Hexagram 21, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line represents the culmination of the hexagram's theme of administering justice. It depicts the ultimate, incorrigible offender who has gone too far. The "cangue" is a heavy wooden yoke used for punishment, symbolizing a severe and inescapable consequence. The most critical part of the image is that the cangue "covers his ears." This is not just a physical punishment; it is a metaphor for a profound spiritual and psychological state. The individual is so hardened in their wrongdoing, so stubborn and arrogant, that they are literally deaf to all warnings, advice, reason, or pleas for reform. They have ignored every opportunity for correction. Because of this willful deafness, there is no path to redemption or mitigation. The outcome is simply and starkly "Misfortune." This line signifies a point of no return where the consequences of one's actions must be faced in their full, harsh severity. It is the final, grim verdict on one who refuses to listen.

Guidance for Action

This line serves as a powerful and final warning. If you see yourself in this position, your stubbornness and refusal to heed advice have brought you to the brink of disaster. This is the last possible moment to recognize the severity of your situation. The "misfortune" is not a random event but a direct result of your willful ignorance. The only, albeit difficult, path forward is to stop, humble yourself, and accept the consequences, however harsh they may be. If you are dealing with a person or situation represented by this line, understand that they are likely beyond your help. Your attempts to reason with them will be futile, as they are "deaf to admonition." Do not waste your energy trying to save someone who refuses to be saved. Protect yourself by creating firm boundaries and disengaging. Let the natural consequences of their actions unfold without entangling yourself further.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship context, this line points to a partner who is toxic, unrepentant, and completely deaf to your feelings, needs, and requests for change. You have likely tried many times to address serious issues, only to be ignored or dismissed. They are set in their harmful ways and refuse to acknowledge the pain they cause. The "cangue" represents the heavy, burdensome nature of the relationship, and their "covered ears" signify their refusal to listen or change. The prognostication of "Misfortune" is for the continuation of this dynamic. The guidance is unequivocal: this relationship is beyond repair. Staying will only lead to more suffering. It is time to accept the harsh reality and end the connection to save yourself.

For Career & Business

In a career or business setting, this line can represent several scenarios. It might be an incorrigible employee who has ignored all warnings and must now be terminated. It could be a leader or a company culture that is so arrogant and set in its ways that it ignores market warnings and expert advice, heading directly for failure or scandal. If you are in a position of authority, this line indicates that the time for gentle correction is over; a final, decisive, and severe action is necessary. If you are an employee in such a company, this is a sign to get out as soon as possible. The ship is sinking due to the captain's deafness, and you should not go down with it. If this line describes you, your career is in grave danger due to your own stubbornness, and you are about to face severe repercussions like being fired or ruining your professional reputation.

For Financial Matters

This line is a dire warning regarding your finances. It suggests a situation where you have stubbornly ignored all sound financial advice, market signals, and warnings from others. You may be clinging to a disastrous investment, engaging in reckless spending, or refusing to address a mounting debt crisis. Your ears are "covered" to reality. The "cangue" is the crushing weight of the financial burden you now carry. The outcome is "Misfortune," which could mean bankruptcy, foreclosure, or a total loss of assets. The time for denial is over. The situation has become critical, and severe losses are now inevitable. The only action is to stop immediately, face the grim reality, and take whatever drastic measures are necessary to prevent complete and utter ruin, even if it means accepting a significant and painful loss now.