Pi · Standstill
否卦 · 天地否
- Blockage
- Stagnation
- Low point
- Integrity
The Judgment
In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.
否之匪人。不利君子贞。大往小来。
The Image
Heaven and earth do not unite: standstill. The noble one, in the same way, avoids danger through restraint and does not seek glory through position.
天地不交，否。君子以俭德辟难，不可荣以禄。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
You may feel that nothing gets through: messages go unanswered, effort goes unrewarded and the environment seems set against you. In Pi, heaven and earth do not meet, and above and below are cut off. This is a period when petty interests rise and principled people lose ground. It is not necessarily your fault; the times are simply not on your side.
Where to put your effort
Do not force things, and do not compromise your integrity to fit in. Keep a low profile, protect your resources and energy, and hold your principles. Use this time to reflect and adjust your direction. Things always turn when they reach an extreme, so keep doing the right thing and the turning point will come.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Nothing goes smoothly; do not act rashly.
- Wealth
- A good time to buy; you can profit later.
- Family
- Diligence and thrift keep trouble away; a sign of separation.
- Health
- Poor circulation; moderate your diet.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine in the fourth placeThe fourth line, undivided, shows its subject acting in accordance with the ordination (of Heaven), and committing no error. His companions will come and share in his happiness.Moving
九四：有命无咎，畴离祉。
Image：Acting on a mandate brings no blame: one's will is carried out.
- Career
- Good luck arrives; plans can succeed.
- Wealth
- Make up your mind and losses turn to gains.
- Family
- The family's fortune turns for the better.
- Health
- Your constitution is still strong.
Nine in the fifth placeIn the fifth line, undivided, we see him who brings the distress and obstruction to a close,—the great man and fortunate. (But let him say), 'We may perish! We may perish!' (so shall the state of things become firm, as if) bound to a clump of bushy mulberry trees.Moving
九五：休否，大人吉；其亡其亡，繫于苞桑。
Image：The good fortune of the great person: the position is right and proper.
- Career
- Stay mindful of danger in safe times and all goes well.
- Wealth
- Opportunities are still good; choose partners carefully.
- Family
- A strong family inheritance.
- Health
- Take careful care of yourself.
Nine at the topThe sixth line, undivided, shows the overthrow (and removal of) the condition of distress and obstruction. Before this there was that condition. Hereafter there will be joy.Moving
上九：倾否，先否后喜。
Image：Standstill ends and topples: how could it last?
- Career
- Things go as you wish; disputes can be settled.
- Wealth
- Autumn and winter are profitable; spring and summer are not.
- Family
- A move is very auspicious.
- Health
- You will recover soon; watch out for a relapse.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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