Unchanging Hexagrams
The Xici Zhuan says:
夫乾，其靜也專，其動也直，是以大生焉。
However we look at Qian [the embodiment of all yang-ness],
Its stillness is due to being entirely concentrated on focused compaction,
Its activity is due to straightening so as to meet things head on, directly,
Consequently greatness originates in this.
夫坤，其靜也翕，其動也闢，是以廣生焉。
However we look at Kun [the embodiment of all yin-ness],
Its stillness is due to gathering together in closing itself,
Its activity is due to opening itself up to development and expansion,
Consequently its vastness originates in this.
In this we see that in stillness Yang-ness is concentrated but not engaging, and Yin-ness is closed and not open to receive.
So when working with Unchanging Hexagrams as results of our divinations, it may help to see them from this perspective of stillness. None of the lines are activated, and therefore there is no activity in the hexagram.
This implies that whatever meaning the hexagram is shaping around is stable and inherent in some sense.
Jiaoshi's Yilin is a mysterious Han era text that endeavors to provide a verse for every possible divination outcome. So it provides 4096 verses, and among them many are duplicates.
Included, are the unchanging hexagrams. In exploring the unchanging hexagram verses of the Yilin, the theory of unchanging hexagrams working like this is validated.
For example, in hexagram ䷫ 44 we have 1 yin arising beneath 5 gathered yangs. It is an erosive force, and can lead to the undoing of all that the 5 yangs have gathered. Thus we are warned to not engage with its potency.
However, the Yilin's unchanging verse informs us that the ferry is closed and there is no possibility of meeting.
The Yellow River God widely proclaims,
The ford cannot be crossed.
Going to, then coming back, so consequently,
With this one is without great misfortune.
This sort of insight into how unchanging hexagrams might carry slightly different meanings than we might expect from just reading the hexagram statements.
And in this case, the misfortune of erosion's potency is able to be avoided, because of being turned away from moving forward. If one cannot encounter erosion, erosion cannot unfold.
It is not always quite so simple however. For at times, we might have an assembly, as in hexagram 45. Here it is in lines 4 and 5 that we assemble toward.
Tightly bound favor accorded by heaven receiving blessing,
possessing that which acquires virtue.
Not beneficial to go out of the wall,
exhausted person obstructed by thorns.
Here it can be seen that in the unchanging state, it is auspicious to be within the assembly, and inauspicious to be outside of it.
As ever with the Yi, it is important to carefully consider the subtleties.
Below are the 64 Unchanging Hexagram verses from Jiaoshi's Yilin.
Jiaoshi's Yilin
Unchanging Hexagram Verses
Unfinished, still working through the last few translations, and still need to refine and add the rest of the commentaries.
1uc
A path ascends the rocky slope, the foreigners' language broken obstruction. Interpreters both dumb and deaf, no messenger with a way that goes through. Requesting permission for audience impossible, seeking to negotiate in vain.
2uc
No wind, no rain, daylight clear and bright. Apt for going forth and accelerating quickly, gaining passage through to one's destination with the edge of advantage of the great way.
3uc
Troops traveling to far off Da Yuan, going north from the Yu Men Pass. Granting border raids and skirmishes to the northern foreigners, pacifying walled cities on the road to the west, seven day provisions are exhausted, bodies few, not brought to completion.
4uc
How! The plants are not yellow, Completely not depleted mysteriously. The coffin chamber of one's elder family is where they separate and pass on, Sad and grieving in one's heart.
“What plant does not wither, its leaves turning red as its fruit matures? They left behind their homes with sorrow in their hearts.”
5uc
A longstanding drought of three years, plants and trees not growing and living. Sacrificial container empty of its sacrificial grain, lacking means to provide spiritual potency.
6uc
Steering a boat to take the lead, even if arrested there is nothing to be troubled over. Xi Wangmu on good terms with the Dao, trials and tribulations do not result in disaster.
7uc ䷆ Guarded Gathering
A raven caws calling its young, To feed using fermented bits of predigested meat. A tall wagon that delays, A person going to pledge allegiance to their mother. A thrifty person achieves accomplishment, Over the years having great possession, A jealous older woman is childless.
