The Jié (节) Hexagram – The 60th Hexagram of the Zhou Yi (周易)
The Jié hexagram consists of two elements: Duì (兑) below and Kǎn (坎) above. Duì represents a marsh or lake, and Kǎn represents water. A lake has water but limited flow, and when there is too much, the water will overflow. Thus, moderation is necessary, which is why the hexagram is called Jié (节), meaning “limitation” or “moderation.” The hexagram symbolizes the need for balance and constraint, suggesting that without moderation, things will be out of control.
For the universe, a sense of balance and limitation brings constant renewal; for a nation, balance leads to stability; for an individual, moderation is the key to personal perfection.
Interpretation by Duàn Yì Tiān Jī (断易天机)
The Jié hexagram has Kǎn (坎) above and Duì (兑) below, representing the initial hexagram of the Kǎn palace. The concept of Jié revolves around restraint and conservation, emphasizing the importance of controlling excess and avoiding waste. Only with such discipline can one achieve peace and prosperity in their home.
Interpretation by Shao Yong (邵雍), a Song Dynasty Scholar
Shao Yong, a noted scholar from the Northern Song Dynasty, explained that Jié symbolizes integrity, moderation, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The line Jié teaches one to restrain desires and act with caution. Those who draw this hexagram should focus on contentment, avoid excessive greed, and practice self-control. Excessiveness should be avoided, and one should also be cautious with indulgences such as drinking and pleasures of the flesh.
Interpretation by Fu Pei-Rong (傅佩荣), a Taiwanese Scholar
Fortune: A righteous and virtuous character will naturally lead to fame and success.
Wealth: Operating honestly and following the correct path will bring wealth and financial stability.
Family: A prosperous family life, and marriage will bring harmony.
Health: It is crucial to practice moderation in diet to maintain good health.
Traditional Interpretation of the Jié Hexagram
This hexagram features Duì (兑) below and Kǎn (坎) above. Duì represents a marsh, while Kǎn represents water. Together, they suggest the necessity of restraint and moderation, symbolizing the limitation of water to prevent overflow. Just as the Huàn (涣) hexagram represents dispersion, Jié represents the opposite—holding things together with proper boundaries. Balance and moderation are essential to prevent the dangers of excess.
Great Symbolism: The image of a pool with water contained by a higher boundary reflects the importance of preserving and controlling resources. If the water level gets too high, it leads to flooding, so maintaining balance is critical.
Fortune: During periods of Jié, one may feel their ambitions constrained. Moderation and discipline are required, and one should avoid being excessive in desires. It is important to avoid indulgence, especially in luxuries and distractions such as alcohol and sensual pleasures.
Career: One may be at a stage of development, but it is crucial to avoid rushing forward. Even so, important opportunities should not be missed. If one adheres to principles of integrity and follows a righteous path, they can act boldly when the time is right. In this way, success will continue to grow.
Business: The market conditions are favorable, and it is a good time for expansion. However, one must stay calm and avoid overextending. Actions should be calculated and limited, making sure to know when to take profits and step back.
Reputation: One must be disciplined in personal conduct, avoiding extremes. With steady progress and careful management, success and smooth advancement are assured.
Love and Relationships: Do not be swept away by overwhelming emotions; instead, let things flow naturally. This way, a happy and harmonious outcome will follow.
Decision-Making: Seize opportunities and avoid missing the right moment. However, exercise restraint in your actions. Don’t force things, and do not take unnecessary risks. Everything should be done appropriately, and adjustments should be made when necessary. The key is to find a balance—over-control will lead to frustration, and under-control will lead to chaos. Jié teaches that moderation is crucial, but one must be aware of the consequences of excessive restraint. The right balance ensures success and harmony.
In summary, the Jié (节) hexagram emphasizes the importance of moderation, self-control, and adaptability. It teaches that balance is necessary not only for personal success but also for stability in society and the universe. By acting with integrity, keeping desires in check, and carefully managing resources, one can navigate the challenges of life and achieve lasting prosperity. The lesson of Jié is that too much of anything—whether ambition, indulgence, or restraint—can lead to imbalance, so it is essential to act within limits and know when to stop.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Jié Hexagram
Line Text: Chū Jiǔ (初九): Bù chū hù tíng, wú jiù (不出户庭，无咎) – “Do not leave your courtyard, and there will be no harm.”
This line suggests that by staying within one’s own boundaries and not venturing beyond one’s safe environment, one can avoid danger. It encourages caution and patience, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to act and when to refrain.
Interpretation:
If this line is drawn, the message is clear:
- Staying within your own space: When you limit your actions to a safe, familiar environment, it brings safety and peace.
- Be patient and wait for the right moment: It suggests that like waiting for the sun to shine again from all directions, one must hold back and wait for the right time to move forward.
- Conserve your energy and avoid unnecessary actions: It is better to maintain a simple life to avoid attracting misfortune.
Key points:
- Do not act prematurely: By limiting unnecessary movement or actions, disaster can be avoided.
- Choose a path of moderation: Moving ahead requires patience and discipline, as action must be taken only when conditions are favorable.
Line Change:
When this line transforms, it leads to the Kǎn (坎) hexagram, which is represented as water, signifying danger and uncertainty. The danger becomes compounded as two “Kǎn” elements come together, suggesting heightened risk. This is a reminder that even in times of uncertainty, the right actions—aligned with integrity—can ultimately overcome obstacles.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Jié Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Èr (九二): Bù chū mén tíng, xiōng (不出门庭，凶) – “Do not leave your door, and danger will arise.”
This line suggests that excessive caution can be just as harmful as reckless behavior. By staying too rigid and not stepping outside one’s comfort zone when necessary, one can invite misfortune.
