight. There is an understandable temptation to
escape and seek refuge, which will only delay the inevitable. Keeping
running only weakens our resolve and makes problems unbearable. A time
to stand firm, you are equal to the task, rely on your inner truth and
integrity and you will emerge stronger. My require a sacrifice, but benefits
will accrue if you face the test.
Hexagram 29 K'an - The Deep 
The Abysmal Water over Water Flow with the current of change in life instead
of struggling against it. Open your heart and adopt the receptive, detached
state that will allow the universe to work out the best solution.
Hexagram 30 Li - Fire 
The Clinging Fire over Fire Clinging to correct principles gives us the
strength to live a joyful and fulfilling life, able to face difficulties
with equanimity and paradoxically to gain independence.
Hexagram 31 Hsein - Sensitivity 
Influence Lake over Mountain Follow the correct procedure to bring about
a joyful union that is mutually beneficial to both parties involved. Be
open minded and gentle to receive benefits from external influences. To
have a beneficial influence on others you need to maintain an inner independence
and integrity, acting from a position of quiet inner truth and humility.
Hexagram 32 Heng - Persistence 
Duration Thunder over Wind A time of endurance, which requires persistence
and stamina. Be calm and sincere and be careful to stay true to your path
and you will succeed. You may be going through a change or one is coming,
whatever hold your equanimity. Do not yearn or hope for something to be
better, and do not fear that things will get worse, but remain constant
and unwavering. Do what needs to be done with calmness, detachment and
integrity.
Hexagram Hexagram 33 Tun - Withdrawal 
Retreat Heaven over Mountain Accept the fact that you are faced with unfavorable
odds, perform a strategic withdrawal in order to make preparations for
a more favorable time to advance.
Hexagram 34 Ta Chuang - The Power of Greatness 
Thunder over Heaven A time of increasing power and strength, but guard
against self-congratulation and complacency. Follow the correct principles
of patience, humility, gentleness and detachment. Wait for the appropriate
time to act and stay balanced. Do not use have a misguided belief in your
power to influence things to your own benefit as the resulting misfortune
will be great.
Hexagram 35: Chin - Advancement 
Progress Fire over Earth A time of great progress. Your judgment can become
clouded if you do not keep yourself and your actions pure and simple.
Work for progress for its own sake rather than in the pursuit of selfish
goals. Hexagram
Hexagram 36 Ming I - Darkening of the Light 
Earth over Fire When engulfed by difficult circumstances, it is necessary
to keep your inner light bright to help guide you through difficulties.
Giving in to weakness or feelings of despair at making no progress dims
the brightness within. Now is a time for detachment and perseverance at
maintaining an inner truth. Things progress slowly but progress they do,
so have faith in the creative power of the universe.
Hexagram 37 Chia Jen - Family 
Wind over Fire Cultivate the correct principles of acceptance, humility,
modesty and gentleness to attract and develop healthy relationships.
Hexagram 38 K'uei - Opposition 
Fire over Lake Resisting the flow of creative energy increases the power
of inferior attitudes that we harbour, which in turn increases resistance
in an ever intensifying spiral. Everything that comes to us is appropriate
for our learning and growth. There is a need to look beneath the exterior
to learn the lesson.
Hexagram 39 Chien - Halting 
Obstruction Water over Mountain It is best to retreat from the problem
and examine the self for attitudes that need correcting and to seek advice
from a wise friend or counselor.
Hexagram 40 Hsieh - Liberation 
Deliverance Thunder over Water Look within when faced with obstacles and
seek to correct improper attitudes, this will bring relief. The work you
have done on yourself will bring release and the way is clear for steady
progress. Now is a time to step forward with confidence and balance. Don't
brood on what has gone but forgive and forget. They were lessons you needed
to reach this point.
Hexagram 41 Sun - Decrease 
Mountain over Lake A period is coming which requires a return to simplicity.
It is a time for restricting the demands of the ego to strive for success
or attainment of goals. Power is limited but by drawing in and exercising
firm discipline it is possible to rely on inner strength to get through
this lean period.
Hexagram 42 I - Increase 
Wind over Thunder Great progress can be made at this time. Beware of complacency
and remember the source of your good fortune. Be generous and share with
others in a humble and sincere way.
Hexagram 43 Kuai - Breakthrough 
Lake over Heaven Resist inferior influences of the ego in order to gain
a breakthrough. By resisting emotional responses to other people it is
possible to defuse the situation before it becomes too great. Keep emotionally
disengaged.
Hexagram 44 Kou - Meeting 
Heaven over Wind There is a warning here, that by ignoring danger signs
it is possible to meet inferior elements halfway and allow them to develop.
A time for self-examination. If your suspicions are aroused, listen to
them because they come from your higher self.
Hexagram 45 Ts'ui - Gathering Together 
Lake over Earth When a group act together in a spirit of peace and harmony
its strength is magnified making the whole a sum greater than its parts.
