The town may be changed, but the well is not changed. It neither loses nor gains. People come and go, and the well remains the well. If one nearly reaches the water yet still does not draw from the well, or breaks the jug, there is Misfortune.
彖傳 · Tuan Zhuan
Judgment Commentary
Wood enters the water and draws the water upward: this is The Well. The well nourishes without running dry. The town may change, but not the well, because of the firm center. People come and go at the well. If one nearly reaches it yet still does not draw from the well, there is no achievement. If the jug is broken, therefore there is Misfortune.
象 · Xiang
Image
Wood above water: The Well. The Noble One encourages the people in their work and mutual support.
六爻 · Six Lines
Lines
Line 06
Top Six
The well is being drawn from. Do not cover it. There is trust. Prime Good fortune.
Commentary
Prime Good fortune at the top means great completion.
Line 05
Nine in the Fifth
The well is clear. Its cold spring water may be drunk.
Commentary
The drinking of cold spring-water comes through centered correctness.
Line 04
Six in the Fourth
The well is lined. No blame.
Commentary
A lined well with No blame means the well is being repaired.
Line 03
Nine in the Third
The well has been cleaned, but no one drinks from it. This makes my heart ache. It can be drawn from. If the king is clear-sighted, all receive its blessing together.
Commentary
A cleaned well left unused causes sorrow in action. Seeking the king's clarity brings blessing.
Line 02
Nine in the Second
At the well-hole one shoots at small fish. The jar is worn out and leaking.
Commentary
Shooting at small fish in the well-hole means there is no association.
Line 01
Initial Six
The mud of the well is not fit to drink. At the old well, no birds come.
Commentary
The muddy well is not used because it lies low. The old well has no birds because it has been left aside by the times.