Hexagram 25: Innocence
Unexpected, natural action
| Chinese | 無妄 (Wú Wàng) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☰ Heaven — The Creative (Metal) |
| Lower trigram | ☳ Thunder — The Arousing (Wood) |
| Keywords | innocence, spontaneity, naturalness, truth |
| Opposite | Hexagram 46: Pushing Upward |
| Inverted | Hexagram 26: Great Taming |
What does Hexagram 25 (Innocence) mean?
Innocence 無妄 (Wú Wàng) is hexagram 25 of the I Ching, formed by Heaven (The Creative) over Thunder (The Arousing). Its theme is unexpected, natural action, with key ideas of innocence, spontaneity, naturalness, truth. The Judgment reads: “Innocence. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers.”
The Judgment of Innocence
Innocence. Supreme success. Perseverance furthers.
The Image of Innocence
Under heaven, thunder rolls.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 25
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Nine at the beginning
“Innocent behavior brings good fortune.”
Acting without calculation or hidden motive is the surest path when conditions are open and clear.
Six in the second place
“If one does not count on the harvest while plowing, nor on the use of the ground while clearing it — it furthers one to undertake something.”
Work for the work's own sake, not for anticipated reward. Detached engagement from the start enables forward motion.
Six in the third place
“Undeserved misfortune. The cow that was tethered by someone is the wanderer's gain, the citizen's loss.”
Innocent people may suffer losses that benefit strangers through no fault of their own. Accept unearned setbacks without bitterness.
Nine in the fourth place
“He who can be persevering remains without blame.”
Steadfast innocence in the face of temptation or chaos is the only protection. Maintain purity of intent regardless of circumstances.
Nine in the fifth place
“Use no medicine in an illness incurred through no fault of your own. It will pass of itself.”
Some difficulties are inherent in time and resolve naturally. Unnecessary intervention in a self-correcting situation only complicates it.
Nine at the top
“Innocent action brings misfortune. Nothing furthers.”
Even genuine innocence, acting at the wrong moment or against the flow of circumstances, produces harm. Timing is not separate from virtue.
Will Innocence answer your question?
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