Qian · The Creative Force
乾卦 · 乾为天
- Initiative
- Self-reliance
- Leadership
- Strength
The Judgment
Khien (represents) what is great and originating, penetrating, advantageous, correct and firm.
元亨利贞。
The Image
Heaven moves with unceasing strength. The noble one, in the same way, never stops strengthening themself.
天行健，君子以自强不息。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
You are at a point of peak energy, ready to take the initiative. All six lines of Qian are yang, like a dragon rising from the deep to the sky: timing, ability and will are all moving upward, and people around you are watching to see whether you can lead. But pure yang also means it is easy to push too hard. When things go this well, it is easy to stop listening to others and to forget your own limits.
Where to put your effort
First work out which stage you are in. If you are still the hidden dragon, keep building quietly. If the dragon has appeared in the field, step forward and find allies. If you are the flying dragon, act with full commitment. Whatever the stage, stay focused and self-aware. Above all, leave yourself some margin: when momentum is strongest is exactly when you should ease off, so you never become the dragon that overreaches.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Meet every task with firmness and keep growing stronger.
- Wealth
- Giving brings more blessing than taking; better to sell than to buy.
- Family
- Good deeds bring lasting joy; a very forceful partner should act with care.
- Health
- Stay healthy through steady, consistent habits.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine at the beginningIn the first (or lowest) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon lying hid (in the deep). It is not the time for active doing.Moving
初九：潜龙勿用。
Image：The hidden dragon does not act: the yang force is still at the bottom.
- Career
- Build your strength and wait for the right moment.
- Wealth
- Hold your position rather than going on the attack.
- Family
- Choose a spouse carefully.
- Health
- Focus on rest and maintenance.
Nine in the second placeIn the second line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon appearing in the field. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.Moving
九二：见龙在田，利见大人。
Image：The dragon appears in the field: its virtue spreads far and wide.
- Career
- A mentor appears and opportunities open up.
- Wealth
- Prices start to rise; institutional buyers step in.
- Family
- Very auspicious for marriage.
- Health
- Keep fit through exercise.
Nine in the third placeIn the third line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the superior man active and vigilant all the day, and in the evening still careful and apprehensive. (The position is) dangerous, but there will be no mistake.Moving
九三：君子终日乾乾，夕惕若；厉，无咎。
Image：Active and vigilant all day: walking the right path again and again.
- Career
- Recognition has not come yet; stay careful and you will avoid blame.
- Wealth
- Stay alert day and night and you can escape risk and still profit.
- Family
- Protect the home through hard work and thrift; do not chase a match above your station.
- Health
- Take careful care of yourself.
Nine in the fourth placeIn the fourth line, undivided, (we see its subject as the dragon looking) as if he were leaping up, but still in the deep. There will be no mistake.Moving
九四：或跃在渊，无咎。
Image：Leaping, or staying in the deep: advancing brings no blame.
- Career
- One bold move can make your name.
- Wealth
- Prices are high; you can stay safe.
- Family
- A period of revival for the household.
- Health
- Keep up your exercise.
Nine in the fifth placeIn the fifth line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon on the wing in the sky. It will be advantageous to meet with the great man.Moving
九五：飞龙在天，利见大人。
Image：The flying dragon in the sky: the great person is at work.
- Career
- Soaring straight to the top.
- Wealth
- Trade in staple goods thrives as prices climb, with official support.
- Family
- A prosperous and respected household.
- Health
- A grave sign; do not ignore warning symptoms.
Nine at the topIn the sixth (or topmost) line, undivided, (we see its subject as) the dragon exceeding the proper limits. There will be occasion for repentance.Moving
上九：亢龙有悔。
Image：The overreaching dragon has regrets: fullness cannot last.
- Career
- Overflowing brings loss; step back and reflect.
- Wealth
- Too much always ends in decline.
- Family
- Unfavourable for marriage.
- Health
- A critical condition; seek medical help without delay.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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