Hexagram 48 — The Well (井)
A clear, modern reading of I Ching hexagram 48—The Well (Jǐng): The source remains — draw from deep resources.
Jing is the well — town changes, well remains, constant nourishment. Encourage mutual aid; clean the well and use it; don't cover it; broken vessels bring misfortune — maintain the source.
The Judgment
改邑不改井，无丧无得，往来井井。汔至，亦未繘井，羸其瓶，凶。
Gǎi yì bù gǎi jǐng, wú sàng wú dé, wǎng lái jǐng jǐng. Qì zhì, yì wèi yù jǐng, léi qí píng, xiōng.
“Town changes, the well does not. Nothing lost, nothing gained — coming and going to the well. Almost there but rope not yet in well, broken pitcher — misfortune.”
In plain terms: The source remains — draw from deep resources.
The Image
木上有水，井；君子以劳民劝相。
Mù shàng yǒu shuǐ, jǐng; jūnzǐ yǐ láo mín quàn xiàng.
“Water over wood — the noble person encourages people through labor and mutual aid.”
The Image invites us to translate the hexagram's symbolism into practical conduct—not superstitious fortune-telling.
Six Lines (Brief)
- Muddy well — not drunk from; old well, no birds.
- Well valley shoots minnows — broken leaky jar.
- Well cleaned but not used — pity; if drawn, all share blessing.
- Well lined — no blame.
- Clear cold spring from the well — drink.
- Well gathered, don't cover — sincerity brings supreme good fortune.
In Daily Life
When The Well appears in reflection, consider:
- Town changes, well remains — maintain core resources
- Clean well unused — repair then draw
- Don't cover the well — share openly
Practical scenarios:
- Infrastructure — maintain the constant source
- Unused talent — clean well ready to draw
- Knowledge sharing — open well brings supreme fortune
Spatial Note (Feng Shui)
In feng shui, The Well is often associated with the Southeast and the Wood phase.
Lower Xun (southeast) and upper Kan (north). Water over wood — structural southeast, water source north for enduring nourishment.
Related Hexagrams
A Closing Thought
The Well reminds us: The source remains — draw from deep resources. What is this pattern asking of you right now?