I Ching Hexagram 27 | Yi (Mountain-Thunder Yi)

Hexagram Position Information

Hexagram Sequence:The Twenty-Seventh Hexagram

Hexagram Name:Hexagram 27: Nourishment

Hexagram Image:Mountain over Thunder (Gen above · Zhen below)

Hexagram Palace:Xun Palace · Wandering Soul Hexagram

Primary Hexagram:Hexagram 27: Nourishment (Mountain over Thunder)

Nuclear Hexagram:Hexagram 2: Kun (Earth over Earth)

Inverse Hexagram:Hexagram 28: Great Excess (Lake over Wind)

Reverse Hexagram:Hexagram 27: Nourishment (Mountain over Thunder)

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Hexagram Judgment

Nourishment:Perseverance brings good fortune. Observe how nourishment is sought; one must seek one's own food.

Plain Explanation

Hexagram Nourishment: divination indicates an auspicious sign. To study the way of nurturing and sustaining life, the key is to provide for oneself. The Image says: the upper trigram is Gen, Mountain, and the lower trigram is Zhen, Thunder. Thunder stirs within the mountain, and all things sprout forth in spring. This is the image of nourishment and growth. Seeing this, the noble person should be careful in speech to avoid misfortune, and moderate food and drink in order to cultivate character and inner life.

The Greater Image and Core Spirit

Overall Meaning of the Hexagram

Hexagram Nourishment is formed by two different trigrams overlapping (Zhen below, Gen above). Zhen is Thunder, and Gen is Mountain. With the mountain above and thunder below, the outside is solid and the inside is empty, resembling the jaws. Its central meaning is “nourishment,” including nourishing the body, nourishing virtue, nourishing the people, and nourishing what is right.

The yang lines are solid and the yin lines are open; what is solid nourishes others, while what is open is nourished by others. Therefore, Hexagram Nourishment emphasizes self-reliance and warns against blindly seeking support from outside. If one receives this hexagram, one should keep to the right path, be cautious in word and deed, and nourish one's virtue, for only then can good fortune follow.

Philosophical Meaning

The Image says: “Thunder beneath the mountain. Thus the noble person is careful in speech and moderate in eating and drinking.” Hexagram Nourishment takes the “mouth” as its image; both speech and food pass through the mouth. Only by governing the mouth can one nourish the body, nourish virtue, and nourish life itself.

From the structure of the hexagram, the middle four lines are yin, symbolizing the teeth, while the two outer yang lines above and below are like the cheeks and jaws. It is exactly the form of eating, reminding people that nourishment must follow the proper way: one must not indulge the appetite, nor rely on others to provide one's support.

The Progression of the Six Lines

Detailed Line Interpretations

First Nine

Line Text:You abandon your sacred tortoise and look at me with drooping jaws. Misfortune.

Image says:Looking at me with drooping jaws is nothing worthy of esteem.

Though fully capable of nourishing oneself, one abandons that ability and instead envies the support others receive, which in the end leads to danger and misfortune. The First Nine warns people to stand on their own and sustain themselves. Dependence on others may seem safe for a time, but in truth it is perilous.

Changing Hexagram:Hexagram 23: Splitting Apart (Mountain over Earth)

Six in the Second Place

Line Text:Turning to nourishment upside down, one departs from the proper order. Seeking nourishment on the hilltop: setting out brings misfortune.

Image says:The misfortune of the Six in the Second Place comes from moving in a way that loses its proper kind.

A person in a higher position begs nourishment from those below, overturning what is proper; seeking help from those who are not of one's proper kind, one will ultimately lose support and meet with misfortune. This line teaches: do not seek everywhere above and below; instead, turn back and seek within yourself.

Changing Hexagram:Hexagram 41: Decrease (Mountain over Lake)

Six in the Third Place

Line Text:Turning away from nourishment. Perseverance brings misfortune. For ten years, do not act. Nothing is favorable.

Image says:For ten years, do not act, because the way is greatly opposed.

Knowing full well that one is acting against the Way, yet remaining stubbornly deluded, in the long run there will be no benefit at all. This is the most ominous line in Hexagram Nourishment, symbolizing living without effort, taking what is not rightfully gained, and in the end meeting ruin.

Changing Hexagram:Hexagram 22: Grace (Mountain over Fire)

Six in the Fourth Place

Line Text:Turning to nourishment upside down brings good fortune. Like a tiger watching intently, with desire keenly fixed, there is no blame.

Image says:The good fortune of turning nourishment upside down comes from bestowing radiance from above.

Although nourishment is taken from below, one can still govern diligently and extend virtue, taking from the people and using it for the people, and therefore this is auspicious. Like a tiger focused on its prey, one remains watchful and does not become greedy.

Changing Hexagram:Hexagram 21: Biting Through (Fire over Thunder)

Six in the Fifth Place

Line Text:Turning away from the proper order. Remaining steadfast in one's place brings good fortune. One must not cross the great river.

Image says:The good fortune of remaining steadfast in one's place comes from yielding and following what is above.

If one's own abilities are insufficient, one should hold to one's position and keep to what is right, following the worthy rather than expanding rashly. Preserving what one has brings good fortune; reckless advance brings misfortune.

Changing Hexagram:Hexagram 42: Increase (Wind over Thunder)

Top Nine

Line Text:From nourishment comes danger, yet good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.

Image says:From nourishment comes danger, yet good fortune; this means there will be great rejoicing.

To nourish others by the proper way is a heavy responsibility and requires constant awareness of danger. One who can bear such a great charge will in the end accomplish great things, and it is favorable for crossing major obstacles.

Changing Hexagram:Hexagram 24: Return (Earth over Thunder)

Guidance for Everyday Life

Career and Finances:Use the message of the hexagram as a reference; first confirm the conditions and risks, then move forward steadily.

Love and Relationships:Maintain sincere communication and clear boundaries, and avoid judging solely on temporary emotions.

Physical and Mental State:Pay attention to stress and daily routines. The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if discomfort persists or worsens, please give priority to consulting a qualified medical or mental health professional.

A One-Sentence Reminder

Overall Judgment of Hexagram Nourishment

Hexagram Nourishment centers on “nourishing.” Nourishing the body lies in moderation, nourishing virtue lies in caution, nourishing life lies in what is right, and nourishing the people lies in benevolence. Only by providing for oneself, without greed or reckless desire, can lasting good fortune be attained. If the mouth is guarded, trouble stays far away; if the body is well nourished, blessings will come.