The 59th Hexagram of the I Ching: Huàn (涣 Hexagram)
The Huàn hexagram is formed by the combination of the Kǎn (坎) trigram below and the Xùn (巽) trigram above. In this hexagram, wind moves over water, stirring up waves and causing them to spread in all directions. The ancient Chinese observed that when there is wind, water in a depression or pit on the ground dries faster than when there is no wind, as the wind blows the water away. This observation led to the understanding that when the Kǎn (water) is below and Xùn (wind) is above, the wind can scatter the water, which is why this hexagram is called Huàn (涣), meaning dispersal.
Despite the scattering of water, wind can transform it into clouds, which then bring rain. Thus, although Huàn symbolizes the dispersion or scattering of things, including organizations or people’s minds, it also suggests that by taking positive and effective actions, one can overcome the scattered state and transform danger into safety.
Interpretation from Duàn Yì Tiān Jī (断易天机):
The Huàn hexagram, with Xùn above and Kǎn below, belongs to the Li Palace and is considered the fifth of the Li family’s hexagrams. The term Huàn represents the idea of scattering, meaning that adversity and trouble will dissipate, and major obstacles will be overcome. It indicates that one can safely cross large rivers and face no obstacles, making it an auspicious hexagram.
Interpretation from the Song Dynasty I Ching Scholar, Shào Yōng (邵雍):
Huàn signifies the resolution of problems and the dispersal of misfortunes. It suggests that while there may be initial difficulties, these will eventually dissolve. One should proceed with caution, and success will follow. It is a hexagram that implies things will go smoothly if one avoids impulsive behavior and indulgence.
Interpretation from the Taiwanese Confucian Scholar, Fù Pèi Róng (傅佩荣):
- Fortune: The situation will turn around, and success will come naturally.
- Wealth: Divine protection will ensure the smooth flow of wealth.
- Family: Prayers for blessings will be answered; harmony in relationships will be established.
- Health: Serious illnesses may be difficult to recover from, caution is advised.
Traditional Interpretation of the Huàn Hexagram:
The Huàn hexagram is made of the Kǎn trigram below, representing water, and the Xùn trigram above, representing wind. The wind moves over the water, spreading it in all directions, symbolizing the scattering of water. This represents a situation where things are disorganized or scattered, such as disunity within a group or community. However, the hexagram advises that through decisive, proactive measures, the scattered situation can be overcome, bringing order back and transforming danger into peace.
The Symbolism (Dà Xiàng):
The image of wind blowing over water symbolizes the dispersion of things in all directions. Similarly, the spring wind scatters the harshness of winter, causing the ice and snow to melt. This represents the dissolution of barriers, the softening of difficult situations, and the emergence of hope.
Fortune:
While there may be worries or difficulties, they can eventually be resolved. If one proceeds carefully, success is possible in all endeavors. One should avoid recklessness or procrastination.
Career:
The situation may be challenging, mainly due to a lack of unity within the group. It is essential to take strong and decisive actions to restore stability and cooperation. The key is to adhere to the right principles, maintain impartiality, and gather people together to counteract disunity.
Business:
The market is chaotic and unclear, and it is necessary to take calculated risks. However, fairness and self-restraint are essential. Finding capable collaborators and gaining solid support are also crucial for success.
Reputation:
To achieve success and recognition, one must calm the mind, focus on improving knowledge, and develop skills. The scattered situation must be managed, requiring talented individuals to help guide and stabilize the situation. The future is bright, but personal effort and dedication are required.
Marriage:
As long as both parties have pure and sincere intentions, the marriage will be successful and harmonious.
Decision-Making:
To advance one’s career, it is essential to use proactive methods to overcome internal divisions. First, one must eliminate selfish motives, sacrifice personal desires for the greater good, and avoid getting involved in unnecessary disputes. By doing so, a stable environment can be restored, and success will follow in a favorable setting.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Huàn Hexagram
Line Statement: Chū liù (初六): Yòng zhěng mǎ zhuàng, jí. (用拯马壮，吉)
Translation: Using a strong horse to compensate for insufficient strength, auspicious.
The meaning of this line is that by relying on strong support (symbolized by the powerful horse), one can overcome weaknesses and achieve success.
Key Points to Remember When This Line Appears:
- There is trust in family heritage, leading to success.
- When heading south, plans will proceed smoothly.
- Both fame and fortune will be attained, like a fish that has golden scales.
- On a peaceful, clear day, auspicious energy will spread everywhere.
- Success will come swiftly, like a strong wind traveling thousands of miles.
Transformation of the First Line:
The Chū liù (初六) line transforms into Zhou Yi Hexagram 61: Fēng Zé Zhōng Fú (风泽中孚). This hexagram has the trigrams Duì (兑) below and Xùn (巽) above. Fú (孚) means trust or faith, derived from the idea of an egg hatching precisely on time. The hexagram represents inner sincerity and trustworthiness. It emphasizes the importance of integrity in one’s personal and professional life.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Huàn Hexagram
Line Statement: Jiǔ èr (九二): Huàn bēn qí jī, huǐ wáng. (涣奔其机，悔亡)
Translation: In times of dispersion, quickly flee to safety, and regrets will disappear.
The meaning of this line is that when things are in disarray, it is essential to quickly change course and avoid danger. By doing so, one will overcome regret and find a path forward.
Key Points to Remember When This Line Appears:
- Water does not flow well on land; the path to safety lies in staying steady.
- When the fog rises, it is neither wind nor rain, and it is best to return rather than risk emotional harm.
- In times of crisis, stability will bring peace, and following the right principles will lead to eventual success.
