Hexagram 38: Opposition
Divergence, misunderstanding
| Chinese | 睽 (Kuí) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☲ Fire — The Clinging (Fire) |
| Lower trigram | ☱ Lake — The Joyous (Metal) |
| Keywords | opposition, contrast, diversity, reconciliation |
| Opposite | Hexagram 39: Obstruction |
| Inverted | Hexagram 37: The Family |
What does Hexagram 38 (Opposition) mean?
Opposition 睽 (Kuí) is hexagram 38 of the I Ching, formed by Fire (The Clinging) over Lake (The Joyous). Its theme is divergence, misunderstanding, with key ideas of opposition, contrast, diversity, reconciliation. The Judgment reads: “Opposition. In small matters, good fortune.”
The Judgment of Opposition
Opposition. In small matters, good fortune.
The Image of Opposition
Above, fire; below, the lake.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 38
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Nine at the beginning
“Remorse disappears. If you lose your horse, do not run after it; it will come back of its own accord. When you see evil people, guard yourself against mistakes.”
What is lost through opposition will return if not grasped after. In the presence of opposition, the main work is self-protection from reactive error.
Nine in the second place
“One meets his lord in a narrow street. No blame.”
Even in conditions of misalignment, chance encounters with the right person can occur. Such meetings, though indirect, are not mistakes.
Six in the third place
“One sees the wagon dragged back, the oxen halted, a man's hair and nose cut off. Not a good beginning, but a good end.”
Opposition in its most humiliating form still resolves eventually. The degrading start does not determine the final outcome if one perseveres.
Nine in the fourth place
“Isolated through opposition, one meets a like-minded man with whom one can associate in good faith. Despite the danger, no blame.”
In a world of opposites, the right ally appears at the moment of greatest isolation. Meeting in danger, but in genuine agreement, dissolves the blame.
Six in the fifth place
“Remorse disappears. The companion bites his way through the wrappings. If one goes to him, how could it be a mistake?”
The right companion breaks through every barrier to reach you. Going toward such authentic connection cannot be wrong.
Nine at the top
“Isolated through opposition, one sees one's companion as a pig covered with dirt, as a wagon full of devils. First one draws a bow against him, then one lays the bow aside. He is not a robber; he will woo at the right time. As one goes, rain falls; then good fortune comes.”
Paranoid perception in a state of opposition sees enemies everywhere; when the illusion clears, the truth is revealed. Lowering one's guard and allowing genuine connection produces resolution and blessing.
Will Opposition answer your question?
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