I Ching · No.01 · Ch'ien / The Creative

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.

Translation

Supreme good fortune and smooth progress, a favorable divination. The Image says: Heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, running without cease. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on heaven and strengthens himself ceaselessly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Strong, vigorous, and flourishing, the work of growth and development; everything goes smoothly, but guard against being too strong. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, heaven's movement is strong and vigorous, and one makes oneself strong ceaselessly. It is an image of achieving both fame and wealth; one should seize opportunities and strive for results. If a woman obtains this hexagram, there is a suspicion of being overly rigid and upright.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Approaching matters with strength and vigor, strengthening oneself ceaselessly.
• Wealth 财运: It is more blessed to give than to receive; unfavorable for buying but favorable for selling.
• Household 家宅: Accumulating goodness brings abundant blessings; if a woman is overly rigid, she should be cautious.
• Health 身体: Maintain health with perseverance.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Women 女子: Divining and obtaining this hexagram, occupying a yang position with a yin nature, there is a suspicion of strength exceeding the mean. One should be cautious.
• Weather 天候: Among the second, third, fourth, and fifth lines, if there is a change, it will surely clear up.
• Trade 买卖: Unfavorable for buying but favorable for selling.
• Fortune & Misfortune 祸福: It means that accumulating good deeds brings abundant blessings, while accumulating bad deeds brings abundant disasters; it is feared that these may not affect the present generation but rather the descendants.
• Common People 常人: There is a concern of exalting oneself while remaining ignorant of common, everyday affairs.
• The Wise 贤者: Knowing the mandate of heaven and walking this path alone, there is fear that a multitude of yin forces lurk, and a crowd of petty people will conspire to slander.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Ch'ien below, Ch'ien above). It symbolizes heaven, represents the dragon (a superior man of virtue and talent), and also symbolizes pure Yang and vigor, indicating prosperity and strength. The Ch'ien hexagram is based on the principle of the adaptation and transformation of all things. With 'sublimity, success, furtherance, perseverance' (Yuan, Heng, Li, Zhen) as the hexagram statement, it indicates good fortune and smooth progress, teaching people to abide by the virtue of the Way of Heaven.

