I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 47: Oppression
K'un · 困
Times of exhaustion when words lose their force. Speak less, hold firm: adversity forges the great.
- oppression
- exhaustion
- ordeal
- inner faith
- Upper trigram
- Lake 兌 · Joy
- Lower trigram
- Water 坎 · Depth
The Judgment
OPPRESSION. Success. Perseverance. The great man brings about good fortune, without blame. When one has something to say, it is not believed.
The Image
There is no water in the lake. Thus the superior man stakes his life on following his will.
Meaning
The hexagram 'Oppression' carries the energy of Lake (Joy) acting upon Water (Depth/Danger). This moment asks for balance between communicating outwardly and adapting inwardly.
In love
In relationships, the interplay suggests pleasure and exchange combined with deep emotions or uncertainty. Check that communication is clear.
In work and business
At work, the energy favors sales and partnerships grounded in risk management. Consolidate your base.
Symbolism
The image of Lake above Water suggests a natural dynamic of joy over depth/danger.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Six in the 1st place
First position: fragility in the first steps. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
Early, subtle signs of change. Watch the small details before they grow. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 2nd place
Second position: centered strength, recognized from afar. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the lower trigram. Competence begins to be noticed. Seek mentors and alliances. It stands out of place, yet holds the center of the trigram — centrality offsets the mismatch, so long as measure is kept. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 3rd place
Third position: weakness at a point that demands strength. The line is seated in the lower trigram, Water (Depth/Danger) — it acts in the inner world of the figure.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
A vulnerable position at a moment of crossing. Discretion and prudence protect. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 4th place
Fourth position: the minister at the ruler’s side. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
Close to the goal, but in a delicate position. Advance with tact, not with impetus. It stands out of place: the nature of the line does not match the position, so it demands more awareness than talent. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
Nine in the 5th place
Fifth position: the place of the ruler. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
The center of the upper trigram — highest, legitimate influence. Lead with clarity and benevolence. It stands in its own place and at the center of the trigram: the strongest seat a line can hold, and whatever it asks for, it has the means to sustain. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
Six in the 6th place
Sixth position: the ending that asks for release. The line is seated in the upper trigram, Lake (Joy) — it acts in the manifest world of the figure.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
Outside the center of events. Release what has ended instead of fighting for it. It stands in its own place: the nature of the line matches the position, and that favors what it asks for. And all of this inside the figure of Oppression — the matter is oppression: that is the theme this line is changing.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 47 mean?
Oppression (K'un): The hexagram 'Oppression' carries the energy of Lake (Joy) acting upon Water (Depth/Danger). This moment asks for balance between communicating outwardly and adapting inwardly.
What does hexagram 47 say about love?
In relationships, the interplay suggests pleasure and exchange combined with deep emotions or uncertainty. Check that communication is clear.
What does hexagram 47 say about work?
At work, the energy favors sales and partnerships grounded in risk management. Consolidate your base.