Hexagram 38
Opposition
睽 (Kuí)
Fire over Lake
Hexagram 38 represents opposition, divergence, and the creative tension between different forces. This hexagram symbolizes a time when paths diverge and perspectives differ, yet within this apparent conflict lies the potential for understanding and complementary action. Like fire rising above the lake, two elements move in opposite directions, each following their own nature. Opposition here is not destructive but rather represents the natural diversity of life that, when properly understood and respected, can lead to harmony through acknowledging differences rather than forcing uniformity.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (卦辞)
Translation: "Opposition. In small matters, good fortune."
Hexagram 38 teaches us that opposition and divergence are natural aspects of existence that need not lead to destructive conflict. When we encounter situations where people, ideas, or circumstances seem to move in contrary directions, the wisdom lies in recognizing that fundamental differences can coexist without requiring complete agreement or uniformity. The judgment indicates that during times of opposition, success comes through handling small matters with care and attention rather than attempting grand reconciliations or forcing unity where natural diversity exists. This hexagram reminds us that the universe contains multitudes of opposing forces that together create balance and wholeness.
The key to navigating opposition successfully lies in maintaining proper perspective and choosing appropriate actions. When facing divergent viewpoints or conflicting interests, focus on areas where cooperation is possible and beneficial, even if complete harmony remains elusive. Small acts of understanding, minor compromises, and attention to everyday courtesies can maintain functional relationships despite underlying differences. The hexagram counsels patience and humility, recognizing that not all opposition needs to be resolved, and some differences actually enrich our experience when approached with wisdom and tolerance.
The Image (大象传)
君子以同而异。
Translation: "Above, fire; below, the lake: the image of Opposition. Thus the superior person retains individuality in the midst of community."
The image of fire above the lake presents a powerful metaphor for understanding opposition in hexagram 38. Fire naturally rises upward while water naturally flows downward, each following its essential nature without conflict or struggle. They do not fight against each other but simply express their inherent qualities. This teaches us that true wisdom lies not in forcing conformity but in recognizing and respecting the natural diversity of all things. The superior person understands that maintaining one's authentic nature while participating in community life represents the highest form of social harmony. We can be part of the collective while preserving our individual essence, contributing our unique perspective without demanding that others abandon theirs.
This principle of unity through diversity applies to all areas of life where different perspectives, temperaments, or approaches coexist. In families, workplaces, and communities, the goal is not to eliminate differences but to create space where various viewpoints can contribute to a richer whole. The superior person practices the art of being simultaneously connected and distinct, finding common ground in shared humanity while celebrating the unique qualities that make each person valuable. This balanced approach prevents both the isolation of extreme individualism and the loss of self in blind conformity.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"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."
At the beginning of opposition, trust in natural resolution rather than forcing outcomes. When something is lost or a relationship becomes strained, aggressive pursuit often worsens the situation. Allow time and space for natural reconciliation. When encountering difficult people or challenging circumstances, maintain your integrity and composure rather than engaging in conflict. Your calm presence and patient approach will eventually restore what belongs to you and protect you from unnecessary complications during this time of divergence.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"One meets his lord in a narrow street. No blame."
During times of opposition, unexpected encounters in informal settings can bridge divides that formal meetings cannot. When you meet someone with whom you have differences in an unplanned, casual context, seize this opportunity for genuine connection. These chance meetings often allow for more authentic communication than structured interactions. The narrow street represents an intimate, unpretentious space where pretenses fall away and real understanding becomes possible. Such encounters carry no blame because they arise naturally and create opportunities for reconciliation.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"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."
This line describes a period of severe obstacles and humiliating setbacks during opposition. Your progress is blocked, your efforts seem thwarted, and you may experience disgrace or loss of dignity. However, these difficult beginnings do not determine the final outcome. Persevere through this challenging phase with patience and resilience. The opposition you face now, though painful and frustrating, will eventually transform into resolution and success. Trust that current hardships are temporary and that persistence through adversity leads to eventual triumph and vindication.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"Isolated through opposition, one meets a like-minded man with whom one can associate in good faith. Despite the danger, no blame."
In the midst of widespread opposition and isolation, you discover an ally who shares your values and vision. This connection, though formed during difficult circumstances, is based on genuine mutual understanding and trust. While the situation remains challenging and potentially dangerous, this alliance provides the support needed to navigate opposition successfully. Cultivate this relationship with sincerity and loyalty. Even though you may feel isolated from the majority, finding one true companion who understands your position brings strength and validation that protects you from serious error.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"Remorse disappears. The companion bites his way through the wrappings. If one goes to him, how could it be a mistake?"
This line signals a breakthrough in opposition through the efforts of a trusted ally who penetrates through superficial barriers to reach the truth. Someone close to you works to overcome the obstacles and misunderstandings that have created division. When this person extends genuine effort to reconnect or reconcile, respond positively and meet them halfway. Moving toward reconciliation at this time is not a mistake but rather the wise course of action. The opposition begins to dissolve as authentic communication and mutual understanding replace estrangement and misunderstanding.
