Yi · Nourishment
颐卦 · 山雷颐
- Nourishing
- Self-reliance
- Diet
- Careful speech
The Judgment
Î indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune (in what is denoted by it). We must look at what we are seeking to nourish, and by the exercise of our thoughts seek for the proper aliment.
贞吉。观颐，自求口实。
The Image
Thunder at the foot of the mountain: nourishment. The noble one, in the same way, is careful in speech and moderate in eating and drinking.
山下有雷，颐。君子以慎言语，节饮食。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
You need to pay attention to nourishment: nourishing your body, your mind and your family, and also how you make a living. Yi looks like an open mouth, still above and moving below, a symbol of food and speech. Lately you may have been worrying about income, health or what to say.
Where to put your effort
First look at what you are feeding and what you are seeking. Rely on your own ability to get what you need rather than depending on others. Watch your diet and routine, and watch your words too, since trouble often comes from careless speech. Look after yourself first, and you will have the strength to care for others.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Clear signs of vitality; be careful in word and deed.
- Wealth
- Ups and downs inside and out; things may not flow freely.
- Family
- Be careful with fire; a good wife supports her husband.
- Health
- Cold above and heat below; better in five days.
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 at the beginningThe first line, undivided, (seems to be thus addressed), 'You leave your efficacious tortoise, and look at me till your lower jaw hangs down.' There will be evil.Moving
初九：舍尔灵龟，观我朵颐，凶。
Image：Watching me with drooping jaw: not worthy of respect.
- Career
- Neglecting yourself to envy others, chasing empty fame.
- Wealth
- Business goes badly while others profit.
- Family
- Directionless; the marriage is unhappy.
- Health
- Illness caused by diet.
Nine at the topThe sixth line, undivided, shows him from whom comes the nourishing. His position is perilous, but there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous to cross the great stream.Moving
上九：由颐，厉吉。利涉大川。
Image：The source of nourishment, danger then good fortune: great cause for celebration.
- Career
- Careful effort leads to success.
- Wealth
- Only hard work brings a harvest.
- Family
- The whole family is safe.
- Health
- Risky but not harmful.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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