I Ching · No.25 · Wu Wang / Innocence (The Unexpected)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Wû Wang indicates great progress and success, while there will be advantage in being firm and correct. If (its subject and his action) be not correct, he will fall into errors, and it will not be advantageous for him to move in any direction.

Translation

Wu Wang (Innocence) Hexagram. Great progress and success, divination yields an auspicious omen. If behavior is improper, there will be disaster, and it will be unfavorable to go anywhere. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Qian (Heaven) and the lower trigram is Zhen (Thunder). Under heaven, spring thunder rolls, and all things sprout, grow, and multiply; this is the image of Wu Wang. The ancient kings, observing this image, made diligent efforts, complied with the seasons, and nourished all things.

Shao Yong's Commentary

No deceit and no delusion, true and utmost sincerity; in harmony with nature, blessings and wealth are deep and vast. Minor Auspiciousness: For those who get this hexagram, follow nature; those who maintain the correct path will find everything suitable. But those who behave improperly will surely invite disaster.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: In good fortune, everything is suitable.
• Wealth 财运: Goods arrive and wealth comes, naturally bringing joy.
• Household 家宅: The fortune of the house is very prosperous; well-matched in social status.
• Health 身体: Keep exercising, digestion will naturally improve.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the fortune is timely, all things are suitable, auspicious.
• Business 营商: Just like hoping for rain during a great drought, a clap of thunder sounds, and everyone looks forward to it. As soon as the goods arrive, they sell out rapidly, yielding all kinds of profits, highly auspicious.
• Household 家宅: There are occasional noises in this house, but no harm or obstacles; the house fortune is very prosperous, and the family is thriving, auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: There is a momentum of wind and thunder sweeping through; one must have an upright flag and an imposing formation. If one wishes to win through deception, it is feared that disaster will follow instead.
• Illness 疾病: It is accumulation in the chest, moving but not yet dissolved. One should exercise regularly, and the matter will digest on its own. 'No medicine, yet there is joy (recovery).'
• Travelers 行人: They have already set out at present and can return within the day.
• Marriage 婚嫁: The two families have long interacted with each other and are well-matched in social standing, highly auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, safe and easy delivery when the time comes, auspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: Either beside the drum, beneath the millstone, or next to the mortar; it can be found by searching.
• Weather 天时: It will clear up immediately after rain.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below and Qian above). Qian is Heaven, firm and strong; Zhen is Thunder, firm and active. Active and strong, with abundant Yang, people's hearts are inspired, and there will surely be gains. However, one must follow the pure and correct path and not act recklessly. Innocence brings gains and surely leads to blessings.

• Overall Image 大象: Thunder rolls under Heaven, Yang energy spreads, representing truthfulness and the absence of deceit.
• Fortune 运势: In all matters, one should maintain correctness; if behavior is improper, it will surely invite disaster.
• Career 事业: Value self-knowledge, start from personal reality, harbor no improper desires, be down-to-earth, work diligently, watch one's behavior, and guard against unexpected disasters. Do not dwell on gains and losses, pursue goals with sincerity, and wait for the right opportunity to act; career success is guaranteed.
• Business 经商: Do not force things against your capability; follow market laws, emphasize business ethics, discard speculative mentalities, and do not covet excessive profits. Through hard work and accumulation over time, success will surely be achieved.
• Seeking Fame 求名: With good motives, work hard and discard illusions. Focus on the plowing rather than the harvest, and you will eventually achieve something.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Both parties must treat each other with sincerity and must never adopt a frivolous attitude. Do not rush for success; let things develop naturally, and it will fall into place when the time comes.
• Decision 决策: Energetic and ambitious, you can achieve great things. However, you must be diligent, sincere, driven, and study hard. Do not lose your head over minor achievements. Do not pursue gains, but focus on practical work. Act in accordance with rules and wait for the right opportunity to move. In particular, clear away improper thoughts. In this way, you can realize your ideals.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject free from all insincerity. His advance will be accompanied with good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

