Trigrams
☵☱ – Water above, Lake below
Meaning
Represents the wisdom of limitation and self-regulation. Water above the lake — the lake has a definite limit. Proper limitation is the basis of all order and sustainability. Limitations must be neither too harsh nor too lax; bitter restraint serves no one.
Interpretation
- Establish clear and reasonable limits for yourself and your affairs.
- Limitations that are too harsh become unsustainable; find the wise middle.
- Self-regulation and voluntary restraint are the mark of a mature person.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
不出户庭，无咎。
English: Not going out of the door and courtyard — no blame. Knowing when to stay within one's own bounds; a time for restraint and self-containment.
Luck Level: Neutral
2nd Yao (二爻)
不出门庭，凶。
English: Not going out of the gate and courtyard — misfortune. Failure to act when action is needed and the time is right; excessive restriction leads to loss.
Luck Level: Misfortune
3rd Yao (三爻)
不节若，则喔若，无咎。
English: Not limiting oneself — lamenting. No blame. If one fails to accept necessary limitation and then laments the consequences, there is actually no permanent fault.
Luck Level: Neutral
4th Yao (四爻)
安节，亨。
English: Comfortable limitation — flowing and successful. When restraints are accepted with genuine ease and naturalness, things flow harmoniously.
Luck Level: Good
5th Yao (五爻)
甘节，吉；往有尚。
English: Sweet limitation — good fortune. Going forward brings honor. Limitation that feels natural and even pleasant; rules that become second nature.
Luck Level: Good
6th Yao (上爻)
苦节，贞凶；悔亡。
English: Bitter limitation — persistence brings misfortune. But regret disappears. Restrictions so harsh they become unbearable; they must eventually be relaxed.
Luck Level: Caution