Hexagram 11: Peace

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 11 in plain words

Earth sits above heaven. At first this looks upside down, but it shows a meeting: heaven's energy rises, earth's energy sinks, and the two mingle. That exchange is the image of peace, the season when heaven and earth are in contact and everything grows. Tradition ties this hexagram to early spring. The strong lines are inside and the yielding ones outside, which means good influence is at the center and difficulties are on their way out.

In your situation, conditions are favorable for growth, cooperation, and new undertakings. Relations between people are easier, and good ideas meet support. Use this time to strengthen what matters: build ties, settle differences, and organize your life so the good season bears fruit. At the same time, the hexagram reminds you that every level plain is followed by a slope. Peace is not permanent. If you stay humble, generous, and steady now, you will have more to stand on when the cycle turns. Enjoy what is good without becoming careless, and share it rather than holding it for yourself.

The judgment

In Thâi (we see) the little gone and the great come. (It indicates that) there will be good fortune, with progress and success.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigrams for) heaven and earth in communication together form Thâi. The (sage) sovereign, in harmony with this, fashions and completes (his regulations) after the courses of heaven and earth, and assists the application of the adaptations furnished by them,, in order to benefit the people.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: Heaven and earth meet and exchange, and everything thrives. Use this good season to shape plans that follow the natural rhythm of things and help the people around you.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

The first NINE, undivided, suggests the idea of grass pulled up, and bringing with it other stalks with whose roots it is connected. Advance (on the part of its subject) will be fortunate.

Pull up one stem of grass and the roots of others come with it. Act together with like-minded people; undertakings go well.

Line 2

The second NINE, undivided, shows one who can bear with the uncultivated, will cross the Ho without a boat, does not forget the distant, and has no (selfish) friendships. Thus does he prove himself acting in accordance with the course of the due Mean.

Be patient with rough edges, cross the river with resolve, and do not forget those far away or play favorites. Walking the middle path brings respect.

Line 3

The third NINE, undivided, shows that, while there is no state of peace that is not liable to be disturbed, and no departure (of evil men) so that they shall not return, yet when one is firm and correct, as he realises the distresses that may arise, he will commit no error. There is no occasion for sadness at the certainty (of such recurring changes); and in this mood the happiness (of the present) may be (long) enjoyed.

No plain without a slope, no going without a return. Stay steady when things shift, and enjoy the good you still have without worry.

Line 4

The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject fluttering (down); not relying on his own rich resources, but calling in his neighbours. (They all come) not as having received warning, but in the sincerity (of their hearts).

You come down to meet others as equals, without boasting. Sincere, simple dealings bring trust.

Line 5

The fifth six, divided, reminds us of (king) Tî-yî's (rule about the) marriage of his younger sister. By such a course there is happiness and there will be great good fortune.

The ruler gives a daughter in marriage to a worthy match of lower rank. Joining with others humbly, setting status aside, brings blessing and great good fortune.

Line 6 (top)

The sixth six, divided, shows us the city wall returned into the moat. It is not the time to use the army. (The subject of the line) may, indeed, announce his orders to the people of his own city; but however correct and firm he may be, he will have cause for regret.

The wall falls back into the moat. The period of peace is turning; do not fight it with force, but put your own house in order.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 11 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 11 in love and relationships

In love, this is a harmonious period: communication is easier and closeness grows naturally. Enjoy it, and use it to strengthen your bond for the times when things are harder.

Hexagram 11 for work and decisions

For work or a decision, the conditions are good for launching, collaborating, and making progress. Share credit, keep balance, and lay solid foundations while the climate is favorable.

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