Hexagram 38
Opposition (Kuí)
Above: Fire · Below: Lake
When you disagree, small things can still be done
Video
The judgment
When people don't see eye to eye, big things are hard to achieve, but small things can still be done.
The Image: Fire above, the lake below: opposition. So the noble person finds common ground while keeping their differences.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
Hearts turn outward and run in opposite directions. Hard to get things done; not a time for big moves.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
The granaries overflow, millions of measures; good for sowing millet and grain, and the years bring increase.
The granaries are full to the brim. A good time to plant crops, with a harvest every year.
Takashima
- On fortune: luck is turned upside down at the moment; handle things with integrity.
- On trade: prices swing far apart. If you take up what others discard, there is still a little profit to be had.
Five common questions
Timing
Luck upside down; act with integrity
Health
Heat above, damp below; adjust slowly
Money
Take what others discard; a little profit
Home
Disagreement at home; each give a little
Love
Differences within agreement; choose by temperament
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Nine at the beginning: Regret vanishes. If you lose your horse, don't chase it — it will come back by itself. Meeting bad people, no blame.
- Nine in the second place: Meeting one's master in a narrow lane. No blame.
- Six in the third place: The cart is dragged back, the oxen held fast; the driver is branded and his nose cut off. No good beginning, but a good end.
- Nine in the fourth place: Isolated by opposition, one meets a like-minded person and they trust each other. Danger, but no blame.
- Six in the fifth place: Regret vanishes. His kinsman bites through the skin. Going forward, what blame could there be?
- Nine at the top: Isolated by opposition, he sees a pig covered in mud and a cart full of ghosts. First he draws his bow, then he lays it down. It is no robber — it is someone coming to ask for a marriage. Going forward, if one meets rain, good fortune.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.