Nine at the Top (上九)
Top line - Yang
"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, and good fortune comes."
At the extreme of opposition, misperception and suspicion distort your view of others, making allies appear as enemies and friends seem threatening. You prepare to defend yourself against imagined threats, but wisdom counsels you to look more deeply and recognize that your fears are unfounded. When you release your defensive posture and approach with openness, you discover that the perceived enemy is actually a potential friend or partner. This shift from suspicion to trust, like rain after drought, brings relief and good fortune, dissolving the opposition that existed primarily in misunderstanding.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In matters of the heart, hexagram 38 addresses the reality that even loving partners will have differences in temperament, perspective, and approach to life. Opposition in relationships does not signal failure but rather reflects the natural diversity between two individuals. The key to romantic success during this time lies in accepting that your partner sees the world differently and that these differences can enrich rather than threaten your connection. Focus on small acts of kindness, daily courtesies, and finding common ground in shared values rather than demanding complete agreement on every issue. Successful couples learn to appreciate complementary qualities rather than insisting on identical viewpoints.
For those experiencing conflict with a partner, this hexagram counsels patience and perspective. Not every disagreement requires immediate resolution, and some differences may never be fully reconciled. What matters is maintaining respect, affection, and commitment despite divergent opinions or preferences. Create space for each person to maintain their individuality while nurturing the bond you share. Small gestures of understanding and compromise in everyday matters build a foundation strong enough to withstand larger philosophical or practical differences. The relationship thrives when both partners feel free to be themselves while remaining connected through love and mutual respect.
For singles, hexagram 38 suggests that you may encounter potential partners who seem quite different from you in significant ways. Rather than immediately dismissing these connections due to surface differences, explore whether complementary qualities might create a balanced and enriching relationship. Sometimes the most successful partnerships form between people with contrasting temperaments who learn to appreciate what each brings to the union. However, ensure that core values align even if preferences and personalities differ. The hexagram reminds us that diversity in relationship can be a source of growth and vitality when approached with openness and wisdom.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 38 indicates a period when you may find yourself at odds with colleagues, supervisors, or the prevailing organizational culture. Your approach or perspective differs from the mainstream, creating a sense of isolation or opposition. Rather than forcing conformity or engaging in open conflict, focus on performing your specific duties with excellence and finding small areas where cooperation is possible. Your unique viewpoint, though currently undervalued, may prove valuable in the future. Maintain your professional integrity while demonstrating flexibility in minor matters. Build alliances with individuals who appreciate your perspective, even if the larger group remains skeptical or opposed to your methods.
For entrepreneurs and business leaders, this hexagram warns against expecting unanimous support or universal agreement with your vision. Opposition from competitors, skeptical investors, or resistant team members is natural and does not necessarily indicate that your path is wrong. Focus on executing your strategy effectively in manageable increments rather than attempting dramatic transformations that increase resistance. Find partners or team members who share your core vision even if they differ in approach or style. These complementary relationships often prove more productive than working with people who think exactly as you do. Diversity of thought, when properly channeled, strengthens organizations and leads to more innovative solutions.
In workplace conflicts, hexagram 38 advises seeking informal opportunities for connection and understanding rather than relying solely on formal meetings or official channels. A casual conversation in the hallway or a shared coffee break may accomplish more than a structured negotiation. When facing opposition from authority figures or institutional forces, maintain your position on matters of principle while showing flexibility on less critical issues. Your patience and willingness to find common ground in small matters will eventually create opportunities for broader reconciliation and recognition. Success comes through persistent, modest efforts rather than dramatic confrontations or forced resolutions.
Health & Wellness (健康)
In health matters, hexagram 38 suggests that your body may be sending signals that conflict with your desires or habits, creating internal opposition between what you want to do and what your body needs. Perhaps you crave foods that disagree with you, or your energy levels conflict with your ambitious schedule. The wisdom here lies in recognizing these opposing forces and finding balance rather than forcing your will upon your physical being. Listen to your body's messages even when they contradict your preferences. Small adjustments in diet, sleep, or activity levels can resolve this internal conflict more effectively than dramatic interventions or rigid discipline that your body resists.
For those dealing with chronic conditions or conflicting medical advice, this hexagram counsels patience and attention to small, manageable changes rather than seeking dramatic cures or following extreme protocols. Different health philosophies or treatment approaches may seem to oppose each other, yet elements from various traditions might complement your healing when thoughtfully integrated. Trust your own experience and intuition while remaining open to professional guidance. The path to wellness may involve accepting certain limitations while working gradually to improve what can be changed. Opposition between your current state and your health goals resolves through consistent, modest efforts rather than forceful interventions.
