The Well
Jing Hexagram: Xun below, Kan above
The Yi Jing
The Well Hexagram: The city may be changed, but the well is not changed. There is neither loss nor gain. Those who come and go draw water in an orderly manner. When the rope is nearly to the mouth of the well but fails to bring the bucket up, and the earthen jar is broken, there is misfortune.
First Six: The well is muddy with silt and cannot be drunk from. Even birds do not come to an abandoned well.
Second Nine: Small fish are shot at in the well. The earthen jar is broken and leaks.
Third Nine: The well has been cleansed, yet no one drinks from it. This grieves my heart, for the well water could be drawn. If the ruler is enlightened, all may share in its blessings.
Fourth Six: The well wall has been repaired. There is no disaster.
Fifth Nine: The well water is cool and clear. The cold spring can be drunk from.
Top Six: When drawing water, do not cover the well mouth. With sincerity, great good fortune.
The Tuan Zhuan says
Descending into water and drawing water upward—this is the Well hexagram. The well nourishes all things without end. Changing the city but not the well is because of the firm and central position. When the rope is nearly to the mouth but fails to bring the bucket up, the work is not accomplished. The earthen jar is broken, hence misfortune.
The Xiang Zhuan says
Above there is water over wood—this is the Well hexagram. The noble one, through this, encourages the people to help and exhort one another.
The well is muddy with silt and cannot be drunk from—this is because of its lowly position. The abandoned well has no birds—the times have forsaken it.
Small fish are shot at in the well—there is no one to assist.
The well is cleansed yet no one drinks from it—this conduct is sorrowful. Seeking an enlightened ruler is how to receive blessings.
Repairing the well wall brings no disaster—this is repairing the well.
The cold spring can be drunk from—because it is centered and upright.
Great good fortune at the top—this is great accomplishment.