Above; water, dangerous pit.
Below; wind, gentleness, penetration

The lower trigram is associated with wood, and this hexagram with the water above and the wood below represents the well, in which the water is lifted up in clay or wooden pitchers attached to wooden poles.
In Jing, we are reminded that, though the place of a town may be moved, the places of its wells cannot be changed. A well neither increases nor decreases. People come and go and draw water to their satisfaction. But sometimes, just when one is almost down to the water, the rope is not quite long enough, or the pitcher breaks – misfortune.
It is the combination of wood and water – the wood raising the water up – that gives the symbolism of the well. It is the strong yang line in the centre of the upper trigram that implies the unmoving nature of the well and its unchanging contents. The shortness of the rope indicates that we may fail to achieve what appears to be within our grasp. The breaking of the pitcher warns of certain misfortune.
Water above wood is the image of Jing. The Superior Man encourages people as they work, advising them how they may best help one another.

Line1

When the well is muddy none can drink from it. When the well is old no creatures come to it.
If a man has no spiritual qualities, he is like someone sunk in the mud. He has no significance for others. In the end he will be alone.

Line 2

Fish dart in the well water. The pitcher is broken and leaks.
The water in the well is clear, but it is not used. There are fish there to be caught, but the pitcher cannot be used for drawing water out. This represents a man who possesses good qualities that he makes no use of. He associates with inferiors and gradually deteriorates until he can no longer accomplish anything.

Line 3

The well is cleansed, but still, to my heart’s sorrow, no one comes to drink from it. Yet the water could be drawn. If the king were wise, many could share his good fortune.
This indicates that a capable man is at hand but that his abilities are not recognized and no use is made of him. If only someone in high position could appreciate his talents he could do much to help the people.

Line 4

The well is being lined. No error.
The well is being repaired and it cannot be used until the work is completed. Sometimes, one must devote one’s energies to one’s own spiritual improvement. At this time it is impossible to help others.

Line 5

The well water is cool from an icy spring and all may drink.
A virtuous man in a position of authority is an example to everyone. He offers the water of life to all who come to him.

Line 6

The well is uncovered. All may draw without hindrance. Have confidence. Great good fortune.
The really great man is like a dependable well. He never runs dry. He is accessible to everyone. He supplies all who come to him with spiritual nourishment. The more people take from him, the greater his spiritual wealth becomes.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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Hexagram 49

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