Here we see four examples of the hexagram dynamic, wherein the 2nd yang line gathers and guards its strength using caution and care, leveraging safety via what it gathers around itself. The raven feeds its young predigested meat - a good source of protein for the young, but first it needs to consolidate the nutrients in a form the young can better palate by predigesting it. Our wagon is about to set off, yet delays, so the person can strengthen their bond with their source, their mother, helping to preserve the strength of the bond despite them leaving on a journey. The thrifty person is able to gain, because they stop when enough is enough, therefore they always have more than enough. All the more so as the years of their life pass. Our last line shows that this inherent dynamic of Guarded Gathering can also have the opposite effect - in gathering envy or desire around us, we isolate ourselves from the ability to gather what we desire. Thus are we wise to take care in what we gather to ourselves.
8uc ䷇ Closeness
A deer acquiring the best quality grasses, Bleating to call its companions. Nine generations harmonious and friendly, Without anxiety about hunger or lack of food. The eldest son passes into the earth prison, In Frost's Descent (Oct 23 - Nov 6th) the family mourns.
Frost's Descent is the Solar Term that begins the Scorpio month and Stripping Away ䷖. This time of year is often associated with the dead. Inherent Closeness is overall positive in its sharing of mutual support side by side with family. However when the timing coincides with the omens of death, inherent Closeness shows another side. In Closeness all is shared.
9uc ䷈ Minor Domestication
A white bird holding in mouth bait to lure, Chirping to call its young; Shifting positions on twigs and spreading open wings, Coming to follow their mother. First, second, third, and youngest, Weakly aspiring to undertaking the task.
10uc ䷉ Treading
Ten ravens altogether take flight, Master archer Hou Yi (opens in a new tab) catches the nine weaker, Even if catching and obtaining all of them, On the one hand frightened, on the other not endangered.
The legend of Hou Yi says that he was tasked with reining in the 10 Suns (sons of the Jade Emperor) that had all decided to come out and play at once and caused the earth to become scorched. After pleading with them, then threatening them with his archery, Hou Yi then begins to shoot them down, all but the last one. The fallen became three-legged ravens. Thus, even if frightened, they were not endangered. The three-legged raven (opens in a new tab) is an ancient Chinese immortal mythological sun creature. This fits with the theme of treading on the tail of the tiger without getting bit. Lake often represents the youngest daughter, while Heaven represents the father - the father is often quite tolerant of the youngest daughter, even when she oversteps. Both are metal, and the one is learning to receive the wisdom of the other. Here, the safety of the treader is likely, even if they find themselves overstepping what is proper. The three-legged raven is also said to be one of the helpers of Xi Wangmu.
11uc
Looking for Jade in the Chen territory, delaying reunion with the eastern state; staying for my sovereign's grandchild, the fourth moon arriving once more; the lord in charge possessed with virtue, enveloping kindness sustaining good fortune.
12uc
Qin carried out cruelty and ruthlessness, rendering unto the Jin State a contention for dominance; entirely consuming its territory and rule, calling himself the first imperial.
13uc
Secretly packing to the mountain top, Melting together weapon tips and reforging blades. Revealing the vision that they will not again be used the same way, Heaven descending widely encourages this.
14uc
15uc
Wangzi Qiao has no imperfection, casually arriving at the forefront with no suffering. Running away squandering the loss of sandals and their proper ways of treading, giving over we attend his request and watch his departure.
16uc
The frozen is going to melt and disperse, the call of wild geese goes yong yong; an able bodied son and an eldest daughter, have permission to come together as one. Giving birth to and raising a wise and peerless person.
17uc
Birdsong from east to west, Echoing their flock in accompaniment; Unable to act on their own, Turning around at uninhabited wilderness and calling out when alone.
18uc
Bream born in the Huai river, one gradually becoming hundreds; Densely spreading throughout the realm descended of heaven, there are no hardships or malevolence.
19uc
Above the weak water, there is the Queen Mother of the West; living without knowing old age, united with heaven in reciprocal support. In general undertakings are either painstaking or negligent - the place to gain advantage is where there is rapport and suitability.
20uc
Beneath Mount Li, the home of Yu Shun, personally tilling the field and effecting filial devotion, a reputation heard the four seas over. Serving at the request of Yao, continuing to succeed the seat of the Son of Heaven.
