The 37th Hexagram of the I Ching: The Family (Jiā Rén Gua)
Symbolism of the Family Hexagram: Wind and Fire
The Family hexagram (Jiā Rén) is formed by the combination of two hexagrams: the lower trigram is lí (離), symbolizing fire, and the upper trigram is xùn (巽), symbolizing wind. Fire causes hot air to rise, creating wind. This represents the concept that everything originates from within and then extends outward. What starts internally manifests externally.
Interpretation by Duan Yi Tian Ji
The Family hexagram, with xùn above and lí below, is the second generation hexagram of the Xùn (Wind) Palace. It symbolizes harmony, unity, and the well-being of the family, often associated with positive fortune.
Interpretation by Shao Yong (Song Dynasty Scholar)
The hexagram suggests that when the mind is focused inward, the family will flourish. By maintaining strict discipline and perseverance, one’s heart will not be swayed. Those who receive this hexagram are likely to experience favorable outcomes in cooperation with others, along with joyful events such as family celebrations or achievements. A harmonious family can work together effectively to develop their careers.
Interpretation by Fu Pei-Rong (Renowned Taiwanese Scholar)
- Fortune: Prosperous times are ahead, but be cautious in speech and action.
- Wealth: Stockpiling goods may lead to higher prices in the future.
- Home: Be cautious of fire hazards; family connections will increase.
- Health: Mucus buildup and shortness of breath, which may be difficult to cure.
Traditional Interpretation of the Hexagram
The Family hexagram, represented by the combination of lí (fire) and xùn (wind), symbolizes the idea that fire, through heat, rises and becomes wind. This teaches the principle that all things should start from within and expand outward. The internal state shapes the external reality, suggesting that a harmonious home environment leads to societal peace and prosperity.
The Big Picture: Wind blowing on fire symbolizes the strengthening of fire, a metaphor for family members working together in unity, which in turn drives career success.
- Fortune: The outcome is generally favorable, and cooperation with others leads to success. There are signs of happiness and celebrations, such as the addition of new family members or weddings.
- Career: Success depends on the family’s condition. A well-managed home is crucial to preventing unexpected accidents that could disrupt one’s career. A harmonious and cooperative marriage will lead to financial stability and prosperity. Career development should follow an orderly process from within the home, with steady progress and persistence leading to success.
- Business: Managing a business is like managing a family. A balance of strictness and leniency should be applied when dealing with employees, with the focus on firmness. Leadership should be centralized, with one person taking charge while fostering a spirit of cooperation. Over time, success will be achieved through consistent efforts.
- Fame: Hard work, a simple life, and the support of a prosperous family are essential to achieving success. When the family thrives, so does one’s career.
- Marriage and Relationships: A harmonious home is the foundation for everything. A wife is the core of the family’s prosperity. Choosing a spouse should be done carefully, as a happy marriage leads to a prosperous household.
- Decision-making: Success is guaranteed with the support of a loving family and a devoted spouse. However, it is essential to protect this advantage, as things can change unexpectedly. Family issues, especially crises, should be prevented. Good household management focuses on humility, kindness, and frugality, leading to wealth and stability. Family members should maintain mutual harmony and kindness.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Jiā Rén Hexagram
Line Text: Chū Jiǔ (初九): “Xián yǒu jiā, huǐ wáng.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
“Xián” refers to precaution and vigilance. “Yǒu” can be understood as “yú,” meaning “in” or “within.”
The meaning of this line is: By managing the household with caution and foresight, unforeseen disasters can be avoided, leading to no regrets.
Advice for Those Who Draw This Line:
A family should be governed with wisdom and caution, always on guard against unexpected setbacks.
The foundation of the family is built on vigilance. Make plans and decisions in advance to prevent future misfortune. When the household is well-managed, it will flourish, and prosperity will naturally follow.
The Changing Hexagram of the First Line
The first line changes into Hexagram 53: Fēng Shān Jiàn (风山渐). This is a combination of two hexagrams: gèn (艮) below, representing the mountain, and xùn (巽) above, representing wind. The image of a tree growing on a mountain, progressing gradually, symbolizes slow but steady development. This hexagram advises gradual progress and patience, indicating that success comes over time, not through haste.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Jiā Rén Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Èr (六二): “Wú yōu suì, zài zhōng kuì, zhēn jí.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
“Suì” means to follow one’s desires, or to go after one’s wishes. “Zhōng” refers to the family or the household, and “kuì” means food preparation or domestic tasks.
The meaning of this line is: One should not pursue external fame or career success at the expense of family duties. Instead, one should focus on the domestic responsibilities, such as cooking and managing the household. If this is done with dedication, it will lead to good fortune.
Advice for Those Who Draw This Line:
Prosperity comes through maintaining harmony at home. The family’s well-being and the support of a good spouse will lead to personal success. One’s career and external pursuits should not overshadow family life, which must remain the central focus. Those who focus on home life will find peace and success in their endeavors.