This needs a strong leader and a need to deal with the outside world in
a calm manner.
Hexagram 46 Sheng - Ascending 
Pushing upwards Earth over Wind Great progress can be made at this time
by persisting in what is right. Ask help from those willing to give it..
Nothing can stand in your way if you push steadily towards the light.
Hexagram 47 K'un - Repression 
Oppression Lake over Water These are testing times with difficult situations
and little progress.. Face this adverse time with calmness and equanimity.
A time for self-assessment.
Hexagram 48 Ching - The Well 
Water over Wind Spiritual nourishment, counsel, guidance, wisdom. This
Hexagram refers to the I Ching as a source of spiritual sustenance that
is freely available to anyone who wishes to draw from it. But is also
a reminder to treat that deep wisdom with respect and not to muddy its
waters with frivolous queries or indifference.
Hexagram 49 Ko - Change 
Revolution Lake over Fire Change, Advance, Devotion. Changes are afoot.
A time to analyze your motives and instill the necessary change of heart
that will set things in motion. Success is assured if you act from a position
of selflessness.
Hexagram 50 Ting - The Cauldron 
Fire over Wind Growth, Sacrifice, Nourishment. Develop what is good within
yourself for the benefit of society at large.
Hexagram 51 Chen - Thunder 
The arousing Thunder over Thunder Shock, Movement, Stimulation, Excitement.
Do not be shocked by external influences, if you are it indicates that
there are areas or attitudes that need looking at. The truly powerful
person is unmoved by such occurrences, being n complete harmony with the
universal laws.
Hexagram 52 Ken - Mountain 
Keeping still Mountain over Mountain Stillness, Observing, Quiteness,
Clarity, Readiness. What is needed is a calm observation. It is not possible
to be still with strong emotions. Be still when stillness is required
and act when action is required.
Hexagram 53 Chien - Growth 
Development Wind over Mountain Gradual progress, Patience, steady growth.
The goal may seem a long way off but with patience and diligence it will
be arrived at.
Hexagram 54 Kuei Mei - Marrying Maiden 
Thunder over Lake To act on desires is to fail to follow the correct principles
. There will always be desires and problems in relationships but by following
proper conduct there effect will be minimal.
Hexagram 55 Feng - Abundance 
Thunder over Fire Fullness, Power, Wise actions, Plenty. Live for the
present moment, make the most of this period of abundance and influence
to achieve great gains.
Hexagram 56 Lu - Travel 
The Wanderer Fire over Mountain Moving, Restless, Temporary, Transient.
The best way to proceed is to stay alert, be cautious, reserved and respectful
of others that you meet, follow your instincts and have no attachments.
Hexagram 57 Sun - Gentle 
Wind over Wind Gentle, Penetrating, Wind,Persistence. Try to dispel any
blockages that may stand in your way gently. Be consistent and have well
defined goals to focus on. One that can be aimed at with persistent effort.
This way changes will have a long-term and far-reaching effects.
Hexagram 58 Tui - The Joyous 
Lake over Lake Inner strength, Fulfillment, Harmony, Joy To make life
better we must have this or must do that, but the material gains do not
bring lasting joy as there will always be something else to have or do.
I Ching says that to be fulfilled we need to devote ourselves to the principles
of humility, detachment, modesty and acceptance.
Hexagram 59 Huan - Dispersal 
Wind over Water Division, Dissolution, Rigidity, Stubbornness. Be like
a warm spring wind which blows gently but with great persistence over
the winder ice, dissolving it gradually and allowing the river to flow
freely once more.
Hexagram 60 Chieh - Restraint-Limitation 
Water over Lake Moderation, Guidelines, Boundaries. If you know and respect
your personal boundaries you will have a greater freedom of expression
within them. It is wise to restrain the desires and fears that are the
cause of troubled thinking.
Hexagram 61 Chung Fu - Inmost Sincerity 
Inner Truth Wind over Lake Prejudice, Understanding, acceptance. It is
not possible to reach any kind of understanding if we indulge in such
feelings as pride, anger or self-pity. I Ching counsels us to leave emotional
responses behind and to try to understand the truth of a situation.
Hexagram 62 Hsiao Kua - Great Smallness 
Thunder over Mountain Non-action, Caution, Patience. When faced with difficult
circumstances it is tempting to be assertive . but to act in this way
will only make things worse. The best course to take is one of patient
non-action, relying on principles of humility, modesty and acceptance.
Difficult times will always reappear.
Hexagram 63 Chi Chi - Completion 
Water over Fire Order, Balance, Awareness, Culmination. Out of chaos comes
order. This can quickly change. A warning here not to relax the discipline
that has got you this far. It is necessary to be on guard against falling
into chaos again.
Hexagram 64 Wei Chi - Before Completion 
Fire over Water Caution, regeneration, Potential, Clarity. During regenerative
times such as these there is intense pressure to succeed but, to get anywhere
worthwhile, you need to proceed cautiously and with firm dedication to
higher principles.
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