Mental and emotional health during this hexagram requires acknowledging internal conflicts and contradictory feelings without judgment. You may experience opposing desires, conflicting emotions, or tension between different aspects of your personality. Rather than trying to eliminate these contradictions, practice accepting them as natural parts of being human. Meditation, journaling, or therapy can help you hold space for complexity and ambivalence. Your psychological well-being improves when you stop demanding internal uniformity and instead cultivate compassion for all parts of yourself, even those that seem to conflict with each other or with your idealized self-image.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 38 indicates a period when your economic interests may diverge from those of partners, family members, or market trends. You may see investment opportunities that others dismiss, or you might feel cautious when others are enthusiastically spending. This opposition between your financial perspective and prevailing attitudes requires careful navigation. Trust your own analysis and risk tolerance while remaining open to valid concerns from others. Small, conservative financial moves serve you better now than dramatic investments or major expenditures. Focus on protecting what you have and making modest improvements rather than pursuing ambitious financial transformations that face significant opposition or skepticism.
In business partnerships or shared financial ventures, expect some divergence in priorities, risk tolerance, or vision for growth. These differences need not destroy the partnership if you focus on areas of agreement and handle disagreements with respect and clear communication. Establish boundaries around financial decision-making that allow each party some autonomy while protecting shared interests. Small compromises and attention to fair procedures in everyday financial matters build trust that can withstand larger strategic disagreements. The partnership succeeds when diversity of perspective is seen as a strength that provides balance and prevents extreme decisions in either direction.
For personal finance, this hexagram suggests that your spending priorities or saving strategies may differ from those of family members or social peers, creating tension or judgment. Maintain your financial discipline and values even when they oppose popular trends or family expectations. However, show flexibility in minor matters and avoid making your different approach a source of conflict in relationships. Your financial wisdom may not be appreciated now, but consistent, modest application of sound principles will eventually demonstrate its value. Focus on small, regular savings and conservative investments rather than seeking dramatic returns that require taking on opposition or excessive risk.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Hexagram 38 presents profound opportunities for personal development through learning to hold paradox and embrace complexity. Your growth during this period comes from developing the capacity to maintain your authentic self while remaining connected to others who see the world differently. This requires cultivating both strong personal boundaries and genuine openness to diverse perspectives. Practice the art of disagreeing without becoming disagreeable, of maintaining your convictions while respecting those who hold opposing views. This balanced approach to opposition represents mature wisdom that transcends both rigid dogmatism and unprincipled conformity. Your character strengthens as you learn to navigate difference with grace and integrity.
The internal work of this hexagram involves recognizing and integrating opposing aspects of your own personality and values. You may discover contradictions within yourself—desires that conflict, values that seem incompatible, or aspects of your identity that appear to oppose each other. Rather than trying to resolve these contradictions by eliminating one side, practice holding the tension and allowing both aspects to coexist. This psychological integration leads to greater wholeness and authenticity. You become more fully yourself not by achieving internal uniformity but by accepting and honoring your complexity. This self-acceptance then extends naturally to accepting complexity and contradiction in others and in life itself.
Spiritual growth during hexagram 38 involves transcending dualistic thinking and developing a more nuanced understanding of truth. You learn that opposing viewpoints may both contain validity, that contradictory approaches may both lead to wisdom, and that diversity enriches rather than threatens the whole. This expanded consciousness allows you to participate fully in communities and relationships while maintaining your individual essence. You discover that true belonging does not require abandoning your uniqueness, and authentic individuality does not necessitate isolation. This wisdom transforms opposition from a problem to be solved into a creative tension that generates growth, understanding, and deeper connection with the fundamental nature of reality.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing of hexagram 38 calls for patience, moderation, and attention to small matters rather than grand gestures or dramatic actions. This is not a period for forcing major changes, demanding universal agreement, or attempting to resolve all differences. Instead, focus on maintaining functional relationships and making progress in modest increments despite underlying opposition or divergence. The cosmic energies support small successes and gradual improvements rather than sweeping transformations. Work within existing constraints and find creative ways to advance your purposes without triggering increased resistance. Your effectiveness comes through subtle influence and patient persistence rather than direct confrontation or forceful assertion.
The advice of this hexagram emphasizes the importance of maintaining perspective and choosing your battles wisely. Not every opposition requires engagement, and not every difference demands resolution. Distinguish between matters of principle that warrant firm commitment and minor issues where flexibility serves you better. Cultivate relationships with like-minded individuals who provide support and understanding, even if the larger environment remains skeptical or opposed to your approach. These alliances sustain you through periods of isolation and provide the foundation for eventual broader acceptance. Trust that your patient, principled approach will eventually demonstrate its value, even if current circumstances seem to favor opposing viewpoints.
Ultimately, hexagram 38 teaches that opposition is a natural and potentially creative force in life when approached with wisdom and maturity. The universe contains multitudes of opposing forces that together create balance, dynamism, and evolution. Your task is not to eliminate opposition but to navigate it skillfully, maintaining your integrity while remaining open to growth and connection. Small acts of understanding, modest compromises, and consistent attention to building bridges in everyday matters create the foundation for harmony that respects rather than erases difference. Trust in the natural resolution of conflicts through time, patience, and the fundamental human capacity for connection despite divergence.