• Overall Image 大象: Heaven's movement is strong and vigorous; the superior man strengthens himself ceaselessly.
• Fortune 运势: An image of the flying dragon in the heavens, achieving both fame and wealth; one should seize opportunities and strive for results.
• Career 事业: Great good fortune and smooth progress, everything goes as wished, desires are fulfilled, with natural heaven's protection, riding on the waves of success, the career is at its zenith like the midday sun. However, the Yang energy has reached its peak, and extreme prosperity must decline; one must remain highly vigilant, cautious, and prudent. Strictly guard against pride, deal with the world calmly, and maintain peace of mind. In this way, one can fully exert their talents and ensure career success.
• Business 经商: Extremely smooth, with great opportunities for upward development. However, do not act with undue haste; one should calmly analyze the situation, seize the right moment, adhere to business ethics, and deal calmly with difficulties that arise along the way, which will surely lead to satisfactory results.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Potential abilities have not yet been fully exerted. As long as one makes further efforts, overcomes pride and complacency, advances in career and cultivates virtue, they will establish the name of a superior man through profound knowledge and noble character.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Yang is strong and Yin is weak, but strength and gentleness can complement each other, leading to a happy outcome. It is even better if the woman is gentle.
• Decision 决策: One can achieve great undertakings. By adhering to the essence of this hexagram—vigor, integrity, and fairness—cultivating virtue, accumulating knowledge, strengthening faith, and ceaselessly self-strengthening, one will surely overcome difficulties and eliminate disasters.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the first (or lowest) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon lying hid (in the deep). It is not the time for active doing.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: A hidden dragon, unable to act. The Image says: A hidden dragon, unable to act, because the Yang line at the beginning is at the lowest position of the hexagram, suppressed and hard to stretch.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, it is advisable to remain calm and wait for an opportunity; any action will lead to disaster or illness, plans will be unfavorable, and one must guard against petty people. Officials will face obstacles. Merchants will face stagnation. For a woman's fate, she will prosper her household and give birth to a son.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Cultivate strength and wait for an opportunity.
• Wealth 财运: Advisable to defend, not to attack.
• Household 家宅: Be cautious in taking a wife.
• Health 身体: Advisable to nurture and care for the body.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Ch'ien represents military men, having the image of warfare. In the first line, the Yang energy begins to move in the underworld, yet it is still hidden, hence called 'hidden dragon'. In military terms, the commands are just beginning to be issued and the main army has not yet assembled; it is advisable to hold back the troops and wait. Auspicious.
• Business 营商: The dragon is hidden, and it says 'do not act.' Although it is a good trade, one can only stand guard and must not act abruptly.
• Fame & Career 功名: The dragon is inherently a creature of flight and success; the first line says 'hidden', meaning it has not yet met the gathering of wind and clouds. Therefore, it is said that the position is low.
• Marriage 婚姻: When the first line of Ch'ien changes, it becomes Gou (Coming to Meet). Gou says, 'The maiden is powerful. One should not marry such a maiden.' This is a warning to be heeded.
• Household 家宅: According to Zhen representing the dragon, and Zhen being in the East, there must be deep water to the east of the house, which is blocked and not flowing; it is advisable to dredge and repair it.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kâu shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry (such) a female.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kou Hexagram. Dreaming of an injured woman. In divination, encountering this hexagram is unfavorable for marrying a woman. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, which is heaven; the lower trigram is Xun, which is wind. Thus, wind blowing under heaven is the image of the Kou Hexagram. Recognizing this, the ruler emulates the wind blowing over all things to disseminate teachings throughout the world and make proclamations to the four quarters.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Yin grows and Yang declines, great fortune wanes in the middle; many obstructions, exercise caution to guard against them. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, and all affairs are unfavorable. One should act with caution, and pay special attention to amorous disputes.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Xun below and Qian above). Qian is heaven, and Xun is wind. There is wind under heaven, blowing across the earth; Yin and Yang intermingle, and all things flourish. The Kou Hexagram is the opposite of the Guai Hexagram, forming an inversed pair. Kou means to mate or meet, where Yin and Yang encounter each other. However, with five Yang lines and one Yin line, they cannot coexist for long.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the second line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: Dragon appearing in the field, it is beneficial to see the great man. The Image says: Dragon appearing in the field, symbolizing that the superior man has emerged from the valley of depression and is beginning to seek a social position where he can widely bestow his virtues and benefits.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, they will be promoted by a benefactor. Officials will meet a wise ruler and hold key positions. Scholars will achieve excellent results in exams. Merchants will make profits. For a woman's fate, she will be both rich and noble.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Receiving the help of a benefactor, there are opportunities for development.
• Wealth 财运: Prices start to rise; official procurement.
• Household 家宅: Great good fortune in marriage.
• Health 身体: Exercise and fitness.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The dragon is inherently a spiritual creature. The first line says 'hidden', referring to ambushed troops; the second line says 'appearing', meaning they have discovered and emerged. 'In the field' means they must array their forces in open fields. The commentary says 'its virtue is widely bestowed', indicating that they will surely win the battle and distribute rewards.
• Business 营商: The line says 'dragon appearing in the field', indicating that the goods are mostly grains, wheat, silk, cotton, and the like. 'Appearing' means prices are beginning to rise. 'Beneficial to see the great man' means that government officials will come forth to purchase.
• Fame & Career 功名: It means that those who are hidden in the fields should seize the moment to advance and be employed, and with the help of a benefactor, it is said 'beneficial to see the great man'.
• Marriage 婚姻: Lines two and five correspond. Since five occupies the honored position, the groom's family must be noble. It is called 'appearing dragon', so he must be a newly rising youth. Great good fortune.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, who will be noble.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Thung Zăn (or 'Union of men') appears here (as we find it) in the (remote districts of the) country, indicating progress and success. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream. It will be advantageous to maintain the firm correctness of the superior man.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Fellowship with Men Hexagram. Gathering the crowd in the outskirts, about to undertake a great enterprise, auspicious. Beneficial to cross great rivers, beneficial for the divination of a superior man. The Image says: In the hexagram of Fellowship with Men, the upper trigram is Qian (Heaven, representing the ruler), and the lower trigram is Li (Fire, representing the subjects). Upper Qian and lower Li symbolize the ruler communicating downwards and the subjects communicating upwards, with the will of ruler and subject in harmony. This is the image of Fellowship with Men. The superior man, observing this image, models himself on fire, illuminating heaven and earth, lighting up the obscure and hidden, thereby analyzing the classes of things and distinguishing their circumstances.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Humanity seeks affinity, fellowship with others; everything sought is obtained, and all is to one's liking. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have good fortune and smooth progress. It is even better to cooperate and work with others; with unity between above and below, plans will succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking different trigrams (Li below, Qian above). Qian is Heaven, the ruler; Li is Fire, the subject citizens. Heaven above and Fire below; the nature of fire is to rise, harmonizing with Heaven. Above and below are in harmony, helping each other in the same boat, interpersonal relations are harmonious, and the world is in Great Unity.