21uc
Qilin and phoenix, favorable governing and omens of virtuosity. Yin and yang brought into harmony and merged together, attuned, the kingdom without natural disaster or foul play.
22uc
The government not violent and oppressive, A pair of Phoenix coming to roost; The four seasons compliant with the nodes of the year, People safe in their homes.
23uc
Moving ahead runs against the ultimate prohibitions, opposing orders given by superiors. Seized, detained and bound up, arrested and made to conform by the official. The person living in seclusion has occasion to celebrate.
24uc
A dense regiment of soldiers attack Shang Zhouwang (the last king of the Shang Dynasty), (led by Jiang Ziya and) conquering at the Battle of Muye. Dawn of the beginning of the cycle with JiaZi's Wood and Water, the realm descended of heaven very pleased.
25uc
Xia Dynasty's Tai and Youli, the places where King Tang of the Shang and King Wen of Zhou were imprisoned. Gou You hears court cases and applies reason, The people of Qi are pleased and delighted. Gazing westward over the esteemed country, Returning home in the east without calamity.
26uc
The Korean expanse, Ji's authority sustains and protects this place. A suitable person and a suitable family, The legacy staying with the descendants, Seeking to be of service is greatly well-suited.
27uc
Homes well supplied and people filled up, together rising to sing the Songs of Praise. Taking on foreigners from the four directions as honored guests, weapons of war wrapped up and stored away.
28uc
Authoritative texts and legal documents, Kept safe in a library on shelves with fragrant herbs. Even encountering chaotic breakdowns, Alone without befalling disaster.
29uc
Holding a yellow bird's leg, Returning back home and crying out to the youngest brother about jade. Going along with my SuiYang, Permission to break open arms for battle.
30uc
Mounting the six dragons at the right time, Carrying out the highest good making use of the eastern direction, Penetrating through destiny proclaiming an imperial edict, There is nowhere it does not reach.
31uc
The bird is situated alone, returned to her original nest, feathers thin and wan, heart as if cold ashes.
32uc
33uc
Three Mires (existence in hell, as an animal, or as a hungry ghost) and Five Sacred Mountains, Yang Cheng's great ancestral line,
34uc
35uc
Melting down weapon tips and casting plowshares,
retiring oxen and releasing horses,
dismissing armored soldiers,
husband and wife reciprocally protect each other.
36uc
The heir of another mountain, Providing fine jade to enable enemies, Coming to attack our settlement wall, Injuring our flesh, The state concerned by the agitation.
37uc
38uc
Granaries plenteous from immeasurable stacks of grain in the fields, millet of varieties for wine and food was sown, and this year's harvest produced extra.
39uc
In sameness boarding a carriage together, mid-way parting and separating. Losing my first husband, single, both unattached and set in reserve.
40uc
41uc
The road has many thorny hedge oranges, steps stabbing one's feet. Unfavorable for a solitary stranger, on account of the heart-mind taking on poison.
42uc
King Wen had four breasts, Benevolently compassionate genuine and generous, Rearing ten sons, Without having their destiny cut short by mortal frailty.
43uc
Esteemed sage-king Yao together with Yu the great, Master Red Pine, Wang Zi Qiao, and Peng Zu. Westward crossing to Xi Wangmu, the Queen Mother of the West, The way measures evenly worn and well tended, One is incapable of difficulty.
44uc ䷫ Meeting
The Yellow River God widely proclaims, The ford cannot be crossed. Going to, then coming back, so consequently, With this one is without great misfortune.
Here there is no meeting. The 5 yangs are undisturbed in their inactive slumber as the inactive yin can make no meeting. The ford is not fit to be crossed, not able to be crossed. One goes and then turns around and avoids misfortune in trying to cross what is now too much to cross. Even though there is no meeting possible here and one is turned around, better to be turned around than to push through what is not possible.
45uc
Tightly bound favor accorded by heaven receiving blessing, possessing that which acquires virtue. Not beneficial to go out of the wall, exhausted person obstructed by thorns.
46uc
Yu the Great bore a hole in the Dragon Gate, Giving advantageous passage to the water source. Eastwardly flowing into the deep blue sea, The people acquiring stability and security.
(Yu is attributed with solving the problem of the river floods.)
