I Ching · No.37 · Chia Jên / The Family [The Clan]

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

For (the realisation of what is taught in) Kiâ Zăn, (or for the regulation of the family), what is most advantageous is that the wife be firm and correct.

Translation

The Chia Jên (Family) hexagram. Divination regarding the affairs of women is auspicious. The Image says: The outer trigram of this hexagram is Sun, and Sun represents wind; the inner trigram is Li, and Li represents fire. Fire within and wind without: wind assists the fire's force, and fire assists the wind's power, complementing each other, which is the image of the Family. The gentleman observes this image, thereby realizing that his words must have substance so as not to be empty, and his conduct must be persistent to be abundant.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts turn inward, and the family way flourishes; strict, upright, and constant, their minds cannot be swayed. Slightly auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, collaborating and working with others will be beneficial, and there are many signs of happy events. Those with harmonious families can work together with one heart to develop their careers.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Peak fortune is upon you; be careful in speech and action.
• Wealth 财运: Hoard goods; they will fetch a high price later.
• Household 家宅: Beware of fire; closer ties among relatives.
• Health 身体: Excessive phlegm and asthma, difficult to cure radically.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Wind meets fire and becomes wilder; fire meets wind and burns more fiercely. This is indeed the meeting of peak fortune. However, if one turns to evil, it will be evil; if one turns to good, it will be good. One should exert the utmost effort in words and actions.
• Business 营商: The Er Ya says: 'Wind and fire make Dun (庉).' 'Dun' means to gather, which is the image of hoarding goods. The line texts say 'having substance' and 'having constancy.' 'Substance' refers to goods, and 'constancy' refers to permanence, meaning the goods should not be sold in a hurry; a high price can be obtained later.
• Fame & Career 功名: Wind travels far, and fire flames upward, which is the image of rising high and reaching far. Words and deeds are the tools to establish oneself and benefit the people; fame and success are assured.
• Household 家宅: Guard against fire disasters.
• Marriage 婚姻: The hexagram of Chia Jên (Family) takes its image from husband and wife. Li (fire) and Sun (wind) are both female, representing either the eldest daughter as the older sister and the middle daughter as the younger sister, or a mutual marriage alliance between two families. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: This is a symptom of rising wind and fire, excessive phlegm and asthma, incurable for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Li below and Sun above). Li represents fire; Sun represents wind. Fire makes hot air rise, becoming wind. All things should be based on the internal, and then extend to the external. What originates within takes shape without. It metaphorically implies governing the family first, and then governing the world. When the family way is correct, the world will be at peace and happy.

