Guan
Judgment
觀 盥而不薦 有孚 顒若
They sprinkled alcohol on the ground for the sacrifice, but did not offer up an offering, so there was a great captive to offer up as an offering.
Interpretation
The Guan (Observance) Hexagram consists of the upper trigram Sun (Wind) and the lower trigram Kun (Earth). Sun represents wind, while Kun represents earth. The image of this hexagram is wind blowing over the earth.
When wind blows over the earth, it symbolizes a chaotic and unsettled world. In such times, one must be observant and pay close attention.
"Guan" means to observe or watch carefully.
In the hexagram statement:
"Guanbian" refers to the act of scattering, often used in ancient rituals, such as sprinkling wine on the earth to welcome spirits during sacrificial ceremonies.
"Tian" means to lift, referring to offering sacrifices to spirits.
"Bu" refers to captives, symbolizing those who have been captured or subdued.
"Yongya" refers to a large and strong body, representing the large figure of an offering or a person meant to be sacrificed.
In ancient sacrificial rituals, wine was first poured onto the ground to welcome spirits, and then offerings were made. In the case of this hexagram, the wine is poured, but the offerings are not yet placed because a large captive (representing a significant achievement or harvest) is to be offered.
If someone receives this hexagram in divination, it suggests that in the current chaotic time, they should carefully observe their surroundings and remain silent and cautious.
As wind blows over the earth, dust rises, and the mind becomes unsettled. In such turbulent times, one must remain steady like a mountain, avoiding emotional turmoil.
Once the wind ceases, the dust will settle, and the mind will become calm. Therefore, it is important to reflect and restrain oneself during this time, waiting for the storm to pass, so that one can make clear and rational decisions.
The presence of a large captive to be offered during a ritual signifies great harvest and achievement, meaning that with effort, success and rewards will be abundant.
初六 童觀,小人无咎,君子吝
Initial Six: Observing the child, small people have no blame, the gentleman is reluctant.
'Donggwan' means to observe from a shallow perspective. 'Soin' refers to the common people, while 'Gunja' refers to those in official positions. Shallow observation implies a limited view, which is something the common people might do, but not those in positions of authority. The military or leaders should have a broad perspective, and small matters can be dealt with even with limited insight. However, great matters require a more expansive view. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where their perspective is limited, which can be acceptable for minor tasks but would be problematic for more significant undertakings.
六二 闚觀,利女貞
Six Second: Looking with caution, beneficial for the woman to remain steadfast.
The character "" refers to observation, and "Customs" means peeking through a small gap. This signifies narrow vision and limited perspective. This is favorable for a woman who remains at home, but not for those who wish to engage in larger matters. The person drawing this hexagram is currently in a situation where their perspective is limited, which is good for those in confined situations but not for those seeking broader opportunities.
六三 觀我生,進退
Six Third: Observing my life, progress and retreat.
The term "gwan" means to observe or consider. The hexagram speaks of a ruler who observes the people and makes decisions about their appointment or dismissal based on their abilities. The person receiving this hexagram is likely in a position to wisely assign roles, ensuring smooth progress and success in their endeavors.
六四 觀國之光,利用賓于王
Six Fourth: Observing the country’s glory, beneficial for the guest to serve the king.
The term "Gukji-gwang" refers to the glorious culture of the Zhou dynasty. A vassal seeing the glory of the Zhou dynasty and becoming a guest of the king is a favorable situation. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where a vassal is admiring the glory of the Zhou dynasty and becoming a guest of the king. This is a situation of favorable reception, and the task will be prosperous.
九五 觀我生,君子无咎
Nine Fifth: Observing my life, the gentleman has no blame.
The gentleman examines the state of officials and the people, employing them according to their abilities and governing justly, so there is no fault. The task at hand will succeed as you carefully assess others and proceed righteously.
上九 觀其生,君子无咎
Top Nine: Observing their life, the gentleman has no blame.
The gentleman studies the officials and people of other states, adopting the good and discarding the bad, free of fault. The task at hand will succeed by learning from others’ triumphs and failures, choosing the path to success without error.