The Meaning of Hexagram #63

A transition from chaos to order is referenced by hexagram number 63. You have come a long way but the journey is not over. Like a traveler who has traversed a difficult and wide river, you appear to approach your destination. But the river bank is not the final stopping place. The most difficult work is over, but the wise person never stops moving onward in incremental steps. You are entering new territory and it will be smooth going at first. A new relationship or project will get off to the perfect beginning. But stay balanced internally and externally, or else the road ahead could become bumpy. Completion and beginning are deeply connected. Only one part of your journey is ending.

NOTE: Want to know how I Ching hexagram #63, "Water over Fire", applies to questions about dating, marriage and romantic issues? See our special Love I Ching interpretation for hexagram #63

Changing Lines in Hexagram #63

Changes in Line 1

"Tail Dipping in Water"

As you cross a wide river, there will be some obstacles that slow you down and cause your "tail" to drag. Keep your focus. Don't let the obstacles distract you from what you sincerely want.

Changes in Line 2

"Losing One's Veil"

This is a time when you may feel vulnerable and unprotected. This line is a reminder to develop your own inner strength and to get your sense of protection from within your own heart.

Changes in Line 3

"Employing the Wise"

Gather the strongest team possible. In business, don't hire anyone who you think is unsuitable. In personal life, don't ask an unwise person to assist you.

Changes in Line 4

"Fine Clothes Turn to Rags"

As you step forward into a new project/idea/relationship, there are bound to be some people who don't support your progress. Problems can be avoided by staying alert. Be proactive and stay focused on taking the step that is directly in front of you, or else your fine garb will soon deteriorate.

Changes in Line 5

"Trusting the Simple"

Simple actions and ways of seeking guidance (spiritual or otherwise) will prove far more valuable at this time than elaborate plans, thoughts and complicated processes. Current problems can be alleviated through simple and natural means.

Changes in Line 6

"Raising Your Head Above the Water"

Raising your head above the water is symbolic of letting go of resistance. Don't struggle for air where it cannot be found. Raise your head above the water, and then take care of business. Breathe and travel smoothly by changing thoughts of resistance into thoughts of persistence.

The Trigrams Within Hexagram #63

I Ching hexagram #63 is composed of two 3-line trigrams layered on top of one another. The bottom 3 lines of hexagram #63 form the trigram for Fire, while the upper 3 lines form the trigram for Water.

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

Hexagram #63's Lower Trigram of Fire

The warming trigram representing fire is sometimes known by the more classical names, 'Attachment' or 'Dependence'. The fire trigram is associated with illumination and something that is both adapted and a source of warmth and security. Fire may also point to a 'second daughter' or possibly the compass direction of 'south'.

Hexagram #63'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.

Try a free I Ching Reading

iFate's 100% free online I Ching readings have been called "beautiful", "profoundly insightful", and have received high praise from all over the world.
Click here for an I Ching reading now. »

List of all possible changes for hexagram #63

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.