I Ching Hexagram 48 · The Well

Hexagram Position Information

• Original Hexagram: Hexagram 48 · The Well (Water over Wind)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Hexagram 38 · Opposition (Fire over Lake)
• Inverse Hexagram: Hexagram 21 · Biting Through (Fire over Thunder)
• Paired Hexagram: Hexagram 47 · Oppression (Lake over Water)
• Palace: Zhen Palace · Fifth-Generation Hexagram

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Hexagram Judgment

The Well: The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed. No loss, no gain. People come and go, drawing from the well. If one almost reaches the water but has not yet lowered the rope into the well, and breaks the jug, misfortune.

Image Commentary

Water above wood: The Well. The noble person, in accordance with this, labors for the people and encourages mutual support.

Plain Explanation

The Well means that a town may be relocated or rebuilt, but the well should not be abandoned. If a well is not maintained and repaired, then even if people come and go, it will eventually fall out of use. If drawing water is nearly successful but the rope is not properly lowered, and the water jar is damaged instead, this is an omen of misfortune.

This hexagram symbolizes well water nourishing all things. The noble person should emulate the virtue of the well, working tirelessly for the benefit of the people while promoting mutual aid and diligence.

The Greater Image and Core Spirit

Interpretations Through the Ages

Duanyi Tianji

In The Well hexagram, Kan is above and Xun below. A well cannot be moved, symbolizing steadfastness and staying properly grounded. One who consults this hexagram should settle oneself and keep to the right path, not act rashly or chase gain greedily.

Shao Yong's Interpretation

Still water reaches its source, and the flow of fortune is steady; what one upholds remains unchanged, and the present state is maintained. Those who receive this hexagram should cultivate themselves and nourish their nature. Stillness is favorable; movement brings misfortune.

Fu Pei-jung's Interpretation

• Fortune: Wood and water generate each other; success and recognition are possible.
• Wealth: The gain exceeds the capital; it is built up gradually.
• Home: Repair and guard against water damage; yin and yang are properly balanced.
• Health: Pay attention to imbalance in the kidney-water system.

The Six Lines Progression

Detailed Six-Line Interpretation

First Six

Line Text: Mud in the well is not fit to drink. At an old well no birds gather.

Image Says: Mud in the well is not fit to drink because it lies below. At an old well no birds gather because its time has been left behind.

Mud has silted up at the bottom of the well, and it has long been abandoned and unused. This symbolizes wasted talent and old habits that are hard to change. The querent should reflect and renew themselves, or else be left behind by the times.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 5 · Waiting

Nine in the Second Place

Line Text: One shoots small fish in the well channel. The jar is cracked and leaking.

Image Says: Shooting small fish in the well channel means there is no one to join with.

One has talent but is not recognized, and can only be put to minor use. This is not a time for restless advance; one should accumulate from small beginnings and wait for the right opportunity.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 39 · Obstruction

Nine in the Third Place

Line Text: The well has been cleaned, yet no one drinks from it. This causes sorrow in my heart. It can be used for drawing water. If the king is enlightened, all will share in its blessing.

Image Says: The well has been cleaned, yet no one drinks from it, and this brings sorrow in action. If one seeks an enlightened ruler, one will receive blessing.

The necessary ability is present, yet it has not been put to use. Only when an enlightened leader appears can its benefit spread to the people.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 29 · The Abysmal (Water)

Six in the Fourth Place

Line Text: The well is lined. No blame.

Image Says: Lining the well brings no blame, for it is the work of repairing the well.

Repairing the well wall symbolizes building up the foundation. Proceed steadily and securely, and trouble can be avoided.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 28 · Great Excess

Nine in the Fifth Place

Line Text: The well is clear. Its cold spring water may be drunk.

Image Says: The drinking of the cold spring means centrality and correctness.

One is centered, correct, and properly placed; the clear spring benefits others. It symbolizes a leader who possesses both virtue and ability.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 46 · Pushing Upward

Top Six

Line Text: The well is drawn from; do not cover it. With sincerity, great good fortune.

Image Says: Great good fortune at the top means great accomplishment.

Achievement is complete, yet its benefits are not hoarded and continue to be shared with others. This is the image of great accomplishment and immeasurable merit.

Transformed Hexagram: Hexagram 57 · The Gentle (Wind)

Guidance for Real Life

Career and Finances: Use the hexagram's meaning as a reference, confirm conditions and risks first, and then act steadily.

Relationships and Social Life: Maintain sincere communication and clear boundaries, and avoid judging solely by temporary emotions.

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

One-Sentence Reminder

Hexagram Summary

The Well symbolizes enduring value and quiet dedication. Cultivate yourself, accumulate virtue, and serve the people, and success will come naturally in time. It reminds us that true lasting strength lies not in change, but in one's foundation.