The Family
Wind over fire, the image of the family, light spreading from a centered hearth.
The family. The perseverance of the woman furthers.
Wind comes forth from fire, the image of the family. The superior person speaks with substance and is consistent in conduct.
In plain terms: Hexagram 37, "The Family", is one of the 64 symbols in the I Ching — an ancient Chinese book you consult for guidance, a bit like asking a wise advisor. Its core message: wind over fire, the image of the family, light spreading from a centered hearth..
Modern Interpretation
A family hexagram about the smallest unit of social order. Wind issues from fire; the warmth of the centered hearth radiates outward. The classical counsel is that the integrity of the family depends on the integrity of each role, and that the larger world is built from the small reliable units of the household. In modern terms this is the founding family, the cofounder pair, the small core team. The world is built from these small reliable cells.
Application by Life Domain
Tend the small reliable rituals of the partnership. Daily small fidelity is what the larger commitment is made of.
Build the small core team carefully. Larger ventures grow from solid small units.
Yes, tend the small unit. The next phase depends on this foundation being strong.
Honor the small reliable unit. Larger life is built of these.
The Trigrams of This Hexagram
Upper: Xun (巽)
Wind and Wood, the Gentle, gradual penetration. In Five Element terms: Yin Wood.
Lower: Li (离)
Fire, the Clinging, light and dependence. In Five Element terms: Yin Fire.
Other Hexagrams
Browse other hexagrams in the I Ching sequence.