Hexagram 47
Oppression (Exhaustion)
困 (Kùn)
Lake over Water
Hexagram 47 in the I Ching represents a time of oppression, exhaustion, and constraint. This iching hexagram 47 symbolizes a period when resources are depleted and circumstances seem overwhelming, yet it teaches that true character is revealed and strengthened through adversity and perseverance.
Key Concepts
The Judgment
Hexagram 47 represents a challenging period where external circumstances create feelings of confinement and limitation. This iching hexagram 47 teaches us that during times of oppression and exhaustion, the path forward lies not in complaint or despair, but in maintaining inner integrity and quiet perseverance. The superior person uses this difficult time to strengthen character and deepen wisdom.
The Image
The image of this hexagram shows a lake without water - a powerful symbol of depletion and constraint. In iching hexagram 47, we learn that when external resources are exhausted, we must draw upon inner reserves of strength and conviction. The superior person remains true to their principles even when circumstances are most difficult, knowing that integrity is the foundation of eventual renewal.
Interpretation & Guidance
When hexagram 47 appears in your reading, it indicates you are experiencing or will soon face a period of constraint and difficulty. Resources may be limited, support may be lacking, and your efforts may seem to go unrecognized. This is a time that tests your character and resilience.
This hexagram counsels patience and inner fortitude rather than outward struggle. Fighting against circumstances will only deplete your energy further. Instead, conserve your strength, maintain your principles, and trust that this difficult period will pass. Your quiet perseverance will eventually be recognized and rewarded.
In all areas of life, iching hexagram 47 suggests that true success comes not from avoiding difficulty, but from maintaining integrity and purpose through challenging times. This period of oppression is temporary and serves to refine your character and clarify your true priorities.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"One sits oppressed under a bare tree and strays into a gloomy valley. For three years one sees nothing."
The first line represents the deepest point of oppression and isolation. You may feel completely cut off from support and resources. This is a time to conserve energy and avoid making major decisions. The darkness will eventually lift, but patience is essential. Do not despair - this too shall pass.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"One is oppressed while at meat and drink. The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming. It furthers one to offer sacrifice. To set forth brings misfortune. No blame."
Even in the midst of apparent comfort, you feel constrained and limited. Help is approaching, but it comes slowly. This is not the time for aggressive action or major initiatives. Focus on maintaining your position and preparing for better times ahead. Accept limitations gracefully.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"A man permits himself to be oppressed by stone and leans on thorns and thistles. He enters his house and does not see his wife. Misfortune."
This line warns against poor choices that worsen your situation. You may be clinging to harmful relationships or situations out of desperation. Recognize what truly oppresses you and have the courage to let go of what no longer serves you, even if it means facing temporary discomfort.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage. Humiliation, but the end is reached."
Progress comes slowly and perhaps not in the manner you expected. You may have to accept help that comes with some loss of pride or independence. Swallow your ego and accept assistance gracefully. What matters is moving forward, not how elegant the journey appears.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"His nose and feet are cut off. Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands. Joy comes softly. It furthers one to make offerings and libations."
You face serious obstacles and may feel severely limited in your ability to act. However, this line promises that relief is coming, though gradually. Maintain faith and continue your spiritual or ethical practices. Your integrity during this trial will be rewarded. Help comes from unexpected sources.
Six at the Top (上六)
Top line - Yin
"He is oppressed by creeping vines. He moves uncertainly and says, 'Movement brings remorse.' If one feels remorse over this and makes a start, good fortune comes."
The top line shows oppression that is largely self-created through indecision and doubt. You are entangled by your own hesitation and fear. The way out is through decisive action, even if you're uncertain. Acknowledge your doubts but act anyway. Movement, even imperfect movement, breaks the spell of oppression.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In love, hexagram 47 indicates a period of strain and difficulty in relationships. You or your partner may feel emotionally exhausted or constrained by circumstances. Communication may be difficult, and your words may not be received as you intend them. This is a time for patience and quiet demonstration of commitment rather than grand gestures.
