The Meaning of Hexagram #60

Hexagram #60: Water over Lake

Hexagram number 60 is a reminder of boundaries and edges. It implies containment and conservation of funds and energies. Financially, this is a time to tighten your belt. Health wise, this is a time to respect the limits of health and safety. Romance wise, this is a time to recognize the boundaries and limits that others set. Discover your line in the sand. Be conservative in your affairs and the doors to success will stay open. Just as the shore gives shape to a lake, so also do limits and boundaries give shape to your life. Know these lines, and what is within them will grow in power and meaning.

NOTE: Wondering how I Ching hexagram #60, "Water over Lake", is interpreted for questions about your relationship? See iFate's special Hexagram #60 Love I Ching interpretation.

Changing Lines in Hexagram #60

Changes in Line 1

"Staying Indoors"

This is not a time to over

Changes in Line 2

"Staying Inside the Gate"

To go out the door and then stop before going beyond the gate means to take action at precisely the right time and in the right measure. Wait until you see the golden opportunity, act at once, and then stop without going too far.

Changes in Line 3

"Restraint Brings Joy"

When someone has no self

Changes in Line 4

"Embracing Natural Limits"

This line is a reminder to not place unnecessary limits on yourself or others. Stay with what feels right and natural.

Changes in Line 5

"Incurring Equal Limitations"

The wise person will only place limits on others that they themselves can uphold. To level the playing field at this time will bring great success.

Changes in Line 6

"Avoiding Excessive Limitations"

Being frugal is wise, but don't sacrifice generosity. The wise person knows when to make limits and when to break limits.

The Trigrams Inside Hexagram #60

Hexagram #60 is built out of two 3-line trigrams layered over and under each other. The lower 3 lines of hexagram #60 form the trigram for Lake, while the upper 3 lines form the trigram for Water.

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

Hexagram #60's Lower Trigram 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.

Hexagram #60'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 #60

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.