First Nine: Do not act recklessly or improperly; auspicious. The Image says: There is no reckless behavior, because all actions are controlled by the will.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who get this line, planning and endeavors will yield profit. Officials will receive praise from superiors and love from the common people.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is not suitable to stick stubbornly to one's place; set out and achieve things.
• Wealth 财运: Traveling trade is profitable; stationary shopkeeping is not suitable.
• Household 家宅: Relocation is advisable; the son-in-law may marry into the bride's family.
• Health 身体: Go out to seek medical treatment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: It is suitable to defend, not to attack, then there will be no harm. One must wait for the reinforcement from the fourth line to be effective before making a major advance to win.
• Business 营商: At present, capital is still shallow; it is advisable to be cautious and guard oneself to avoid disasters. Later, with the help of assistants, profits will naturally be made.
• Household 家宅: It is a newly built house. Pressed down by the mountain range in front, the house should not be too high, yet there is no blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Although talent and learning are high, for a first attempt at fame, it is not suitable to show it too early. It is better to restrain oneself; what is valued is that great minds mature late.
• Pregnancy 六甲: The first child predicted is a boy.
• Litigation 讼事: It is not suitable to press forward aggressively; aggressive progression will bring disaster.
• Marriage 婚姻: The initial Yang is restrained by the fourth line, which means the husband will be controlled by the wife; if the husband can comply with this restraint, there will be no disaster either.
• Travel 出门: It is advisable to halt temporarily at present, awaiting a turn in fortune.
• Illness 疾病: Although there is illness now, safety can be assured.
• Lost Items 失物: Wait, and it will naturally be recovered later.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hexagram Pi. Obstructed by petty men, this is an unfavorable divination for the superior man, and undertakings will turn from prosperity to decline. The Image says: Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are choked and cannot grow freely; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The superior man, observing this image, when national politics are obstructed, should contemplate living in seclusion without taking office, practicing thrift to avoid disaster, and not taking pride in wealth and salary.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The great departs and the small arrives, closed and obstructed; when obstruction reaches its extreme, peace arrives; cultivate virtue to avoid disaster. Inauspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is an image of all things being closed and obstructed, upper and lower levels not in harmony, everything going against one's wishes. In all matters, one should endure and wait for the fortune to turn for the better before taking action.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Qian above). Its structure is opposite to that of the Tai hexagram. The Yang energy rises while the Yin energy descends; Heaven and Earth do not interact, and all things are blocked. They are 'inverse hexagrams' (Zong Gua) to each other, indicating that extreme peace leads to obstruction, and extreme obstruction leads to peace, serving as cause and effect for each other.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows one who reaps without having ploughed (that he might reap), and gathers the produce of his third year's fields without having cultivated them the first year for that end. To such a one there will be advantage in whatever direction he may move.

Line Text (Translation)

Six Two: Wishing for harvest without plowing, wishing to plant a cultivated field without clearing the wasteland. How can these reckless actions be beneficial? The Image says: Wishing for harvest without plowing—such an empty and reckless thought cannot bring wealth.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who get this line, they are in good fortune and reap without sowing. The wealthy gain more riches, and merchants profit abroad. Officials will be promoted. Scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Just in time for proper fortune, unexpected wealth.
• Wealth 财运: Reaped without planning, great profits are at hand.
• Household 家宅: Inheriting family estate; marriage by marrying into the bride's family.
• Health 身体: Natural recovery.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the fortune is correct, and there will naturally be unexpected wealth and provisions, great advantage.
• Business 营商: Reaped without planning, yet obtaining great profit, auspicious.
• Household 家宅: This house is likely inherited property, or managed on behalf of others as a manor.
• Warfare 战征: The enemy in front turns their weapons, showing a sign of winning without fighting.
• Illness 疾病: 'No medicine, yet there is joy (recovery).'
• Marriage 婚姻: It is a marriage where the groom is adopted into the bride's family.
• Travelers 行人: Gaining profit abroad, not returning for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

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.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows calamity happening to one who is free from insincerity;--as in the case of an ox that has been tied up. A passer by finds it (and carries it off), while the people in the neighbourhood have the calamity (of being accused and. apprehended).

