Hexagram 55
Abundance
豐 (Fēng)
Thunder over Fire
Hexagram 55 represents the peak of prosperity, fullness, and abundance in all aspects of life. This powerful hexagram symbolizes a time when resources, opportunities, and energies reach their maximum potential, like the sun at its zenith illuminating everything below. The combination of Thunder above and Fire below creates dynamic brilliance and expansive power. However, this hexagram also carries a profound warning that all peaks naturally precede decline, teaching the wisdom of maintaining abundance through awareness, gratitude, and proper stewardship during times of greatest success and prosperity.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (卦辞)
Translation: "Abundance has success. The king attains abundance. Be not sad. Be like the sun at midday."
Hexagram 55 represents the magnificent moment when all elements align to create maximum prosperity and success. This is the time when your efforts bear abundant fruit, when opportunities multiply, and when your influence reaches its greatest extent. Like a king who has achieved the height of power and prosperity, you stand at the pinnacle of achievement. The hexagram teaches that abundance is not merely about accumulation but about the radiant sharing of blessings, illuminating others as the sun illuminates the earth. The counsel to be like the sun at midday reminds us that true abundance shines outward, benefiting all within its reach, rather than hoarding light for oneself alone.
Yet this hexagram carries essential wisdom about the nature of peaks and cycles. Just as the sun at noon must inevitably descend, abundance contains within it the seeds of change. The instruction not to worry does not mean complacency, but rather encourages maintaining clarity and generosity even while understanding impermanence. True mastery of abundance lies in using this time of fullness wisely, sharing generously, and preparing for natural transitions. The wise person celebrates abundance while remaining grounded, knowing that the greatest gift of prosperity is the opportunity to benefit others and build lasting foundations.
The Image (大象传)
君子以折獄致刑。
Translation: "Both thunder and lightning come: the image of Abundance. Thus the superior person decides lawsuits and carries out punishments."
The image of thunder and lightning arriving together creates a powerful symbol of clarity and decisive action. When lightning illuminates and thunder shakes, everything becomes visible and nothing can remain hidden. In times of abundance, the superior person possesses both the clarity to see truth and the authority to act decisively. This is the moment to address long-standing issues, make important decisions, and establish justice with both wisdom and power. The combination of illumination and force represents the ability to cut through confusion and establish order when resources and influence are at their peak, ensuring that abundance serves the greater good.
This image also teaches that abundance brings responsibility. With great resources comes the duty to use them wisely and justly. The superior person does not use abundance for personal indulgence but rather to create clarity, resolve conflicts, and establish systems that benefit all. Like thunder and lightning that clear the air and bring rain, true abundance should refresh and renew society, addressing wrongs and establishing fairness. The peak of power is the ideal time to make difficult but necessary decisions that might be impossible during times of scarcity.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"When a man meets his destined ruler, they can be together ten days, and it is not a mistake. Going meets with recognition."
This line indicates meeting someone of equal stature or complementary power during a time of abundance. When two forces of similar magnitude unite, they create even greater abundance. Pursue this partnership actively, as it holds tremendous potential for mutual benefit and achievement. The connection may seem intense or all-consuming, but this is appropriate given the magnitude of opportunity. Move forward with confidence, as this alliance will bring recognition and success to both parties involved.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"The curtain is of such fullness that the polestars can be seen at noon. Through going one meets with mistrust and hate. If one rouses him through truth, good fortune comes."
You face obstacles that obscure your vision despite being in a time of abundance. Others may misunderstand your intentions or oppose your efforts due to suspicion or jealousy. The key is maintaining absolute sincerity and truth in all actions. Do not be discouraged by initial resistance or darkness. By consistently demonstrating genuine intentions and unwavering honesty, you will eventually break through the barriers and achieve success. Persistence in truth overcomes all obstacles.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"The underbrush is of such abundance that the small stars can be seen at noon. He breaks his right arm. No blame."
This line warns of excessive abundance creating its own problems. When growth becomes too dense, it blocks light and creates confusion. You may lose important assistance or capability during this time, symbolized by the broken right arm. However, this is not a disaster but rather a necessary limitation that prevents overextension. Accept reduced capacity gracefully and focus on what remains possible. Sometimes abundance must be pruned to remain healthy and sustainable.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"The curtain is of such fullness that the polestars can be seen at noon. He meets his ruler, who is of like kind. Good fortune."
Despite obscurity and confusion in your environment, you encounter someone who truly understands and supports you. This meeting with a kindred spirit or compatible leader brings breakthrough and success. Even when circumstances seem dark or unclear, the right connection illuminates the path forward. Trust in this relationship and work together to navigate through current challenges. The partnership formed now will prove invaluable and lead to mutual prosperity and achievement.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Lines are coming, blessing and fame draw near. Good fortune."
