Hexagram 27 — I, The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)

27. I - The Corners of the Mouth (Providing Nourishment)
Above (in front): Kên - Keeping Still (Mountain)
Below (behind): Chên - The Arousing (Thunder)




The Judgement for the Current Situation

The Corners of the Mouth.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Pay heed to the providing of nourishment.
And to what a man seeks
To fill his own mouth with.


The Image for the Current Situation

At the foot of the mountain, thunder:
The image of Providing Nourishment.
Thus the superior man is careful of his words
And temperate in eating and drinking.

The Lines

Please remember: I Ching lines are counted upwards (starting at the bottom line)!

Top line:

The source of nourishment.
Awareness of danger brings good fortune.
It furthers one to cross the great water.

Fifth line:
Turning away from the path.
To remain persevering brings good fortune.
One should not cross the great water.

Fourth line:
Turning to the summit
For provision of nourishment
Brings good fortune.
Spying about with sharp eyes
Like a tiger with insatiable craving.
No blame.

Third line:
Turning away from nourishment.
Perseverance brings misfortune.
Do not act thus for ten years.
Nothing serves to further.

Second line:
Turning to the summit for nourishment,
Deviating from the path
To seek nourishment from the hill.
Continuing to do this brings misfortune.

Bottom line:
You let your magic tortoise go,
And look at me with the corners of your mouth drooping.
Misfortune.