I Ching · No.27 · I / Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Î indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune (in what is denoted by it). We must look at what we are seeking to nourish, and by the exercise of our thoughts seek for the proper aliment.

Translation

The Yi Hexagram. Divination brings good fortune. The study of the way of nourishment lies in being self-reliant. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Zhen as Thunder. Thunder issues from the mountain, and all things sprout and grow; this is the image of the Yi Hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, contemplates the difficulty of sustaining life and growth, thereby being cautious in speech to avoid disaster, and temperate in eating and drinking to cultivate character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Nurturing correctness and providing nourishment, being cautious in speech and temperate in food; observing practical matters, and knowing self-scrutiny and prudence. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must be cautious regarding speech and diet. One should adhere to the correct path and be prudent in word and deed; those harboring conspiracies will invite disaster.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Vitality flourishes; be cautious in speech and prudent in action.
• Wealth 财运: Fluctuations between the internal and external; circulation is not guaranteed.
• Household 家宅: Be careful to prevent fire; a virtuous wife follows her husband.
• Health 身体: Cold above and heat below; recovery will take five days.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Stillness above and movement below. Guard against subordinates acting recklessly and causing disorder, or leaks of secrets, or heavy drinking provoking conflict. Extreme caution is most advisable.
• Fame & Career 功名: Thunder below the mountain. As thunder sounds, the mountain also echoes; this is an image of fame rising and soaring.
• Business 经商: The image of Yi (Nourishment) indicates movement within and stillness without. It signifies a rise in goods in the domestic market and a drop in foreign markets; there is also concern that goods transported abroad cannot be sold immediately. The merchandise is likely to be related to food.
• Household 家宅: Gen (Mountain) tends to stillness, while Zhen (Thunder) tends to movement. With Mountain above and Thunder below, there is fear of ground tremors; precautions should be taken against fire.
• Illness 疾病: Stillness above and movement below. Mountain belongs to Earth and Thunder to Fire, indicating cold blockages in the upper burner and heat diarrhea in the lower burner. One must wait for the fifth line; the Image says, 'obeying and following the one above,' so that harmony between upper and lower brings good fortune. One line represents one day, so recovery is expected in five days.
• Travelers 行人: The inner trigram moves while the outer trigram stops; the person must have already set out but is delayed by external matters. The top nine line says 'it furthers one to cross the great water,' indicating they will arrive by water. If nearby, they may arrive in six or seven days; if far away, they will return in six or seven months.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Lost Items 失物: Thunder below the mountain. This indicates the object is pressed down by a heavy weight and temporarily unseen, but can be retrieved later.
• Litigation 讼事: Mainly conflicts arising from minor matters of speech or diet; the lower wants to move but the upper restrains it, indicating a superior official will step in to stop it, so the lawsuit will not be carried through to the end.
• Marriage 婚姻: Yi means nourishment. The wife manages the household meals, embodying the concept of nourishing. The husband is without and the wife within; movement within and stillness without indicates the image of a wife following her husband, which is auspicious.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Zhen below and Gen above). Zhen is Thunder and Gen is Mountain. Mountain is above and Thunder is below; solid on the outside and hollow on the inside. The warmth of spring nurtures all things, nourishing the worthy and educating the people in accordance with the seasons. Yang is solid and Yin is empty; the solid nourishes others, while the empty is nourished by others. Be self-reliant.

