I Ching Hexagram 38 Kui

Hexagram Position Information

• Hexagram Sequence: Hexagram 38
• Hexagram Name: Opposition
• Hexagram Image: Li ☲ over Dui ☱ (fire above, lake below)
• Binary Representation: 101011
• Hexagram Quality: a lower-lower hexagram, signifying estrangement, divergence, and opposition; small matters can succeed, but great undertakings are hard to unite

• Primary Hexagram: Opposition (Hexagram 38)
• Nuclear Hexagram: After Completion (Hexagram 63)
• Inverse Hexagram: Obstruction (Hexagram 39)
• Complementary Hexagram: The Family (Hexagram 37)

Opposition comes after The Family. The Sequence of the Hexagrams says: “When the way of the family reaches its end, estrangement must follow; therefore Opposition follows.” When internal order is pushed to its limit, division and estrangement arise in turn. This is an inevitable stage in human affairs and in the course of the world.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Opposition. Small matters are auspicious.

The Hexagram Opposition symbolizes divergence, conflict, and discord. The overall situation does not favor major action, but in limited situations and smaller affairs, favorable results can still be achieved through flexibility and skillful response.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Fire above, lake below: Opposition. The noble one seeks harmony amid difference.

The upper trigram is Li, Fire; the lower trigram is Dui, Lake. Fire blazes upward, while the lake moistens downward. Their directions are opposed, symbolizing estrangement and conflict. In contemplating this hexagram, the noble one should seek common ground within difference, and maintain rationality and tolerance within opposition.

• Symbolism: divergence, opposition, conflict, each going its own way
• Structure: Li Fire above, Dui Lake below; water and fire move contrary to each other
• Keywords: Opposition, seeking common ground amid difference, separation without rupture

Opposition reveals this truth: within sameness there is difference, and within difference there is sameness. True wisdom lies not in eliminating differences, but in acknowledging and harmonizing them. If one clings stubbornly to only one side and rejects what is different, even greater division is likely to result.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. First Nine: Remorse vanishes. If you lose your horse, do not chase it; it will return of itself. Seeing evil people brings no blame.

   What is lost may return; there is no need to force the issue. By taking the initiative to dissolve opposition, one can instead avoid misfortune. Philosophical meaning: easing conflict is better than direct confrontation.

2. Nine in the Second Place: He meets his lord in a narrow lane. No blame.

   They meet by an indirect path and find one who understands. Philosophical meaning: do not be bound by outward form; if you hold to the right way, a turning point will come.

3. Six in the Third Place: One sees the wagon dragged back and its oxen halted. At first there is no beginning, but in the end there is completion.

   The beginning is difficult, but help arrives in the end. Philosophical meaning: when circumstances are unfavorable, patience and perseverance are especially important.

4. Nine in the Fourth Place: Isolated in opposition, he meets a great man. If they deal with each other in trust, danger brings no blame.

   In isolation, one finds a trustworthy person. Philosophical meaning: sincere connection can break an isolated impasse.

5. Six in the Fifth Place: Remorse vanishes. His kinsmen bite through the skin. If he goes forward, what blame could there be?

   Unite with one's own kind and let go of old grievances together. Philosophical meaning: in human relations, closeness is better than alienation.

6. Top Nine: Isolated in opposition, first there is doubt and then release. If one goes forward and meets rain, there will be good fortune.

   Suspicion fully dissolves, and yin and yang are reconciled once more. Philosophical meaning: trust is the key to resolving all estrangement.

Guidance for Real Life

Keywords and Overall Guidance:

Fortune is not flowing smoothly and hearts are not of one mind. It is best to hold to what is right, keep your own center, and avoid direct confrontation.

Career and Finances:

Starting a venture is difficult, and internal disagreements are pronounced. Small projects can succeed, while large plans are prone to fail. The key to success or failure lies in whether common ground can be preserved amid differences and cooperation strengthened.

Great gains are hard to obtain, but small profits may be found where others overlook them. Proceed cautiously and avoid disputes.

Love and Relationships:

If mutual trust is lacking, suspicion easily arises. Treat one another with sincerity, or a third party may readily intervene.

Physical and Emotional State:

There may be signs of excess heat above and dampness below. Pay attention to emotions, heart fire, and digestive issues.

The above is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please give priority to consulting a qualified medical or mental health professional.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of Opposition lies in acknowledging difference and dissolving conflict, seeking harmony amid divergence and finding wisdom within contradiction.