Qian
Judgment
乾 元 亨 利 貞
This is greatly prosperous and beneficial.
Interpretation
The image of the Geon hexagram has Geon both as the upper and lower trigrams. Geon represents heaven, so whether above heaven or below heaven, it is still one heaven. Heaven is heaven, whether added to or subtracted from. Therefore, heaven is infinite.
Heaven, in itself, is the Way, and it is extremely natural, occupying most of the universe. Heaven is the essence of the world, and it is the space where all natural phenomena are manifested. This space is called the universe, and the universe is infinite.
Heaven operates according to the Way, and its order is natural, with no exception for all things. Therefore, it is extremely strong and robust.
In the hexagram, Won means great, Hyeong means smooth or prosperous, and Jeong refers to the answer to a divinatory question. The answer to a divination is always right, and hence, "rightness" is derived.
This is a time of great prosperity and benefit. If you follow the way of heaven, maintain a strong mind, and work tirelessly, everything will go smoothly and greatly prosper.
初九 潛龍,勿用
Initial Nine: The hidden dragon, do not act.
It is submerged. 'Submerged in water' means being under water. The dragon is submerged in water. 'Submerged' means the dragon has withdrawn and is quietly waiting for the right time. 'Wen' refers to King Wen. 'Dragon' means to act (行). 'Do not move' means to remain still (勿用). When the tyrannical King Zhou of the Shang Dynasty ruled, King Wen of Zhou did not step forward but withdrew and quietly cultivated his strength. The submerged dragon is a metaphor for King Wen in this context. A person who receives this line in divination is in the situation of a submerged dragon. It is not the right time to act recklessly. Withdraw, quietly build your strength, and be cautious in your actions. Acting hastily and impatiently will only invite disaster.
九二 見龍在田,利見大人
Nine Second: The dragon appears in the field, it is beneficial to see the great man.
The character "Chord" in the front is read as "appear," and "Silk" in the back is read as "meet." The phrase "Dae-inch:1" refers to a person in a position of power. Both "Usage method" and "Interpersonal" refer to King Wen. Since King Wen is active at the right time, it is beneficial for people to meet him. The person who draws this hexagram is currently in a situation where the dragon (symbolizing King Wen) appears in a field. The journey ahead is difficult, but meeting a great person will be beneficial. Life is a series of continuous encounters. Meeting a lesser person will not be beneficial.
九三 君子終日乾乾,夕惕若,厲,无咎.
Nine Third: The noble man is diligent all day, in the evening, he is cautious and vigilant, there is no blame.
The ruler is trapped in a state of constant worry and vigilance, symbolizing a dangerous time. While the ruler’s situation is precarious, no serious harm is yet done. This warns that anxiety and caution are necessary, but relief will come if caution is observed.
九四 或躍在淵,无咎
Nine Fourth: He may leap into the abyss, no blame.
The term "Yo" refers to the king, and "Yeong" refers to the peaceful resting place of the king. The king has arrived at the right time and place for action, and now is the moment to rise. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where they should act decisively, as the timing is favorable. There is no fault in proceeding, and the task will succeed.
九五 飛龍在天,利見大人
Nine Fifth: The flying dragon is in the sky, it is beneficial to see the great man.
Everything progresses without hindrance, like a dragon soaring in the sky, and meeting a great person like King Wen brings benefits. The task at hand will be advantageous if you seek assistance from a noble figure.
上九 亢龍,有悔
Top Nine: The dragon is too high, there is regret.
The dragon ascends to the sky’s limit, with nowhere left to rise, and King Wen’s death leaves his subjects mourning. The task at hand has reached its peak, and as nature reverses at its extreme and human affairs invite consequences when overdone, there will be regret.