Hexagram 20: Contemplation

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 20 in plain words

Wind blows over the earth. The wind travels across the land and touches everything, like an influence that reaches people without force. The two strong lines at the top look down over the four yielding lines below, which is why the hexagram resembles a tower used to view the land, and it is also a place that is visible from far away. Tradition compares it to the moment in a ceremony when the hands have been washed but the offering not yet made: a pause full of quiet seriousness that inspires trust in those watching.

In your situation, the call is to observe before you move. Look at what is happening, at the people involved, and at your own behavior. Ask what your actions are actually producing. You may also be in a position where others are watching you to see how you respond. In that case, your calm and integrity influence them more than any instruction would. This is not the time for hasty decisions or loud action. Take the long view, look for patterns, and let understanding guide what you do next.

The judgment

Kwân shows (how he whom it represents should be like) the worshipper who has washed his hands, but not (yet) presented his offerings; with sincerity and an appearance of dignity (commanding reverent regard).

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) the earth, and that for wind moving above it, form Kwan. The ancient kings, in accordance with this, examined the (different) regions (of the kingdom), to see the (ways of the) people, and set forth their instructions.

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

In plain words: Wind travels over the whole earth and touches everything. Take time to look around and understand people as they are before you guide or advise them.

The six lines

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

Line 1 (bottom)

The first SIX, divided, shows the looking of a lad; not blamable in men of inferior rank, but matter for regret in superior men.

You see like a child, only what is near and simple. That is fine for a beginner, but someone in a responsible role needs to see further.

Line 2

The second SIX, divided, shows one peeping out from a door. It would be advantageous if it were (merely) the firm correctness of a female.

You look through a crack in the door. Your view is narrow; open it up before you draw conclusions.

Line 3

The third SIX, divided, shows one looking at (the course of) his own life, to advance or recede (accordingly).

You look at your own life and its effects. Let that honest self-review decide whether you move forward or step back.

Line 4

The fourth SIX, divided, shows one contemplating the glory of the kingdom. It will be advantageous for him, being such as he is, (to seek) to be a guest of the king.

You look at the light of the whole land. You understand how things work here, and it is a good time to offer your help to those in charge.

Line 5

The fifth NINE, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his own life(-course). A superior man, he will (thus) fall into no error.

You look at your own life and how it touches others. If your influence is good, you are free of blame.

Line 6 (top)

The sixth NINE, undivided, shows its subject contemplating his character to see if it be indeed that of a superior man. He will not fall into error.

You look at your life from a distance, free of personal interest. Detached reflection keeps you without blame.

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 20 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 20 in love and relationships

In love, take time to see the relationship clearly, including your own part in it. Watch what is actually happening between you before you decide what it means.

Hexagram 20 for work and decisions

At work, observe and gather information before you decide. Others may be watching how you handle things, so lead by calm example rather than by pushing.

Questions