The Changing Hexagram of the Second Line
The second line changes into Hexagram 9: Fēng Tiān Xiǎo Chù (风天小畜). This hexagram is a combination of two hexagrams: qián (乾), representing heaven, and xùn (巽), representing wind. It symbolizes gentle, favorable conditions where small, steady accumulation leads to success. Like a wind-driven rain nurturing crops, progress is made incrementally. It is a reminder that modest strength is enough for gradual development, and true potential can only be unlocked over time.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Jiā Rén Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Sān (九三): “Jiā rén dī dī, huǐ lì, jí; fù zǐ xī xī, zhōng lín.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
“Dī dī” refers to the sound of scolding or reprimanding. “Xī xī” refers to the sound of careless laughter.
The meaning of this line is: If one governs the family too harshly, it may lead to regrets due to over-reprimanding, though ultimately, the family will remain intact and prosperous. However, if one is too lenient, allowing family members, particularly women and children, to behave without discipline, it will lead to negative outcomes in the future.
Advice for Those Who Draw This Line:
While discipline is necessary, excessive harshness will lead to regret. On the other hand, indulgence will lead to chaos. A balance must be found. Proper household management requires a firm yet loving approach. Too much indulgence will cause harm in the long run, while appropriate discipline will maintain order and harmony.
The Changing Hexagram of the Third Line
The third line changes into Hexagram 42: Fēng Léi Yì (风雷益). This hexagram is a combination of two hexagrams: zhèn (震), representing thunder, and xùn (巽), representing wind. The image of wind and thunder in motion suggests an exchange of energy, where both forces support each other and grow stronger. This hexagram encourages progress through mutual reinforcement. It is a reminder that success comes from the dynamic interaction of forces, just as wind and thunder complement each other in nature.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Jiā Rén Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Sì (六四): “Fù jiā, dà jí.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line means: Enrich the family, and great fortune will follow.
Advice for Those Who Draw This Line:
Fortune comes with hard work and rightful accumulation. When wealth and prosperity are built within the family, success and happiness will follow.
- “With fortune comes blessing, but fame must be earned.”
- “One must act in a place of influence, like standing by a water’s edge with a golden rooster.”
- “Like pearls and jade in a tray, daily use brings abundance.”
- Do not be disheartened if success does not come immediately, for soon your efforts will bear fruit.
The Changing Hexagram of the Fourth Line
The fourth line changes into Hexagram 13: Tiān Huǒ Tóng Rén (天火同人). This hexagram is formed by qián (乾), representing heaven (the ruler), and lí (離), representing fire (the people). The image here is that of fire rising upwards to the heavens, symbolizing harmony between rulers and their subjects. It reflects a state of unity and cooperation, suggesting that when individuals work together, relationships will flourish, leading to a harmonious world.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Jiā Rén Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Wǔ (九五): “Wáng jiǎ yǒu jiā, wù xù, jí.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
“Wáng” refers to the king or ruler. “Jiǎ” means “to be placed at the highest position” or “to be in a supreme state.” “Yǒu” here can be interpreted as “in.”
The meaning of this line is: When a ruler returns to the family, there is no need for concern, as everything will be auspicious.
Advice for Those Who Draw This Line:
- The person in a position of authority is balanced and just, loved by family and close ones.
- Natural harmony within the family will ensure peace and success.
- A noble position brings happiness; do not fear, for success is assured.
- Those in high places will be rewarded with good fortune and respect.
- As you progress, the path will be clear, like stepping toward the sunlight.
- Through mutual love and support, the family will thrive, leading to recognition and prosperity.
The Changing Hexagram of the Fifth Line
The fifth line changes into Hexagram 22: Shān Huǒ Bì (山火贲). This hexagram is a combination of lí (離), fire (representing brightness), and gèn (艮), mountain (representing stillness). It symbolizes civilization balanced with restraint, reflecting the relationship between culture (represented by fire) and substance (represented by the mountain). The hexagram teaches that success comes when form and substance are harmonized—refinement and elegance must be tempered with integrity and solid foundations.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Jiā Rén Hexagram
Line Text: Shàng Jiǔ (上九): “Yǒu fú, wēi rú, zhōng jí.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
“Yǒu fú” means to possess integrity and trustworthiness. “Wēi rú” indicates the appearance of authority or dignity.
The meaning of this line is: When one is trustworthy and upholds their dignity with integrity, good fortune will ultimately follow.
Advice for Those Who Draw This Line:
- Reputation and authority will be strong, and even in times of danger, success will be achieved.
- “Like pine and cypress standing tall on the mountains, your legacy will be everlasting.”
- “As you walk through icy frost, you will find your way clear.”
- Decisions made with care will bring results, though the journey is not yet fully complete.
- “When you meet the dragon, success will follow.”
- “Like the moon in full circle, your life will come to fruition.”
The Changing Hexagram of the Sixth Line
The sixth line changes into Hexagram 63: Shuǐ Huǒ Jì Jì (水火既济). This hexagram is formed by kǎn (坎), representing water, and lí (離), representing fire. The image of water overcoming fire symbolizes a successful resolution of conflict, but it also warns that, although the crisis is over, change is inevitable. “Jì” means “to complete,” and “jì” also means “to transition,” indicating that while things may appear settled, future changes are bound to occur. This hexagram reflects the balance of opposing forces, where the resolution of conflict brings temporary stability but may lead to new challenges.