• Overall Image 大象: The image of wind blowing fire, assisting the fire's power. It metaphorically implies family members working together with one heart to develop their careers.
• Fortune 运势: Peaceful and highly auspicious. Cooperation with others brings easy success, and there are signs of celebratory events, such as adding a new child or marriage.
• Career 事业: Whether you succeed depends on the family situation. Strictly govern the family and prevent fire in the 'backyard' (domestic troubles) or accidents; this is the prerequisite for career success. Harmony between husband and wife and joint cooperation will surely lead from poverty to wealth. One's career should progress from the inside out, step by step, with persistence, and then success will surely be achieved.
• Business 经商: Apply the method of governing the family to business activities. Treat company employees with a combination of strictness and leniency, with strictness as the main focus. It is advisable to have centralized leadership with one person in charge, cooperating together and accumulating day by day.
• Seeking Fame 求名: Focus on hard work and being content with poverty while pursuing the Tao, and even more, have the support of the family. As the family way flourishes, individual career success will easily follow.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: A harmonious family is the foundation of all things, and the wife is the root of the family way. Choosing a wife should be done with caution; harmony and joy will make the family prosper.
• Decision 决策: Smooth success comes due to a good family and the wife's support. It is essential to maintain this advantage; otherwise, the transition from prosperity to decline can happen in an instant. In particular, prevent family misfortunes. Managing a household emphasizes treating others with humility and kindness, and accumulating wealth through diligence and thrift. Relatives should be mutually harmonious and friendly.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject establishing restrictive regulations in his household Occasion for repentance will disappear.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Guarding against accidents in the family, there is no regret. The Image says: Guarding against accidents in the family means being alert to events before they happen.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average. For those who obtain this line, undertakings will succeed, the unmarried will marry, but it is unfavorable for the longevity of the elderly. Officials in idle posts will be promoted to hold real power, while those currently in office may see their power slip away.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is just starting to arrive; examine yourself.
• Wealth 财运: Starting business for the first time; strictly abide by business regulations.
• Household 家宅: Orderly and regulated; a family of pure reputation.
• Health 身体: Treat illness as soon as it appears; delaying makes it hard to cure.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: At present, good fortune is just beginning to arrive; one should know to exercise self-restraint, and then there will be no disaster or regret.
• Warfare 战征: At the start of a military campaign, it is fitting to regulate steps and strictly enforce commands, thereby securing victory without defeat.
• Business 营商: This is the first time transporting goods for sale; one should strictly abide by business regulations.
• Fame & Career 功名: Seeking fame and success for the first time. One should obey public decrees and not rashly seek advancement.
• Household 家宅: The walls of this house are solid, and the family is respectful and harmonious. The household head is orderly and regulated, with detailed and clear rules. After four years, it can lead to abundance. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: The illness is just beginning; one should carefully nurse oneself, and there will surely be no harm. If not treated at the start, it will lead to complications and become difficult to cure.
• Marriage 婚姻: When first arranging the marriage alliance, knowing that the family style is pure and the women's quarters are traditionally cautious, it can succeed.
• Litigation 讼事: If the lawsuit is stopped at the beginning, it is auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: First pregnancy; giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kien suggests to us the marriage of a young lady, and the good fortune (attending it). There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Jian (Gradual Progress) Hexagram. A woman's marriage is good. This is a favorable divination. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Gen, representing mountain; the upper trigram is Xun, representing wood. Wood planted on the mountain grows continuously; this is the image of Jian. The superior man, observing this image, emulates the mountain nurturing the forest, thereby dwelling in virtue and taking on the social responsibility of refining customs.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Progressing in an orderly sequence, accumulating the small to achieve the great; gradual progress leads to benefit, while haste leads to failure. Minor good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, luck will gradually open up. All matters should progress step-by-step, then planning will succeed. Impatience is not advised; haste leads to failure.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Gen below, Xun above). Gen represents mountain, and Xun represents wood. There are trees on the mountain growing gradually, and the mountain rises accordingly. This is a process of gradual progress, hence called Jian. Jian means progress, advancing gradually without haste.

Six in the Second Place 二六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, divided, shows its subject taking nothing on herself, but in her central place attending to the preparation of the food. Through her firm correctness there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the second: The woman manages household affairs and prepares meals without error, which is an auspicious sign. The Image says: The reason why the line text of Six at the second is called auspicious is that the yin line of Six at the second lies below the yang line of Nine at the third, resembling a woman who is obedient and humble to a man.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, planning to establish a family will succeed, and there will be many happy events. Officials will achieve glory, splendor, wealth, and honor.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Succeeding through the help of others; things can still go as desired.
• Wealth 财运: Transporting and selling grain can yield a profit.
• Household 家宅: The woman manages the household.
• Health 身体: Appetite is still good; there will be no obstacle.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently experiencing great fortune, but the line image is heavily yin. It is only suitable to succeed through others and not act arbitrarily or independently.
• Warfare 战征: This refers to a deputy general, definitely not the commander-in-chief, or perhaps the rear camp in charge of grain and military funds, which is most critical. Guard carefully against failure.
• Business 营商: Likely a business of transporting and selling grain. Auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Difficult to fulfill one's wishes.
• Household 家宅: This house faces south. The owner must be a woman. Household affairs cannot be decided arbitrarily, but the foundation of the stove is most auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Fortunately, the appetite is strong and healthy; it will cause no harm.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

