Jing · The Well
井卦 · 水风井
- Foundations
- Nourishing others
- Service
- Renewal
The Judgment
(Looking at) Tsing, (we think of) how (the site of) a town may be changed, while (the fashion of) its wells undergoes no change. (The water of a well) never disappears and never receives (any great) increase, and those who come and those who go can draw and enjoy the benefit. If (the drawing) have nearly been accomplished, but, before the rope has quite reached the water, the bucket is broken, this is evil.
改邑不改井，无丧无得。往来井井。汔至亦未繘井，羸其瓶，凶。
The Image
Water above the wood: the well. The noble one, in the same way, encourages the people at their work and urges them to help one another.
木上有水，井。君子以劳民劝相。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
What you have is like a well: steady, reliable and able to keep nourishing others. Jing is a symbol of foundations and supply: the town may move, but the well stays where it is. You may be in a position where you need to strengthen your own value, or provide support to others.
Where to put your effort
Keep your well in good repair: keep learning and renewing your skills so it does not silt up. Make sure your value is actually used rather than left idle. Encourage the people around you to help each other as well. A good well is not about being conspicuous; it is about never running dry.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Wood and water support each other; success is in sight.
- Wealth
- Profit exceeds the investment; naturally pleasing.
- Family
- Repair the house against water damage; yin and yang in balance.
- Health
- Kidney fluid build-up; treat it right away.
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 second placeThe second line, undivided, 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 basket.Moving
九二：井谷射鲋，瓮敝漏。
Image：Shooting at minnows in the well's hollow: no one to work with.
- Career
- Gaining a little, losing a lot; an empty reputation.
- Wealth
- Greed costs you profit; the gain is not worth it.
- Family
- The water is not drinkable; the marriage is a poor one.
- Health
- A leaking condition that is hard to treat.
Nine in the third placeThe third line, undivided, 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.Moving
九三：井渫不食，为我心恻。可用汲，王明，并受其福。
Image：The well is cleaned but no one drinks: those who pass are saddened. Seeking a clear-sighted king: to receive blessing.
- Career
- Talent without opportunity; wait two years.
- Wealth
- Poor distribution; no profit to be had.
- Family
- Clean the well and it can be drunk; it will work out in two years.
- Health
- A restless mind; spring water can heal.
Nine in the fifth placeThe fifth line, undivided, shows a clear, limpid well, (the waters from) whose cold spring are (freely) drunk.Moving
九五：井冽寒泉，食。
Image：Drinking from the cold spring: central and correct.
- Career
- Upright character; you may be given a role.
- Wealth
- A long-lasting source of supply brings profit.
- Family
- Modest and courteous; sharing joys and hardships.
- Health
- Chills outside, heat inside; cooling remedies help.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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