The I Ching contains 64 hexagrams — every possible combination of six yin (⚋) and yang (⚊) lines stacked together. These 64 figures form a complete map of human situations, transitions, and possibilities. Whether you’ve just received a reading and need to look up your hexagram, or you want to understand the system as a whole, this guide covers every hexagram with its core meaning and practical advice.
Each hexagram is built from two trigrams (three-line figures). Eight trigrams combined in pairs produce 8 × 8 = 64 unique hexagrams. The traditional King Wen sequence divides them into the Upper Canon (上經) of 30 hexagrams — focused on cosmic and natural forces — and the Lower Canon (下經) of 34 hexagrams — centered on human relationships and social life.
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How the Eight Palaces Organize the 64 Hexagrams
Beyond the King Wen sequence, Chinese tradition groups the 64 hexagrams into Eight Palaces (八宮), each governed by one of the eight pure trigrams doubled. This system — attributed to the Han-dynasty scholar Jing Fang — reveals internal family relationships between hexagrams and is widely used in traditional divination.
The eight palaces are: Qian (Heaven), Kun (Earth), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Kan (Water), Li (Fire), Gen (Mountain), and Dui (Lake).
Below, every hexagram is listed in King Wen order. Frequently appearing hexagrams in readings are marked with ⭐.
Upper Canon (上經) — Hexagrams 1–30
1. ䷀ Qián (乾) — The Creative / Heaven over Heaven ⭐
Pure yang energy, origination, strength, and leadership. Act boldly — conditions favor initiative and forward motion.
2. ䷁ Kūn (坤) — The Receptive / Earth over Earth ⭐
Pure yin energy, receptivity, nurturing, and support. Follow rather than lead — yield and serve to find success.
3. ䷂ Zhūn (屯) — Difficulty at the Beginning / Water over Thunder
Birth pangs, initial obstacles, gathering resources. Persist through early chaos — seek guidance, don’t rush.
4. ䷃ Méng (蒙) — Youthful Folly / Mountain over Water
Inexperience, needing instruction, the student’s mind. Stay humble and seek a teacher — learning comes through sincerity.
5. ䷄ Xū (需) — Waiting / Water over Heaven ⭐
Patient anticipation, nourishment, trusting timing. Wait with confidence — what you need is coming, don’t force it.
6. ䷅ Sòng (讼) — Conflict / Heaven over Water
Disputes, legal matters, clashing perspectives. Seek mediation and compromise — prolonged conflict harms everyone.
7. ䷆ Shī (师) — The Army / Earth over Water
Organized discipline, collective effort, leadership of many. Lead with integrity and clear structure — discipline brings order.
8. ䷇ Bǐ (比) — Holding Together / Water over Earth
Alliance, unity, mutual support. Build genuine bonds — cooperation now brings lasting benefit.
9. ䷈ Xiǎo Xù (小畜) — Small Taming / Wind over Heaven
Gentle restraint, small accumulations, patient cultivation. Make incremental progress — grand moves must wait.
10. ䷉ Lǚ (履) — Treading / Heaven over Lake
Careful conduct, walking on thin ice, propriety. Proceed with caution and good manners — even danger can be navigated gracefully.
11. ䷊ Tài (泰) — Peace / Earth over Heaven ⭐
Harmony, prosperity, heaven and earth in communion. Everything flows — act generously while conditions are favorable.
12. ䷋ Pǐ (否) — Standstill / Heaven over Earth
Stagnation, obstruction, communication breakdown. Withdraw and conserve energy — this blockage will pass.
13. ䷌ Tóng Rén (同人) — Fellowship / Heaven over Fire
Community, shared purpose, fellowship with others. Unite around common ideals — openness builds trust.
14. ䷍ Dà Yǒu (大有) — Great Possession / Fire over Heaven
Abundance, great holdings, supreme success. Share your abundance wisely — generosity sustains good fortune.
15. ䷎ Qiān (谦) — Modesty / Earth over Mountain ⭐
Humility, balanced self-assessment, quiet merit. Stay modest — the universe rewards those who don’t overreach.
16. ䷏ Yù (豫) — Enthusiasm / Thunder over Earth
Joy, motivation, inspiring movement. Channel your enthusiasm into action — but avoid complacency.
17. ䷐ Suí (随) — Following / Lake over Thunder
Adaptability, following the flow, willing service. Adapt to the situation — flexibility brings unexpected rewards.
18. ䷑ Gǔ (蛊) — Work on the Decayed / Mountain over Wind
Correcting corruption, repairing what has gone wrong. Fix inherited problems now — three days of planning before and after action.
19. ䷒ Lín (临) — Approach / Earth over Lake
Drawing near, growing influence, a favorable approach. Advance — your influence is expanding, use it responsibly.
20. ䷓ Guān (观) — Contemplation / Wind over Earth
Observation, perspective, looking inward and outward. Step back and observe before acting — understanding precedes success.
21. ䷔ Shì Kè (噬嗑) — Biting Through / Fire over Thunder
Decisive action, breaking through obstacles, justice. Act decisively to remove what obstructs — firmness resolves the issue.
