I Ching hexagram · 20 of 64
Hexagram 20: Contemplation 观 Guān · Observation, perspective, example
Observe widely, understand deeply and set an example. The hands have been washed, but the offering is not yet made. Full of trust, the people look up.
- Upper: ☴ Wind
- Lower: ☷ Earth
- Nuclear: 23
- Opposite: 34
Number
20 of 64
Chinese name
观 Guān
Upper trigram
☴ Wind
Lower trigram
☷ Earth
Nuclear hexagram
䷖ 23. Splitting Apart
Opposite hexagram
䷡ 34. Great Power
What hexagram 20 means
Hexagram 20 shows the wind moving over the earth and reaching everywhere, and a tower from which one can see far. It is about contemplation: observing deeply, and being an example that others look up to.
Before acting, look carefully at the whole situation. Your influence comes from sincerity and example rather than force; people are moved by what they see in you.
The Judgement · 卦辞
观：盥而不荐，有孚顒若。
The hands have been washed, but the offering is not yet made. Full of trust, the people look up.
The Image · 象曰
风行地上，观；先王以省方观民设教。
The wind blows over the earth: the image of contemplation. The ancient kings visited the regions of the world, observed the people and gave them instruction.
The lines and trigrams
Contemplation places ☴ Wind (巽 Xùn), the trigram of gentle, penetrating influence, above ☷ Earth (坤 Kūn), the trigram of receptivity and devotion. The lower trigram describes the inner situation and the upper trigram the outer world.
A hexagram is read from the bottom line up. Lines 1 to 3 form the lower trigram and lines 4 to 6 the upper trigram. Solid lines are yang and broken lines are yin; in the traditional names a yang line is called Nine (九) and a yin line Six (六).
Hexagram 20 in your life
Love and relationships
Step back and look at the relationship honestly. Lead by example, and notice what you are really giving and receiving.
Personal growth
Reflect on your life from a higher vantage point. Seeing yourself clearly is the beginning of real change.
The six changing lines
If you cast hexagram 20 and some lines come out as changing lines, read the text for those lines, then turn each one into its opposite to find the hexagram your situation is moving towards. See how to consult the I Ching.
Line 1 初六 · Six at the beginning
A child's way of seeing. Fine for the immature, humiliating for someone who should know better.
Line 2 六二 · Six in the second place
Peeping through the crack of a door. A narrow view is limiting, so widen your perspective.
Line 3 六三 · Six in the third place
Contemplating my own life, I decide whether to advance or retreat.
Line 4 六四 · Six in the fourth place
Contemplating the light of the kingdom. It helps to offer your skills to a worthy leader.
Line 5 九五 · Nine in the fifth place
Contemplating my life and its effect on others. The noble person is without blame.
Line 6 上九 · Nine at the top
Contemplating life from beyond the self. The noble person is without blame.
Hexagram 20 questions, answered
What does I Ching hexagram 20 mean?
Hexagram 20, Contemplation (观 Guān), is about observation, perspective, example. Observe widely, understand deeply and set an example. Hexagram 20 shows the wind moving over the earth and reaching everywhere, and a tower from which one can see far. It is about contemplation: observing deeply, and being an example that others look up to.
What does hexagram 20 mean in love?
Step back and look at the relationship honestly. Lead by example, and notice what you are really giving and receiving.
What does hexagram 20 mean for work and money?
A time for review, research and strategic perspective. Observe the market, the team and yourself before making changes.
Which trigrams make up hexagram 20?
Hexagram 20 has Wind (Xùn) as its upper trigram and Earth (Kūn) as its lower trigram.
What are the related hexagrams of hexagram 20?
Its nuclear hexagram is 23, Splitting Apart. Its opposite, with every line changed, is 34, Great Power. Turned upside down it becomes 19, Approach.
All 64 hexagrams
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