• Overall Image 大象: The shape resembles an open mouth, taking the way of eating and drinking. One must be cautious in speech and pay attention to daily life.
• Fortune 运势: In handling affairs, there is a lack of thorough consideration. One should not harbor conspiracies, and must adhere to the correct path and perform good deeds for fortune.
• Career 事业: Everything depends on personal pursuit and self-striving, rather than relying on others. Furthermore, one must not seek wealth through dishonorable means. As long as one follows the correct path, is self-reliant, cautious in speech, and earnest in action, there will surely be good opportunities. At this time, after a period of hard struggle, success can be achieved.
• Business 经商: Do not rush for success; initially, limit expectations to barely making a living. Be cautious, make gradual progress, treat others with sincerity, cooperate genuinely, adapt to the times, continuously pursue new directions for expansion, and take appropriate risks when necessary.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Aiming to enrich one's own knowledge, being content with poverty while striving hard; there is great hope of success.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Do not rush for success. The key lies in strengthening one's own moral character. Once a choice is made, pursue it with all your heart, and avoid being half-hearted.
• Decision 决策: Pay attention to moral cultivation, be willing to help others to the best of one's ability, rescue those in distress, and do not covet unearned wealth. Thus, one can gain the respect of others and receive continuous external assistance; personal undertakings will go very smoothly, with a high probability of success. Above all, do not be careless, and keep in mind the principle that great achievements come with great resistance.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, (seems to be thus addressed), 'You leave your efficacious tortoise, and look at me till your lower jaw hangs down.' There will be evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Possessing a large hoard of treasure oneself, yet still envying the wealth of others, will surely lead to danger and misfortune. The Image says: Envying the wealth of others is not noble behavior.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will face disaster due to fighting for wealth and profit. Generally, those with kind hearts who adhere to the correct path have no cause for worry. Officials may take bribes and lose their integrity.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Abandoning oneself to look at others, only chasing empty fame.
• Wealth 财运: Business goes poorly; others reap the profits.
• Household 家宅: Perplexed and unsettled; disharmony in marriage.
• Health 身体: Illness caused by diet.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: In ancient times, marching an army required divination to determine fortune. The line says, 'You let your magic tortoise go, and look at me with corners of the mouth drooping.' This shows a lack of fear of the gods and a mere greed for wealth, hence it is called 'misfortune.'
• Business 营商: The first line marks the beginning of the first Yang, which changes into Bo (Splitting Apart). Bo means peeling or splitting. The Image says 'it does not further one to go anywhere,' so doing business is unlikely to be profitable. The line text says 'you' and 'me,' representing host and guest; 'drooping the corners of the mouth' refers to the movement of the mouth eating food. Abandoning the 'magic tortoise' to look at 'drooping corners of the mouth' means even if there is profit, it might be consumed by others, hence misfortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Magic tortoise' represents the inner mind, while 'drooping corners of the mouth' represents outward appearance. Abandoning the inner to seek the outer, abandoning oneself to look at others, chasing only empty fame, there will be no real learning, and fame will be hard to achieve.
• Household 家宅: The spirits of the house are unsettled; there is fear of external ghosts causing trouble, coming to seek food. Misfortune.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is caused by an unregulated diet. It is advisable to consult the gods and pray for recovery.
• Marriage 婚嫁: 'You' and 'me' refer to the two surnames of the bride and groom. 'Abandoning you' and 'looking at me' clearly shows that the two families are in disharmony. The reason lies in disputes over wedding gifts; it will surely not succeed, and even if it does, it will be unfortunate.
• Litigation 讼事: It must start with disputes of the tongue. Saying 'abandoning me' and 'looking at you' indicates both parties hold distinct views and cannot reach an agreement for the time being. Misfortune.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Po Hexagram. It is not favorable to have any destination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Kun as Earth. The mountain lies on the earth, eroded by wind and rain; this is the image of Splitting Apart (Po). The superior man observes this image, takes warning from the peeling of mountains and the collapse of cliffs, thereby generously winning the hearts of the people and enabling them to live and work in peace.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Erosion and decay, anxiety over disaster; difficult to advance and succeed, stop in accordance with the times. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, fortune is unfavorable, losses are many, and progress is blocked. It is advisable to stop in accordance with the times, keep to one's place, and guard oneself.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kun below, Gen above). Five Yin are below and one Yang is on top, indicating Yin is prosperous while Yang is isolated; the high mountain is attached to the earth. Both are images of peeling away, hence it is the 'Po Hexagram'. In this hexagram, Yin is strong and Yang is weak, symbolizing that petty people are in power, superior men are in distress, and careers are ruined.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows one looking downwards for nourishment, which is contrary to what is proper; or seeking it from the height (above), advance towards which will lead to evil.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the second place: To make a living, one must clear wasteland on the hillside. Robbing others for survival is a hazardous thing. The Image says: The line text of Six in the second place says robbing is unfortunate, because such behavior violates righteousness.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will experience great rises and falls, with inconsistent disputes; in severe cases, illness may lead to death. Officials must guard against being demoted.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Achieved through luck, but ultimately unfortunate.
• Wealth 财运: Contrary to common sense; losses are unavoidable.
• Household 家宅: Not occupying the correct place; the wife's conduct is questionable.
• Health 身体: Dizziness and blurred vision; recuperate with care.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The key to marching an army lies first in strict discipline and orderly steps. The line says 'Turning to nourishment, violating the standard path,' which means violating discipline and having disordered steps. No misfortune could be greater.
• Business 营商: The second line changes into Sun (Decrease). Sun means consumption and loss, unfavorable to business. The line text says 'turning' and 'violating,' clearly stating that transactions and operations go against common sense, hence 'to continue brings misfortune.'
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Turning to nourishment, violating the standard path' means not following the normal way and seeking success by luck; even if attained, it will ultimately be unfortunate.
• Marriage 婚嫁: Six in the second place is yielding and occupies a low position. Instead of serving the superior, she nourishes the inferior, which is called inverted and disordered, failing to attain correctness; the wife's conduct is questionable. Thus the Image says 'she misses her kind in her behavior,' and the misfortune is clear.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:--freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Sun (Decrease). If divination encounters this hexagram, there will be gains, supreme good fortune, no disaster, and it is a favorable inquiry. Moreover, proceeding will bring benefit. Someone will present two bowls of food, which may be enjoyed. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen, Gen represents mountain; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui represents lake. Thus, having a lake below the mountain is the image of the Decrease hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, takes warning from the lake water eroding the foot of the mountain, thereby restraining their anger and blocking their desires.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the lower to increase the upper, decreasing the full to increase the empty; difficult at first and easy later, measuring expenditure by income. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram decrease themselves to benefit others. Although there will be some setbacks at the beginning, giving will always bring returns, representing a sign of blessing in disguise.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Dui below, Gen above). Gen is mountain; Dui is lake. With the mountain above and the lake below, the great lake erodes the base of the mountain. Decrease and increase alternate; there is gain in loss, and loss in gain. One must handle the relation between the two cautiously. Decreasing the lower to increase the upper: in governing a state, excess will damage the foundation of the country. Decrease where decrease is due, but it must be within one's capacity and moderate. Minimizing decrease and maximizing increase is the best.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows one acting contrary to the method of nourishing. However firm he may be, there will be evil. For ten years let him not take any action, (for) it will not be in any way advantageous.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Violating the correct way of nourishment and living by devious means; divination yields misfortune. Bad luck will persist for ten years, with no benefit whatsoever. The Image says: Bad luck will persist for ten years because this behavior is highly contrary to righteousness.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Misfortune. Those who obtain this line will face low fortunes and absurd situations, and may even suffer the grief of life-and-death separation. Officials face the risk of losing their reputation and integrity.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: With no path forward, close the door and reflect on one's errors.
• Wealth 财运: Difficult to achieve anything for a long time; no profit to be made.
• Household 家宅: The household is unsettled; marriage will take ten years.
• Health 身体: Chronic illness that is hard to cure.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: An army finds good fortune through correctness; violating correctness brings misfortune. Yi means nourishment; one nourishes soldiers for use. If their nourishment violates the correct way, the soldiers cannot be used. The Image says 'the path is greatly contrary,' indicating rebellion and love of disorder, which makes defeat and ruin inevitable, hence misfortune.
• Business 营商: Business focuses purely on profit. 'Nothing is beneficial' means that regardless of the scale of the business or the distance of goods transported, no profit will be gained. In the extreme case of 'do not act for ten years,' it means failing to achieve anything for a long time, hence misfortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: The path to fame lies in entering public service to benefit the masses, which is using the Way to nourish the world. If one violates the correctness of Yi (Nourishment), and goes to the extreme of 'do not act for ten years,' they will spend their entire life without being employed, hence 'nothing is beneficial.'
• Household 家宅: This house must have been unoccupied for a long time, and there is fear of ghosts emerging to seek food; the household is unsettled, and living there is unfavorable.
• Marriage 婚姻: Indicates unchastity in the inner chambers; the marriage can only be accomplished after ten years.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Pî indicates that there should be free course (in what it denotes). There will be little advantage (however) if it be allowed to advance (and take the lead).