For those seeking love, this hexagram suggests that now may not be the ideal time for new relationships. You may be dealing with personal challenges that make it difficult to be fully present for a partner. Focus on self-development and healing. The right relationship will come when you have worked through this difficult period.
The key message of iching hexagram 47 in love is that true relationships are tested and strengthened through adversity. If your relationship can weather this storm with mutual support and understanding, it will emerge stronger. Avoid blame and criticism; instead, offer compassion and patience to yourself and your partner.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 47 signals a challenging period where your efforts may seem to go unrecognized and resources may be limited. You may face obstacles in advancing your career or growing your business. This is not the time for major expansions or risky ventures. Instead, focus on consolidation and maintaining what you have built.
For those in employment, you may feel undervalued or constrained by your current position. Your ideas may not be heard or implemented. Rather than becoming bitter or giving up, continue to perform your duties with integrity. Your consistent professionalism during difficult times will eventually be recognized and rewarded.
In business, iching hexagram 47 counsels extreme caution and conservation of resources. This is a time to reduce expenses, avoid debt, and focus on core operations. Innovation and expansion should wait for more favorable conditions. Those who maintain their businesses through this lean period will be well-positioned for future growth.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Health-wise, hexagram 47 warns of exhaustion and depletion. You may be running on empty, having pushed yourself too hard for too long. This is a critical time to rest, recuperate, and rebuild your energy reserves. Ignoring signs of fatigue or stress can lead to more serious health problems.
The oppressive energy of this hexagram suggests that you may be dealing with chronic conditions or persistent health challenges that drain your vitality. Seek proper medical care and don't try to push through serious symptoms. Your body is telling you it needs rest and restoration.
For mental and emotional health, iching hexagram 47 indicates a period of psychological strain. You may feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed. Reach out for support from therapists, counselors, or trusted friends. This difficult period will pass, but you need not suffer through it alone. Gentle self-care and professional help can make a significant difference.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 47 indicates a period of constraint and limited resources. Money may be tight, and opportunities for income growth may be scarce. This is absolutely not the time for risky investments, major purchases, or financial speculation. Focus on essential expenses and building whatever reserves you can.
This hexagram counsels extreme financial conservatism. Cut unnecessary expenses, avoid taking on new debt, and protect what resources you have. If you are facing financial difficulties, seek professional advice and don't be too proud to ask for help when needed.
The positive message of iching hexagram 47 regarding finances is that this period of scarcity is temporary. Those who manage their limited resources wisely and maintain their integrity during financial hardship will eventually see improvement. Use this time to learn valuable lessons about financial discipline and priorities.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
On a personal level, hexagram 47 represents a profound opportunity for growth through adversity. When external circumstances are difficult and resources are limited, you are forced to discover your inner strength and true character. This challenging period strips away superficialities and reveals what truly matters to you.
This hexagram teaches that oppression and constraint, while uncomfortable, serve an important purpose in personal development. You learn who you really are not in times of ease and abundance, but in times of difficulty and scarcity. The resilience and wisdom you develop now will serve you throughout your life.
The challenge of iching hexagram 47 is to avoid bitterness, despair, or compromising your values when circumstances are difficult. Instead, use this time to deepen your spiritual practice, clarify your priorities, and strengthen your character. Those who emerge from oppression with their integrity intact are truly transformed and strengthened.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing associated with hexagram 47 is one of waiting and endurance rather than action and initiative. This is not the moment for bold moves or major changes. Instead, focus on maintaining your position, conserving your resources, and preserving your integrity until conditions improve.
The best advice for those receiving this hexagram is to accept the reality of your current limitations without losing hope for the future. Understand that this difficult period is temporary and serves a purpose in your development. Do not waste energy fighting against circumstances you cannot change.
Practice patience, maintain your principles, and trust that your quiet perseverance will eventually be rewarded. Use this time of constraint to develop inner resources of strength, wisdom, and character. When the period of oppression passes - and it will - you will emerge stronger, wiser, and better prepared for future challenges and opportunities.