Hexagram 1
乾 Qián · Creative force
Legge: Khien
☰ Heaven (Qián) above ☰ Heaven (Qián)
Scryway summary
Modern commentary written for Scryway. Not part of the classic text.
Sustained, self-renewing effort. Strength is at its best when it keeps moving and keeps to its purpose.
The judgment
Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
The image
Heaven, in its motion, (gives the idea of) strength. The superior man, in accordance with this, nerves himself to ceaseless activity.
The lines, bottom to top
- Bottom line, solid
In the first (or lowest) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon lying hid (in the deep). It is not the time for active doing.
- Second line, solid
In the second line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
- Third line, solid
In the third line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. (The position is) dangerous, but there will be no mistake.
- Fourth line, solid
In the fourth line, undivided, (we see its subject as the dragon looking) as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake.
- Fifth line, solid
In the fifth line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.
- Top line, solid
In the sixth (or topmost) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.
(The lines of this hexagram are all strong and undivided, as appears from) the use of the number nine. If the host of dragons (thus) appearing were to divest themselves of their heads, there would be good fortune.
Quoted from James Legge (trans.), The Yi King, Sacred Books of the East vol. XVI, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1882. Public domain. The image is from Legge’s Appendix II. Words in parentheses are Legge’s additions.