Yi Jing · Chinese tarot
Dispersion
Hexagram 59 of the Yi Jing · 涣 Huàn
The figure
Wind above Water: the breath passing over the water and scattering it, the ice melting. The image of dissolution, of what comes undone and spreads.
What this figure illuminates
Dispersion lights up the moments when rigidities must be undone, when what had hardened must be dissolved — a block, a grudge, a withdrawal. To disperse is not to lose: it is to free what was held.
For a decision, the figure invites you to loosen: “what has hardened in me or around me, that I'd gain by letting melt rather than defending?”.
The classical text
The Judgment
Dispersion: what was frozen dissolves, and there is success. The king draws near the temple; it furthers to cross the great stream, and to be firm and correct.
The Image
Wind moves over the water, breaking it into scattering spray. Seeing this, the ancient kings made offerings to what is highest and raised temples to gather hearts together.
The Six Lines
- First line
Act to disperse the trouble at the first sign, with a strong horse to carry you. Good fortune.
- Second line
As things scatter, hurry to what steadies you — a support you can lean on. Cause for regret disappears.
- Third line
You set aside all thought of yourself, dissolving your own self-concern for the larger whole. No regret.
- Fourth line
You break up the factions and cliques, scattering what divided so a wider union can form. Great good fortune.
- Fifth line
At the center, you give out a great, clarifying word — as sweat pours in a fever breaking. What was pent up scatters; no error.
- Sixth line
You clear away what wounds and part from what you fear, letting the danger disperse far off. No 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
What has hardened that you'd gain by letting melt?
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