I Ching hexagram
12. Divorcement
否Pǐ
Heaven over Earth
Also called Standstill, The Symbol of Closing, Stagnation, Obstruction, The Wife, Obstructed, Decadence, Disjunction, Impasse, "Yin supporting yang which is wrong, they part company. Bad prospects for marriage or partnership. " -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 12, Divorcement (否 Pǐ) is formed by Heaven over Earth. It is also known as Standstill, The Symbol of Closing, Stagnation, Obstruction, The Wife, Obstructed, Decadence, Disjunction.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
否之匪人，不利君子貞，大往小來。
Divorcement means there is a lack of communication between the different classes of men. This is unfavorable to the superior man. The great has departed and the inferior has arrived.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
拔茅茹，以其彙，貞吉亨。
If you can't change your surroundings without compromising your values, it's best to step back entirely. True success will come from this choice, even if it means losing key connections. You'll find good fortune.
- Line 2Yin
包承。小人吉，大人否亨。
Accepting a state of Stagnation is preferable to trying to sway those in charge or those who are complacent. By keeping your distance, you protect your principles, and success is on the horizon.
- Line 3Yin
包羞。
Your plans are unlikely to succeed because of the questionable ways you achieved your current position. While this may bring some shame, it also opens the door for growth.
- Line 4Yang
有命无咎，疇離祉。
You can transform the current situation into one of progress if you genuinely feel called to the task and align yourself with universal principles. However, if you simply appoint yourself as a leader without this alignment, it could lead to confusion.
- Line 5Yang
休否，大人吉。其亡其亡，繫于苞桑。
A major positive change is on the way. While improvement is possible, it's crucial to stay cautious and reserved during this time. This careful approach will solidify your success and lay a strong foundation for the future.
- Line 6Yang
傾否，先否後喜。
The chance to shift from Stagnation to progress is available, but it won't happen automatically. A strong and ongoing sense of purpose is essential to reach and maintain the highest levels of success.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 12 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.