- Even when circumstances seem dispersed, one must have something solid to rely upon.
- Knowing the mind of others is key to making wise decisions in dangerous situations.
Transformation of the Second Line:
The Jiǔ èr (九二) line transforms into Zhou Yi Hexagram 20: Fēng Dì Guān (风地观). This hexagram consists of the trigrams Kūn (坤) below and Xùn (巽) above. It signifies observation, indicating that one should watch and learn, following the path of virtue. It teaches that those in high positions should rule with morality, while those in lower positions should respect and support the leaders.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Huàn Hexagram
Line Statement: Liù sān (六三): Huàn qí gōng, wú huǐ (涣其躬，无悔)
Translation: Dispersion occurs within oneself, but there are no regrets.
The meaning of this line suggests that while one might experience internal disarray or a scattering of thoughts and emotions, if one maintains their integrity, they will not encounter failure or regret.
Key Points to Remember When This Line Appears:
- Flexibility and gentleness will bring success.
- Even from a distance, progress will be made, as if pushing waves that travel far and wide.
- Divine assistance will strengthen one’s efforts, and the situation will have a favorable outcome.
- High aspirations are achievable, like looking up at the sky to see the moon rising from the world below.
Transformation of the Third Line:
The Liù sān (六三) line transforms into Zhou Yi Hexagram 57: Xùn Wéi Fēng (巽为风). This hexagram consists of Xùn (wind) both above and below, signifying a strong and unending wind. It indicates the importance of patience, humility, and flexibility. When one moves with subtlety and care, great success can be achieved, as wind can move through even the smallest openings, representing the power of humility and persistence.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Huàn Hexagram
Line Statement: Liù sì (六四): Huàn qí qún, yuán jí; huàn yǒu qiū, fěi yí suǒ sī. (涣其群，元吉；涣有丘，匪夷所思)
Translation: Disperse the group, and great fortune will follow; when scattered, it can form a hill—something unexpected and beyond common thought.
The meaning of this line is that by disbanding a disordered group or faction, great fortune and success will arise. Additionally, a dispersed group can eventually come together in a form greater than expected, symbolized by the creation of a “hill,” something that seems beyond ordinary possibility.
Key Points to Remember When This Line Appears:
- When the host and guest share the same intentions, success will follow.
- Like a gentle breeze stirring good dreams, one will rise to great heights, much like a crane soaring into the blue sky.
- The leader’s authority is magnified, and the path forward is clear like a wide river that can be crossed without obstruction.
- A bright future is ahead, and decisive actions will lead to great success.
Transformation of the Fourth Line:
The Liù sì (六四) line transforms into Zhou Yi Hexagram 6: Tiān Shuǐ Sòng (天水讼). This hexagram consists of Kǎn (坎) below and Qián (乾) above. Sòng (讼) means to dispute or argue, indicating that conflict arises when rigid, inflexible forces (symbolized by Qián) meet difficult, dangerous situations (symbolized by Kǎn). This hexagram suggests that disputes or conflicts are never beneficial and must be approached with caution and wisdom.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Huàn Hexagram
Line Statement: Jiǔ wǔ (九五): Huàn hàn qí dà hào, huàn wáng jū, wú jiù. (涣汗其大号，涣王居，无咎)
Translation: Like sweating out a great command, the king remains on his throne without misfortune.
The meaning of this line is that by making significant decisions and issuing commands, similar to the act of sweating out a large burden, the king’s position will remain secure, and no harm will come. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining authority and control, but also staying true to one’s leadership responsibilities.
Key Points to Remember When This Line Appears:
- If one remains in a position of power and issues commands effectively, peace and order will follow.
- Difficulties will melt away like ice, and harmony will prevail.
- It is important to remain steadfast and not let external distractions cause concern.
- Support from influential figures will be beneficial for long-term success.
- When a ruler stays humble and maintains clarity, the future will be bright, and success will be assured.
Transformation of the Fifth Line:
The Jiǔ wǔ (九五) line transforms into Zhou Yi Hexagram 4: Shān Shuǐ Méng (山水蒙). This hexagram consists of Kǎn (坎) below and Gèn (艮) above. Méng (蒙) refers to ignorance or confusion, symbolized by a mountain over a water hazard. The situation implies that, though there may be confusion or difficulties, with proper timing and wise actions, one can emerge enlightened. This hexagram represents a time of learning and gaining clarity through gradual progress.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Huàn Hexagram
Line Statement: Shàng jiǔ (上九): Huàn qí xuè, qù tì chū, wú jiù. (涣其血，去逖出，无咎)
Translation: Dispel the blood, go far away, and no misfortune will occur.
The meaning of this line is about distancing oneself from harm, and by doing so, avoiding misfortune. It suggests that when facing negative influences or injury, the key to avoiding disaster is to remove oneself from the situation and take preventative measures.
Key Points to Remember When This Line Appears:
- Removing oneself from harmful situations ensures safety, and peace of mind will be restored.
- By staying at a distance from danger, one will avoid harm, and any internal conflicts or turmoil will cease.
- Being far from danger ensures safety, but those who remain too close may face conflict.
- The situation may feel like a smile hiding tears—appearances can be deceiving.
Transformation of the Sixth Line:
The Shàng jiǔ (上九) line transforms into Zhou Yi Hexagram 29: Kǎn Wéi Shuǐ (坎为水). This hexagram consists of Kǎn (water) both above and below, symbolizing deep danger and challenges. The situation indicates that even though one faces extreme difficulty, perseverance, integrity, and faith will help overcome the situation. This hexagram suggests that only through enduring hardship with faith can one transcend the challenges ahead.