I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 48: The Well
Ching · 井
Life's deep sources do not change with outer forms. One must go all the way down to the water — and not break the jug.
- the source
- structure
- common nourishment
- depth
- Upper trigram
- Water 坎 · Depth
- Lower trigram
- Wind 巽 · Gentleness
The Judgment
THE WELL. The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases. But if the rope does not go all the way down, or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.
The Image
Above the wood is water. Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work and exhorts them to help one another.
Meaning
The hexagram 'The Well' carries the energy of Water (Depth/Danger) acting upon Wind (Gentleness). This moment asks for balance between adapting outwardly and penetrating inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests deep emotions or uncertainty combined with subtle influence. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors risk management grounded in gradual growth. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Water above Wind suggests a natural dynamic of depth/danger 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.
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 The Well — the matter is the source: 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 The Well — the matter is the source: that is the theme this line is changing.
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 The Well — the matter is the source: 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 The Well — the matter is the source: that is the theme this line is changing.
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 The Well — the matter is the source: 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 The Well — the matter is the source: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 4th place
Fourth position: prudent reserve beside power. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. 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 The Well — the matter is the source: that is the theme this line is changing.
Caution and discretion are the right conduct here. This is not the hour to shine. 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 The Well — the matter is the source: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 5th place
Fifth position: the place of the ruler. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of The Well — the matter is the source: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of The Well — the matter is the source: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 6th place
Sixth position: the ending that asks for release. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — 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 The Well — the matter is the source: 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 The Well — the matter is the source: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 48 mean?
The Well (Ching): The hexagram 'The Well' carries the energy of Water (Depth/Danger) acting upon Wind (Gentleness). This moment asks for balance between adapting outwardly and penetrating inwardly.
What does hexagram 48 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests deep emotions or uncertainty combined with subtle influence. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 48 say about work?
At work, the energy favors risk management grounded in gradual growth. Consolidate your base.