Hexagram 37
The Family (The Clan)
家人 (Jiā Rén)
Wind over Fire
The image is of Wind being generated by Fire. The warmth of the flame (Fire, representing inner clarity and light) creates movement in the air (Wind, representing gentle, pervasive influence). This symbolizes the influence that radiates from a well-ordered home. The hexagram speaks to the structure of the family or any close-knit group. It emphasizes the importance of each member fulfilling their role, of clear and substantial communication, and of a strong, loving center from which all order and harmony emanate.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
This judgment points to the foundation of a strong family or group. The "woman" represents the nurturing, consistent, and receptive principle at the heart of the home. Her perseverance in managing the internal world—the emotional atmosphere, the daily order, the nourishment—is what creates the stability for the entire group to thrive. This highlights the vital importance of the inner, domestic sphere in creating any lasting outer success.
The Image (象传)
Just as the wind is a real effect of the fire's heat, so must a person's influence be based on something real. The superior person ensures their words are not empty but are backed by substance, knowledge, and true intent. Likewise, their conduct is not erratic but consistent and enduring. This combination of substantial speech and reliable behavior creates the trust and predictability necessary for a harmonious family or community.
Interpretation & Guidance
When you receive Hexagram 37, your attention is drawn to your closest relationships and your place within your "clan"—be it your family, your team, or your community. It is a time to focus on creating harmony and order within this group. This is achieved when every member understands and fulfills their role with integrity. Pay close attention to your communication: are your words meaningful and consistent with your actions? This is a time to strengthen your foundations, build trust within your inner circle, and appreciate the power and importance of belonging.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"Firmly enclosing the family. Remorse disappears."
Establishing clear rules and boundaries from the very beginning is essential. When everyone knows what is expected, potential conflicts are prevented before they can arise, and future regret is avoided.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"She should not follow her whims. She must attend to the food. Perseverance brings good fortune."
This represents the person in charge of the inner sphere. Their duty is to focus on providing consistent, reliable nourishment and order, rather than pursuing personal, arbitrary goals. Fulfilling this central role brings good fortune.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"When tempers flare in the family, too great severity brings remorse... When woman and child dally and laugh, it leads in the end to humiliation."
This line warns against emotional extremes within the family. Being either too strict or too lenient creates problems. A balance between discipline and affection is necessary for lasting harmony.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"She is the treasure of the house. Great good fortune."
This signifies the person who manages the household's resources with wisdom and care. By enriching the family through prudent management, they become a source of great good fortune and stability for everyone.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"As a king he approaches his family. Fear not. Good fortune."
The leader of the group rules not by force, but through love and sincere concern. Their influence is natural and inspiring. This approach creates a family or organization bound by affection and trust, which is highly auspicious.
Top Nine (上九)
Top line - Yang
"His work commands respect. In the end good fortune comes."
This is the patriarch or ultimate authority figure who takes responsibility for the whole. Their character is so sincere and their work so meaningful that they command respect naturally. This dignified self-cultivation ensures good fortune for the entire clan.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram is deeply connected to the idea of building a home and family. It speaks to the structure and roles that create a harmonious partnership. It's a time to ask: are we a team? Do we have clear, shared goals? Are we both fulfilling our parts of the bargain with love and responsibility? The "perseverance of the woman" points to the importance of nurturing the emotional core of the relationship—the daily acts of care, listening, and creating a safe haven. The Image's advice on "substance in words" is crucial: a strong relationship is built on honest, meaningful communication, not empty promises or careless talk. This is a highly favorable time for strengthening a commitment, discussing family plans, or simply focusing on creating a more structured, loving, and supportive home environment together.
Career & Business (事业)
In a business context, 'The Family' emphasizes the importance of company culture. A successful organization functions like a well-ordered family, where everyone knows their role, feels a sense of belonging, and is united by a common purpose. This hexagram advises leaders to communicate with substance and to lead by example ("duration in his way of life"). It's a time to focus on team cohesion, internal communication, and establishing clear structures and processes. A company with a strong, supportive "family" culture fosters loyalty, reduces internal conflict, and is more resilient. If you are an employee, this is a time to be a reliable and responsible team member, contributing positively to the group harmony. If you are considering a new job, look for a company with a strong, family-like culture where you feel you can truly belong.
Health & Wellness (健康)
For health, this hexagram points to the importance of routine, structure, and a supportive environment. Your body is a system, a "family" of organs and functions that thrive on order. This is a time to establish consistent patterns: regular meal times, a steady sleep schedule, and a predictable exercise routine. The "perseverance of the woman" can be seen as the need for consistent, nurturing self-care. Furthermore, your "family"—the people you live with—has a profound impact on your health. A harmonious home environment reduces stress and supports well-being, while a chaotic one can be a source of chronic illness. This hexagram encourages you to create a home that is a sanctuary of health, order, and peace, as this is the foundation of your personal vitality.
Financial Matters (财运)
'The Family' applies to finances through the concept of the household budget. It is a call to bring order, structure, and responsible management to your financial life. This is a time to think of your finances as a collective resource that needs to be managed for the good of the whole family unit. Line 4, "She is the treasure of the house," points directly to the good fortune that comes from prudent and careful management of resources. It's about teamwork in finances, establishing clear financial goals, and having honest conversations about money. This hexagram favors long-term financial planning, saving for shared goals like a home or education, and ensuring that the family's financial foundation is secure and well-ordered.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
On a personal level, this hexagram is about creating inner harmony. Your psyche is a "family" of different parts: your intellect, your emotions, your ambitions, your fears. Growth comes from becoming a wise and loving head of your own inner household. This means listening to all your inner voices but not letting any single one—especially not fleeting emotions (Line 3)—run the show. It is about aligning your actions with your deepest values ("substance in words and duration in way of life"). When your inner world is well-ordered, with your conscious, wise self in the lead, your influence radiates outward naturally and powerfully. This is a time for introspection, for bringing your inner parts into alignment, and for building a character so consistent and sincere that it commands respect.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The time is right to turn your focus inward, toward your home, your family, and your closest community. Strengthen these bonds. Clarify roles and responsibilities. Improve your communication, ensuring your words have substance. This is not a time for outward expansion, but for building a strong, harmonious, and reliable foundation. By creating order within your immediate circle, you create the stability necessary for all future success.
