Hexagram 43
Breakthrough (Resoluteness)
夬 (Guài)
Lake over Heaven
The image is of a Lake that has risen up to the sky. This is a powerful symbol of accumulated tension that is about to burst forth as rain. The five strong lines below are pushing upward, about to eliminate the single weak line at the top. This represents a moment of decisive breakthrough, where a resolution is imminent. It signifies the need for resolute action to remove a long-standing obstacle or corrupting influence.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment advises that a negative element must be dealt with openly and honestly. This requires resoluteness. However, there is danger in this confrontation. Before you act, you must secure your own position and inform your allies ("notify one's own city"). The most crucial piece of advice is a warning against using force ("it does not further to resort to arms"). The breakthrough must be achieved through moral strength and a peaceful, firm resolve, not through violence. Despite the risks, action is necessary.
The Image (象传)
The Image provides the key to the correct, non-violent approach. Just as the lake in the sky gives its water to the land below, the superior man, having achieved a position of strength, shares his good fortune with those below him. He does not hoard his power or moral authority. By being generous and ensuring the well-being of others, he creates a foundation of goodwill that makes forceful struggle unnecessary. His strength is in his generosity.
Interpretation & Guidance
Receiving Hexagram 43 means you are at a tipping point. A breakthrough is necessary to resolve a long-standing issue or remove a negative influence. You must be firm and resolute. The path forward is not through aggression but through open, truthful communication from a secure and virtuous position. Prepare your ground, inform your allies, and then act decisively. Be generous with your resources and strength, as this will create the goodwill needed for a peaceful victory. A confrontation is coming, but your integrity can guide it to a positive conclusion.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"Mighty in the forward-striding toes. When one goes and is not equal to the task, one makes a mistake."
You are full of energy and eager to rush into the confrontation. However, you are in the lowest position and not yet strong enough. A premature, rash attack at this stage will fail and lead to blame. You must have patience.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"A cry of alarm. Arms at evening and at night. Fear nothing."
This line stresses the need for constant vigilance. The situation is dangerous, and you must be prepared for anything at any time. By maintaining this state of cautious readiness and being fully prepared, you can handle any threats that arise and have no need for fear.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"To be powerful in the cheekbones brings misfortune. The superior man is firmly resolved... He walks alone... is caught in the rain... people murmur against him. No blame."
Displaying your strength in a belligerent or angry way will lead to trouble. The correct path is quiet, firm resolve. This may mean you have to act alone, be misunderstood, and face criticism. As long as you remain true to your virtuous goal, you are without blame, even if you are unpopular.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"There is no skin on his thighs, and walking is difficult. If one lets oneself be led like a sheep, remorse disappears. But if these words are heard, they will not be believed."
You are in an awkward position, unable to advance due to your own restless stubbornness. You are not listening to good advice. If you would simply let go of your ego and follow the proper course, the struggle would end. However, this line suggests you are unlikely to heed this counsel.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"In dealing with weeds, one must be firmly resolved. Walking in the middle way remains free of blame."
As a leader in a position of power, you must be resolute in dealing with corrupting influences (the weeds). However, your actions must be balanced and just. Avoid extremism. By holding firmly to a just and centered path, you will succeed without blame.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"No cry. In the end, misfortune comes."
This is the negative element that is being overthrown. Its power is gone, and it cannot even cry out. Its downfall is inevitable. For this single negative line, the end is misfortune, which means the breakthrough has been successful for the whole.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram indicates that a relationship has reached a critical point. A long-avoided issue must be dealt with, requiring a decisive breakthrough. This may mean a frank and honest confrontation to clear the air, or it could mean a resolute and clean break from a toxic relationship. The key is to act with truth and integrity, not with anger or violence. Prepare yourself emotionally, then speak your truth firmly but calmly to achieve a clear resolution.
Career & Business (事业)
In a business context, Breakthrough signifies a moment where you must resolutely deal with a persistent problem. This could be a non-performing employee, a failing company policy, or an unethical situation. The matter must be brought into the open. However, a hostile takeover or aggressive internal fight is dangerous. The correct method is to act from a position of documented truth and integrity. Share the benefits of the resolution with your team to build goodwill.
Health & Wellness (健康)
For health, this can signify a crisis point where a decisive action is needed for a breakthrough. This could be the decision to undergo surgery to remove a problem, or the lancing of an abscess. It represents the moment the body's defenses finally overcome an illness, like a fever breaking. The approach must be firm and committed, following the advice of experts, to allow for a full recovery.
Financial Matters (财运)
This hexagram calls for decisive action regarding your finances. You may need to resolutely cut off a major financial drain or confront someone over a debt or dishonesty. The situation has built up and requires a breakthrough. On the other hand, it can mean a breakthrough in income after a period of struggle. The Image's advice is crucial here: when you attain this wealth, be generous and dispense it downward to create good fortune.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Personal growth here comes from learning how to be strong and decisive without being destructive. It is the courage to confront what is wrong, both in the world and within yourself. Are you resolute enough to eliminate your own bad habits ("weeds")? Can you stand up for what is right, even if it makes you unpopular? The highest form of this growth is learning that true power lies not in force, but in generosity and integrity.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
A moment of decision is upon you. The time for deliberation is over; a breakthrough is required. Be resolute. Bring the issue to light openly and truthfully. First, ensure your own position is secure. The most critical advice is to avoid aggression and force. Your strength lies in your virtue and your generosity. A firm, peaceful, and decisive action will bring the necessary resolution.
