Hexagram 60
Limitation (Regulation)
节 (Jié)
Water over Lake
The image is of Water above a limited body of water, the Lake. A lake has a finite capacity; if too much water flows in, it will overflow. This symbolizes the principle of limitation. The dangerous potential of Water is safely contained by the banks of the Lake. This represents the necessary structures, boundaries, and regulations that channel energy and prevent waste, making life and society possible.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment teaches that creating structure and setting limits is a key to success. Boundaries prevent waste and create order. However, it gives a crucial warning: these limits must be reasonable and well-proportioned. If regulations are too harsh or oppressive, they will be rejected, and the system will fail. The goal is balanced, humane limitation, not bitter restriction.
The Image (象传)
Just as a lake is a body of water with a finite measure, the superior man brings order to the formlessness of life by creating systems of structure ("number and measure"), such as laws, schedules, and budgets. He does not create these rules arbitrarily. He first carefully considers what constitutes a virtuous and correct life, and then designs the limits to support and encourage that way of living.
Interpretation & Guidance
This is a time to focus on discipline, structure, and setting healthy boundaries. Success will come through moderation and the wise management of your resources—be it your time, money, or energy. Create a plan, make a budget, set a schedule. By establishing a clear framework, you avoid waste and chaos. However, be careful that the limits you set for yourself and others are not overly restrictive. Wise regulation is liberating; harsh restriction is a prison.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"Not going out of the door and the courtyard is without blame."
At the beginning, when the situation is still unclear, the wisest limitation is caution and self-restraint. By recognizing the need for limits and not acting impulsively, you understand the principle of the time and avoid making mistakes.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"Not going out of the gate and the courtyard brings misfortune."
An opportunity for action is present, but you are applying limitation too strictly. This excessive restraint and timidity cause you to miss your chance. When it is time to act, staying put leads to misfortune.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"He who sets no limits for himself will have cause to lament. No blame."
This line depicts a person who lives a life of excessive indulgence with no self-control. This lifestyle will inevitably lead to sorrow and regret. The misfortune is self-inflicted, so one cannot blame external circumstances.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"Contented limitation. Success."
You naturally and willingly accept the necessary limits of your position. You don't fight against the structure; you find contentment and freedom within it. This harmonious acceptance of discipline and order leads to success.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"Sweet limitation. Good fortune. To set forth brings renown."
As a leader, you apply limitations in a way that is gentle, fair, and beneficial to all. Because the structure you create is pleasing and helpful, people gladly accept it. This masterful application of "sweet" regulation brings good fortune and earns you a great reputation.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"Galling limitation. Perseverance brings misfortune. Remorse disappears."
The limitations you are imposing are far too harsh, bitter, and oppressive ("galling"). To continue on this path will only lead to rebellion and misfortune. However, the remorse that comes from recognizing this harshness can lead to a change of course, allowing the mistake to be corrected.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram points to the importance of healthy boundaries in a relationship. It may also suggest a need for moderation; perhaps a relationship has become all-consuming and needs to be balanced with personal time and space. A partnership with clear, respectful, and mutually agreed-upon limits is a strong and successful one. Conversely, a relationship with no limits can become chaotic and wasteful.
Career & Business (事业)
This is a time for budgets, schedules, strategic planning, and clear regulations. Success comes from creating a well-defined structure and working efficiently within it. It is about the wise management of resources—time, money, and personnel—and the avoidance of waste. For leaders, the key is to ensure that rules are fair and helpful ("sweet limitation"), not so rigid that they crush morale and creativity ("galling limitation").
Health & Wellness (健康)
Limitation is the core principle of a healthy lifestyle. It calls for discipline and moderation in all things. This means setting reasonable limits on food and drink, establishing a regular sleep schedule, and creating a structured exercise routine. Health is created and maintained by the wise regulation of one's own energies and appetites.
Financial Matters (财运)
This is the ultimate hexagram of budgeting. It is a direct and powerful call to create and live within financial limits. To achieve security and success, you must regulate your spending, curb extravagance, and save resources. Frugality and the disciplined management of money are the keys to prosperity now. Without limits, resources are wasted.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The profound lesson of Limitation is that true freedom is found not in boundless choice, but within a wisely chosen structure. Personal growth comes from the discipline of self-regulation. It is the ability to manage one's time, energy, and desires effectively. By consciously creating and accepting healthy limits in your life, you build a container for your own potential, preventing your life force from being scattered and wasted.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
Now is the time to create order, structure, and discipline. Set clear and reasonable limits for yourself and your projects. Create a budget, make a schedule, and practice moderation in all areas of your life. Success now depends on this wise regulation of energy. Be careful that your rules are not too harsh, but firm and fair. This is a time for building the container, not for letting things flow freely.