Nine in the Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the third line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. (The position is) dangerous, but there will be no mistake.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the third place: The superior man is creatively active all day long, and in the evening still full of care and apprehension. Though in a dangerous position, he remains free from blame. The Image says: Creatively active all day long, meaning repeating the Way and adhering to it without giving up.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, they will be constantly on the move, wealth and profit are hard to obtain, and those who act rashly without careful planning will suffer losses. Officials will hold heavy posts with many tedious duties; if they can maintain an attitude of worry and caution, they will be free from blame. A woman encountering this line is impatient and hard to be a virtuous helper at home.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fame and honor are not yet manifest; remain cautious and vigilant to avoid blame.
• Wealth 财运: Guard day and night, then one can escape danger and make a profit.
• Household 家宅: Be industrious and thrifty to preserve the household; not advisable to seek marriages above one's status.
• Health 身体: Take care to nourish the body.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: A dangerous matter. The line says 'creatively active all day long, and in the evening still full of care and apprehension.' This refers to one who is able to feel apprehension when approaching matters, thus though in danger, there is no blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Nine in the third place is at the extremity of the lower trigram, its position is still low, and fame is not yet manifest, hence called a superior man; being in a place of worry and danger, it is said 'creatively active all day and apprehensive in the evening', thus blame can be avoided.
• Business 营商: Occupying a position that is not in the center, and treading on the danger of rigidity, the trade is estimated to be in a perilous state; one must guard day and night to escape danger and make a profit.
• Household 家宅: Observing the image of the line, one must conduct oneself with caution, be industrious and thrifty to preserve the household, and thus there will be no disasters.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Line three corresponds with line six; the position of three is low while the position of six is honored. Being honored inevitably leads to being arrogant and having cause for repentance. Thus it is not advisable to seek marriages above one's status.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy. The birth may cause some anxiety, but in the end there will be no harm.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

