What is Hexagram 38, Opposition?
Hexagram 38, Opposition (睽 Kuí), is built from Fire (離 Lí) over Lake (兌 Duì), and the Wilhelm-Baynes translation reads its themes as opposition, individuality, misunderstanding. The classical sources describe it as a pattern in the Book of Changes (易經 Yìjīng), a situation to recognise, not a verdict to obey.
Key Takeaways
- Hexagram 38 is built from Fire (離 Lí) over Lake (兌 Duì).
- Its central themes, opposition, individuality, misunderstanding, reconciliation, sit in the Wilhelm-Baynes lineage.
- The classical pairing matches the hexagram to Amazonite as the meditation stone.
- Read alongside BaZi, Kua, and Compass School sector mapping for a fuller picture.
- This is a pattern, not a verdict, the I-Ching frames reflection, not prediction.
The Judgment
Opposition. In small matters, good fortune.
The Image
Above, fire; below, the lake: the image of Opposition. Thus amid all fellowship the superior person retains their individuality.
Master Wei Lin's Interpretation
Interpretation by Master Wei Lin, Chinese Metaphysics Scholar, pattern recognition, not fortune-telling
Fire and lake, they move in opposite directions. Opposition reflects a situation of misunderstanding, estrangement, or conflicting views. But the hexagram doesn't despair. Even in opposition, small things can succeed. And sometimes the very tension of opposition creates the spark that eventually unites. Can you maintain your individuality while still seeking connection?
The Six Lines
When a changing line appears in your reading, its text carries special guidance for your situation.
Line 1 (bottom)
“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.”
Line 2
“One meets the lord in a narrow street. No blame.”
Line 3
“One sees the wagon dragged back, the oxen halted, a person's hair and nose cut off. Not a good beginning, but a good end.”
Line 4
“Isolated through opposition, one meets a like-minded person with whom one can associate in good faith. Despite the danger, no blame.”
Line 5
“Remorse disappears. The companion bites through the wrappings. If one goes to the companion, how could it be a mistake?”
Line 6 (top)
“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 them, then one lays the bow aside. It is not a robber; they will woo at the right time. As one goes, rain falls; then good fortune comes.”
🔮 Crystal for Hexagram 38
Amazonite
Hold Amazonite while meditating on Opposition. Its energy resonates with the themes of opposition, individuality, misunderstanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hexagram 38 (Opposition) mean?
In the Wilhelm-Baynes translation of the I-Ching (易經 Yìjīng), Hexagram 38, Opposition (睽 Kuí), is read through Fire (離 Lí) over Lake (兌 Duì). The classical sources describe its themes as opposition, individuality, misunderstanding. This is pattern recognition, not prediction.
What is the Judgment for Opposition?
The Judgment reads: "Opposition. In small matters, good fortune.", the Judgment is the I-Ching's classical summary of the situation the hexagram describes, and what the present moment is asking of the reader.
What is the Image for Opposition?
The Image reads: "Above, fire; below, the lake: the image of Opposition. Thus amid all fellowship the superior person retains their individuality.", in the classical sources the Image is the elemental picture, the upper and lower trigrams in conversation, that the reader holds while sitting with the hexagram.
What crystal pairs with Hexagram 38?
Amazonite is the traditional pairing for Opposition. The classical Chinese gemology lineage associates this stone with the hexagram's central themes, hold it during meditation on the reading. This is reflective practice, not divination-as-prediction.
How is Hexagram 38 read in BaZi or Feng Shui?
An I-Ching cast is one consultation. The fuller reading, Four Pillars (四柱 Sì Zhù), Kua personal feng shui, and Compass School sector mapping, reads the hexagram alongside the chart. Master Wei Lin's Master Reading section synthesizes the Book of Changes alongside BaZi and the other Chinese metaphysics traditions.
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