Trigrams
☱☴ – Lake above, Wind below
Meaning
Represents a critical overload — the ridgepole of the roof is sagging. The situation is under extraordinary stress. Exceptional times require exceptional measures; ordinary solutions will not suffice. Act boldly and independently, even if it means standing alone.
Interpretation
- The situation is critical; bold and unconventional action is required.
- Stand firm and act independently when circumstances demand it.
- After the extraordinary moment passes, return to normal conduct.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
藉用白茅，无咎。
English: Using white rushes as padding beneath — no blame. Taking extra care and caution at the foundation, even if it seems excessive, prevents disaster.
Luck Level: Neutral
2nd Yao (二爻)
枯杨生梯，老夫得其女妻，无不利。
English: A withered willow puts forth new shoots; an old man gets a young wife — nothing is unfavorable. Unexpected renewal, unlikely unions that nonetheless prove fruitful.
Luck Level: Good
3rd Yao (三爻)
棋桔，凶。
English: The ridgepole sags — misfortune. Weakness at the center when strength is most needed leads to collapse.
Luck Level: Misfortune
4th Yao (四爻)
棋隆，吉；有它，吝。
English: The ridgepole is strengthened — good fortune. But if there are other entanglements, regret. Shoring up the critical point succeeds, but new complications can still arise.
Luck Level: Good
5th Yao (五爻)
枯杨生华，老妇得其士夫，无咎无誉。
English: A withered willow puts forth flowers; an old woman gets a young husband — no blame, no praise. A temporary flourishing that brings neither honor nor lasting consequence.
Luck Level: Neutral
6th Yao (上爻)
过涉灭顶，凶，无咎。
English: Going too far in crossing — water over the head. Misfortune. But no blame. Giving everything in a lost cause may end in disaster but carries no moral fault.
Luck Level: Misfortune