Guan
Contemplation
When you receive Hexagram 20, Guan, the I Ching turns your attention to contemplation. Contemplation. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.
The Judgment
Contemplation. Like the worshipper who has washed the hands but not yet presented the offerings. Sincerity and dignity command reverence.
Classical (Legge)Kwan 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 the reverence of beholders).
The Image
Wind moves over the earth. The ancient kings examined the regions of the kingdom, observed the ways of the people, and set forth their instructions.
Classical (Legge)(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.
The Changing Lines
The looking of a youth. No blame for those of lesser rank, but cause for regret in the centered one.
Classical (Legge)(The subject of this line shows the) looking of a lad — not blamable in men of inferior rank, but matter for regret in superior men.
Looking by peeping out from a door. The firm correctness of a woman furthers here.
Classical (Legge)The looking (produced by) peeping out from a door. It would be advantageous if it were (merely that of) a woman being firm and correct.
One looks at the course of one's own life, to advance or recede accordingly.
Classical (Legge)He looks at (the course of his own) life, to advance or recede (accordingly).
Contemplating the glory of the kingdom. It furthers to seek to be a guest of the king.
Classical (Legge)He looks at 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.
One contemplates the course of one's own life. The centered one will fall into no error.
Classical (Legge)He looks at (the course of) his own life. A superior man, he will (thus) fall into no error.
One contemplates the course of life as it affects others. The centered one will fall into no error.
Classical (Legge)He looks at (the course of his life as) affecting others (as well). A superior man, he will (thus) fall into no error.
Ask your own question
StillPoint casts Hexagram 20, Guan, the traditional way, then offers a reflection grounded in your actual question. The full ritual lives on your iPhone.
Cast a reading in StillPoint