Line Text (Translation)

Six Three: An unexpected disaster. A metaphor: someone ties a cow where it shouldn't be tied, a passerby leads the cow away as an unexpected gain, and the villager loses the cow as an unexpected disaster. The Image says: The passerby gains the cow unexpectedly, while the villager suffers disaster unexpectedly.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious: For those who get this line, there is an unexpected disaster, loss of wealth, and harm to the body. It is not suitable for officials to seek advancement.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: An awkward period, watch out for accidents.
• Wealth 财运: Be on guard against others to avoid financial loss.
• Household 家宅: Intrusion by outsiders; marriage alliance with someone from afar.
• Health 身体: Infection from outsiders, take care to prevent and treat it.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the fortune is in an awkward state; guard against unexpected events, caution is advised.
• Business 营商: Guard against others taking the profit while one suffers financial loss.
• Household 家宅: This house is feared to be encroached upon by outsiders.
• Warfare 战征: The marching army wins, while the defending garrison should guard against loss and defeat.
• Illness 疾病: This illness is feared to be transmitted by an outsider, cause for concern.
• Travelers 行人: They will return indeed, but there is fear that the family may suffer disaster.
• Marriage 婚嫁: It is suitable to form a marriage alliance with someone from afar, auspicious.
• Lost Items 失物: It has already been picked up by a passerby.

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 Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows (a case) in which, if its subject can remain firm and correct, there will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Four: Favorable divination, no disaster. The Image says: Possessing correct virtue and having no disaster—this is as it should be.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Neutral: For those who get this line, it is suitable to stick to the old ways; plans should be substantial and not superficial. Officials should keep to their duties and not act recklessly.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is smooth and steady; reckless movement brings blame.
• Wealth 财运: Stick firmly to the existing business, and profits can be made.
• Household 家宅: Maintain the ancestral estate.
• Health 身体: Quietly rest and recuperate, recovery can be expected next month.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the fortune is smooth and steady; keeping to one's duty brings gains, while reckless movement brings blame.
• Business 营商: Stick firmly to the existing business, and things will naturally go smoothly.
• Household 家宅: This house is originally an ancestral foundation; it should be preserved forever and not lost.
• Warfare 战征: Having already occupied the territory of the outer trigram, it is suitable to defend the city firmly and never advance recklessly.
• Illness 疾病: At this time, it is advisable to rest and recuperate quietly, and heal next month without medicine.
• Travelers 行人: Not returning for the time being; no blame abroad.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: It will surely be recovered.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Yî indicates that (in the state which it denotes) there will be advantage in every movement which shall be undertaken, that it will be advantageous (even) to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Yi (Increase). Divining and encountering this hexagram, it is beneficial to have somewhere to go, and beneficial to cross great rivers. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder. Wind and thunder excite and strengthen each other; this is the image of Yi. In view of this image, the superior man, standing in awe of the power of wind and thunder, follows what is good when he sees it and corrects his faults when he has them.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the upper and increasing the lower, showing vigor and initiative; making progress to achieve fame, and merchants making profits. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram are in good luck, striving to make progress, receiving help from others, and able to gain fame and wealth.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Zhen below, Xun above). Xun represents wind; Zhen represents thunder. As wind and thunder rage together, their power grows stronger, the thunder grows louder, and they assist and strengthen each other, resulting in mutual benefit. This hexagram is the opposite of the Sun (Decrease) hexagram. It decreases the upper to increase the lower, while the latter decreases the lower to increase the upper. These two hexagrams explain the principles of decrease and increase.

