The 64 Hexagrams
六十四卦 · A Complete Map of Change
The 64 hexagrams form a complete symbolic language for understanding every pattern of change in the universe. Each hexagram is a six-line figure combining two trigrams, representing a unique archetype of transformation, challenge, or opportunity.
This comprehensive guide explores each hexagram in depth — its structure, meaning, wisdom, and practical application to modern life.
乾 Qian
The Creative Heaven
元亨利貞 · Sublime success through perseverance
Read Full Analysis →坤 Kun
The Receptive Earth
元亨 · Great success through receptivity
Read Full Analysis →屯 Zhun
Difficulty at the Beginning
Initial obstacles require patience and preparation
Read Full Analysis →蒙 Meng
Youthful Folly
Inexperience seeks guidance and learning
Read Full Analysis →需 Xu
Waiting (Nourishment)
Patient waiting brings nourishment and success
Read Full Analysis →訟 Song
Conflict
Disputes arise; seek mediation, avoid escalation
Read Full Analysis →師 Shi
The Army
Strategizing from the command tent
Read Full Analysis →比 Bi
Holding Together
Many walk alongside you
Read Full Analysis →小畜 Xiao Xu
Small Accumulation
Small gains add up over time
Read Full Analysis →履 Lü
Treading (Conduct)
Crossing the thin ice in the end
Read Full Analysis →泰 Tai
Peace
Heaven and earth in harmony, all things flow
Read Full Analysis →否 Pi
Standstill (Stagnation)
The hidden dragon awaits its hour to fly
Read Full Analysis →同人 Tong Ren
Fellowship with People
One heart, one mind
Read Full Analysis →大有 Da You
Great Possession
Returning with a full harvest
Read Full Analysis →謙 Qian
Modesty
Humility gains, pride loses
Read Full Analysis →豫 Yu
Enthusiasm
Poised and ready to spring
Read Full Analysis →隨 Sui
Following
Go with the flow
Read Full Analysis →蠱 Gu
Work on the Decayed
Out with the old, in with the new
Read Full Analysis →臨 Lin
Approach
Good things are approaching
Read Full Analysis →觀 Guan
Contemplation
The onlooker sees most clearly
Read Full Analysis →噬嗑 Shi He
Biting Through
Bite through the obstacle
Read Full Analysis →賁 Bi
Grace (Adornment)
Refined elegance
Read Full Analysis →剝 Bo
Splitting Apart
Retreat to advance
Read Full Analysis →復 Fu
Return (The Turning Point)
Winter ends, spring returns
Read Full Analysis →無妄 Wu Wang
Innocence
Stay true, wait for the right time
Read Full Analysis →大畜 Da Xu
Great Accumulation
Accumulate massively, release wisely
Read Full Analysis →頤 Yi
Nourishment
Nourish yourself, nourish others
Read Full Analysis →大過 Da Guo
Great Exceeding
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures
Read Full Analysis →坎 Kan
The Abysmal (Water)
Walk through danger without losing faith
Read Full Analysis →離 Li
The Clinging (Fire)
Radiance ahead
Read Full Analysis →咸 Xian
Influence (Wooing)
Hearts in resonance
Read Full Analysis →恆 Heng
Duration
Steady perseverance
Read Full Analysis →遁 Dun
Retreat
Knowing when to retreat is wisdom
Read Full Analysis →大壯 Da Zhuang
Great Power
Ambition soaring high
Read Full Analysis →晉 Jin
Progress
The sun rises in the east
Read Full Analysis →明夷 Ming Yi
Darkening of the Light
Conceal your brilliance until the time is right
Read Full Analysis →家人 Jia Ren
The Family
Harmony at home, prosperity in all things
Read Full Analysis →睽 Kui
Opposition
Seek common ground despite differences
Read Full Analysis →蹇 Jian
Obstruction
Press on against the odds
Read Full Analysis →解 Xie
Deliverance
Skies clearing after the rain
Read Full Analysis →損 Sun
Decrease
You must give to receive
Read Full Analysis →益 Yi
Increase
Blessings from above
Read Full Analysis →夬 Guai
Breakthrough (Resolution)
Decide now, no more delay
Read Full Analysis →姤 Gou
Coming to Meet
An unexpected encounter
Read Full Analysis →萃 Cui
Gathering Together
Gathering the best together
Read Full Analysis →升 Sheng
Pushing Upward
Rising step by step
Read Full Analysis →困 Kun
Oppression (Exhaustion)
Find a way through the bind
Read Full Analysis →井 Jing
The Well
Remember the source of the water you drink
Read Full Analysis →革 Ge
Revolution
Out with the old, in with the new order
Read Full Analysis →鼎 Ding
The Cauldron
Establish a new order
Read Full Analysis →震 Zhen
The Arousing (Thunder)
A thunderclap that awakens
Read Full Analysis →艮 Gen
Keeping Still (Mountain)
Know when to stop, and find peace
Read Full Analysis →漸 Jian
Development (Gradual Progress)
Step by step, ring by ring
Read Full Analysis →歸妹 Gui Mei
The Marrying Maiden
Let it happen naturally
Read Full Analysis →豐 Feng
Abundance (Fullness)
A year of plenty
Read Full Analysis →旅 Lü
The Wanderer
On the road, adapt and stay humble
Read Full Analysis →巽 Xun
The Gentle (Wind)
Move with the breeze
Read Full Analysis →兌 Dui
The Joyous (Lake)
Joy begets joy
Read Full Analysis →渙 Huan
Dispersion (Dissolution)
Dissolve to reunite
Read Full Analysis →節 Jie
Limitation
Moderation is beauty
Read Full Analysis →中孚 Zhong Fu
Inner Truth
Integrity above all
Read Full Analysis →小過 Xiao Guo
Small Exceeding
Caution steers the ship for a thousand years
Read Full Analysis →既濟 Ji Ji
After Completion
Mission accomplished
Read Full Analysis →未濟 Wei Ji
Before Completion
The journey continues, the horizon beckons
Read Full Analysis →📖 Quick Reference Guide
🏛️ Eight Palaces
The 64 hexagrams are organized into 8 families (palaces), each led by one of the 8 pure trigrams.
🔄 Transformation Patterns
Each hexagram can transform into others through changing lines, creating a web of interconnected meanings.
☯️ Yin-Yang Balance
The ratio and position of yin/yang lines reveal the energy dynamics of each situation.
🎯 Practical Application
Every hexagram offers timeless wisdom applicable to relationships, career, health, and personal growth.