What this hexagram is about
Qian is pure Yang — the creative force of Heaven, ceaseless and strong. It speaks of vigorous, upright action and the spirit of constant self-renewal: a time to lead and to strive, while staying balanced and never overreaching.
The Judgment 卦辞
元，亨，利，贞。
Originating; success; favorable; persevering.
The Image 大象传
《象》曰：天行健，君子以自强不息。
Heaven moves with tireless strength; so the noble person never ceases to strengthen himself.
Commentary on the Lines 小象传
潜龙勿用，阳在下也。飞龙在天，大人造也。亢龙有悔，盈不可久也。
'The hidden dragon does not act' — the yang is still below. 'The dragon flies in the heavens' — the great one is at work. 'The arrogant dragon has cause for remorse' — what is full cannot last.
The Six Lines (hover over the figure above)
Nine at the top亢龙有悔。
The dragon flies too high, rising to the extreme; what peaks must reverse, so regret will follow in the end.
Nine in the fifth place飞龙在天，利见大人。
The dragon flies high in the sky — the very time to act greatly; it is fitting to meet a great person of both virtue and position.
Nine in the fourth place或跃在渊，无咎。
The dragon may leap upward or withdraw into the depths; able to advance or retreat as the moment requires, there is no fault.
Nine in the third place君子终日乾乾，夕惕若，厉，无咎。
The noble person works diligently all day without slackening, and at night remains watchful and self-reflective; though the situation is risky, there is no disaster.
Nine in the second place见龙在田，利见大人。
The dragon appears in the field, coming into view; it is fitting to seek out and draw close to a person of virtue and standing.
Initial Nine潜龙，勿用。
The dragon still lies hidden underwater; the time is not ripe — hold off on action for now.
All Nines 用九见群龙无首，吉。
A flight of dragons appears, none striving to be the head — firm yet humble, not forcing — a sign of great good fortune.