The Meaning of Hexagram #27

The image of an open mouth is portrayed by hexagram number 27. This is a time to nourish one's body, mind and spirit. It is also a time to delight in nourishing others. Remember, giving and receiving are not inherently different. To give is to receive. Feed yourself with good ideas, good actions, good books, good teachers and good people.

NOTE: Want to know how I Ching hexagram #27, "Mountain over Thunder", is interpreted for questions about relationships? See iFate's popular Love I Ching interpretation for hexagram #27

Changing Lines in Hexagram #27

Changes in Line 1

"The Sacred Turtle"

In this line, the turtle symbolizes wisdom and spiritual openness. Admire these qualities in others and notice them in yourself. If you ignore them, misfortune could start to crawl into your life.

Changes in Line 2

"Seeking the Best Nourishment"

This line is a reminder to take responsibility for one's own nourishment. Don't receive from the ungenerous. Be wise with your giving as well. Give help to those who have genuine potential, not to those who are unmotivated or ungenerous.

Changes in Line 3

"Feeding Your Soul"

When choosing friends, co-workers or romantic partners, ignore the superficial realms of status and finances. Be with people who support your deepest values. Receive with an open heart and you will avoid misfortunes and experience greater health.

Changes in Line 4

"Summoning Support"

This line is a reminder to gather your team of supporters with great care and attention. Let your values be your guide. Live by your principals. Look toward the highest peaks for comradeship and connection.

Changes in Line 5

"Stepping off the Path"

Nurture yourself by taking a break from forward motion. Stand still for a while. Don't start a new project, job or romance just yet. Seek spiritual counsel first.

Changes in Line 6

"Being the Source of Nourishment"

This line is a green light to go ahead. You have achieved a sense of self-nourishment, and others will respond to it. You will be effortlessly supported by others. Gather your team and go forward as planned, knowing success will come.

The 2 Trigrams Within Hexagram #27

I Ching hexagram #27 is made of two 3-line trigrams stacked above each other. The bottom 3 lines of hexagram #27 make up the trigram for Thunder, while the top 3 lines make up the trigram for Mountain.

NOTE: In general terms, the hexagram's upper trigram points to external forces, while the bottom trigram points to internal forces.

Hexagram #27's Lower Trigram of Thunder

The enigmatic trigram representing thunder is an energetic mix of power and mystery. According to Chinese lore, thunder is often associated with the might and mystery of dragons. The trigram of thunder is also called the "The Arousing" and points to intent, motion and initiative. It is a building block of unbridled energy and forward progress. It may also refer to an 'eldest son' or the map direction north.

Hexagram #27'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 #27

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.