Hexagram 38
Upper · Lí (Fire) | Lower · Duì (Lake)
Divergence · conflict · difference · broken communication · small steps · harmony through contrast
Hexagram 38, Kuí (睽), is about divergence, conflict, and difference. Opposition arises when fire and lake move in contrary directions, creating separation and misalignment.
In small matters there will still be good success.
Opposition arises when fire and lake move in contrary directions, creating separation and misalignment. While large undertakings may face obstacles, progress becomes possible when you begin with modest efforts and allow understanding to develop gradually through patient engagement.
Occasion for repentance will disappear; lost horses return of themselves.
Release what has been lost without grasping after it—what belongs to you will naturally find its way back. Meeting difficult people need not lead you astray if you remain centered.
Meeting the lord in a byway brings no error.
Unexpected encounters with kindred spirits, even in informal settings, carry genuine value and lead to right connection.
The carriage is dragged back, oxen pushed back, the person marked and disfigured. No good beginning, but a good end.
The journey begins in hardship and apparent ruin, yet persistence through this trial yields eventual fulfillment and resolution.
Solitary amidst division, meeting the worthy man; blending sincere desires together. Peril, but no mistake.
Even in isolation, when you encounter someone of genuine character and unite in shared purpose, you can navigate danger without stumbling.
Occasion for repentance disappears; united with relative and minister as if biting through skin.
When your intentions truly align with those who stand beside you, no obstacle can prevent forward movement and success.
Solitary amidst division, seeing a pig bearing mud, a carriage full of ghosts. First draws the bow, then unbends it—not an assailant but a kinsman. Meeting rain, good fortune.
What appears threatening at first glance reveals itself as kinship when fear dissolves. Misunderstanding transforms into alliance, and blessing follows.
You may find yourself at odds with colleagues or in a role that doesn't quite fit your vision. Rather than forcing alignment on major decisions, start by finding common ground in smaller tasks. The differences you perceive may actually complement each other when approached with openness.
Clashes in values or temperament may surface now. Instead of viewing these differences as flaws, consider them as expressions of diversity that can enrich the bond. Focus on discovering shared interests and communicating about small matters first—this builds the trust needed for deeper understanding.
Your learning style or environment may feel misaligned with what's expected. You might consider exploring unconventional approaches that suit your nature better. Small, consistent efforts in a direction that feels right will yield better results than forcing yourself into an ill-fitting mold.
Partnership tensions or team disagreements may emerge. It would be wise to begin with modest agreements and acknowledge that each person brings different strengths. By recognizing how your contrasting abilities can complement rather than compete, you build a more resilient enterprise.
Avoid the temptation to impose unity through force or pressure—this only deepens the rift. What you perceive as an obstacle or enemy may actually be a potential ally misunderstood. Suspend quick judgment and invest in genuine dialogue before drawing conclusions.
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.