Hexagram 35, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line represents the culmination and potential excess of the energy of Progress. You have advanced as far as possible, reaching a peak. The image is "progressing with the horns," which signifies a forceful, aggressive, and potentially stubborn approach. The time for easy, sunlit progress (the theme of the hexagram) is over. To continue pushing outward with this aggressive energy is a mistake. The commentary notes that "the Way has not become broad," meaning the path for external expansion is now closed or narrow. However, this powerful energy is not useless. It must be redirected. The only appropriate use for this force is an internal one: "for chastising one's own city." This is a metaphor for internal reform, self-discipline, or correcting faults within your own sphere of influence (your team, your family, or yourself). This action is not without risk ("厲"), as being firm and corrective can cause friction. Yet, if done correctly, it leads to good fortune ("吉") and you will not be blamed ("无咎"). The final warning, "Perseverance brings humiliation" (貞吝), is crucial. It means that to stubbornly persist in the old way of aggressive external progress will lead to failure, resistance, and regret. The key is a radical shift in focus from external conquest to internal consolidation.

Guidance for Action

Your forward momentum has hit a ceiling. Stop pushing outward. Aggressive ambition, stubbornness, or trying to force an issue will now be counterproductive and lead to setbacks. It is time to turn your attention inward. Conduct a rigorous self-assessment. Identify your own flaws, bad habits, or weaknesses. If you are in a position of leadership, look for inefficiencies, discontent, or unresolved problems within your own team or organization. Use your considerable energy and will for this purpose—to correct, discipline, and reform what is directly under your control. This requires firmness and can be uncomfortable, but it is the only productive path forward. Do not use this force against outsiders; use it to strengthen your own foundations.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line warns against pushing your partner too hard. The time for making grand progressive leaps may be over for now. Demanding more commitment, issuing ultimatums, or stubbornly trying to change your partner ("progressing with the horns") will only create conflict and push them away. The correct path is to turn this intense focus onto yourself. Ask: "What are my own shortcomings in this relationship? What baggage or bad habits am I bringing to the dynamic?" This is the "chastising of one's own city." Working on your own issues, while difficult and humbling, is the only way to improve the health of the relationship right now. Persisting in blaming or trying to reform your partner will lead to humiliation and potential separation.

For Career & Business

You have reached a high point in your career or a project. Further advancement through aggressive tactics—elbowing out rivals, forcing your agenda, or ignoring critical feedback—is no longer viable. You risk overplaying your hand and damaging your reputation. Instead of looking for new territories to conquer, look at the territory you already command. It's time for "house-cleaning." Address inefficiencies in your team, refine flawed processes, and resolve internal conflicts. Use your authority and drive to implement necessary, if difficult, internal changes. This consolidation of your position, while potentially creating some temporary discomfort, will secure your standing and ultimately bring good fortune. Pushing for that next big promotion or acquisition right now is ill-advised and likely to fail.

For Financial Matters

This line signals a strong warning against aggressive financial strategies. The bull run is over. Continuing to chase speculative gains, taking on high-risk debt, or stubbornly holding onto a failing investment ("progressing with the horns") will lead to significant losses and regret ("humiliation"). The wise course of action is to shift from an expansionist mindset to a defensive one. "Chastise your own city" means conducting a stern review of your finances. Cut wasteful spending, pay down debt aggressively, and sell off underperforming or overly risky assets. This is a time for financial discipline, consolidation, and strengthening your core financial position. It may feel restrictive, but this difficult corrective action will protect you from future trouble and ensure long-term stability.