Hexagram 47
Oppression
困
Upper
Lake · 兌
the joyous, open
Lower
Water · 坎
the abysmal, danger
Contemporary judgment
Oppression. Exhaustion. Resources and support feel cut off; you are drained at a level that ordinary rest does not touch. This is a test of inner faith rather than outer strategy. Speak less, strive less, and rely on a quiet source within that does not depend on outer circumstances.
Image
The lake with no water. The superior person stakes their life on following their will to the last.
Counsel
Do not add more to your load. Do not seek approval that this moment cannot give. Simplify ruthlessly; protect your essential energy. Keep faith with your deepest commitments even when everything outer seems to contradict them. This is a passage, and you will cross it.
The six lines
Numbered from the bottom upward; displayed here from first to sixth.
Line 1
A six at the beginning means: One sits oppressed under a bare tree and comes into a dark valley. For three years one sees nothing.
Line 2
A nine in the second place means: One is oppressed at wine and food. The man with the scarlet knee-bands is just arriving. It is favorable to bring sacrifices. To set out brings misfortune. No blame.
Line 3
A six in the third place means: One lets oneself be oppressed by stone and leans on thorns and thistles. One enters one's house and does not see one's wife. Misfortune!
Line 4
A nine in the fourth place means: He comes quite softly, oppressed in a golden wagon. Humiliation, but one comes to an end.
Line 5
A nine in the fifth place means: They cut off his nose and feet. One is oppressed by the one in purple knee-bands. Joy comes softly. It is favorable to bring offerings and gifts.
Line 6
A six at the top means: He is oppressed by creeping vines. He moves uncertainly and says: Movement creates remorse. If one feels remorse over this and sets out, one has good fortune.
Contemporary sections are original app interpretations. Line text comes from the CC0 translation in jesshewitt/i-ching.