I CHING HEXAGRAM

Hexagram 32: Duration

Heng · 恆

What endures is not what stands still, but what renews itself in constant motion, true to its own direction.

  • duration
  • constancy
  • marriage
  • continual renewal
Upper trigram
Thunder 震 · Movement
Lower trigram
Wind 巽 · Gentleness

The Judgment

DURATION. Success. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It furthers one to have somewhere to go.

The Image

Thunder and wind: the image of Duration. Thus the superior man stands firm and does not change his direction.

Meaning

The hexagram 'Duration' carries the energy of Thunder (Movement) acting upon Wind (Gentleness). This moment asks for balance between initiating outwardly and penetrating inwardly.

In love

In relationships, the interplay suggests sudden passion combined with subtle influence. Check that communication is clear.

In work and business

At work, the energy favors new ventures grounded in gradual growth. Consolidate your base.

Symbolism

The image of Thunder above Wind suggests a natural dynamic of movement over gentleness.

The six lines

Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.

  1. Six in the 1st place

    First position: fragility in the first steps. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.

    Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

    Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

  2. Nine in the 2nd place

    Second position: centered strength, recognized from afar. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.

    The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

    The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

  3. Nine in the 3rd place

    Third position: the dangerous threshold between low and high. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Wind (Gentleness) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.

    End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

    End of the lower trigram — a critical transition. Excess enthusiasm here breeds mistakes. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

  4. Nine in the 4th place

    Fourth position: the minister at the ruler’s side. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.

    Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

    Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

  5. Six in the 5th place

    Fifth position: ruling through moderation. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.

    Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

    Authority exercised with gentleness. Success comes from measure, not from imposition. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

  6. Six in the 6th place

    Sixth position: the ending that asks for release. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Thunder (Movement) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.

    Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

    Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Duration — the matter is duration: that is the theme this line is changing.

Frequently asked questions

What does hexagram 32 mean?

Duration (Heng): The hexagram 'Duration' carries the energy of Thunder (Movement) acting upon Wind (Gentleness). This moment asks for balance between initiating outwardly and penetrating inwardly.

What does hexagram 32 say about love?

In relationships, the interplay suggests sudden passion combined with subtle influence. Check that communication is clear.

What does hexagram 32 say about work?

At work, the energy favors new ventures grounded in gradual growth. Consolidate your base.