Interpretation:
If this line is drawn, the warning is:
- Excessive caution leads to stagnation: A person who does not move or act when it is required will experience misfortune. Stagnation can breed regret and missed opportunities.
- Act when it is the right time: If the moment to act comes, you must act decisively. Delaying or hesitating will only bring harm.
- Push forward with confidence: Trusting in timing and understanding when to take action is essential.
Key points:
- Caution can turn into danger: Staying overly cautious can result in negative outcomes.
- Know when to move: It’s crucial to discern when the moment is right to advance, as hesitation can lead to greater risks.
Line Change:
When this line transforms, it leads to the Zhún (屯) hexagram, which represents difficult beginnings and the need for perseverance. In this hexagram, although obstacles appear, success follows if one is adaptable and persistent.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Jié Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Sān (六三): Bù jié ruò, zé jiē ruò, wú jiù (不节若，则嗟若，无咎) – “If you cannot restrain yourself, you will regret it later; however, there is no harm.”
This line conveys that failure to practice moderation and restraint leads to regret, but ultimately, no real harm comes from it. It highlights the importance of self-discipline and foresight.
Interpretation:
If this line is drawn, the advice is:
- Avoid indulgence: Failing to practice self-control can lead to regret. However, the consequences are not severe if one recognizes their mistake and corrects it.
- Patience and reflection: One must act thoughtfully and restrain their impulses to avoid unnecessary mistakes.
- Self-reflection is key: Instead of acting impulsively, pause and reflect before moving forward.
Key points:
- Regret follows indulgence: If you do not exercise self-discipline, you will regret it. However, this does not mean that disaster is inevitable—regret is a valuable teacher.
- Steady growth requires moderation: The line teaches the importance of balancing one’s desires with reason, leading to long-term success.
Line Change:
When this line changes, it leads to the Xū (需) hexagram, symbolizing the need to endure through difficult conditions. Here, patience and resilience will ultimately result in favorable outcomes.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Jié Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Sì (六四): Ān jié, hēng (安节，亨) – “Practice restraint peacefully, and success will follow.”
This line conveys the idea that when one practices moderation and self-discipline with a peaceful and calm mindset, success will naturally come. The idea of balance and harmony through self-restraint leads to prosperity.
Interpretation:
If this line is drawn, the guidance is:
- Live with simplicity and moderation: When you embrace simplicity and restraint, your resources (both material and spiritual) will naturally flourish.
- Consistent self-control leads to prosperity: Success comes from the ability to maintain balance and not overindulge. By practicing restraint, all things will fall into place.
- Be mindful of your actions: In all situations, whether you are managing affairs or seeking a path forward, acting with moderation ensures success.
- Opportunities will come: If you maintain your course and practice self-discipline, positive outcomes will follow, just like a deer encountering a safe path ahead.
Key points:
- Moderation brings success: Practicing restraint can lead to peace and prosperity.
- Sustained effort and control: Restraint is the key to achieving success without excessive effort or stress.
Line Change:
When this line changes, it leads to the Duì hexagram, representing joy and harmony. This hexagram suggests that through unity and mutual assistance, prosperity can be achieved. It symbolizes the importance of cooperation and balance between external strength and internal softness.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Jié Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Wǔ (九五): Gān jié, jí, wǎng yǒu shàng (甘节，吉，往有尚) – “Willing restraint brings good fortune, and forward movement will be rewarded.”
This line suggests that willingly practicing moderation leads to success, and taking steps toward progress will be recognized with honor. It emphasizes the importance of disciplined action paired with humility.
Interpretation:
If this line is drawn, the message is:
- Contentment through restraint: When you willingly choose to practice self-discipline, good fortune will follow. This not only leads to peace but also positions you for success in the future.
- Honorable progress: Moving forward with humility and discipline will bring accolades and recognition. Your efforts will be rewarded.
- Focus on the long-term: By practicing moderation and remaining steadfast in your values, you will achieve great things in the future.
Key points:
- Willingness to moderate brings reward: Good fortune follows those who practice restraint willingly.
- Balanced movement leads to recognition: Progress made with balance and moderation will lead to success and honor.
Line Change:
When this line changes, it leads to the Lín hexagram, which symbolizes proper governance and harmony between leaders and the people. It suggests that leadership and clear guidance are crucial for maintaining order and prosperity in the world.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Jié Hexagram
Line Text: Shàng Liù (上六): Kǔ jié; zhēn xiōng, huǐ wáng (苦节；贞凶，悔亡) – “Excessive restraint leads to bitterness; perseverance in it brings misfortune, but regret can be avoided.”
This line warns against taking moderation to extremes. When self-restraint is carried out to an excessive degree, it becomes burdensome, leading to misfortune. However, recognizing and adjusting this behavior can lead to the avoidance of harm.
Interpretation:
If this line is drawn, the guidance is:
- Too much restraint causes bitterness: When restraint is carried to an extreme, it brings inner discomfort and dissatisfaction.
- Misfortune from rigidity: Maintaining strict self-discipline without flexibility will lead to hardship and misfortune.
- Regret is a path to release: If you regret your excessive restraint and adjust accordingly, misfortune can be avoided.
- Balance is crucial: It is important to find a middle ground between moderation and indulgence, as extreme behavior in either direction will lead to trouble.
Key points:
- Excessive restraint causes harm: Moderation is key, but too much can lead to bitterness and regret.
- Flexibility is necessary: Adjusting your approach and finding balance can lead to peace and avoid negative consequences.
Line Change:
When this line changes, it leads to the Zhōng Fú hexagram, symbolizing trust, sincerity, and faithfulness. This hexagram speaks to the importance of maintaining a strong and true heart, which enables one to navigate challenges and connect deeply with others. Trust and sincerity form the foundation of effective actions and relationships.