The 38th Hexagram of the I Ching: Kuí (睽) Hexagram
The Symbolic Meaning of the Kuí Hexagram: Fire over Lake
The Kuí (睽) hexagram is formed by two different trigrams stacked on top of one another: lí (离), representing fire, and duì (兑), representing a lake. Fire is represented above, and water (lake) below. Fire rises while water sinks, symbolizing opposing forces. These two elements cannot support each other because their movements are in completely opposite directions, which represents conflict, division, and dissonance. The concept of Kuí reflects contradiction and divergence—when forces, ideas, or elements are at odds with one another.
Interpretation from Duan Yi Tian Ji (断易天机)
The Kuí hexagram, with lí (fire) on top and duì (lake) below, represents an unstable and conflicting situation. The hexagram suggests that while significant ventures may not be successful, smaller tasks may proceed smoothly.
Explanation from Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong (邵雍)
According to Shao Yong, Kuí symbolizes a situation where people’s hearts are misaligned, moving in the opposite direction from their goals. It suggests difficulty in accomplishing great things and cautions against large undertakings during this time. The hexagram points to poor fortune, where opposing forces like water and fire are in conflict, making it difficult to achieve success.
Interpretation from Taiwanese Scholar Fu Pei-rong (傅佩荣)
- Timing: When facing this situation, avoid sudden changes and approach things calmly.
- Financial Luck: Opportunities might come from others’ abandonment, so small gains are possible.
- Home: It’s advisable to move or change locations; choose carefully when it comes to marriage.
- Health: A condition of “upper fire and lower dampness,” which can be challenging to treat.
Traditional Interpretation of the Kuí Hexagram
The Kuí hexagram is formed by duì (兑) below and lí (离) above. Fire, representing brightness and upward movement, is on top, while the lake, representing water and downward flow, is below. This creates a situation of conflict, as the two forces are moving in opposite directions. Everything in the world has differences, and where there is difference, there is conflict. This is what the Kuí hexagram represents: contradiction or conflict.
Great Image (Dà Xiàng):
The image of Kuí is one of lí (fire) rising upwards while duì (lake) descends. The two opposing forces are a reflection of dissonance. This is akin to two women living together without harmony, unable to properly coordinate with one another.
Fortune and General Trends:
The energy in Kuí is unfavorable, leading to difficulty in achieving desired outcomes. Water and fire are incompatible, making success challenging. The advice is to remain calm, avoid panic, and adapt to changes without fear.
Career and Business:
Starting a business or a career during this period may be difficult, and the environment can be harsh. However, if you find like-minded people with whom you share trust and a common goal, success is still possible. Early successes may be small, but steady accumulation of small victories can eventually lead to larger accomplishments. Success is born from cooperation, while failure often stems from disharmony. To achieve success, foster unity and tolerance, and avoid internal distrust or conflict.
Business Advice:
In competitive markets, approach with a calm and balanced attitude. Seek harmony and minor differences, but avoid antagonism. It is crucial to avoid disputes and conflicts to prevent misfortune. Fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect is key to avoiding unnecessary risks.
Reputation and Fame:
Success comes from sincerity, diligence, and advancement. Even when dealing with adversaries or difficult individuals, maintain a tolerant attitude, offering some space for communication. It’s important to realize that agreement is not always necessary—differences can exist, yet unity can still be achieved through understanding and compromise.
Marriage and Relationships:
Honesty and sincerity are essential in relationships. If either party is deceitful or if trust is broken, the relationship will be vulnerable to outside interference, and the family may fall apart. A third party could easily disrupt the harmony if trust is compromised.
Decision-Making and Strategy:
At times of contradiction or opposition, it is crucial to approach situations with openness, patience, and flexibility. Understand that where there is alignment, there will also be divergence. Where there is unity, there will also be differences. Keep a balanced, harmonious approach in all aspects of life to avoid excessive rigidity or impulsiveness. A drastic, unyielding attitude could lead to suspicion and conflicts, potentially leading to serious harm. Flexibility and understanding are the keys to success.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Kuí Hexagram
Line Text: Chū Jiǔ (初九): “悔亡；丧马，勿逐自复；见恶人，无咎。”
Translation of Line Text: “Regret disappears; a lost horse will return on its own; encountering an enemy, no harm will come.”