This is the most favorable position in the hexagram of abundance. You attract talented people, beneficial opportunities, and widespread recognition. Your reputation grows naturally as others seek your wisdom and leadership. Accept these blessings with grace and use them to benefit others. This is a time of celebration and achievement, where your efforts receive proper acknowledgment and reward. Share your success generously, as this magnifies and extends your good fortune.
Six at the Top (上六)
Top line - Yin
"His house is in a state of abundance. He screens off his family. He spies through the gate and no longer perceives anyone. For three years he sees nothing. Misfortune."
The top line warns of isolation at the peak of abundance. When success leads to withdrawal from others, building walls instead of bridges, misfortune follows. Abundance hoarded becomes a prison rather than a blessing. If you isolate yourself in your prosperity, you will lose connection with reality and with people, leading to decline. The remedy is opening your doors, sharing your abundance, and maintaining human connections. Prosperity without community leads to emptiness and eventual loss.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In matters of the heart, hexagram 55 represents a peak period of passion, connection, and romantic fulfillment. Existing relationships reach new heights of intimacy and joy, with both partners experiencing deep satisfaction and mutual appreciation. This is an excellent time to celebrate your love, perhaps through special occasions, travel together, or renewing commitments. The abundance of positive energy in your relationship creates opportunities for growth and deeper bonding. However, remember that maintaining this peak requires continued attention and generosity toward each other, not complacency in the glow of current happiness.
For those seeking love, this hexagram indicates a period of high attractiveness and multiple romantic opportunities. You radiate confidence and appeal, drawing potential partners naturally. Be discerning in your choices, as abundance can sometimes create confusion about which connection holds true depth. Look for someone who matches your energy and values, not just someone attracted to your current success or radiance. The right relationship formed now has potential for lasting significance, but superficial attractions may fade as quickly as they appeared.
The wisdom of hexagram 55 in relationships is to share your abundance of love generously while remaining grounded. Express affection freely, create memorable experiences together, and invest in your partnership's future. Avoid the trap of taking abundance for granted or becoming isolated in your happiness. Stay connected to friends and community even while enjoying romantic fulfillment. The most sustainable love is that which enriches not only the couple but radiates outward to benefit others through the couple's positive example and generous spirit.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 55 signals a pinnacle moment in your career or business. Projects succeed beyond expectations, recognition comes from multiple sources, and opportunities multiply rapidly. This is the time when your expertise is most valued and your influence reaches its maximum extent. Use this period to accomplish ambitious goals, launch significant initiatives, and establish your reputation firmly. Your decisions carry weight and your actions have far-reaching impact. However, with this power comes responsibility to act with integrity and wisdom, making choices that benefit not only yourself but your organization and industry.
For entrepreneurs and business leaders, abundance manifests as strong revenue growth, expanding market share, and successful product launches. Your business attracts top talent, loyal customers, and favorable partnerships. This is the ideal time to invest in infrastructure, expand operations, and solidify your market position. However, avoid overextension or arrogance that sometimes accompanies rapid success. Maintain the disciplines and values that brought you to this peak. Share profits with employees, invest in community, and build systems that will sustain success beyond the current boom.
The challenge during professional abundance is maintaining perspective and preparing for inevitable market changes. Use current success to build reserves, diversify offerings, and develop your team's capabilities. Make the difficult decisions that are easier to implement when resources are plentiful. Address any organizational issues or conflicts decisively, as you have the authority and resources to create lasting solutions. Most importantly, remain accessible and connected to colleagues and clients rather than isolating yourself in executive privilege. True leadership in abundance means lifting others while you rise.
Health & Wellness (健康)
From a health perspective, hexagram 55 indicates peak vitality and physical well-being. Your energy levels are high, your body responds well to exercise and nutrition, and you feel strong and capable. This is an excellent time to establish ambitious fitness goals, try new physical activities, or push your performance to new levels. Your body has abundant resources for healing and growth. However, this abundance also requires wisdom to avoid overconfidence that leads to injury or burnout. The sun at its zenith is powerful but can also burn if you're not careful with exposure.
Mental and emotional health also flourish during this period. You feel confident, optimistic, and capable of handling life's challenges with grace and strength. Use this psychological abundance to address any lingering emotional issues or to support others who may be struggling. Your resilience is high, making this an ideal time for therapy, deep personal work, or helping friends through difficulties. However, be mindful not to overcommit or exhaust your emotional reserves by taking on too many others' burdens. Even abundant energy has limits.