22. ䷕ Bì (贲) — Grace / Mountain over Fire
Beauty, adornment, elegant form. Appreciate beauty and refine appearances — but substance matters more than style.
23. ䷖ Bō (剥) — Splitting Apart / Mountain over Earth
Decay, stripping away, things falling apart. Don’t act — let the deterioration run its course, then rebuild.
24. ䷗ Fù (复) — Return / Earth over Thunder ⭐
Renewal, turning point, the return of light. A new cycle begins — move gently with the returning energy.
25. ䷘ Wú Wàng (无妄) — Innocence / Heaven over Thunder
Unexpected events, naturalness, acting without agenda. Stay authentic — forced effort backfires, spontaneity succeeds.
26. ䷙ Dà Xù (大畜) — Great Taming / Mountain over Heaven
Accumulated power, restraining great force, stored wisdom. Hold firm — your accumulated resources will be needed soon.
27. ䷚ Yí (颐) — Nourishment / Mountain over Thunder
Sustenance, what you feed grows, mindful consumption. Watch what you take in — nourish body, mind, and spirit wisely.
28. ䷛ Dà Guò (大过) — Great Exceeding / Lake over Wind
Extraordinary pressure, a beam bending under weight. The situation demands bold or unusual action — the middle way won’t work here.
29. ䷜ Kǎn (坎) — The Abysmal Water / Water over Water ⭐
Danger, repeated peril, deep water. Stay sincere and keep moving through danger — don’t freeze.
30. ䷝ Lí (离) — The Clinging Fire / Fire over Fire
Clarity, brilliance, dependence, illumination. Attach yourself to what is bright and true — clarity comes from right alignment.
Lower Canon (下經) — Hexagrams 31–64
31. ䷞ Xián (咸) — Influence / Lake over Mountain ⭐
Mutual attraction, resonance, courtship. Open your heart to connection — sensitivity creates genuine bonds.
32. ䷟ Héng (恒) — Duration / Thunder over Wind
Endurance, perseverance, long-lasting commitment. Stay the course — consistency and devotion bring lasting results.
33. ䷠ Dùn (遁) — Retreat / Heaven over Mountain
Strategic withdrawal, knowing when to step back. Retreat is not defeat — sometimes pulling back is the wisest move.
34. ䷡ Dà Zhuàng (大壮) — Great Power / Thunder over Heaven
Tremendous strength, power at its peak. Use your power ethically — brute force without righteousness leads to trouble.
35. ䷢ Jìn (晋) — Progress / Fire over Earth
Advancement, promotion, the sun rising over the earth. Move forward confidently — recognition and progress come naturally now.
36. ䷣ Míng Yí (明夷) — Darkening of the Light / Earth over Fire
Concealment, adversity, inner light hidden. Protect your inner brilliance — keep your abilities hidden until the time is right.
37. ䷤ Jiā Rén (家人) — The Family / Wind over Fire
Family bonds, domestic harmony, roles within the home. Strengthen your inner circle — order at home radiates outward.
38. ䷥ Kuí (睽) — Opposition / Fire over Lake
Estrangement, different perspectives, misunderstanding. Find common ground in small things — opposition can be bridged through minor agreements.
39. ䷦ Jiǎn (蹇) — Obstruction / Water over Mountain
Hardship, obstacles that block the path. Don’t push forward blindly — assess the obstacle, seek allies, try a different route.
40. ䷧ Xiè (解) — Deliverance / Thunder over Water
Release, resolution, the storm clearing. Act quickly to resolve remaining issues — then return to normalcy without delay.
41. ䷨ Sǔn (损) — Decrease / Mountain over Lake
Reduction, sacrifice, giving up something for a greater purpose. Decrease below to increase above — voluntary sacrifice brings hidden blessings.
42. ䷩ Yì (益) — Increase / Wind over Thunder ⭐
Growth, benefit, augmentation from above. Seize this expansive moment — act on big plans while fortune flows your way.
43. ䷪ Guài (夬) — Breakthrough / Lake over Heaven
Decisive resolution, removing the last negative element. Speak truth openly and act firmly — the breakthrough demands courage, not force.
44. ䷫ Gòu (姤) — Coming to Meet / Heaven over Wind
Unexpected encounter, a powerful yin force arising. Be cautious with new connections — not everything that approaches you is beneficial.
45. ䷬ Cuì (萃) — Gathering Together / Lake over Earth
Assembly, collecting, bringing people and resources together. Unite people around a clear purpose — preparation prevents disorder.
46. ䷭ Shēng (升) — Pushing Upward / Earth over Wind
Gradual ascent, steady growth, effort rewarded. Keep climbing step by step — steady effort brings you higher without resistance.
47. ䷮ Kùn (困) — Oppression / Lake over Water
Exhaustion, confinement, words fail. Stay cheerful despite hardship — inner strength outlasts external pressure.
48. ䷯ Jǐng (井) — The Well / Water over Wind
Deep resource, communal nourishment, unchanging source. Maintain and share your inner wellspring — the well must be kept clean to nourish others.
