The Meaning of Hexagram #48

Hexagram #48: Water over Wind

An inexhaustible supply of water and sustenance are referenced by hexagram number 48. This is a time to make good use of all your resources. But if the well seems to have run dry, or the supply cannot be accessed, the solution lies in banding together with others for the good of all. This is a time to group together despite differences. It is time to draw from the well of knowledge. Let life itself sustain you. The wise person knows that despite superficial differences, we are all the same on the inside. Draw your sustenance from the entire kingdom. Good can come from anywhere and everywhere.

NOTE: Want to know how I Ching hexagram #48, "Water over Wind", is interpreted for questions about dating, marriage and romantic issues? See iFate's popular Love I Ching interpretation for hexagram #48

Changing Lines in Hexagram #48

Changes in Line 1

"Muddy Water"

If those around you are not suitable helpers toward your goal, then draw from a higher well. Empty the mud

Changes in Line 2

"Caring for the Fish Pond"

This is a time to make good use of all resources. Treat your co

Changes in Line 3

"Clear Water"

The water in your well is pure. Drink it. This means don't let good people go to waste. They are here to support you. Drink from the well of support.

Changes in Line 4

"Repairing the Well"

This is a good time for redesigning relationships, in both business and pleasure. Discuss the agendas and the agreements you are operating from. Make changes if necessary.

Changes in Line 5

"Cold and Fresh Water"

This line is a sign of being on the right track. Put your words into action. Trust that the outcome will be successful

Changes in Line 6

"Sharing the Well"

Just as the well is used by the entire town, the wise individual shares their services and empowers everyone they meet with their resources. Your inner wealth is inexhaustible, and the more you give the more you get.

The Two Trigrams Within Hexagram #48

Hexagram #48 is composed of two 3-line trigrams mounted over and under one another. The bottom 3 lines of hexagram #48 form the trigram for Wind, while the upper 3 lines form the trigram for Water.

NOTE: A quick rule of thumb is that the upper trigram references external forces, while the lower trigram references internal forces.

Hexagram #48's Lower Trigram of Wind

The mild mannered trigram of wind is associated with a light and easy energy. The trigram of wind is also known as a 'soft force': both subtle and lacking in strength, and yet persistent and unwavering. The wind trigram may also point to an 'eldest daughter' or the compass direction of southeast

Hexagram #48's Upper Trigram of Water

The fluid and forever-changing trigram of water is also sometimes called the trigram of the 'Gorge' or of the 'Abysmal'. Water itself is shapeless and liquid — symbolizing shifting realities and random outcomes. This fluid trigram is often an indication of uncertainty or sudden shifts. The water trigram is associated with the moon's cycles and with the direction north.

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List of all possible changes for hexagram #48

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.