The wisdom for health during hexagram 55 is to enjoy your vitality while building sustainable practices for the future. Don't assume peak health will last forever without maintenance. Use this time of strength to establish excellent habits in nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management. Get preventive health screenings and address any minor issues before they become major. Share your wellness journey with others, perhaps by teaching fitness classes, sharing healthy recipes, or simply being an inspiring example. Your radiant health can motivate others toward their own wellness goals.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 55 represents a period of exceptional prosperity and wealth accumulation. Income streams are strong and multiple, investments perform well, and opportunities for financial growth appear regularly. This is the time when years of effort pay off handsomely, when bonuses arrive, when business deals close successfully, and when your financial position strengthens significantly. Use this abundance wisely by paying off debts, building substantial savings, and making strategic investments that will provide security for the future. The key is recognizing that this peak is the perfect time to prepare for leaner periods that naturally follow.
However, financial abundance also brings temptations toward excessive spending, risky investments, or lifestyle inflation that can quickly erode wealth. The wisdom of hexagram 55 is to enjoy prosperity while maintaining discipline and perspective. Certainly celebrate your success and enjoy some fruits of your labor, but avoid the trap of believing abundance will continue indefinitely without effort or wisdom. Diversify your investments, maintain emergency reserves, and continue the financial practices that brought you to this prosperous position. Consult with trusted financial advisors to make the most of current opportunities.
This is also an ideal time for generous giving and supporting causes you believe in. When you have abundance, sharing it multiplies blessings and creates positive karma that returns in unexpected ways. Consider establishing charitable giving plans, helping family members with financial needs, or investing in your community. The most fulfilling use of wealth is not hoarding it but allowing it to flow through you to benefit others. Financial abundance that serves only yourself eventually feels empty, while wealth shared creates lasting satisfaction and often opens doors to even greater opportunities.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
In personal development, hexagram 55 represents a breakthrough period where multiple aspects of your growth converge into powerful transformation. Skills you've been developing suddenly click into place, insights arrive with clarity, and you experience a quantum leap in self-understanding and capability. This is the moment when you recognize how far you've come and feel confident in your abilities and wisdom. Use this peak awareness to tackle challenges you've been avoiding, to step into leadership roles, or to share your knowledge with others through teaching or mentoring. Your personal power is at its height.
However, the greatest danger during peak personal development is spiritual pride or the belief that you've arrived at complete understanding. True wisdom recognizes that every peak is also a plateau from which new mountains become visible. Use your current clarity and confidence to deepen your practice, explore new dimensions of growth, and remain humble before life's mysteries. This is an excellent time to find new teachers, study advanced topics, or challenge yourself with unfamiliar disciplines. Abundance in one area of development should inspire curiosity about unexplored territories.
The most meaningful use of personal abundance is service to others. When you've achieved clarity and capability, the natural next step is helping others on their journey. Mentor someone struggling with challenges you've overcome, share your insights through writing or speaking, or simply be a living example of what's possible through dedicated self-development. Your growth becomes most valuable when it illuminates the path for others. This outward focus also prevents the stagnation that can occur when personal development becomes self-absorbed rather than ultimately serving the greater good.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing of hexagram 55 is the peak moment, the zenith, the culmination of cycles of effort and growth. This is not a time for hesitation or small thinking but for bold action, ambitious projects, and maximum expression of your capabilities. Strike while the iron is hot, as opportunities available now may not return. Make important decisions, launch significant initiatives, and use your influence to create lasting positive change. However, act with wisdom and integrity, knowing that how you handle abundance determines whether its benefits extend beyond the current peak or evaporate with changing circumstances.
The essential advice of this hexagram is to be like the sun at midday, shining brilliantly and generously on all below. Share your abundance freely, illuminate others with your wisdom and resources, and use your power to benefit the wider community. Avoid the temptation to hoard, isolate, or become arrogant in success. The greatest leaders and most fulfilled individuals are those who recognize abundance as a trust to be stewarded wisely rather than a personal possession to be guarded jealously. Your generosity during peak times creates goodwill and support that will sustain you through future challenges.
Finally, maintain awareness that all peaks naturally transition to descent, not as failure but as part of natural cycles. Use this time of abundance to build foundations, create reserves, and establish systems that will endure beyond the current high point. Prepare for change without anxiety, knowing that wisdom gained during abundance serves you in all seasons. The person who handles prosperity with grace, generosity, and foresight demonstrates true mastery and creates conditions for sustained success across multiple cycles. Celebrate your abundance fully while remaining grounded in timeless principles of wisdom, compassion, and service.