Hexagram 24, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line represents the unfortunate culmination of the theme of Return. While the hexagram as a whole signifies a positive, natural turning point, this line describes a situation where the opportunity for a simple, correct return has been missed. The "return" is "mistaken" or "lost" (迷復, mí fù). This indicates a person who is out of sync with the natural rhythm of events. Instead of recognizing the need for a gentle, inner correction, they persist in a wrong course or attempt to force a return through external, aggressive means. The imagery is stark: "mobilizing an army" (用行師). This symbolizes any forceful, confrontational action—be it arguments, litigation, aggressive business tactics, or a literal conflict. Such an approach is fundamentally opposed to the spirit of Hexagram 24, which calls for a quiet, spontaneous recovery. The result is not just failure but a "great defeat" (大敗). The misfortune is comprehensive, affecting the "ruler of the country," which points to the core of the matter—one's own guiding principles, ego, or the leadership of the entire enterprise. The problem is systemic and rooted in stubbornness and a flawed perspective. The consequence is a long period of paralysis: "for up to ten years, it will be impossible to undertake a campaign." This signifies a protracted period of stagnation and inability to recover from the self-inflicted damage. This line is a severe warning against pride, stubbornness, and forcing an issue when the time is wrong.

Guidance for Action

This is a powerful and unequivocal warning to stop. Do not proceed with your current plan, especially if it involves force, confrontation, or trying to impose your will on a situation. You have missed the opportune moment for a simple course correction. Continuing on your present path out of stubbornness or pride will lead to a significant and lasting defeat. The "ruler" mentioned is your own inner judgment and ego. The problem lies within your own flawed understanding or refusal to accept reality. Aggressive action will not fix this; it will only compound the error and lead to disaster. The only correct action now is a complete halt. You must retreat, engage in deep self-reflection, and honestly assess why you have gone so astray. Acknowledge your mistake. The "return" you need now is a return to humility and realism. Any attempt to "win" or push forward will result in a long and painful period of regret and inability to move forward.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship context, this line points to a disastrous attempt to force a reconciliation or "win back" a partner after the true opportunity has passed. You may be "lost" in your idea of what the relationship should be, refusing to see that the connection is broken. Trying to fix things through grand but misguided gestures, arguments, ultimatums, or pressure (mobilizing an army) will backfire completely. It will not lead to a loving return, but to a "great defeat"—a final, painful breakup that poisons any remaining goodwill. The core issue lies with a "mistaken ruler," meaning one or both partners are operating from a place of ego, delusion, or a fundamental misunderstanding of love. If you push this, you risk creating damage so severe that it could take years to emotionally recover from, preventing you from finding a healthy relationship in the future. The advice is to let go. The time for a simple return has passed.

For Career & Business

This line warns against stubbornly pursuing a failed project, fighting a losing battle at work, or launching an aggressive campaign (e.g., a lawsuit against a former employer, a hostile takeover) when all signs point to failure. You have fundamentally misjudged the situation and missed the window for a strategic pivot. Doubling down now is a recipe for disaster. "Mobilizing an army" might mean investing more resources into a failing venture, starting a conflict with a powerful superior, or launching a product that the market has already rejected. The "great defeat" could manifest as being fired, the collapse of your business, or a severely damaged professional reputation. The cause is "the ruler"—poor leadership, either from yourself or your superiors. The "ten years" of stagnation is a warning that such a mistake can set your career back for a very long time. The only wise move is to cut your losses, admit the failure, and retreat to re-evaluate your entire strategy.

For Financial Matters

This is a classic warning against throwing good money after bad. You are likely holding onto a losing investment, refusing to sell out of pride or a desperate hope for a "return" that is not coming. This line cautions you against "mobilizing an army"—that is, investing more money to average down, using leverage, or making risky trades to try and recoup your losses. This strategy will lead to a "great defeat," potentially wiping out your capital. The "mistaken ruler" is your own financial judgment, which has become clouded by emotion and stubbornness. Heeding this warning means accepting the loss now. Not doing so could lead to a catastrophic financial setback that will take a very long time—symbolically, "ten years"—to recover from. Sell the losing asset, accept the reality of the situation, and preserve your remaining capital.