Hexagram 27: Nourishment

Trigrams

Upper trigram: Gen (Mountain) · Lower trigram: Zhen (Thunder)

Judgment

Perseverance brings good fortune. Observe nourishment, and seek the means of one's own sustenance.

Image

Thunder beneath the mountain: nourishment. The noble one is careful in speech and moderate in eating and drinking.

Meaning of Hexagram Nourishment

Nourishment (頤) is hexagram #27 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams, formed by the upper trigram Gen (Mountain) and lower trigram Zhen (Thunder). It represents providing proper sustenance for body, mind, and others. When this hexagram is cast, the querent should meditate on the judgment and image to grasp what the Yi is saying about the current situation.

The Six Lines Explained

First Line (Nine at the Beginning)

"She er ling gui, guan wo duo yi, xiong — Abandoning one's own sacred tortoise to gaze at another's jaw movements; misfortune"

Setting aside one's own sacred tortoise (inner worth) to watch others in hope of being fed — misfortune. A warning against neglecting one's own value and chasing material desire at the cost of dignity.

Second Line (Six in the Second Place)

"Dian yi, fu jing, yu qiu yi, zheng xiong — Turning nourishment upside down, contrary to the norm; seeking support in the wrong place; to advance brings misfortune"

Turning one's manner of nourishment upside down, against the natural order, seeking support in the wrong place — to advance is unfortunate. A warning against seeking help in an unsuitable direction, against the natural order.

Third Line (Six in the Third Place)

"Fu yi, zhen xiong. Shi nian wu yong wu you li — Nourishment contrary to what is right; perseverance brings misfortune; for ten years it is of no use, nothing gained"

A manner of nourishment wholly contrary to the right path — misfortune; even prolonged, nothing is accomplished. The worst line of the hexagram, showing instability, rashness and lack of steadiness in conduct.

Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place)

"Dian yi, ji. Hu shi dan dan, qi yu zhu zhu, wu jiu — Nourishment turned upside down, yet good fortune; watching like a tiger with a fixed and eager gaze, and pursuing one's aim persistently; no blame"

Turning the manner of nourishment upside down, yet with good fortune — watching intently like a tiger's fixed gaze, pursuing one's goal with persistence: no blame. Unlike line 2's negative reversal, this line humbly seeks help from the capable, provided it is persistent and for a good purpose.

Fifth Line (Six in the Fifth Place)

"Fu jing, ju zhen, ji. Bu ke she da chuan — Contrary to the norm, but abiding in steadfastness brings good fortune; it is not fitting to cross the great river"

Against the usual order, yet firm perseverance in what is right brings good fortune; however, one should not undertake anything too great or risky. High in position, this line knows its own limits and relies on capable help to fulfil its responsibility.

Top Line (Nine at the Top)

"You yi, li ji. Li she da chuan — The source of nourishment; awareness of danger brings good fortune; it is favourable to cross the great river"

The whole realm depends on him for nourishment; the responsibility is heavy and calls for constant vigilance and caution to succeed, but great undertakings then become possible. A line of true ability, bearing the responsibility of nourishing all, requiring caution matched to that great responsibility.

The Transformed Hexagram

The inner trigram is Zhen (Thunder), the outer is Gen (Mountain). If a line moves, the hexagram transforms accordingly. Identify the exact moving line for the correct transformation.

Applications by Area of Life

Work & Career

Yi is about “nourishment” — nourishing one's own ability, or nourishing and supporting others. The first three lines (nourishing the body) are all unfavourable through lack of measure, while the last three (nourishing the spirit, helping others) are favourable — aim to contribute value to the collective rather than pursue only self-interest.

Love & Relationships

Avoid behaviour that overturns the natural order in a relationship (as warned in lines 2 and 3). Persistent, sincere pursuit of a worthy goal (line 4) brings a positive result.

Health

This hexagram relates directly to “nourishing” the body — pay attention to moderate, proper eating, avoiding fleeting cravings that harm long-term health (as warned in line 1).

Wealth

Know your own limits when investing (as line 5 warns, “do not cross the great river”), and seek support from more experienced people when needed (lines 4 and 5).

Frequently Asked Questions about Nourishment

What does hexagram Yi (Nourishment) mean?

Yi has two meanings: nourishment, and the jaw (mouth). This hexagram concerns nourishment — both physical and spiritual — and the importance of nourishing in the right way and with proper measure.

Why are the first three lines unfavourable while the last three are favourable?

The first three lines concern nourishing the body without measure (chasing material desire), while the last three concern nourishing the spirit and helping others — reflecting the I Ching's regard for spiritual value and contribution over personal material gain.

What is the meaning of the advice to “guard one's words, moderate one's eating” in this hexagram?

This is the counsel of the Great Image commentary, stressing two key aspects of self-nourishment: nourishing virtue (through careful speech) and nourishing the body (through moderate eating) — echoing the saying “calamity comes from the mouth, illness enters through the mouth.”