乾 The Creative

Judgment

The Creative works through sublime success, furthering through perseverance. Six unbroken lines: pure yang, the principle of generative force. To act in accord with this hexagram is to begin clearly, sustain steadily, and complete what was begun without straining against the grain of things.

Image

The movement of heaven is full of power. The noble person makes themselves strong and untiring. Strength here is not contention; it is the inexhaustible regularity of the sky itself, returning each morning to its work.

Changing lines

Line 1

Hidden dragon. Do not act. The moment is right for preparation, not for display. Strength gathered in concealment becomes useful later; strength shown too early is spent on nothing.

Line 2

Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. Influence has reached the surface and can be seen; meet others who recognise it, and let the meeting be mutual.

Line 3

All day long the noble person is creatively active. At nightfall, they are still on guard. No blame. Vigour is at high tide and danger is greatest now; keep your footing.

Line 4

Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. A choice between two paths is offered; either is honourable if taken honestly.

Line 5

Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. The aspect that was hidden is now in its element. Use the position to serve the work, not the work to serve the position.

Line 6

Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. There is a height above which the air thins. To press beyond the apex is to undo what the climb was for.