The Meaning of Hexagram #64

Hexagram number 64 implies that a huge transition is underway; however, it has not been completed yet. Chaos has not yet turned to order. Be patient. Spring time is near and soon new growth will sprout up. For a long time you have sought the end of confusion and a dawn of new clarity. This is your higher purpose, and the way to accomplish this task is to lead yourself out of confusion first. The world is a reflection of your state of mind and understandings. All outer change begins inside you. Oppositional forces stand no chance against those who are secure in their inner purpose. Step forward knowing that everything required for this mission is within you.

NOTE: Wondering how I Ching hexagram #64, "Water below Fire", applies to questions about your relationship? See our popular Love I Ching interpretation for hexagram #64

Changing Lines in Hexagram #64

Changes in Line 1

"Tail Getting Wet"

This line implies a momentary setback. Your "tail" is dragging in the water as you cross the great river. Take time to hone your skills, gather resolve and assess the situation at hand.

Changes in Line 2

"Braking the Wheels"

This line signifies that the time for taking action has not quite come. This requires deep patience. True patience does not imply "standing still." True patience is spending time feeling a deep sense of awe and inspiration, and out of that will arise the next steps to take. Let your higher purpose guide the taking of action

Changes in Line 3

"Accepting Fellowship"

A time of great transition has arrived, but the wise person knows that only through fellowship will success be accomplished.

Changes in Line 4

"Persistence Brings Good Fortune"

There is no turning back. You have come too far and the mission is too important. Pour your soul into everything you do. The prize will be well worth the effort

Changes in Line 5

"Stepping into the Light"

Congratulations are in order! The mission has been fulfilled! Change has spread out from inside you and all across the land. Beauty and green growth have returned. This is a sign of a new era and deep connectedness with your inner strength

Changes in Line 6

"Celebration"

The dawning of a new era gives rise to celebration. But the wise one will always keep a level head. Powerful changes are sustained through staying sober and staying in the flow of life.

The Trigrams Inside Hexagram #64

Hexagram #64 is built out of two 3-line trigrams stacked above each other. The lower 3 lines of hexagram #64 form the trigram for Water, while the upper 3 lines form the trigram for Fire.

NOTE: An easy way to think about the two trigrams is that the upper trigram points to external forces, and the bottom trigram points to internal forces.

Hexagram #64's Lower 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.

Hexagram #64's Upper 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'.

Try a free I Ching Reading

iFate's 100% free online I Ching readings have been called "beautiful", "profoundly insightful", and have received thousands of rave reviews from fans all over the world.
Click here consult the I Ching now. »

List of all possible changes for hexagram #64

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.