Guan · Contemplation
观卦 · 风地观
- Observation
- Reflection
- Leading by example
- Clarity
The Judgment
Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings;—with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).
盥而不荐，有孚顒若。
The Image
The wind moves over the earth: contemplation. The ancient kings, in the same way, toured the regions, observed the people and set up teaching.
风行地上，观。先王以省方观民设教。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
This is a time to watch rather than rush to act. Guan is the wind moving over the earth, observing everything. You may be standing at a turning point and need to see the whole picture first, or you may be the one being watched, with every word and action taken as an example.
Where to put your effort
Step back and observe systematically: your surroundings, other people and yourself. Reflect on whether your own choices and behaviour stand up to scrutiny. The more clearly you see, the less likely your next step is to go wrong. If others are watching you, lead by example and win trust through action rather than words.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Travel and look around; it is hard to sit still.
- Wealth
- Trading imported goods carries risk.
- Family
- Make offerings to the divine.
- Health
- Rheumatic aches; recover through exercise.
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 in the fifth placeThe fifth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his own life(-course). A superior man, he will (thus) fall into no error.Moving
九五：观我生，君子无咎。
Image：Contemplating one's own life: contemplating the people.
- Career
- Walk the straight path and everything goes well.
- Wealth
- You call the shots; profit is certain.
- Family
- You will build your own home.
- Health
- Safe and well.
Nine at the topThe sixth line, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his character to see if it be indeed that of a superior man. He will not fall into error.Moving
上九：观其生，君子无咎。
Image：Contemplating their life: the will is not yet at peace.
- Career
- The best years have passed; self-reflection keeps you safe.
- Wealth
- Goods bought and held will turn a profit.
- Family
- The old house still brings income.
- Health
- Little time may remain.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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