Hexagram 12: Standstill
Stagnation, obstruction
| Chinese | 否 (Pǐ) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☰ Heaven — The Creative (Metal) |
| Lower trigram | ☷ Earth — The Receptive (Earth) |
| Keywords | stagnation, obstruction, decline, withdrawal |
| Opposite | Hexagram 11: Peace |
| Inverted | Hexagram 11: Peace |
What does Hexagram 12 (Standstill) mean?
Standstill 否 (Pǐ) is hexagram 12 of the I Ching, formed by Heaven (The Creative) over Earth (The Receptive). Its theme is stagnation, obstruction, with key ideas of stagnation, obstruction, decline, withdrawal. The Judgment reads: “Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior man.”
The Judgment of Standstill
Standstill. Evil people do not further the perseverance of the superior man.
The Image of Standstill
Heaven and earth do not unite.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 12
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“When ribbon grass is pulled up, the sod comes with it. Each according to his kind. Perseverance brings good fortune and success.”
In times of stagnation, like-minded people withdraw together. Maintaining integrity in retreat preserves future possibility.
Six in the second place
“They bear and endure. This means good fortune for inferior people. The standstill serves to help the great man to attain success.”
Those of small character may thrive in stagnation; those of integrity endure it and prepare for the turning of the cycle.
Six in the third place
“They bear shame.”
Those who advanced through inferior means feel the shame of their position as the stagnation deepens.
Nine in the fourth place
“He who acts at the command of the highest remains without blame. Those of like mind partake of the blessing.”
Acting from principle in a corrupt time attracts fellow seekers and brings shared benefit.
Nine in the fifth place
“Standstill is giving way. Good fortune for the great man. "What if it should fail, what if it should fail?" In this way he ties it to a cluster of mulberry shoots.”
The tide turns; but the wise leader guards against complacency through vigilance. Security comes from continuous awareness, not from success alone.
Nine at the top
“The standstill comes to an end. First standstill, then good fortune.”
Stagnation finally breaks; what was blocked begins to move again. The period of withdrawal has completed its purpose.
Will Standstill answer your question?
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