(Lî suggests the idea of) one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lü Hexagram. Treading on the tail of a tiger, the tiger does not bite the person, auspicious. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian, representing Heaven; the lower trigram is Dui, representing Lake. Heaven above and Lake below; the noble and the humble are clearly distinguished. This is the image of the Lü hexagram. The superior person observes this image, thereby distinguishing upper and lower, noble and humble, causing the people to follow rules and behave properly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Uneasy steps, difficulties and dangers; remain humble and self-respecting, serve the master with respect and caution. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a difficult period with many setbacks and obstacles. It is not suitable to advance hastily in anything; one must proceed step-by-step and act with caution.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below and Qian above). Qian represents Heaven and Dui represents Lake. Heaven is used as a metaphor for the ruler, and Lake for the people. The original text: 'Treading on the tail of the tiger, it does not bite the person.' Therefore, the outcome is auspicious. The ruler is above and the people are below, each in their proper place. The yielding Dui meets the firm Qian, making the treading perilous. Lü means practice or conduct, and the meaning of the hexagram is to forge ahead down-to-earth.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the fourth line, undivided, (we see its subject as the dragon looking) as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: The dragon wavers over the depths, no blame. The Image says: The dragon wavers over the depths, indicating that one can take action and remain free from blame.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, everything is difficult. Officials will be suspended from office and wait for an opportunity. A woman encountering this line will enjoy peace, happiness, wealth, and honor.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Becoming famous with one leap.
• Wealth 财运: Prices rise sharply; one can remain free from blame.
• Household 家宅: There is a sign of temporary revitalization.
• Health 身体: Continue physical exercise.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Observing the image of the line, in the army's advance, there will surely be deep water blocking the way, so boats and rafts should be prepared; or there are enemy troops lying in ambush near the depths, so preparations should be made beforehand to avoid blame.
• Business 营商: The line says 'wavering over the depths'. If one is transporting marine goods, there is fear of the danger of waves, or prices may surge temporarily. The line says 'no blame', meaning one can be assured of no harm.
• Fame & Career 功名: An image of becoming famous with one leap. Great good fortune.
• Household 家宅: The depth represents water, and leaping represents flying upward; there must be an image of the family fortunes rising and revitalizing for a time.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Hsiâo Khû indicates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and success. (We see) dense clouds, but no rain coming from our borders in the west.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsiao Ch'u (The Taming Power of the Small) hexagram. Auspicious. Dense clouds gather in the western outskirts, but no rain falls. The Image says: The upper trigram is Sun, representing wind; the lower trigram is Ch'ien, representing heaven. The gentle wind blows across the earth, the grass and trees bend and rise, growing vigorously. This is the image of Hsiao Ch'u. The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the gentle wind that stimulates all things, cultivating his own virtue and character, and promoting moral teachings.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Weak in strength, progress is blocked; hide one's talents and bide one's time, advance with patience. Slightly inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, their strength is weak, and their fortune fluctuates. It is advisable to build up strength and quietly wait for the right opportunity. Rushing forward brings danger, and everything must be advanced with patience.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Ch'ien below, Sun above): Ch'ien is heaven, Sun is wind. It symbolizes favorable weather and growing crops, hence the hexagram name Hsiao Ch'u (Lesser Nourishment / Small Taming). Strength is limited, and one must wait until developing to a certain stage before major achievements can be made.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the fifth line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fifth place: Flying dragon in the heavens. It is beneficial to see the great man. The Image says: Flying dragon in the heavens, meaning the superior man is accomplishing great things.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, they will meet a benefactor, and their plans and ambitions will succeed. Officials will have a meteoric rise. A woman encountering this will wield male power and inevitably feel lonely.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Soaring straight into the clouds.
• Wealth 财运: Trade in grains and the like; prices soar, with government support.
• Household 家宅: A wealthy and noble family.
• Health 身体: Summoned by Heaven; inauspicious.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The fifth line is the honored position; it must be the Emperor personally leading the campaign, the royal army punishing crimes, hence it is said 'the work of the great man'.
• Business 营商: In the fifth line, the branch is Shen, corresponding above to the constellation Bi and the star Xianchi. Xianchi is the mansion of the Azure Dragon; it is also named Wuche (Five Chariots), ruling over rice, millet, beans, and wheat. The trade is estimated to be of the five grains. Saying 'flying dragon' indicates soaring prices. Saying 'beneficial to see the great man' indicates that the transport and sale may be by government order.
• Fame & Career 功名: A sign of soaring straight into the clouds.
• Illness 疾病: An image of answering the call of heaven; inauspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, who will be noble.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Yû indicates that, (under the circumstances which it implies), there will be great progress and success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Ta Yu (Possession in Great Measure). Great prosperity and smooth success. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Qian, representing Heaven, and the upper trigram is Li, representing Fire. Fire is high in heaven, illuminating all directions; this is the image of Possession in Great Measure. In accordance with this image, the superior man, taking pattern from fire, discerns good and evil, suppresses evil and promotes good, thereby conforming to the heavenly decree and praying for good fortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The sun shines bright in the mid-heaven, illuminating all things; grand and wealthy, maintaining fullness and preserving peace. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram are in the midst of good fortune. Everything is auspicious, and great harvests are reaped, but one must guard against the extreme turning back, where peak prosperity turns to decline.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Li above). The upper trigram is Li, representing Fire; the lower trigram is Qian, representing Heaven. Fire is in heaven, illuminating all things. The multitude submits, conforming to heaven and acting in accordance with the season, leading to great achievements.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

