I Ching hexagram

60. Limitation

Jié

Water over Lake

Also called Restraint, Regulations, Articulating, Receipt, Restraining, Containment

Image for hexagram 60, Limitation

Hexagram 60, Limitation (節 Jié) is formed by Water over Lake. It is also known as Restraint, Regulations, Articulating, Receipt, Restraining, Containment.

Legge

Read as

The judgment

Legge

亨。苦節不可貞。

Restrictive Regulations bring progress and success, but if they are severe and difficult they cannot be permanent.

The six lines

line 1 is at the bottom

  1. Line 1Yang

    不出戶庭,无咎。

    Even though you might want to take bold steps towards your goals, it's essential to pause when faced with obstacles. Acknowledge and accept your limitations. Remain within these boundaries and gather your strength quietly.

  2. Line 2Yang

    不出門庭,凶。

    Good opportunities are approaching. If you hesitate at the right moment, you risk losing your chance altogether. Poor timing can stem from being overly restricted.

  3. Line 3Yin

    不節若,則嗟若,无咎。

    Your lavish actions and lack of self-discipline have led to challenges. If you feel regret now and refrain from blaming others, you can avoid making further mistakes.

  4. Line 4Yin

    安節,亨。

    Embrace your limitations and allow them to naturally integrate into how you behave.

  5. Line 5Yang

    甘節,吉;往有尚。

    To influence others effectively, you need to set an example. When limitations are necessary, adopt them yourself first. This way, you ensure they are acceptable while gaining respect and imitation from others. This approach brings good fortune.

  6. Line 6Yin

    苦節,貞凶,悔亡。

    Imposing strict limitations on others will eventually lead to resentment. Achieving meaningful outcomes this way is unlikely. Nevertheless, you may need to impose strict self-discipline temporarily to aid your personal growth and prevent regretful choices.

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 60 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.

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