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 Third Place 三九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, undivided, shows its subject (treating) the members of the household with stern severity. There will be occasion for repentance, there will be peril, (but) there will (also) be good fortune. If the wife and children were to be smirking and chattering, in the end there would be occasion for regret.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the third: In a poor household, many mouths cry out to be fed, which is a sorrowful matter, but working diligently can lead to escaping poverty and gaining wealth. In a wealthy household of arrogance, extravagance, and debauchery, where wives and children only know how to laugh and play, they will eventually fall into ruin. The Image says: A poor household that can work diligently has not lost the upright family style. A wealthy household that does nothing but laugh and play loses the way of diligence and thrift.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Inauspicious. For those who obtain this line, worry and joy are half and half; guard carefully against indulging in pleasure. Officials will be strict and show little forgiving grace.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Hard work brings success; ease and pleasure lead to ruin.
• Wealth 财运: Internal and external are both orderly; one can still protect oneself.
• Household 家宅: Household rules are strict; two families follow each other.
• Health 身体: Cooling remedies resolve the distress.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is ordinary; in the end, it is valuable to encourage oneself. Being rigorous, hard-working, and not fearing labor will surely bring good fortune. If one does nothing but seek pleasure, nothing will be accomplished.
• Warfare 战征: Orders are strict and clear, and the whole army is in awe and submission. Though it may not escape the worry of excessive slaughter, the matter inquired about will naturally succeed.
• Business 营商: Likely a shop on the outside and a residence on the inside, orderly both internally and externally. When household management is strict and shop rules are cautious, one can obtain good fortune. Otherwise, excessive harmony leads to laxity, and there will be concerns about reputation.
• Fame & Career 功名: The line image focuses solely on ordering the family; fame and success are still slow in coming.
• Household 家宅: This house has strict family rules. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: The correspondence of Nine at the third is with Nine at the top, which says 'having sincerity,' showing that the two families follow each other. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Nine at the third belongs to Li, which is fire. It is suitable to take cooling remedies; though dangerous, recovery will be achieved.
• Lost Items 失物: One should investigate strictly and urgently, and it can be found. If one is lenient and slow, it will be lost.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

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.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject enriching the family. There will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the fourth: A happy family, greatly auspicious. The Image says: A happy family is greatly auspicious, because the yin line of Six at the fourth lies below the yang line of Nine at the fifth, resembling family members being harmonious and each keeping to their duty.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, fortune is at its best, and they will be promoted by nobles; the lonely and widowed will find relatives. For officials, their career path is smooth, and promotion is promising.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Making a fortune and protecting the family; currently experiencing good fortune.
• Wealth 财运: Threefold profit in the market; its wealth can be known.
• Household 家宅: A wealthy household.
• Health 身体: Overly obese; reducing weight will bring recovery.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Currently experiencing peak fortune. Those who are already rich can protect their families, and those who are not yet rich will make fortunes. A sign of great auspiciousness.
• Warfare 战征: The country is rich and the soldiers are strong, with abundant grain and military funds. They can advance or retreat; auspicious and nothing is unfavorable.
• Business 营商: 'Threefold profit in the market' quickly leads to abundance and wealth; its auspiciousness can be known.
• Fame & Career 功名: Official posts and wealth are often opposite; one must spend wealth to achieve fame.
• Household 家宅: Must be a family of a grand mansion and high social standing. Greatly auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: Money can make even the spirits move; there is no matter that cannot be settled.
• Illness 疾病: Must be caused by obesity and excessive rich food; medicine will cure it.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

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 Fifth Place 五九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, undivided, shows the influence of the king extending to his family. There need be no anxiety; there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the fifth: The king approaches his family temple; do not worry, the ancestors bless the family, and all things are auspicious. The Image says: The king approaches the homes of his subjects, showing that the ruler and his ministers mutually care for each other.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, plans and undertakings will be profitable, and they will receive the support of nobles. Officials will become prominent and distinguished, and advancement is promising.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: People's hearts are connected in mutual understanding; naturally auspicious.
• Wealth 财运: Serving the public in business; profits can be assured.
• Household 家宅: A grand mansion; marrying into a wealthy and powerful family.
• Health 身体: Excessive liver fire; nurture the heart energy.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune arrives and blessing comes; people's hearts naturally connect in mutual understanding. Why worry about not being auspicious?
• Warfare 战征: The king's army is invincible wherever it goes. Auspicious.
• Business 营商: This business must be managed in service to the public, or perhaps contributing goods to the royal household's estate. Auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: Just like the meeting at the Wei River or Fuyan, there is an image of dreams and divination finding mutual response. Auspicious.
• Household 家宅: This residence is likely a grand mansion of a high official. Auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: In the human body, the heart is the ruler. The fifth line resides in Sun (wood), which must be a case where the liver wood is too strong and generates wind, and the heart fire generates heat. The medicine should extinguish fire and calm wind, allowing the heart energy to open up, then there is no need to worry. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: A sign of being chosen to enter the imperial palace.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

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.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject possessed of sincerity and arrayed in majesty. In the end there will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: The lord holds the power of punishment and execution, awe-inspiring, and the authority does not shift; in the end, it is auspicious. The Image says: The line text of Nine at the top speaks of establishing awe through punishment and execution, which in the end is auspicious because the lord can examine himself internally and establish prestige externally.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious. For those who obtain this line, plans and undertakings will be as desired, and it is even better for women's fortunes. Officials will hold high positions and great power, and scholars will advance to achieve fame.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: All things are auspicious, but good fortune is about to end.
• Wealth 财运: The correctness of the business way brings profit and fame.
• Household 家宅: The hope of the village; harmony between the two families.
• Health 身体: Exercise to stay healthy.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Gaining people's trust and respect/awe, nothing will fail, and nothing is unfavorable in going forward. It can be carried out near and far, and all things are auspicious. Ten years of good fortune, which ends after this.
• Warfare 战征: The way of marching: having trustworthiness, people will not deceive us; having majesty/awe, people will not treat us with disrespect. Rewards and punishments are selfless, and commands must be executed; it is the army of a king, hence auspicious.
• Business 营商: Having trustworthiness, ten thousand pieces of gold can be entrusted; having majesty/awe, all affairs are put in order. This is the correctness of the business way.
• Fame & Career 功名: The top line is at the extreme position; this must be a great person who resides in a high position, whose trustworthiness is already established, and whose prestige is long-renowned.
• Household 家宅: The position of this house must be high, being the hope of the village. Auspicious.
• Marriage 婚姻: Both families agree. Auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kî Ȝî intimates progress and success in small matters. There will be advantage in being firm and correct. There has been good fortune in the beginning; there may be disorder in the end.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ji Ji (After Completion). Success. This is a divination of small fortune. Good fortune at the beginning, but disorder will arise in the end. The Image says: The upper trigram is Kan, Kan is Water; the lower trigram is Li, Li is Fire. Water is above and Fire is below; water douses fire, which is the image of After Completion. In view of this, the superior man prepares for trouble in times of peace, preventing disaster before it happens.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Success in crossing over, persevere and hold oneself in respect; moving from great to small, ensure the continuation of prosperity. Small fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, it is a sign of career success and achievement, but they must guard against the inevitable decline after reaching the peak. Retreat and defense bring good fortune; further advance brings misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Li below, Kan above). Kan is Water, Li is Fire; water and fire interact. Water is above fire, the force of water extinguishing the fire; the work of putting out the fire is successfully completed. 'Ji' means already; 'Chi' means accomplished. 'Ji Chi' (After Completion) means that things have already succeeded, but disorder will arise in the end.

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.