Hexagram 37 · 家人 · jiā rén
Hexagram 37. Jiā Rén · The Family
☴☲ Wind over fire: Xùn above, Lí below.
For (the realisation of what is taught in) Kik Z an, (or for the regulation of the family), what is
For (the realisation of what is taught in) Kik Z an, (or for the regulation of the family), what is
Wind is born of the hearth-fire: outward influence grows from the inner order. A time to tend the household — family, team, inner circle. Let each stand in his proper place, and let words carry weight grounded in deeds: order within will itself become power without.
The Image
Wind issues from fire: outward influence is born at the inner hearth. Attend to the household in the broad sense — family, team, inner circle. Three things work: each has a place and a responsibility; words are grounded in deeds; warmth does not cancel order. A sound inner order broadcasts itself outward — that is influence.
Interpretation of hexagram 37
XXXVII. The Kia Zan Hexagram. and unsympathising sovereign. Hence comes its name of Ming I, or ‘ Intelligence Wounded,’ that is, injured and repressed. The treatment of the subject shows how such an officer will conduct himself, and maintain his purpose. The symbolism of the figure is treated of in the same way in the first and second Appendixes. Appendix VI merely says that the advance set forth in 35 is sure to meet with wounding, and hence 3in is followed by Ming 1.
The lines of hexagram 37
First line
The first line, undivided, shows its subject establishing restrictive regulations in his household. Occasion for repentance will disappear.
Line 1 is strong, and in its right place;—its subject should be going forward. But the general signification of the hexagram supposes him to be wounded. The wound, however, being re¬ ceived at the very commencement of its action, is but slight. And hence comes the emblem of a bird hurt so as to be obliged to droop its wings. The subject then appears directly as ‘ the supe¬ rior man.’ He sees it to be his course to desist from the struggle for a time, and is so rapt in the thought that he can fast for three days and not think of it. When he does withdraw, opposition follows him ; but it is implied that he holds on to his own good purpose.
Second line
The second line, divided, shows its subject taking nothing on herself, but in her central place attending to the preparation of the food. Through her firm correctness there will be good fortune.
Line 2 is weak, but also in its right place, and central; giving us the idea of an officer, obedient to duty and the right. His wound in the left thigh may impede his movements, but does not disable him. He finds means to save himself, and maintains his good purpose.
Third line
The third line, undivided, shows its subject (treating) the members of the household with stern severity. There will be occasion for repentance, there will be peril, (but) there will (also) be good fortune. If the wife and children were to be smirk¬ ing and chattering, in the end there would be occa¬ sion for regret.
Line 3, strong and in a strong place, is the topmost line of the lower trigram. It responds also to line 6, in which the idea of the sovereign, emblemed by the upper trigram, is concentrated. The lower trigram is the emblem of light or brightness, the idea of which again is expressed by the south, to which we turn when we look at the sun in its meridian height. Hence the subject of the
Fourth line
The fourth line, divided, shows its subject
THE AHA ZAN HEXAGRAM.
Fifth line
The fifth line, undivided, shows the influence of the king extending to his family. There need be no anxiety; there will be good fortune.
most advantageous is that the wife be firm and correct.
Top line
The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject possessed of sincerity and arrayed in majesty. In the end there will be good fortune.
line becomes a hunter pursuing his game, and successfully. The good officer will be successful in his struggle; but let him not be over eager to put all things right at once.
Did hexagram 37 come up in your reading? The oracle itself gives the full reading, with changing lines and the second hexagram.
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