The Meaning of Hexagram #58

Hexagram number 58 suggests fortunate times ahead. Like water smiling up at the Heavens, expect to feel grateful for the joy of life itself. This is a time when you can easily foster the qualities of unwavering friendliness, peace and loyalty. Only through true joy -- the kind that does not depend on outward circumstances -- will you find success. Focus on the overall joy of your journey despite everyday ups and downs. True joy rests on firmness and strength within. It requires a gentleness and faith. Share wisdom and understanding with your friends. Remember that joy isn't something you find. It's something you create.

NOTE: Want to know how I Ching hexagram #58, "Lake over Lake", is interpreted for questions about relationships? See our popular Love I Ching interpretation for hexagram #58

Changing Lines in Hexagram #58

Changes in Line 1

"Wordless Joy"

Soon you will find yourself experiencing a quiet, inner wordless joy. This is not something to achieve; it is something to effortlessly accept. It comes by not railing against what is happening.

Changes in Line 2

"Avoiding Dubious Companions"

Surround yourself with people who reflect and support your inner joy. This will empower you to eradicate any difficulties that might emerge.

Changes in Line 3

"Avoiding Distraction"

Don't mistake joy for pleasure. The wise person knows they are not the same. Pleasure comes when circumstances are favorable. But true joy starts from inside you, and is independent of outer circumstances. Seeking solely on the outer level for fun and pleasure

Changes in Line 4

"Deciding Higher"

Don't let your focus swerve to the lower realms at this time. Put your attention on matters dear to your heart, not on lowly or superficial games. Decide to step into a higher joy

Changes in Line 5

"Cultivating Sincerity"

This line is a reminder to rise higher than all circumstances which threaten to corrupt your inner most joy. Through sincerity of purpose, the wise person sees threats to their inner happiness not as obstacles but as stepping stones into deeper peace.

Changes in Line 6

"Staying True to Inner Joy"

The wise person is not diverted by short

The Two Trigrams Within Hexagram #58

I Ching hexagram #58 is built out of two 3-line trigrams layered above each other. The lower three lines of hexagram #58 form the trigram for Lake, while the top three lines form the trigram for Lake.

NOTE: An easy way to think about the two trigrams is that the upper trigram points to external forces or energies, while the lower trigram points to internal forces or energies.

In the case of hexagram #58, the upper and lower trigrams match. One should note however, that a single trigram can point to subtely different messages in the upper and lower positions.

Hexagram #58's Upper and Lower Trigrams of Lake

The blissful trigram representing the lake symbolizes happiness and clarity of thought and communication. Blissful tranquility is referenced here, along with a sense of calm and devotion. The blissful Lake may also point to a 'third daughter' or the map direction west.

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List of all possible changes for hexagram #58

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.