49. ䷰ Gé (革) — Revolution / Lake over Fire
Radical change, transformation, molting. When the time is right, transform boldly — genuine revolution comes only after trust is established.
50. ䷱ Dǐng (鼎) — The Cauldron / Fire over Wind
Cultural refinement, nourishing the worthy, sacred vessel. Dedicate your efforts to something higher — transformation through devoted service.
51. ䷲ Zhèn (震) — The Arousing Thunder / Thunder over Thunder
Shock, sudden awakening, thunder repeated. Don’t panic — shock brings awareness, and after the trembling comes clarity.
52. ䷳ Gèn (艮) — Keeping Still / Mountain over Mountain
Stillness, meditation, knowing when to stop. Rest and be still — stop the restless mind to find the right moment to act.
53. ䷴ Jiàn (渐) — Development / Wind over Mountain
Gradual progress, step-by-step advancement, natural growth. Proceed gradually like a tree growing — don’t skip steps.
54. ䷵ Guī Mèi (归妹) — The Marrying Maiden / Thunder over Lake
Subordinate position, managing expectations, compromise. Accept the reality of your position — pushing for more now invites misfortune.
55. ䷶ Fēng (丰) — Abundance / Thunder over Fire
Fullness, peak prosperity, the zenith. Enjoy abundance without anxiety — but know that fullness naturally begins to wane.
56. ䷷ Lǚ (旅) — The Wanderer / Fire over Mountain
Travel, impermanence, being a stranger. Travel light and stay adaptable — gentleness and clarity protect the wanderer.
57. ䷸ Xùn (巽) — The Gentle Wind / Wind over Wind
Gentle penetration, subtle influence, persistence. Influence through gentle persistence — like wind that gradually shapes the landscape.
58. ䷹ Duì (兑) — The Joyous Lake / Lake over Lake
Joy, open communication, shared delight. Genuine joy comes from inner truth expressed outward — share it generously.
59. ䷺ Huàn (涣) — Dispersion / Wind over Water
Dissolution, scattering, breaking up rigidity. Let go of ego barriers — dispersing what has hardened allows renewal.
60. ䷻ Jié (节) — Limitation / Water over Lake
Boundaries, moderation, knowing your limits. Set healthy boundaries — but limits that are too harsh will not endure.
61. ䷼ Zhōng Fú (中孚) — Inner Truth / Wind over Lake
Sincerity, inner confidence, heartfelt trust. Act from genuine sincerity — inner truth moves even pigs and fishes.
62. ䷽ Xiǎo Guò (小过) — Small Exceeding / Thunder over Mountain
Minor excess, attending to details, small adjustments. Handle small matters with great care — aim lower rather than higher for now.
63. ䷾ Jì Jì (既济) — After Completion / Water over Fire ⭐
Everything in its place, order achieved, but vigilance needed. Success is here — maintain it carefully, for disorder follows completion.
64. ䷿ Wèi Jì (未济) — Before Completion / Fire over Water
Almost there, the final transition, potential not yet realized. The journey isn’t finished — careful assessment before the last push determines everything.
The 10 Hexagrams You’ll See Most Often
Certain hexagrams appear with striking frequency in readings. If you’re new to the I Ching, get familiar with these ten first:
- ☰ Hexagram 1 — Qián (The Creative) — pure initiative and drive
- ☷ Hexagram 2 — Kūn (The Receptive) — yielding and support
- ☵ Hexagram 5 — Xū (Waiting) — patience and trust
- ☶ Hexagram 11 — Tài (Peace) — harmonious flow
- ☷ Hexagram 15 — Qiān (Modesty) — the only hexagram with no misfortune in any line
- ☳ Hexagram 24 — Fù (Return) — cycles renewing
- ☵ Hexagram 29 — Kǎn (The Abysmal) — navigating danger
- ☱ Hexagram 31 — Xián (Influence) — connection and attraction
- ☴ Hexagram 42 — Yì (Increase) — growth and expansion
- ☵ Hexagram 63 — Jì Jì (After Completion) — maintaining success
How to Look Up Your Hexagram
If you already know your hexagram number or name, use our hexagram lookup tool for an instant, detailed interpretation including line-by-line meanings.
Wondering how changing lines affect your reading? See our guide on I Ching changing lines explained.
How to Cast a Reading
Ready to consult the I Ching yourself? Our free online divination tool simulates the traditional yarrow-stalk method digitally — no coins or stalks needed. You’ll receive your primary hexagram, any changing lines, and the resulting hexagram.
Curious how I Ching divination compares to other systems? Read our comparison of I Ching vs. Tarot.
Working With the 64 Hexagrams
The 64 hexagrams aren’t fortune-telling cards to be passively received. They’re mirrors reflecting the dynamics of your situation. Each hexagram captures a specific quality of change — the way energy moves, gathers, disperses, rises, or retreats.
When you receive a hexagram, sit with its image. The mountain, the lake, the thunder, the wind — these aren’t abstract symbols. They describe how forces interact right now in your life. The I Ching’s power grows the more you return to it, building a relationship with these 64 patterns of change over months and years.
Your next reading is waiting. Cast your hexagram now →