Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 乾 (Qián) |
| English Name | The Creative / Heaven |
| Trigrams | Heaven over Heaven (乾上乾下) |
| Number | 1 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
The Creative works sublime success, furthering through perseverance.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | Hidden dragon. Do not act. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九二 | 2nd | Dragon in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九三 | 3rd | All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is beset with cares. Danger. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 九四 | 4th | Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 九五 | 5th | Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 上九 | Top | Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
用九 (Use of Nine): There appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune. — True leadership is selfless.
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Pure creative power; initiate boldly and persist with integrity
- Upper trigram Heaven (creative and strong) over lower trigram Heaven (creative and strong)
- Embodies the qualities of creativity, strength, leadership and persistence, ambition, vitality
Keywords
Divination & Prediction
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Pure creative power; initiate boldly and persist with integrity Channel the energy of creativity and strength for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on leadership to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels creativity and strength. The Heaven trigram above suggests creative and strong energy in your outer dealings, while the Heaven trigram below points to creative and strong foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on lungs and head and lungs and head. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody creativity and strength. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes leadership and persistence. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate creativity in all your actions
- Practice strength consistently
- Embrace leadership as your guiding principle
- Develop persistence through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of ambition
- Abandon vitality under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 2. Kūn (坤) | The Receptive — complement; yang needs yin |
| 11. Tài (泰) | Peace — heaven and earth in harmony |
| 44. Gòu (姤) | Coming to Meet — first yin enters below |