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Pi hexagram. Success. There is a slight advantage in having a destination. The 'Great Symbolism' says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen/Mountain, and the lower trigram is Li/Fire. There is fire under the mountain, fire burning the mountains; this is the image of the Pi hexagram. The noble person observes this symbol, thinks of the fierce fire burning the mountain, jade and stone burned together, vegetation completely consumed, and takes this as a warning, thereby clearly examining various political affairs and not daring to judge legal cases with severity.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Adornment and brightness, outer solidity and inner emptiness; a time of hidden worries, act according to one's capability. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram have a grand appearance but are empty inside, with much vanity and little substance. One should enrich oneself, act with prudence, and act according to one's capability.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (lower Li, upper Gen). Li is fire and brightness; Gen is mountain and stopping. Cultured and restrained. The Pi hexagram discusses the relationship between ornament (Wen) and substance (Zhi), prioritizing substance and using ornament for moderation. Pi means adornment or decoration.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows one looking downwards for (the power to) nourish. There will be good fortune. Looking with a tiger's downward unwavering glare, and with his desire that impels him to spring after spring, he will fall into no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: Seeking nothing more than a livelihood, one must not harbor intent to harm others, which brings good fortune. Glaring like a tiger, one must not let down their guard against others. In this way, one can live out their natural span in peace and leisure, free from disaster. The Image says: Seeking nothing more than a livelihood is auspicious because the ruler bestows widespread charity, sufficient to nourish the people.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will receive help from good people, and their plans will go as desired. Officials will receive ancestral blessings and be highly favored.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Conserving energy and building up strength; one can plan for fame and career.
• Wealth 财运: See the market clearly; buy and sell to make a profit.
• Household 家宅: Can still be considered correct.
• Health 身体: Fewer desires bring peace.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: Brave soldiers are called tiger ministers or tiger guards, all referring to their strength. However, one must nourish their elite force before using them, rather than relying solely on raw ferocity to advance rashly, hence 'turning to nourishment brings good fortune.'
• Business 营商: 'Turning' suggests a temporary plunge in prices. 'Glaring like a tiger, with desires pressing forward' is a metaphor for a merchant's pursuit of profit, being able to watch for low prices to purchase goods, hence auspicious and without blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Signs of fame and career have often drawn on dragons and tigers since ancient times, hence it is auspicious. 'Glaring' and 'pressing desires' both signify plans and aspirations to soar high.
• Household 家宅: This house must have the White Tiger of the right hill occupying a high position, appearing to glare angrily and ready to bite. Fortunately, the fourth line is Yin in a Yin position, occupying its correct place, so there is no blame.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

