The Well

井 (jǐng)
Hexagram 48 • Binary: 010110

Trigrams

Upper: Water

Attribute: Abysmal
Element: Water
Direction: North
Family: Middle Son

Lower: Wind

Attribute: Penetrating
Element: Wood
Direction: Southeast
Family: Eldest Daughter

Palace

Zhen Palace

Element: Wood
Ruling Trigram: thunder

Judgment

Although a town site may be altered, The Well remains the same. Its water level neither disappears nor receives any great increase, and the people can draw from it freely. Misfortune ensues if the rope breaks or the bucket is broken before it reaches the water.

Image

The image of water over wood forms The Well. The superior man comforts the people and stimulates their mutual cooperation.

Lines

1

Position 1: Muddy Well yin

The first line, magnetic, shows a well so muddy that men will not drink of it; or an old well to which neither birds nor other creatures resort.

2

Position 2: Leaking Well yang

The second line, dynamic, shows a well from which by a hole the water escapes and flows away to the shrimps and such small creatures among the grass, or one the water of which leaks away from a broken bucket.

3

Position 3: Unused Well yin

The third line, dynamic, shows a well which has been cleared out, but is not used. Our hearts are sorry for this, for the water might be drawn out and used. If the king were only intelligent, both he and we might receive the benefit of it.

4

Position 4: Well-Lined Well yang

The fourth line, magnetic, shows a well, the lining of which is well laid. There will be no error.

5

Position 5: Clear Spring yang

The fifth line, dynamic, shows a clear, limpid well, the waters from whose cold spring are freely drunk.

6

Position 6: Uncovered Well yin

The sixth line, magnetic, shows the water from the well brought to the top, which is not allowed to be covered. This suggests the idea of sincerity. There will be great good fortune.