I Ching 38.5 - Opposition, Line 5

Hexagram 38, Line 5

Opposition (睽)

Hexagram Symbol

九五:悔亡

The Line Text

九五:悔亡,厥宗噬膚,往何咎?

The fifth line, yang: Remorse disappears. One's kinsman bites through the soft flesh. In going forward, what blame could there be?

The Commentary says: "One's kinsman bites through the soft flesh" means that in going forward there will be cause for celebration.

Interpretation

This line represents the turning point and resolution within the hexagram of Opposition. The situation of estrangement and misunderstanding, which may have caused regret or remorse, is now overcome. The image of "one's kinsman biting through the soft flesh" is powerful and visceral. The "kinsman" refers to the corresponding line (line 2, yin), which is a natural and correct partner for this strong yang line. Despite the overall context of opposition, a fundamental, underlying connection is discovered. The "biting" is not an act of aggression but of intimate and decisive union. It signifies cutting through the tough, superficial hide of misunderstanding to reach the soft, receptive core of truth and connection. This is a breakthrough moment where a true ally is found and a deep bond is forged. Because this connection is authentic and powerful, all previous hesitation vanishes. Moving forward with this ally is not only correct but will lead to success and celebration, free from any blame or negative consequence. The opposition is resolved not by force, but by finding the right connection and uniting with it.

Guidance for Action

Your period of regret, doubt, or isolation is ending. The key to moving forward lies in finding a true ally. Do not be distracted by the general atmosphere of conflict or disagreement around you. Instead, look for the one person or element with whom you share a fundamental, core connection. You must be willing to cut through formalities and superficialities to establish a genuine, honest bond. Get to the heart of the matter with this person. Once this powerful alliance is formed, you can and should proceed with confidence. Trust this relationship. Together, you will be able to overcome any remaining obstacles. This is not a time for diplomacy with everyone, but for forging a deep bond with the right one.

For Love & Relationships

If you are in a relationship that has been strained by misunderstandings, arguments, or external pressures, this line is extremely auspicious. It indicates a powerful breakthrough is at hand. The "remorse" of past fights disappears as you and your partner finally cut through the surface-level conflicts and reconnect on a deep, intimate level ("bite through the soft flesh"). This is a time for raw honesty and vulnerability, which will reaffirm the fundamental love that unites you. All blame will dissolve. If you are single, this line suggests you will soon meet someone with whom you feel an immediate and profound connection, even if the circumstances of your meeting are unusual or seem opposed. This person is your "kinsman" in spirit. Pursue this connection without hesitation; it will lead to great joy.

For Career & Business

In your professional life, you may have felt isolated, at odds with your colleagues, or frustrated by a project stalled by opposition. This line signals a major breakthrough. You will find a key partner, colleague, or superior who truly understands your vision and is willing to work with you. This alliance will be the force that cuts through bureaucracy, office politics, and resistance. "Biting through the flesh" means you and this ally will get to the core of the issue and make decisive progress together. Stop trying to win over the entire crowd. Identify your most important ally, forge a strong and honest working relationship, and move forward together on your shared goals. This partnership will be celebrated and highly successful.

For Financial Matters

After a period of financial uncertainty or regret over past decisions, clarity is arriving. The key to your success will be a trusted partnership or a piece of core, essential information. This could manifest as finding a reliable financial advisor, a trustworthy business partner, or gaining a deep insight into an investment that allows you to see its true value beneath the surface noise. "Biting through the soft flesh" is about making a decisive, well-informed move based on this core truth, rather than being swayed by general market trends or conflicting opinions. Once you have this clarity and/or trusted ally, act with confidence. The venture you undertake will be successful and free from negative repercussions.

Use our professional Yili School I Ching divination tool


Get a free I-Ching reading with our professional divination tool. Whether you cast the lines yourself or use an electronic method, our tool provides an authentic analysis based on the traditional Yili School philosophy. Simply cast the six lines with three coins to receive your original and changed hexagrams, complete with detailed interpretations from the classic texts. This service is always free.

Professional I Ching
Feng Shui Source
Rotating background pattern