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.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows one acting contrary to what is regular and proper; but if he abide in firmness, there will be good fortune. He should not, (however, try to) cross the great stream.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Clearing wasteland to farm, living in peace day to day; divination yields good fortune. Encountering this line, one must not cross great rivers. The Image says: Living in peace and maintaining correctness is auspicious because the person stays in their place, follows the path, and obeys the ruler.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will have someone to rely on, and their affairs can succeed, but they must not take risks by boat. Officials will achieve success and maintain their positions through the help of others.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: It is better to defend and maintain; rapid advance is difficult to achieve.
• Wealth 财运: Traveling merchants face disadvantage; stationary shopkeeping is viable.
• Household 家宅: Living in the mountains is more suitable; remaining faithful to one is auspicious.
• Health 身体: Dwell in peace and rest quietly; illness from overwork is difficult to cure.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The way of marching an army has standard paths and expedient alternatives. Being able to adapt to circumstances means one need not rigidly adhere to the standard path, hence 'violating the standard path' brings no blame. Saying 'remaining correct brings good fortune' means one should defend firmly and not attack. 'One must not cross the great water' out of fear of ambushes along the river; traveling by boat also carries the risk of storms, so caution is required in all things.
• Business 营商: Favorable for stationary merchants, unfavorable for traveling merchants; transporting goods overseas is even more worrisome.
• Fame & Career 功名: Going out to take examinations, it is difficult to expect to achieve fame.
• Household 家宅: The upper trigram belongs to Gen (Mountain); living in the mountains brings good fortune, but if the house is near rivers or water, it is unfavorable.
• Marriage 婚嫁: There is concern of not obtaining a proper match through formal proposal, but if one can remain faithful to the end, it will also be auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is at the fifth line; if chronic, it will take four or five months, if acute, five or six days, due to improper care. Living in peace and resting quietly brings good fortune; if one braves wind and rain or travels long distances, it may be hard to cure.

