Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 井 (Jǐng) |
| English Name | The Well / The Source |
| Trigrams | Water over Wind (坎上巽下) |
| Number | 48 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
The Well. The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases. They come and go and draw from the well. If one gets down almost to the water and the rope does not go all the way, or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Water over wood: the image of the Well. Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work, and exhorts them to help one another.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | One does not drink the mud of the well. No animals come to an old well. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九二 | 2nd | At the well hole one shoots fishes. The jug is broken and leaks. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九三 | 3rd | The well is cleaned, but no one drinks from it. This is my heart's sorrow, for one might draw from it. If the king were clear-minded, good fortune might be enjoyed in common. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 六四 | 4th | The well is being lined. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 九五 | 5th | In the well there is a clear, cold spring from which one can drink. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 上六 | Top | One draws from the well without hindrance. It is dependable. Supreme good fortune. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- The well — unchanging source of nourishment that serves the community
- Upper trigram Water (deep and flowing) over lower trigram Wind (gentle and penetrating)
- Embodies the qualities of source, nourishment, unchanging and community, depth, reliability
Keywords
SourceNourishmentUnchangingCommunityDepthReliability
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. The well — unchanging source of nourishment that serves the community Channel the energy of source and nourishment for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on unchanging to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels source and nourishment. The Water trigram above suggests deep and flowing energy in your outer dealings, while the Wind trigram below points to gentle and penetrating foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on kidneys and ears and thighs and immune system. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody source and nourishment. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes unchanging and community. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate source in all your actions
- Practice nourishment consistently
- Embrace unchanging as your guiding principle
- Develop community through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of depth
- Abandon reliability under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 47. Kùn (困) | Oppression — well without water |
| 5. Xū (需) | Waiting — patient nourishment |
| 57. Xùn (巽) | The Gentle — the wood that draws water up |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “Should I build a platform that serves my whole community?”
You received Hexagram 48, The Well. The judgment says: 'The Well. The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed. It neither de...' The well — unchanging source of nourishment that serves the community This is a favorable sign. The energy of source supports your intention. Move forward with unchanging, but remain mindful of proper timing.