47uc
A bed of many piercing needles, unable to sleep. Acting then having regret, words and deeds accompanying wrongdoing.
48uc
Stumbling and becoming impaired not yet getting up, Suffering a setback in regard to future prospects, Not possible for the deer to have offspring.
49uc
Riding a horse using long thighs, Appropriate for accomplishing kindness in currying favor. Unwavering love blessed in conforming to one's mate. Acquiring enduring indivisibility to the 5th degree.
Here the first line is the image of the thighs lengthened in almost a squat, but not low enough for the hamstrings to meet the heels. Here the chang is likely referencing changgui, or the so called "long kneeling" that is like this. The second line's shi could be translated as marketplace or down or meeting, but is likely to be part of shihui, which means currying favor. The Yilin always uses only 4 characters per line, and often in order to conform to this structure strictly, will imply things that would be commonly understood. Horse riders would understand here that riding a horse like this would be kind to it (as opposed to digging heels into its flanks), and it helps to showcase the meaning of the hexagram.
50uc
Accumulating virtuous power's furthest reaches, The sovereign governs with dignity and gentleness, Yi Yin and Lu Shang as trusted aids, The country is wealthy and the people cared for.
51uc
Withered bottle gourd does not decay, Using it advantageously as a boat to cross a great river. Going far beyond the Yellow River to the ocean, Without possessing concern for sinking and drowning.
52uc
The sovereign unattached and living alone, Insubstantial and pliable with no external supports, This designation is called: obstructing suffering.
53uc ䷴ Gradually Advancing
Taking leave of and departing, The eldest son goes off with the army. Harvesting unripe shoots of grain approaches banditry, A widow(ed) elder living alone, In no case effecting the seeding of new melons.
Gradually Advancing is an open of slow and steady progress, wherein there may be stages of working through delays or staving off distractions, yet line 2 and 5 may eventually join and consummate their union with a pregnancy. However, with all of the lines passive, there is no movement of forward advance, and thus there is no hope for new the seeding of new life - only the temptation to feed upon the life that is barely under way.
54uc ䷵ Wedding a young sister.
Impregnable and icy in yellow skirt, A bird mourning the loss of a loved one with heavy heart. Not perceiving the white rice, Only seeing lamb's-quarters and wormwood. Decreed fortune frightened by a bird of prey, Contriving my heart's grieving.
Again with a image of movement, in its unchanging state we have no movement. Instead we have separation of that which was brought together. Our maiden is closed and in mourning, unable to see the white rice. Only able to look at the wormwood and its association with the land of the dead. Yellow is the color of centrality, and a skirt covers the lower part - in a submissive position and central role, yet now hardened and closed off; icy and impregnable. Unable to attend to that which one had become wed.
55uc
Child of a traveling merchant, the framework to go through great obstacles. Granted with a cudgel for carrying out bargaining, not concerned about great danger. Obtaining the edge of advantage ten fold.
56uc
Nets and traps stretched taught on all sides, Birds without a place to land or fly. On a punitive expedition but hard pressed to the extreme point, Hunger reaching its end with no food.
57uc
Pines and cypress in the temperate mountains, Permanently thriving without shedding leaves. A married couple using a screen, Attaining their happiness.
58uc
Coming back are the horses, the troops returned home, Finding comfort and rest following exhausting toils. The ruler of the men praises and commends and there is delight, Entering households to see wives.
59uc
Looking off at the prospect of good fortune but not getting there, writings not yet reaching their purpose. The King's son chasing down rabbits, the dog lame and unable to get them.
60uc
The ocean is the ruler of water,
its keenness of perception both peerless and enlightened.
Hundreds of river currents return home to its virtue,
with no harboring of rebelliousness,
constantly sufficient, supremely complete.
61uc
The raven cries in surprise and lament, Heavenly fire heading below. Burning their home's inner chamber, Natural disaster catching up to the wife of the sovereign.
62uc
Even though originally jumpy and unsettled, afterward turning around without harm, accepting their occasion to celebrate.
63uc
64uc
Wholeheartedly slow and not yet pursuing, Weak alcohol and dry rations of salted meat. Calculating the way to make spiritual progresss, Seeking out a place to look over things from, Rejecting the gain of big troubles.