中孚
Zhōng FúUpper: Wind · 巽 · Lower: Marsh · 兑
Judgment豚鱼吉，利涉大川，利贞。
In plain wordsEven pigs and fish, simple offerings, bring good fortune; it favors crossing the great river and staying on the right course. A sincere heart is worth more than rich gifts, and with sincerity one can move others and get through hardship.
The imageWind above, lake below: wind over the lake, moving its surface and stirring the inside; a picture of inner sincerity.
A hint for youTreat people with real feeling; gifts and tactics are secondary. Being reliable matters more than speaking well, and sincerity is often seen in the details.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九虞吉，有它不燕。The first line, undivided, shows its subject resting (in himself). There will be good fortune. If he sought to any other, he would not find rest.
- 九二鸣鹤在阴，其子和之，我有好爵，吾与尔靡之。The second line, undivided, shows its subject (like) the crane crying out in her hidden retirement, and her young ones responding to her. (It is as if it were said), 'I have a cup of good spirits,' (and the response were), 'I will partake of it with you.'
- 六三得敌，或鼓或罢，或泣或歌。The third line, divided, shows its subject having met with his mate. Now he beats his drum, and now he leaves off. Now he weeps, and now he sings.
- 六四月既望，马匹亡，无咎。The fourth line, divided, shows its subject (like) the moon nearly full, and (like) a horse (in a chariot) whose fellow disappears. There will be no error.
- 九五有孚挛如，无咎。The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject perfectly sincere, and linking (others) to him in closest union. There will be no error.
- 上九翰音登于天，贞凶。The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject in chanticleer (trying to) mount to heaven. Even with firm correctness there will be evil.
Inner truth; trust earned
For entertainment and self-reflection only