Explanation of Line Text:
This line suggests that regret fades away, and there’s no need to chase after a lost horse as it will come back by itself. Additionally, encountering an enemy or someone hostile will not bring harm. The idea is that certain losses or challenges will resolve on their own, and direct confrontation with opponents will not lead to disaster if handled properly.
If you draw this line, remember:
- “Travel southwest, but beware of northeast.”
- “First anxiety, then no harm; like a lone boat on a quiet river.”
- “Two tails of oxen, one mouth of a rat.”
- “In a situation of mutual entanglement, gain from one but lose the other.”
- “Although regret and restraint seem to have no outcome, the timing is wrong and the path leads to exhaustion.”
- “An enemy may cause harm, but in the end, no disaster will arise.”
Change of the First Line of Kuí Hexagram
The first line changes into the 64th Hexagram of the I Ching: Fire and Water Not Yet Accomplished (火水未济). This hexagram is formed by li (离) above (fire) and kǎn (坎) below (water). Fire is above and water below, and while fire is overpowering water, the task of extinguishing the fire has not yet been completed. This represents a situation where things have not yet been resolved, and the changes and transformations are still in progress. The I Ching begins with the hexagrams Qián (乾) and Kūn (坤) and ends with the hexagrams Jì Jì (既济) and Wèi Jì (未济), symbolizing the ongoing process of change and development.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Kuí Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Èr (九二): “遇主于巷，无咎。”
Translation of Line Text: “Meeting the master in an alley, there will be no harm.”
Explanation of Line Text:
This line suggests an encounter with someone in a position of power (referred to here as the “master”) in a small or hidden place, and despite the unusual circumstances, no harm or danger will come from the meeting. It reflects the idea of an unexpected but favorable situation where things turn out well even when the context seems unconventional.
If you draw this line, remember:
- “Long entrapment leads to salvation, like a lonely boat in a narrow river.”
- “This time, regret yourself; do not wait for autumn to return.”
- “Stay in one place, make your decision.”
- “Success comes from bending without losing your principles, and time clearly divides your efforts.”
Change of the Second Line of Kuí Hexagram
The second line changes into the 21st Hexagram of the I Ching: Fire and Thunder, Shih Kè (火雷噬嗑). This hexagram is formed by li (离) above (fire) and zhèn (震) below (thunder). This situation involves the interaction of fire and thunder, symbolizing the necessary combination of both gentle and firm methods. It is a time for both the application of force and for subtlety. Shī Kè (噬嗑) means to bite and chew, metaphorically indicating the need to handle situations with both caution and strength.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Kuí Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Sān (六三): “见舆曳，其牛掣；其人天且劓。无初有终。”
Translation of Line Text: “Seeing the cart dragging, its oxen restrained; the driver is branded and mutilated. There is no beginning, only an end.”
Explanation of Line Text:
This line describes a situation where progress is difficult: the cart is hindered by the oxen, and even the driver suffers punishment. Despite these challenges, the situation will eventually come to a resolution, although the process is arduous. The “no beginning, only an end” signifies that although difficulties are present, there is an inevitable end to the struggle, and success will come eventually.
If you draw this line, remember:
- “The cart drags over rugged hills, much difficulty lies ahead; a peach tree blooms in the night rain.”
- “When Kuí and Lí (离) come together, beware of the spring’s end and fading flowers.”
- “Great disaster comes unprepared, and mutual struggle intensifies.”
- “Both separation and union are governed by the natural order; beginnings are elusive, but an end will eventually come.”
- “Boiling water creates chaotic waves, and the lone boat struggles against the storm.”
- “What seems like cleverness may lead to failure, and human affairs are in constant flux.”
Change of the Third Line of Kuí Hexagram
The third line changes into the 14th Hexagram of the I Ching: Fire over Heaven, Dà Yǒu (火天大有). This hexagram consists of li (离) above (fire) and qián (乾) below (heaven). The fire above illuminates and shines upon everything, bringing prosperity and order. This hexagram indicates great success and achievement, symbolizing that when one aligns with the natural flow, much can be accomplished.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Kuí Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Sì (九四): “睽孤；遇元夫，交孚，厉无咎。”
Translation of Line Text: “In isolation; meeting the strong man, forming a bond with sincerity, despite danger, there is no harm.”
Explanation of Line Text:
This line indicates a situation of being isolated or alienated due to differing opinions or a lack of alignment with others. However, one meets a strong, virtuous man (the “元夫” or “initial strong man”) and forms a relationship based on mutual trust and sincerity. Despite the dangers posed by isolation or opposition, the alliance provides safety and avoids harm.
