Trigrams
☱☰ – Lake above, Heaven below
Meaning
Represents resolute breakthrough and the elimination of what is corrupt. The lake rises above heaven — accumulated force must break through. One yang force remains to be overcome. The resolution must be public, firm, and based on principle, not personal enmity.
Interpretation
- Confront and eliminate corruption or wrongdoing openly and resolutely.
- Act with righteous principle, not personal grievance.
- Stay alert and do not relax vigilance until the matter is fully resolved.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
壮于前趾，往不胜，为咎。
English: Powerful in the forward toes — going but not overcoming, brings blame. Rushing forward too boldly before the right conditions are met leads to failure.
Luck Level: Caution
2nd Yao (二爻)
惕号，莫夜有戎，勿恤。
English: Alarm is sounded, there are armed men at night — do not worry. Alertness maintained at all times means that when danger comes you are prepared.
Luck Level: Neutral
3rd Yao (三爻)
壮于頒，有凶；君子夸夸，独行遇雨，若濡有愧，无咎。
English: Power in the cheekbones — there is misfortune. The noble person acts resolutely, walking alone through the rain, getting wet and indignant — no blame. Standing alone in doing what is right, enduring discomfort, brings no fault.
Luck Level: Caution
4th Yao (四爻)
臀无肤，其行次且；牵羊悔亡，闻言不信。
English: The buttocks without skin — walking with difficulty. Leading the sheep, regret disappears, but the words are not believed. Progress is slow and painful; leadership is not recognized.
Luck Level: Neutral
5th Yao (五爻)
蹢陆夸夸，中行无咎。
English: Proceeding on the highland with resolve — the middle way brings no blame. Steadfast advance through the center, neither too aggressive nor too timid.
Luck Level: Neutral
6th Yao (上爻)
无号，终有凶。
English: No cry of alarm — in the end there is misfortune. Complacency after apparent victory; failing to remain vigilant leads to a bad end.
Luck Level: Misfortune