I Ching hexagram
22. Public Image
賁Bì
Mountain over Fire
Also called Persona, Grace, The Symbol of Decoration, Elegance, Gracefulness, Luxuriance, Adorning, Adornment, Beauty, Conceit, Vanity, Veneer, Façade, Manners, Embellishment, Superficiality, Superficial Appearances, Form vs. Function, "Art, " Ego-trips, "Often refers to conceit, vanity or beauty. It stresses that the content is more important than the outward appearance." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 22, Public Image (賁 Bì) is formed by Mountain over Fire. It is also known as Persona, Grace, The Symbol of Decoration, Elegance, Gracefulness, Luxuriance, Adorning, Adornment. The judgment is James Legge. The six lines are R.L. Wing — the same texts used in a reading on this site.
The judgment
James Legge
Persona should be given its due, but there is no advantage in allowing it to advance and take the lead.
The six lines
R.L. Wing · line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yang
Move forward under your own power and avoid false appearances, dubious shortcuts, or ostentatious behavior. It is most important now that you rely upon your own worth.
- Line 2Yin
Grace for its own sake is worthless to you now. It is merely an adornment. If you pay more attention to the vessel than to what it contains, you will entirely miss the meaning of this moment.
- Line 3Yang
You are in a moment of perfect grace, living a charmed existence. Do not allow such good fortune to make you indolent, for this would bring unhappiness. Continue to persevere in your endeavors and principles.
- Line 4Yin
You have a choice of two paths. One is the path of adornment and external brilliance; the other is the path of simplicity and inner worth. Your considerations suggest a deeper connection with your true Self. The path of simplicity will lead to more meaningful relationships with others and greater self-knowledge.
- Line 5Yin
You may wish to strengthen your connection with someone you admire, but you feel that what you have to offer is not grand enough to merit attention. However, your internal desires and sincere feelings of friendliness are all that truly matter. Your worth will be recognized and you will meet with good fortune.
- Line 6Yang
You can rely now upon the sincerity of your true nature to supply your external radiance. Pretensions, form, and adornments are no longer necessary to achieve your aims. Simplicity is the path you must take. In this way you will make no mistakes.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 22 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings.