Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 节 (Jié) |
| English Name | Limitation / Temperance |
| Trigrams | Water over Lake (坎上兑下) |
| Number | 60 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Limitation. Success. Galling limitation must not be persevered in.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Water over lake: the image of Limitation. Thus the superior man creates number and measure, and examines the nature of virtue and correct conduct.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初九 | Bottom | Not going out of the door and the courtyard is without blame. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九二 | 2nd | Not going out of the gate and the courtyard brings misfortune. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
| 六三 | 3rd | He who knows no limitation will have cause to lament. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 六四 | 4th | Contented limitation. Success. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九五 | 5th | Sweet limitation brings good fortune. Going brings esteem. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 上六 | Top | Galling limitation. Perseverance brings misfortune. Remorse disappears. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Water over lake; proper limits that create structure without oppression
- Upper trigram Water (deep and flowing) over lower trigram Lake (joyous and open)
- Embodies the qualities of limitation, boundaries, discipline and moderation, structure, temperance
Keywords
LimitationBoundariesDisciplineModerationStructureTemperance
Divination & Prediction
★★★☆☆Moderate — Balance Required
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Mixed conditions requiring discernment. Water over lake; proper limits that create structure without oppression Success is possible through discipline and moderation. |
| Timing | Proceed with care, attending to details and timing. |
| Challenge | Balance limitation with boundaries to navigate the complexity. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels limitation and boundaries. The Water trigram above suggests deep and flowing energy in your outer dealings, while the Lake trigram below points to joyous and open foundations. Proceed carefully, focusing on essentials.
Health & Wellness
Focus on kidneys and ears and mouth and respiratory. Moderate, balanced approaches to health serve better than extreme measures now.
Relationships
In relationships, embody limitation and boundaries. Balance giving and receiving. Listen as much as you speak.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes discipline and moderation. Steady, methodical study brings better results than ambitious leaps.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate limitation in all your actions
- Practice boundaries consistently
- Embrace discipline as your guiding principle
- Develop moderation through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of structure
- Abandon temperance under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 59. Huàn (涣) | Dispersion — dissolution vs structure |
| 58. Duì (兑) | The Joyous — joy within limits |
| 29. Kǎn (坎) | The Abysmal — water finding its level |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “I struggle with setting boundaries at work. Any guidance?”
You received Hexagram 60, Limitation. The judgment says: 'Limitation. Success. Galling limitation must not be persevered in....' Water over lake; proper limits that create structure without oppression This is a nuanced sign. Success is possible but requires careful attention to boundaries and discipline. Proceed thoughtfully rather than boldly.