If you draw this line, remember:
- “Though you stand alone, encountering an old friend brings peace.”
- “If you carry personal anxiety or fear, it can still be avoided with proper preparation.”
- “A time will come when your efforts align, and trustworthy letters will arrive from the clouds.”
- “Ask those by the water’s edge for guidance, and good news will follow.”
- “When the heart and mind are insufficient, results may fall short.”
- “The turning of clouds and rain will bring eventual success, after some cycles.”
Change of the Fourth Line of Kuí Hexagram
The fourth line changes into the 41st Hexagram of the I Ching: Mountain and Marsh, Sun (山泽损). This hexagram is formed by duì (兑) below (marsh) and gèn (艮) above (mountain). The upper mountain and lower marsh represent a situation where resources are depleted, but in the process of reduction, there may also be some benefits. It’s a reminder that progress often involves loss, and both loss and gain must be balanced carefully. In governance or personal affairs, excess can lead to harm, and loss should be measured and controlled for the best outcome.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Kuí Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Wǔ (六五): “悔亡，厥宗噬肤，往何咎？”
Translation of Line Text: “Regret disappears; their clan gnaws at the skin, what harm can there be ahead?”
Explanation of Line Text:
This line suggests that regret has been overcome, and members of a group or clan are working together in harmony (“gnawing at the skin” symbolizes unity through mutual action). With this unity, there is no danger ahead, and they can move forward without fear of obstacles.
If you draw this line, remember:
- “Though success has not been fully achieved, you will meet challenges along the way.”
- “Regret may vanish, but success and failure are inevitable, and this path will eventually lead to no harm.”
- “Anxiety and worry will dissipate, and difficulties will turn into harmony in time.”
- “The actions you take will bring about favorable outcomes, and celebrations will follow naturally.”
Change of the Fifth Line of Kuí Hexagram
The fifth line changes into the 10th Hexagram of the I Ching: Heaven and Marsh, Lǚ (天泽履). This hexagram consists of duì (兑) below (marsh) and qián (乾) above (heaven). It represents the idea of stepping forward with caution, as stepping on the tiger’s tail is dangerous but does not result in harm. It emphasizes the need for careful actions in the face of risk, aligning with the natural order and taking the proper steps forward with respect and prudence.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Kuí Hexagram
Line Text: Shàng Jiǔ (上九): “睽孤，见豕负涂，载鬼一车，先张之弧，后说之弧；匪宼，婚媾；往遇雨则吉。”
Translation of Line Text: “In isolation, seeing a pig covered in mud; a cart carrying ghosts; first drawing the bow, then relaxing it; not thieves, but a wedding procession; if it rains, there will be good fortune.”
Explanation of Line Text:
This line describes a state of extreme isolation, where confusion or misperception occurs (seeing a pig covered in mud, or a cart filled with ghosts). Initially, there is a threat perceived (drawing the bow), but upon closer inspection, it is revealed to be a harmless wedding procession. The advice is to trust and not doubt—misunderstandings and suspicions will be cleared up, leading to favorable outcomes, especially when the conditions are right (e.g., if it rains, success follows).
This line teaches the principle of trust over suspicion. In times of uncertainty or isolation, one may experience doubt or fear of the unknown, but through trust and investigation, the truth will become clear. Misunderstandings will dissolve, and positive outcomes will emerge when approached with trust.
If you draw this line, remember:
- “You may be in a situation of complete isolation, seeing things that seem alarming but are actually harmless.”
- “Doubts may arise, but after further inspection, you will realize that there is no danger.”
- “Only by removing suspicion and maintaining trust can you see the truth and benefit from a harmonious resolution.”
- “When encountering difficulties or misunderstandings, remain calm and clear-minded, as favorable circumstances may emerge unexpectedly.”
Change of the Sixth Line of Kuí Hexagram
The sixth line changes into the 54th Hexagram of the I Ching: Thunder and Marsh, Guī Mèi (雷泽归妹). This hexagram is formed by zhèn (震) below (thunder) and duì (兑) above (marsh). It represents the idea of a young woman marrying a man, symbolizing the union of opposites and the coming together of differing energies. The hexagram reflects a marriage or union that moves forward, leading to harmony and a favorable outcome. The path may involve initial difficulties, but it ultimately brings success and happiness.