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 at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, undivided, shows him from whom comes the nourishing. His position is perilous, but there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Following the correct path of life, difficult at first but ultimately auspicious. Encountering this line, it furthers one to cross the great water. The Image says: Following the correct path of life, difficult at first but ultimately auspicious, because good people ultimately receive good rewards.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. Those who obtain this line will succeed in their plans, and everything will go smoothly. Officials will enjoy high rank and heavy responsibilities. Scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Prudent efforts will lead to success.
• Wealth 财运: Only through hard work in management will there be harvest.
• Household 家宅: The whole family is safe and peaceful.
• Health 身体: Although dangerous, there is no lasting harm.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: The proverb says: 'Soldiers are trained for a thousand days to be used in a single moment.' Those who are able to serve on the battlefield do so because of their daily training and nourishment, hence it is called 'source of nourishment.' Warfare is a dangerous matter; it is unknown how much danger and adversity must be endured before achieving the success of victory, hence 'danger brings good fortune.' 'It furthers one to cross the great water' means that the soldiers must be of one heart and mind to cross danger and face crisis without fleeing, like the Zhou army gathering at Mengjin, or Zhuge Liang crossing the Lu River.
• Business 营商: Business focuses purely on seeking profit; obtaining profit is sufficient to sustain oneself and one's family. However, merchants cannot gain profit by sitting peacefully at home; they must traverse dangerous routes or travel far across the oceans to trade before they can reap profits, hence 'danger brings good fortune.'
• Fame & Career 功名: The path to fame and career goes from small to great, and from low to high. However, one must be anxious, diligent, and vigilant before achieving success and fame. The Image says 'there is great cause for congratulation,' which is what is meant by receiving joy.
• Illness 疾病: Although in danger, there is rescue, hence 'danger brings good fortune.'
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy, hence the Image says 'there is great cause for congratulation.'

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Fû indicates that there will be free course and progress (in what it denotes). (The subject of it) finds no one to distress him in his exits and entrances; friends come to him, and no error is committed . He will return and repeat his (proper) course. In seven days comes his return. There will be advantage in whatever direction movement is made.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram Fu (Return). Pervasive success. Going out and staying at home are both free from illness. There is profit to be made, and one can remain free from disaster. On the return journey, one will return in seven days. It is advantageous to have a destination. The Xiang Commentary says: The inner trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, representing thunder, and the outer is Kun, representing earth. When the weather is freezing and cold, thunder returns to the earth; going out and returning, returning in accordance with the season, this is the image of the Return hexagram. The ancient kings observed this image, taking thunder as their model, closed the city gates on the winter solstice, not admitting merchants and travelers, and the ruler did not inspect the states.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Cycles recur, and the spark of life buds anew; success is in sight, but impatience leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortunes are turning for the better. By going with the flow, undertakings can succeed, but it is not advisable to advance too hastily.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Zhen below and Kun above). Zhen represents thunder and movement; Kun represents earth and compliance. Movement with compliance, following nature. Movement within compliance, yang on the inside and yin on the outside, moving in sequence, advancing and retreating freely, which is advantageous for moving forward.

III. Casting Example

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