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#48

The Well

井 — Jǐng
Upper trigram: Water (Kǎn) · Lower trigram: Wind (Xùn)

Overall meaning

Hexagram The Well symbolizes the well — a sustainable, unchanging source. Upper trigram is Water, lower is Wind/Wood (the post) — wood reaching into the earth to draw up water. This is the hexagram of inexhaustible resource, continual nourishment, and the unchanging essence of the essential.

Judgment text (Thoán từ)

The Well: the town may be changed, but the well cannot — 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 — misfortune. The core resource never changes.

Line texts (6 lines)

  1. 1
    First Six: One does not drink the mud of the well — no animals come to an old well. The resource is forgotten and polluted — no longer of value.
  2. 2
    Second Nine: At the wellhole one shoots fishes — the jug is broken and leaks. Talent not used in the right place — wasted.
  3. 3
    Third Nine: The well is cleansed but no one drinks from it — this is my heart's sorrow — it can be drawn — if the king were clear-minded, good fortune would be enjoyed in common. Talent prepared but not used — a pity.
  4. 4
    Fourth Six: The well is being lined — no blame. Repair and prepare — not yet serving but no fault.
  5. 5
    Fifth Nine: In the well there is a clear, cold spring from which one can drink. The well at its best — clear cool water, ready to serve all.
  6. 6
    Top Six: One draws from the well without hindrance — it is dependable — supreme good fortune. The well used fully, not concealed — blessings for all — supreme good fortune.

Applications by topic

Marriage
Love is like a well — needs maintenance and cleaning regularly. Tend the relationship with continuous attention. Don't let love be polluted by small quarrels.
Career
Talent and knowledge are an inexhaustible well. Keep learning to maintain the resource. Share knowledge with others to create value.
Wealth
Finances stable as a well that always has water. Invest in stable, sustainable income. Avoid wasting precious resources.
Health
Health like a well — needs continuous maintenance. Maintain a healthy lifestyle steadily. Watch kidneys and urinary system.
Lawsuit
Source of evidence and argument as solid as an inexhaustible well. Use all evidence available. Find sustainable, reliable legal support.

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