Hexagram 37
The Family
家人 · Jiā Rén · Aile
Upper trigram: Wind and wood (gentle, penetrating) · Lower trigram: Fire (illuminating, clinging)
Judgment
Wind above fire: warmth within the house spreads outward. This hexagram speaks of the order of the family and close circle, with everyone in their own place and fitting role. Good order begins from within: consistency of words and deeds gives confidence outwardly too. In every relationship, honesty and responsibility are decisive.
Image
Wind comes forth from fire: the family. The noble-minded base their words on fact and show constancy in their conduct.
Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)
- Line 1 (from the bottom)Setting boundaries at home from the start: regret vanishes. Defining the rules early and clearly prevents friction later.
- Line 2 (from the bottom)One does not follow whims but attends to the household’s nourishment. Taking responsibility keeps the home in order.
- Line 3 (from the bottom)Excess severity in the family: regret and distress, yet good in the end. Too much laxity can bring shame over time.
- Line 4 (from the bottom)Enriching the family: great good. Increasing the shared worth also enlarges everyone’s share.
- Line 5 (from the bottom)The king approaches the care of his family: no worry, good. When love and respect go together, order is established naturally.
- Line 6 (from the bottom)Being sincere and dignified: good in the end. Making your own conduct right first within yourself sets an example for those around you.
Question for reflection
In your close circle, what small order or spoken openness could increase warmth?