Hexagram:

48. The Well

Line #

Drawn as

Energy

Duality

Trigram

Dynamic

Polarity

Upper Trigram

Water

Middle Son

Immature Yang

Lower Trigram

Wind

Eldest Daugther

Immature Yin

Yin

Yang

Yin

Yang

Yin

Feminine

Masculine

Feminine

Masculine

Feminine

English Name

Chinese Name

Hanzi

Pinyin

Action

Hexagram:

卦 Guà

48. The Well

井

jǐng / ching

Inspire

Hidden Influence:

互卦 Hu Guà (nuclear)

38. Diverging Interests

睽

kuí

Accommodate

Underlying Cause:

綜卦 Zong Guà (reverse)

21. Biting Through

噬嗑

shì kè

Discern

Expression:

Also known as:

I find nourishment

Source of Wisdom, Deep Nourishment, Lifeblood of the Community, Drawing from the Depths, Spiritual Sustenance, Hidden Resources, Fountain of Knowledge, Replenishing the Spirit, Ancient Wisdom, Inner Well of Strength

Affirmation:

I draw from deep inner wisdom, replenishing my spirit and sharing my knowledge with others.

Image (Legge):

Water over wood: the image of The Well. Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work and exhorts them to help one another.

Judgement (Legge):

The Well. The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases. They come and go and draw from the well. If one gets down almost to the water and the rope does not go all the way, or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.

Overall meaning:

The Well represents a source of nourishment, wisdom, and enduring resources that sustain life and enrich the community. This hexagram symbolizes the deep, unchanging essence within each person or situation that, like a well, provides support and inspiration when accessed. The Well reminds us that, while circumstances may change, there are timeless sources of knowledge, strength, and value that we can always draw from. It encourages us to connect with these deeper reserves within ourselves and our surroundings, emphasizing the importance of seeking truth, cultivating skills, and sharing resources for the greater good.

The essence of Hexagram 48 lies in constancy, renewal, and the commitment to sustaining what is valuable. It teaches that, just as a well must be kept clear and accessible to provide fresh water, maintaining one’s inner life and knowledge is essential to ensure lasting fulfillment and vitality. This hexagram invites reflection on what nourishes us and challenges us to honor and protect these sources, both within and around us. In this way, The Well reminds us of the abundance that comes from depth and continuity, inspiring us to seek and share the resources that truly sustain life and foster collective growth.

Quotes:

Upright Hexagram

Rotated 90°
counter clockwise

Change - - to 0
Change — to 1

Binary Number Created:

010110

Line 1:

The first line shows a well that has not yet been used, and thus the water remains undisturbed. This suggests that one’s potential may be wasted if not actively drawn upon or put to good use.

Line 2:

In this line, the well’s water is muddy and unclear, indicating a lack of purity or effectiveness. To become a true source of nourishment and clarity, one must strive for self-improvement and refinement.

Line 3:

The third line shows a well that is deep and full of water, but the bucket is broken and cannot draw from it. This highlights the need for the right tools or methods to access one’s inner resources, as potential alone is not enough.

Line 4:

Here, the well is accessible and ready to be used, though not fully appreciated by those around it. This line encourages recognizing and utilizing resources and talents, even if they are not yet widely valued by others.

Line 5:

The fifth line shows a well whose water is clear and pure, fully accessible for use by all. This line suggests that when one’s abilities are honed and readily available, they bring benefit and good fortune to everyone involved.

Line 6:

The sixth line shows a well that is properly used and valued, symbolizing a fully realized potential that sustains many. This line affirms that when one’s resources are effectively utilized, they become a source of lasting support and nourishment.

48

Binary:

Structure:

Unicode decimal:

Unicode point:

Sector:

010110

Non-Core Gua

19951

U+4DEF

208.125 to 213.75

Trigrams

Hexagram Lookup

Bigrams

Water

Middle Son

Immature Yang

Wind

Eldest Daugther

Immature Yin

Expression:

Also known as:

I find nourishment

Source of Wisdom, Deep Nourishment, Lifeblood of the Community, Drawing from the Depths, Spiritual Sustenance, Hidden Resources, Fountain of Knowledge, Replenishing the Spirit, Ancient Wisdom, Inner Well of Strength

Affirmation:

I draw from deep inner wisdom, replenishing my spirit and sharing my knowledge with others.

Image (Legge):

Water over wood: the image of The Well. Thus the superior man encourages the people at their work and exhorts them to help one another.

Judgement (Legge):

The Well. The town may be changed, but the well cannot be changed. It neither decreases nor increases. They come and go and draw from the well. If one gets down almost to the water and the rope does not go all the way, or the jug breaks, it brings misfortune.

Overall meaning:

Quotes:

​

Upright Hexagram

Rotated 90° counter clockwise

Change - - to 0 Change — to 1

Binary Number Created:

010110

Line 1:

The first line shows a well that has not yet been used, and thus the water remains undisturbed. This suggests that one’s potential may be wasted if not actively drawn upon or put to good use.

Line 2:

In this line, the well’s water is muddy and unclear, indicating a lack of purity or effectiveness. To become a true source of nourishment and clarity, one must strive for self-improvement and refinement.

Line 3:

The third line shows a well that is deep and full of water, but the bucket is broken and cannot draw from it. This highlights the need for the right tools or methods to access one’s inner resources, as potential alone is not enough.

Line 4:

Here, the well is accessible and ready to be used, though not fully appreciated by those around it. This line encourages recognizing and utilizing resources and talents, even if they are not yet widely valued by others.

Line 5:

The fifth line shows a well whose water is clear and pure, fully accessible for use by all. This line suggests that when one’s abilities are honed and readily available, they bring benefit and good fortune to everyone involved.

Line 6:

The sixth line shows a well that is properly used and valued, symbolizing a fully realized potential that sustains many. This line affirms that when one’s resources are effectively utilized, they become a source of lasting support and nourishment.

48

Binary:

Structure:

Unicode decimal:

Unicode point:

Sector:

010110

Non-Core Gua

19951

U+4DEF

208.125 to 213.75

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Rotated 90°
counter clockwise

Change - - to 0
Change — to 1