In the sixth (or topmost) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. The Image says: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent, warning people that high status and fullness cannot be maintained for long.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, there is the disaster of being too rigid and bringing about misfortune; those over fifty will not live long. Officials will retire or be demoted. A woman encountering this will surely have a fierce disposition and find it hard to be a virtuous helper at home.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fullness brings loss; withdraw and reflect on oneself.
• Wealth 财运: Excessive fullness leads inevitably to loss.
• Household 家宅: Unfavorable for marriage.
• Health 身体: Life is in imminent danger.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The top line is at the extremity of Ch'ien. Yang is at its peak above, hence 'arrogant'. Arrogance leads to pride after victory, thus there is 'repentance'. Therefore, the commentary says 'fullness cannot be maintained for long', knowing that it cannot endure.
• Business 营商: 'Arrogance' (Kang) means going to extremes. In the way of buying and selling, one must not seek excessive profit; excessive fullness leads inevitably to loss, hence it is said 'cannot be maintained for long'.
• Fame & Career 功名: The position of the top line has reached its limit; it is advisable to turn back and withdraw, otherwise fullness will surely lead to loss.
• Household 家宅: The foundation of the house must be too high; being too high brings danger, which is also to be feared.
• Illness 疾病: It is a disease of dragon's Yang rising. The commentary says 'fullness cannot be maintained for long', knowing that life is in imminent danger. Perilous.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Unfavorable.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, but feared not to survive.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kwâi requires (in him who would fulfil its meaning) the exhibition (of the culprit's guilt) in the royal court, and a sincere and earnest appeal (for sympathy and support), with a consciousness of the peril (involved in cutting off the criminal). He should (also) make announcement in his own city, and show that it will not be well to have recourse at once to arms. (In this way) there will be advantage in whatever he shall go forward to.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Kuai Hexagram. In the royal court, music is played and dances are performed. Someone cries out: 'An enemy is invading.' An order comes from the town: 'It is unfavorable to launch an attack; we must stand ready in strict defense.' Encountering this hexagram in divination, it is auspicious to travel abroad. The Image says: The upper trigram is Dui, which is the Marsh; the lower trigram is Qian, which is Heaven. This shows the waters of the marsh rising up to heaven, watering the earth; this is the image of the Kuai Hexagram. Seeing this image, the gentleman bestows benefits upon those below, not daring to claim credit or be arrogant, and takes this as a warning.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Dispel and decide, one must be resolute and firm; auspicious at first but ominous at last, be cautious and self-respecting. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, their great fortune is passing, and difficulties are approaching. They should heighten vigilance and be prudent in words and deeds.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Dui above). Qian is Heaven and Strength; Dui is Marsh and Joy. The moisture of the marsh rises, bursting forth as rain, falling upon the earth to nourish all things. Five yang lines displace one yin line; displacement is not difficult, resoluteness (the meaning of displacement/breakthrough) is enough. Therefore, it is named Kuai, which means decision/breakthrough.

All Nines 用九

Line Text (Original)

(The lines of this hexagram are all strong and undivided, as appears from) the use of the number line. If the host of dragons (thus) appearing were to divest themselves of their heads, there would be good fortune.

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.