The Meaning of Hexagram #26

Hexagram #26: Mountain over Heaven

This vital hexagram explores the power of holding firm and standing your ground. Don't become distracted by luxury and leisure. Stay the course with courage and inner discipline. This can be a time of great gains and increased well-being, but you must keep your footing despite strong currents tugging at you. Put your ideas/projects into motion. Cross the waters without apprehension. Honor your strengths to achieve great things.

NOTE: Want to know how I Ching hexagram #26, "Mountain over Heaven", is interpreted for questions about love, marriage and dating? See iFate's popular Hexagram #26 Love I Ching interpretation.

Changing Lines in Hexagram #26

Changes in Line 1

"Accepting Obstacles"

If your efforts to move forward are blocked, keep your composure. Calmly set your sights right through all obstacles.

Changes in Line 2

"Blocked Passages"

You are at a standstill. Be content with waiting. The wise person fixes their cart while they are waiting, and thus prepares for inevitable progress.

Changes in Line 3

"Doors Opening"

With reins held steadily, ride upon your steed through the open gateway. But keep your focus and stay aware of anything that could turn into an obstacle.

Changes in Line 4

"Restraint Builds Power"

This line suggests that holding back at this time will fuel a build

Changes in Line 5

"Combating Foes Indirectly"

Leave trouble makers alone and they will disappear on their own accord. Ignore gossip and rumors. Place your attention elsewhere and problems will dissolve. This strategy is true strength, not weakness.

Changes in Line 6

"Accepting the Noble Destiny"

Congratulations are in order! You are one of the chosen ones. Set a good example. Become a leader of leaders.

The Two Trigrams Inside Hexagram #26

Hexagram #26 is made of two 3-line trigrams mounted above one another. The bottom three lines of hexagram #26 form the trigram for Heaven, while the upper three lines form the trigram for Mountain.

NOTE: A simple way to think about trigrams is that the hexagram's upper trigram points to external energies, and the bottom trigram points to internal energies.

Hexagram #26's Lower Trigram of Heaven

The supreme trigram of Heaven is also sometimes known as the the Creative. It is a trigram of unadulterated, perfect creative force. The trigram for Heaven is a representation of pure truth and power. The trigram may also point to a father figure — or the direction of the northwest.

Hexagram #26's Upper Trigram of Mountain

The looming and majestic trigram of the mountain represents stillness and something immobile. The trigram of mountain is powerful, silent and eternal. Simultaneously, its effect is calming and non-combative. The trigram of mountain may also represent a 'third son' or the direction of northeast.

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List of all possible changes for hexagram #26

A note on iFate's I Ching translation: This is not a direct translation of the original "Book of Changes" from 1000 BC. While multiple translations of the original text are available, they include many archaic references and can be difficult to understand for 21st century readers. iFate uses our own modern rewritings (two different editions) of the "Book of Changes" which makes interpreting I Ching readings far simpler. For iFate's additional contemporary re-writing of the original text, see our "Love I Ching" translation.