I Ching hexagram
60. Limitation
節Jié
Water over Lake
Also called Restraint, Regulations, Articulating, Receipt, Restraining, Containment

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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Line 4Yin
安節,亨。
Embrace your limitations and allow them to naturally integrate into how you behave.
- 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.
- 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.