A one-sentence introduction to the eight hexagrams of the Kan Palace ☵
Hexagram 3: Zhun (Water Thunder Zhun)
Hexagram Image: Upper Kan (Water), Lower Zhen (Thunder)
☀ Yang: All things are newly born; though hardships lie ahead, success is inevitable. In the budding stage of entrepreneurship, vitality abounds and prospects are bright. It is advisable to build good connections widely, consolidate the foundation, and avoid rushing for quick results. Steady and solid efforts will eventually lead to smooth progress.
☾ Yin: The start is fraught with difficulties, direction is unclear, and resources are scarce. Blind expansion will lead to collapse midway; impulsive and reckless advancement will end in failure halfway; an unstable foundation will cause a great building to topple in an instant.
Hexagram 5: Xu (Water Heaven Xu)
Hexagram Image: Upper Kan (Water), Lower Qian (Heaven)
☀ Yang: Clouds rise above heaven, waiting for the right time to rain. Wait with sincerity, accumulate strength, and when the time is ripe, success will naturally come. Live in peace and contentment, enrich yourself, wait quietly for good news, and success will follow as a matter of course.
☾ Yin: Impulsive advancement will lead to dangerous situations; empty waiting without preparation will waste time. Acting out of desperation or panic will only invite disaster. Waiting without preparation will ultimately cause one to miss all good opportunities.
Hexagram 8: Bi (Water Earth Bi)
Hexagram Image: Upper Kan (Water), Lower Kun (Earth)
☀ Yang: Choose the virtuous to associate with, and treat others with sincerity. The value of connections lies in quality rather than quantity. Stay close to the capable and virtuous, keep away from petty people, support each other, and achieve mutual benefit and win-win results. Only with sincerity and unity can things last long.
☾ Yin: Forming cliques for selfish gains or attaching oneself to unrighteous people will eventually lead to implication. Lack of independence will only make one be used by others; blind socializing drains energy, and making unwise friends will drag one down instead.
Hexagram 29: Kan (Kan as Water)
Hexagram Image: Upper Kan (Water), Lower Kan (Water)
☀ Yang: Layer upon layer of obstacles, the image of repeated Kan (danger). Face dangers with sincerity and wisdom; though the flow of water is perilous, it never ceases. With perseverance and willpower, and by practicing ways to cope with difficulties, one will eventually break through the predicament.
☾ Yin: Cowering and not advancing will leave one trapped in danger forever. Taking chances with luck or acting recklessly will only make one sink deeper. One danger is not yet passed when another arises, leaving one in a dilemma with no way out.
Hexagram 39: Jian (Water Mountain Jian)
Hexagram Image: Upper Kan (Water), Lower Gen (Mountain)
☀ Yang: There is danger ahead and mountains behind, leaving one in a dilemma. When encountering difficulties, do not complain; instead, reflect on oneself. Pause to reflect and correct oneself, and seek help from the virtuous. Act according to the degree of danger, and one will eventually get through the hard times.
☾ Yin: Forcing one's way forward recklessly will lead to a deeper predicament. Blaming heaven and others will cause one to miss the chance to save oneself. Refusing to retreat in the face of difficulties and not knowing how to take a detour will only leave one battered and at a loss what to do.
Hexagram 48: Jing (Water Wind Jing)
Hexagram Image: Upper Kan (Water), Lower Xun (Wind)
☀ Yang: Wood enters the water and brings water up; the well nourishes endlessly. Like well water silently nourishing all things, one should stick to one's original heart. Cultivate one's moral character, benefit others, and if one does not change one's resolve, one will eventually reap the benefits.
☾ Yin: If a well is filled with mud and unclean, no one will draw water from it; if one does not cultivate oneself, one will be abandoned by others. Sticking to old ways without renewal will lead to elimination. When well water dries up, it loses its value; if one does not progress, one will fall behind.
Hexagram 60: Jie (Water Marsh Jie)
Hexagram Image: Upper Kan (Water), Lower Dui (Marsh)
☀ Yang: There is water above the marsh, indicating proper moderation. Like rivers bounded by dikes, one should handle affairs with proper measure and stop when appropriate. Only the self-disciplined can enjoy freedom; knowing when to stop keeps one from danger, and moderation ensures long-lasting success.
☾ Yin: Excessive moderation will bring unbearable hardship and cannot be sustained. Overcorrecting will backfire. Bitter moderation cannot be maintained as a constant; being overly harsh will make everyone feel insecure and lead to rigid systems.
Hexagram 63: Jiji (Water Fire Jiji)
Hexagram Image: Upper Kan (Water), Lower Li (Fire)
☀ Yang: Water and fire interact with each other, marking the completion of a great achievement. Yin and yang are in their proper positions, and all things are accomplished. After success, one should be vigilant in times of peace and maintain the achievement without slackness. Seeing hidden dangers amid perfection ensures long-term peace and stability.
☾ Yin: Slackening off after success will lead to all previous efforts being wasted. Failing to retire at the right time after achieving success will lead to decline at the peak of prosperity. If one does not guard the achievements carefully after Jiji (completion), all fruits of labor will be washed away.
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