Hexagrams

64 I Ching hexagrams lookup for beginners.

Use this lookup to match any I Ching reading result with a plain-English theme. The table covers all 64 hexagrams, so you can quickly understand the main pattern before reading changing lines or a relating hexagram.

64 I Ching hexagrams visual guide
Use the table as a reading mapStart with the hexagram number, read the plain-English theme, then compare it with your question. If changing lines appear, use the relating hexagram as a direction to review, not as a guaranteed outcome.
How to use this lookup

Find the hexagram, then read it against your question.

1. Match the numberUse the number from your cast or report.2. Read the themeCheck the plain-English meaning before judging.3. Review movementIf lines changed, compare the relating pattern.
No.NamePlain-English reading
1Qian / The CreativeCreative force, initiative, leadership, and disciplined action.
2Kun / The ReceptivePatience, support, grounded response, and careful listening.
3Zhun / Difficulty at the BeginningEarly confusion, start-up pressure, and the need for structure.
4Meng / Youthful FollyLearning, guidance, honest questions, and beginner mistakes.
5Xu / WaitingTiming, preparation, nourishment, and active patience.
6Song / ConflictDisagreement, disputed facts, and the need to avoid escalation.
7Shi / The ArmyOrganization, discipline, roles, and collective effort.
8Bi / Holding TogetherAlliance, trust, belonging, and choosing reliable companions.
9Xiao Chu / Small TamingSmall restraint, gradual influence, and careful correction.
10Lu / TreadingCareful conduct, respect, and precise movement around risk.
11Tai / PeaceFlow, cooperation, smoother movement, and opening conditions.
12Pi / StandstillBlockage, low responsiveness, and the need to stop pushing.
13Tong Ren / FellowshipShared purpose, public cooperation, and common ground.
14Da You / Great PossessionAbundance, visibility, resources, and responsible use of power.
15Qian / ModestyHumility, balance, quiet strength, and steady credibility.
16Yu / EnthusiasmMotivation, momentum, shared excitement, and the need for rhythm.
17Sui / FollowingAdaptation, influence, and following what is genuinely alive.
18Gu / RepairCorrecting decay, fixing old patterns, and addressing what was neglected.
19Lin / ApproachOpportunity drawing near, encouragement, and timely engagement.
20Guan / ContemplationObservation, perspective, meaning, and looking before acting.
21Shi He / Biting ThroughDecision, enforcement, and removing a concrete obstruction.
22Bi / GracePresentation, beauty, form, and keeping appearance tied to substance.
23Bo / Splitting ApartDecline, stripping away, weak foundations, and protecting essentials.
24Fu / ReturnReturning to basics, correcting direction, and restarting cleanly.
25Wu Wang / InnocenceSincerity, natural action, clean motives, and avoiding over-control.
26Da Chu / Great TamingStored power, restraint, preparation, and mature capacity.
27Yi / NourishmentWhat feeds attention, speech, energy, and long-term stability.
28Da Guo / Great ExceedingOverload, structural strain, and the need to reduce pressure.
29Kan / WaterRepeated risk, emotional uncertainty, and careful movement through danger.
30Li / FireClarity, visibility, attachment, and staying connected to truth.
31Xian / InfluenceAttraction, responsiveness, emotional signal, and mutual movement.
32Heng / DurationConsistency, commitment, sustainable rhythm, and long-term pattern.
33Dun / RetreatStrategic withdrawal, preserving strength, and choosing distance wisely.
34Da Zhuang / Great PowerStrength, confidence, self-control, and restrained force.
35Jin / ProgressAdvancement, recognition, daylight, and visible steady movement.
36Ming Yi / Darkening of the LightHidden pressure, protected clarity, and caution in unsafe conditions.
37Jia Ren / The FamilyRoles, boundaries, household order, and practical harmony.
38Kui / OppositionDifference, distance, misalignment, and small shared points.
39Jian / ObstructionBlocked paths, delay, difficulty, and the need to reroute.
40Jie / ReleaseRelief, untying knots, forgiveness, and reducing tension.
41Sun / DecreaseReduction, sacrifice, simplification, and making room.
42Yi / IncreaseGrowth, support, generosity, and multiplying what helps.
43Guai / BreakthroughDeclaration, truth, decisive clarity, and removing confusion.
44Gou / Coming to MeetSudden encounter, temptation, and setting boundaries early.
45Cui / Gathering TogetherAssembly, shared focus, group momentum, and a clear center.
46Sheng / Pushing UpwardGradual ascent, patient growth, and step-by-step progress.
47Kun / OppressionConstraint, exhaustion, inner pressure, and preserving the center.
48Jing / The WellShared resources, deep nourishment, and returning to the source.
49Ge / RevolutionRenewal, change, legitimate timing, and trust before transformation.
50Ding / The CauldronTransformation, culture, refinement, and turning raw material useful.
51Zhen / ThunderShock, awakening, sudden movement, and calm response.
52Gen / MountainStillness, boundaries, stopping, and disciplined restraint.
53Jian / Gradual DevelopmentSlow growth, proper sequence, and patient maturity.
54Gui Mei / Marrying MaidenUnequal position, limited control, and careful commitment.
55Feng / AbundanceFullness, intensity, peak visibility, and using the moment well.
56Lu / The TravelerTemporary position, movement, caution, and respectful conduct.
57Xun / The GentleSubtle influence, repeated entry, and steady gentle pressure.
58Dui / JoyCommunication, openness, pleasure, and joy connected to truth.
59Huan / DispersionDissolving tension, scattering blockage, and reconnecting purpose.
60Jie / LimitationRules, boundaries, measured use, and limits that create focus.
61Zhong Fu / Inner TruthSincerity, trust, inner alignment, and consistent honesty.
62Xiao Guo / Small ExceedingSmall matters, extra care, detail handling, and modest action.
63Ji Ji / After CompletionCompletion, maintenance, vigilance, and not relaxing too early.
64Wei Ji / Before CompletionNear completion, unfinished details, and careful final movement.