Hexagram 1 乾 changing to hexagram 2 坤
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
What to read
All six lines change in Qian: read the extra text “use of nines”. (Rule set out by Zhu Xi in the Yixue qimeng.)
Hexagram 1: use of nines
見羣龍无首，吉。
(The lines of this hexagram are all strong and undivided, as appears from) the use of the number nine. If the host of dragons (thus) appearing were to divest themselves of their heads, there would be good fortune.
The two hexagrams
Hexagram 1 乾 — judgment
元亨。利貞。
Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
Hexagram 2 坤 — judgment
元亨。利牝馬之貞。
Khwăn (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and having the firmness of a mare. When the superior man (here intended) has to make any movement, if he take the initiative, he will go astray; if he follow, he will find his (proper) lord. The advantageousness will be seen in his getting friends in the south-west, and losing friends in the north-east. If he rest in correctness and firmness, there will be good fortune.
The changing lines of hexagram 1
| Line | Chinese | Legge |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 潛龍勿用。 | In the first (or lowest) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon lying hid (in the deep). It is not the time for active doing. |
| 2 | 見龍在田，利見大人。 | In the second line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man. |
| 3 | 君子終日乾乾，夕惕若；厲，无咎。 | In the third line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. (The position is) dangerous, but there will be no mistake. |
| 4 | 或躍在淵，无咎。 | In the fourth line, undivided, (we see its subject as the dragon looking) as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake. |
| 5 | 飛龍在天，利見大人。 | In the fifth line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man. |
| 6 | 亢龍，有悔。 | In the sixth (or topmost) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance. |
English: James Legge (1882), public domain. Chinese: Zhou Yi.
Data: English Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0); Chinese Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.