59. Dispersion (渙 Huàn)

Trigrams

Above

☴ Xùn (Wind)

Below

☵ Kǎn (Water)

Symbolic Meaning

渙 (Huàn) represents dispersion or dissolution, symbolizing the scattering of obstacles or rigid structures. This hexagram speaks of a time when rigidity and blockages are being dissolved, allowing for movement and renewal. Success comes from breaking down barriers and freeing up resources.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"渙，亨。王假有廟，利涉大川，利貞。"
(Huàn, hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn.)

"Dispersion. Success. The king approaches his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Perseverance furthers."

This hexagram advises breaking down obstacles and removing barriers to progress. By dispersing rigid structures or habits, success follows. It is favorable to take bold actions, symbolized by crossing the great river, but perseverance is essential.

Image

Original Chinese:
"風行水上，渙。先王以享于帝立廟。"
(Fēng xíng shuǐ shàng, huàn. Xiān wáng yǐ xiǎng yú dì lì miào.)

"Wind moves over the water: The image of Dispersion. The ancient kings offered sacrifices to heaven and built temples."

The image of wind moving over water represents the power to dissolve obstacles and create movement. The superior person, like the ancient kings, makes offerings and creates structures to channel this energy toward positive outcomes.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"用拯馬壯，吉。"
(Yòng zhěng mǎ zhuàng, jí.)

"Using strong horses for rescue. Good fortune."

This line speaks of the need for strong and decisive action to break through obstacles. By acting quickly and with determination, good fortune follows. It advises using all available resources to solve problems effectively.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"渙奔其機，悔亡。"
(Huàn bēn qí jī, huǐ wáng.)

"Dispersion hastens toward its goal. Regret disappears."

This line describes a situation where obstacles are rapidly breaking down, allowing for swift progress. Any previous regrets or challenges are dissolved as the path becomes clear. It advises staying focused and moving forward.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"渙其躬，无悔。"
(Huàn qí gōng, wú huǐ.)

"Dispersion of the self. No regret."

This line speaks of letting go of personal attachments or ego in order to break through barriers. By dispersing rigid self-interest, progress is made, and there is no regret. It advises selflessness and openness to change.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"渙其群，元吉。渙有丘，匪夷所思。"
(Huàn qí qún, yuán jí. Huàn yǒu qiū, fěi yí suǒ sī.)

"Dispersion of the group. Great good fortune. Dispersion brings a mound. Not an ordinary thought."

This line describes breaking down group structures or conventions, leading to great good fortune. The mound symbolizes something new and positive arising from the dissolution. It advises thinking creatively and outside the box to achieve success.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"渙汗其大號，渙王居，无咎。"
(Huàn hàn qí dà hào, huàn wáng jū, wú jiù.)

"Dispersion in great waves. The king stands in his place. No blame."

This line speaks of a situation where dispersion happens on a large scale, symbolized by the great waves. However, the king remains centered and in control. It advises staying grounded and composed, even when large changes are happening around you.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"渙其血，去逖出，无咎。"
(Huàn qí xuè, qù tì chū, wú jiù.)

"Dispersion of blood. Departing far away. No blame."

This line describes the complete dissolution of old patterns or attachments, symbolized by the dispersion of blood. By moving far away from the past, there is no blame. It advises making a clean break from harmful or stagnant situations.