Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Contemplation
Hexagram 20 of the Yi Jing · 观 Guān
The figure
Wind above the Earth: the breath passing over everything and revealing it, the gaze that takes in the whole. The image of contemplation.
What this figure illuminates
Contemplation lights up the value of stepping back: rising high enough to see the whole before acting. It is not fleeing action, it is founding it on a true view.
For a decision, the figure invites you to observe before cutting: “have I really seen the situation as a whole, or am I reacting to a fragment?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Contemplation: like the worshipper who has washed but not yet made the offering — held in sincerity and grave dignity, one commands a reverent gaze.
The Image
Wind moves over the earth, touching everything in turn. Seeing this, the ancient kings surveyed the land, observed the people, and set forth their teaching.
The Six Lines
- First line
Seeing like a child, only the surface. Excusable in the simple, but for one who should see further, cause for regret.
- Second line
Peering out through the crack of a door — a narrow, timid view. Fitting perhaps for a sheltered life, too small for one who must act.
- Third line
Look honestly at the course of your own life, and let what you see decide whether to advance or draw back.
- Fourth line
Contemplating the splendor of the realm. You are fit to be received as a guest at the highest table.
- Fifth line
Contemplate your own life with clear eyes. A person of character, examining themselves, falls into no error.
- Sixth line
Contemplating your very character — is it truly worthy? To weigh oneself so is to stay free of error.
Daoa's wording, written after the classical reference translations, now in the public domain: James Legge (1882) and Charles de Harlez (1889).
A question to keep
Have you seen the whole, or are you reacting to a fragment?
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Writing with this figure
- An introspective journalWriting to know yourself — without looping or self-judging.
- Prompts to feed your journalWhat to write? Good questions beat an empty page.
- Guided journaling, differentlyGuided journaling without generic lists: a figure opens each page.
- Prompts for shadow workWriting prompts for the shadow — and why a figure opens more than a frontal question.