Nine in the Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows one who is free from insincerity, and yet has fallen ill. Let him not use medicine, and he will have occasion for joy (in his recovery).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine Five: Suffering from an unexpected illness, do not take medicine in a rush; it will cure itself. The Image says: Unexpected medicine should not be taken casually.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Neutral: For those who get this line, planning and endeavors will succeed, illnesses will be cured, or there will be the joy of childbirth. Even if officials face disasters or difficulties, things will clear up without explanation, and resolve themselves naturally.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is just right, no need to be concerned.
• Wealth 财运: No worry about prices, maintain peace of mind.
• Household 家宅: Guard against collapse.
• Health 身体: No need to worry.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, the fortune is upright; do not mind unexpected matters, as everything depends on oneself.
• Business 营商: Any temporary price fluctuation without cause does not harm business; it will level out on its own over time. Do not disrupt it.
• Household 家宅: Guard against the danger of collapse from wind sweeping and snow pressing, yet there is no major harm, and it will lead to auspicious signs.
• Warfare 战征: Guard against the spread of seasonal epidemics in the army; the camp should be kept clean, and medicine should not be used recklessly. No blame.
• Travelers 行人: There is fear of unexpected matters on the way, but they will return soon.
• Litigation 讼事: There is unexpected involvement, but it will clear up without explanation.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: Recovered without searching.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Shih Ho indicates successful progress (in the condition of things which it supposes). It will be advantageous to use legal constraints.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Shi He (Biting Through). Success. Favorable for legal proceedings. The Image says: The lower trigram is Zhen, representing thunder; the upper trigram is Li, representing lightning. Thunder and lightning uniting is the image of Biting Through. The ancient kings, observing this image, took guidance from the awe-inspiring thunder and the illuminating lightning, resolved to govern with strict clarity, thereby clarifying punishments and refining the laws.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Biting through hard bones, a firm attitude; many difficulties and obstacles, yet actively striving. Misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, matters do not go as desired, disputes are inevitable, and all things are obstructed. It is advisable to adhere to routine, not be enticed by gain, so that peace and safety can be preserved.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by the stacking of different trigrams (Zhen below, Li above). Li is a yin trigram; Zhen is a yang trigram. Yin and Yang intersect, biting through hard objects, symbolizing the simultaneous application of benevolence and authority, combining leniency with severity, and tempering hardness with softness. Shi He represents the biting together of the upper and lower jaws, chewing.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject free from insincerity, yet sure to fall into error, if he take action. (His action) will not be advantageous in any way.

Line Text (Translation)

Top Nine: Do not act recklessly! There will be disaster, bringing no benefit. The Image says: Reckless behavior is a sign of despair and boredom.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Neutral: For those who get this line, good fortune has passed and they must not move recklessly, otherwise trouble will arise repeatedly. Only flexibility and adaptation can avoid disaster. Officials who act recklessly run the risk of demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has ended; do not move recklessly.
• Wealth 财运: Keep quiet and wait for now; do not invest further.
• Household 家宅: Be cautious not to relocate.
• Health 身体: Aged and should focus on health and rest.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune has ended; it is advisable to keep quiet and not move, as movement leads to misfortune in the end.
• Business 营商: Trading has been quite profitable so far, but now at the end of the year, or at the time of seasonal transition, it is advisable to keep quiet temporarily. Do not advance further, guarding against losses.
• Household 家宅: Although this is an old house, living in it is auspicious. Be cautious not to relocate elsewhere; relocation will bring misfortune.
• Warfare 战征: The limit of progress has been reached, do not advance further; advancing will bring harm.
• Illness 疾病: Surely elderly, suitable to rest and look after oneself.
• Travelers 行人: Can return within the day, but never go out again after returning.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: Feared that searching hard will yield nothing.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Sui indicates that (under its conditions) there will be great progress and success. But it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. There will (then) be no error.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Sui hexagram. Supreme success, perseverance is fruitful, no misfortune. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, which represents thunder, and the upper trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Thunder enters into the middle of the marsh, the earth is cold and frozen, and all things lie dormant; this is the image of Following. In view of this image, the gentleman, modeling himself after the thunder that falls silent in accordance with the heavenly seasons, rests and works according to the times, and goes indoors to rest towards evening.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Complying and adapting, maintaining steadfastness and self-control; following opportunities, one must not be dictatorial. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should follow the general trend, and their affairs can succeed. Communicating and exchanging more with others in all matters can bring both fame and fortune. One must not obstinately cling to one's own views; those who are arbitrary and dictatorial will not succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Dui above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Dui represents joy. Movement followed by joy is 'Following' (Sui). Following refers to mutual compliance: oneself following external things, and external things following oneself, with communication between them. Following must adapt to the time and comply with the situation, having principles and conditions, and taking steadfastness as a prerequisite.

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.