Hexagram 20 of 64 · Wind ☴ over Earth ☷
Contemplation
Guān
Contemplation from the tower — seeing the whole, and being seen as an example.
The Judgment
Contemplation. The ablution has been made, but not yet the offering. Full of trust they look up to him — the moment of reverent attention before action.
The Image
Wind moves over the earth: it touches everything, going everywhere, seen by its effects. The ancient kings visited the regions of the world, contemplated the people, and gave them instruction — leadership begins with looking.
Hexagram 20 Meaning
The character is a watchtower. From height you see the pattern that is invisible at ground level — and you are also visible from far away. Both readings apply. This is a time to observe rather than act: to gather perspective, see the whole picture, understand the forces at play. It is also a time when others are watching you, and your conduct teaches whether you intend it to or not. The ritual image — the washing done, the offering not yet made — is the exact posture: attentive, prepared, not yet moving.
Contemplation in Love
Step back and look at the whole relationship, not just this week’s argument or this month’s excitement. What is the actual pattern? Contemplation counsels honest seeing before deciding. It also reminds you that you are being observed — by the person you are interested in, by their friends, by children if there are any. Be the example you would want to follow. Do not act yet; understand first.
Contemplation in Career & Money
Survey before you build. Take the high view: the market, the organisation, the long trend. This is a strategic moment, not an operational one. If you lead, remember the tower works both ways — your people are watching and learning from how you behave. Set the example consciously. Decisions made after real contemplation under this hexagram tend to be the right ones.
What to Do
Look before you act — really look, from height, at the whole pattern. Let yourself be seen behaving well. Do not rush the offering; the preparation is the point right now.
Contemplation as a Yes or No
maybe
Not yet decided — the hexagram asks you to observe more before answering; the picture is not fully seen.
The Trigrams
Above: Wind (巽 Xùn) — the gentle — penetration, gradual influence, the eldest daughter.
Below: Earth (坤 Kūn) — the receptive — devotion, yielding, the mother.
The Six Lines of Contemplation
Read when the line is moving (a 6 or 9 in the cast). Bottom line first.
- 1
Line 1 · yin
Boylike contemplation: a childish, surface view — no blame for a beginner, humiliating for someone who should know better.
- 2
Line 2 · yin
Contemplation through the crack of the door: a narrow, limited perspective — acceptable for the sheltered, not for anyone with responsibility.
- 3
Line 3 · yin
Contemplation of my life decides the choice between advance and retreat: self-examination is the basis of the decision.
- 4
Line 4 · yin
Contemplation of the light of the kingdom: you see the whole clearly — it furthers one to serve as a guest of the king.
- 5
Line 5 · yang
Contemplation of my life — the superior person is without blame: examine your own effects on others, not just your intentions.
- 6
Line 6 · yang
Contemplation of his life — the superior person is without blame: detached from ego, the sage looks at themselves as they would at anyone.
Will Contemplation Appear in Your Cast?
Cast the coins on your own question — free, instant, with every moving line explained.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hexagram 20, Contemplation, mean?
The character is a watchtower. From height you see the pattern that is invisible at ground level — and you are also visible from far away. Both readings apply. This is a time to observe rather than act: to gather perspective, see the whole picture, understand the forces at play. It is also a time when others are watching you, and your conduct teaches whether you intend it to or not. The ritual image — the washing done, the offering not yet made — is the exact posture: attentive, prepared, not yet moving.
What does Contemplation mean in love?
Step back and look at the whole relationship, not just this week’s argument or this month’s excitement. What is the actual pattern? Contemplation counsels honest seeing before deciding. It also reminds you that you are being observed — by the person you are interested in, by their friends, by children if there are any. Be the example you would want to follow. Do not act yet; understand first.
What does Contemplation mean for career and money?
Survey before you build. Take the high view: the market, the organisation, the long trend. This is a strategic moment, not an operational one. If you lead, remember the tower works both ways — your people are watching and learning from how you behave. Set the example consciously. Decisions made after real contemplation under this hexagram tend to be the right ones.
Is hexagram 20 a yes or a no?
Contemplation answers "maybe". Not yet decided — the hexagram asks you to observe more before answering; the picture is not fully seen.
Previous hexagram
19. Approach
approach
Next hexagram
21. Biting Through
decisive action
Last updated: August 30, 2026
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