I Ching hexagram · 38 of 64
Hexagram 38: Opposition 睽 Kuí · Contrast, independence, difference
Differences exist, yet small matters still go well. In small matters, good fortune.
- Upper: ☲ Fire
- Lower: ☱ Lake
- Nuclear: 63
- Opposite: 39
Number
38 of 64
Chinese name
睽 Kuí
Upper trigram
☲ Fire
Lower trigram
☱ Lake
Nuclear hexagram
䷾ 63. After Completion
Opposite hexagram
䷦ 39. Obstruction
What hexagram 38 means
Hexagram 38 shows fire rising up while the lake seeps down, two forces moving apart. It describes opposition, estrangement and the differences between people.
When people pull in different directions, big projects fail, but small matters can still succeed. Respect the differences and look for the hidden unity beneath them.
The Judgement · 卦辞
睽：小事吉。
In small matters, good fortune.
The Image · 象曰
上火下泽，睽；君子以同而异。
Fire above, the lake below: the image of opposition. Amid fellowship, the noble person keeps their individuality.
The lines and trigrams
Opposition places ☲ Fire (离 Lí), the trigram of clarity and brightness, above ☱ Lake (兑 Duì), the trigram of joy and openness. The lower trigram describes the inner situation and the upper trigram the outer world.
A hexagram is read from the bottom line up. Lines 1 to 3 form the lower trigram and lines 4 to 6 the upper trigram. Solid lines are yang and broken lines are yin; in the traditional names a yang line is called Nine (九) and a yin line Six (六).
Hexagram 38 in your life
Love and relationships
Differences or misunderstandings create distance. Accept that you are different, and find small ways to reconnect.
Personal growth
Hold your own view while staying open to others. Unity doesn't require sameness.
The six changing lines
If you cast hexagram 38 and some lines come out as changing lines, read the text for those lines, then turn each one into its opposite to find the hexagram your situation is moving towards. See how to consult the I Ching.
Line 1 初九 · Nine at the beginning
Remorse disappears. Don't chase the lost horse; it will come back by itself. Meet even bad people politely.
Line 2 九二 · Nine in the second place
You meet your lord in a narrow lane. An informal meeting brings no blame.
Line 3 六三 · Six in the third place
The wagon is dragged back and the oxen halted. A bad start, but a good end.
Line 4 九四 · Nine in the fourth place
Isolated by opposition, you meet a like-minded person. With mutual trust there is no blame, despite the danger.
Line 5 六五 · Six in the fifth place
Remorse disappears. Your true companion bites through the barrier; going forward is no mistake.
Line 6 上九 · Nine at the top
Isolated, you see a pig covered in mud and a cart full of demons. You draw your bow, then put it down: it is not an enemy but a friend. The misunderstanding clears like rain.
Hexagram 38 questions, answered
What does I Ching hexagram 38 mean?
Hexagram 38, Opposition (睽 Kuí), is about contrast, independence, difference. Differences exist, yet small matters still go well. Hexagram 38 shows fire rising up while the lake seeps down, two forces moving apart. It describes opposition, estrangement and the differences between people.
What does hexagram 38 mean in love?
Differences or misunderstandings create distance. Accept that you are different, and find small ways to reconnect.
What does hexagram 38 mean for work and money?
Disagreements and opposing views. Focus on small, achievable goals and use the differences constructively.
Which trigrams make up hexagram 38?
Hexagram 38 has Fire (Lí) as its upper trigram and Lake (Duì) as its lower trigram.
What are the related hexagrams of hexagram 38?
Its nuclear hexagram is 63, After Completion. Its opposite, with every line changed, is 39, Obstruction. Turned upside down it becomes 37, The Family.
All 64 hexagrams
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