Trigrams
☵☴ – Water above, Wind below
Meaning
Represents the inexhaustible source of nourishment. The well serves all, never refusing anyone. Towns and rulers change, but the well remains — a symbol of the enduring, sustaining resources that underlie all of civilization. Do not let the rope run short before it reaches the water.
Interpretation
- Develop and maintain access to the deep sources of nourishment and wisdom.
- Be like the well — available to all, inexhaustible in service.
- Do not leave essential work unfinished; complete what you begin.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
井泥不食，旧井无禽。
English: A well filled with mud, not fit for drinking — an old well that no animals use. Resources that have been neglected and become unusable.
Luck Level: Caution
2nd Yao (二爻)
井谷射鬫，瀃楚漏。
English: The well shaft shoots up small fish; the jug is cracked and leaks. Potential resources are wasted through inadequate vessels or methods.
Luck Level: Caution
3rd Yao (三爻)
井洗不食，为我心愁，可用汲，王明，并受其福。
English: The well is cleaned but not used — it saddens my heart. But it could be drawn from; if the king were wise, he and all would receive its blessing. Good resources going unused from lack of recognition.
Luck Level: Good
4th Yao (四爻)
井甬，无咎。
English: The well is being lined with stones — no blame. Improving the structure that holds the water; maintenance and strengthening of the source.
Luck Level: Neutral
5th Yao (五爻)
井列，寒泉食。
English: The well is clean, cold spring water for drinking. A pure, clear, cold spring — the finest quality of nourishment, freely available.
Luck Level: Good
6th Yao (上爻)
井收，勿幕，有孚，元吉。
English: The well is collected into, do not cover it — there is sincerity, great good fortune. A well that is open, accessible, and transparent — the highest good of a nourishing resource.
Luck Level: Excellent