AsterNymAsterNym

I Ching · Hexagram 12 Standstill

Hexagram 12 for money: Standstill

否 Pǐ · Money

Blocked. Ventures started now stall; the environment is not receptive. Conserve, avoid the tempting deal from a dubious source, and wait for conditions to reopen.

Earth below, heaven above: each moving away from the other, so that nothing connects. Standstill is the mirror of Peace. Communication fails, the petty prosper and the worthy are sidelined, and effort in the ordinary channels comes to nothing. The tradition does not counsel despair; it counsels withdrawal into one's own integrity. The wise person in a time of standstill does not compromise to get on, does not accept honours from the wrong hands, and waits for the turn, which the later lines say is coming.

Advice
Withdraw into your own integrity, refuse honours from the wrong hands, and wait for the turn.
Warning
Compromising your standards to get through a standstill loses the very thing that will matter when it ends.

The changing lines, read for money

If your cast of Hexagram 12 had changing lines, these are what each one adds to a money question, and where each leads.

  1. Line 1 · changes into 25 Innocence

    Pull up the grass and the roots come with it. Persistence is fortunate. Withdraw now, and bring your allies with you.

  2. Line 2 · changes into 6 Conflict

    They bear and endure; for the small, good fortune. The great person accepts the standstill and succeeds. Do not buy your way through with flattery; endure instead.

  3. Line 3 · changes into 33 Retreat

    They bear shame. If you are in over your head, admit it; that is the way out.

  4. Line 4 · changes into 20 Contemplation

    One acts by the higher command. No blame. Those of like mind share the blessing. Act when you have a legitimate mandate, together with those who share it.

  5. Line 5 · changes into 35 Progress

    The standstill ends. Good fortune for the great person. It might fail; tie it to a cluster of mulberry shoots. The block is ending; secure the gain and stay watchful.

  6. Line 6 · changes into 45 Gathering Together

    The standstill passes. First standstill, then good fortune. The way is open again; move.

Hexagram 12 in fullLove & relationshipsCareerA decision

Ask the I Ching about money

The topic is pre-selected. The hexagram is not: the coins decide it.

Ask the I Ching →