Hexagram 47
Oppression (Exhaustion)
困 (Kùn)
Lake over Water
The image is of a Lake that has been drained of its water, which has sunk into the abyss below. This symbolizes a state of exhaustion, confinement, and adversity. The upper trigram, Lake, represents joy and speech, but it is empty. The lower trigram, Water, represents danger and the abyss. Joy is trapped by danger. This indicates a time when one's resources are depleted, and outward expression is silenced by hardship.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment is paradoxical. While the situation is one of severe hardship, success is still possible, but only for "the great man"—a person of profound inner strength. This success comes through quiet perseverance, not struggle. A key aspect of this time is that your words are useless ("not believed"). Do not waste energy complaining or trying to explain yourself. The path to good fortune is through silent endurance and remaining true to your principles.
The Image (象传)
When all external resources are depleted, the only thing that remains is one's own inner character. The superior person, in such a dire situation, does not compromise their core values. They are willing to risk everything, even their life, to remain true to their inner purpose and will. This is the ultimate test of integrity: to hold fast to who you are when you have nothing else left. This is where true strength is found.
Interpretation & Guidance
Receiving this hexagram indicates you are in a difficult period of restriction and exhaustion. You may feel trapped, depleted, and misunderstood. The crucial advice is to conserve your energy. Do not struggle against the restrictions, and do not waste your breath on words that will not be heard. The way through this adversity is quiet, cheerful endurance. Stay true to yourself and your principles, no matter the external pressure. This is a profound test of character, and by passing it with integrity, you will emerge stronger and will ultimately find your way to success.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"One sits oppressed under a bare tree and strays into a gloomy valley. For three years one sees nothing."
This is the deepest point of oppression. You are isolated, without support, and feel hopeless. The situation seems endless and bleak. All you can do is endure this dark period.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"One is oppressed while at meat and drink... The man with the scarlet knee bands is just coming. It is rewarding to make offerings."
You are oppressed by circumstances, even though you have material comfort. Your spirit is confined. Help from a high place is on its way. The best course is to wait patiently, maintain your inner rituals and piety, and do not try to force a way out yourself.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"A man is oppressed by stone, and leans on thorns... He enters his house and does not see his wife. Misfortune."
In your distress, you are relying on the wrong things and the wrong people for support—things that only harm you further. This incorrect approach increases your alienation from what is truly good for you, leading to misfortune.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"He comes very quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage. Humiliation, but the end is reached."
Rescue comes from a wealthy and powerful source, but it is not a dignified situation. You must move slowly and discreetly. There is some humiliation in accepting help under these circumstances, but it does allow you to escape the immediate oppression.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"His nose and feet are cut off. Oppression at the hands of the man with the purple knee bands. Joy comes slowly. It is rewarding to make offerings."
You are being severely constrained by a higher power. Your freedom of movement and discernment are cut off. This is a painful and difficult time that must be endured. Release and joy will come, but only gradually. Maintain your inner spiritual connection and be patient.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"He is oppressed by creeping vines. He moves uncertainly and says, 'Movement brings remorse.' If one feels remorse for this and sets forth, good fortune comes."
You are trapped by your own indecision and fear. You believe that any action will be a mistake. This is the final and most difficult form of oppression—the one you impose on yourself. The only way out is to recognize this self-imprisonment, regret it, and finally take decisive action. This will lead to good fortune.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram points to a relationship that feels confining, draining, and oppressive. Communication has likely broken down, with one or both partners feeling unheard ("words are not believed"). There can be a sense of being trapped with no way out. Forcing a resolution will fail. The only path forward is for each individual to find their own inner strength and endure the difficult period with integrity. It is a severe test that will either break the relationship or, if survived, make its foundation much stronger.
Career & Business (事业)
In your career, Oppression signifies a time of extreme restriction. You may be in a dead-end job, a failing business, or a project with no resources. Your freedom to act is gone, and your ideas are ignored. Do not waste energy fighting battles you cannot win. The wise course is to conserve your energy, do your work with quiet professionalism, and maintain your integrity. Focus on survival and enduring the hard times, waiting for an opportunity to break free.
Health & Wellness (健康)
For health, this hexagram often indicates a state of deep exhaustion, chronic fatigue, or a debilitating and restrictive illness. Your vitality is depleted. It is a critical time to stop pushing yourself and to conserve all your energy. Rest is paramount. The focus should be on inner peace and quiet endurance rather than aggressive treatments. You must allow your body the deep rest it needs to eventually recover.
Financial Matters (财运)
This signifies a period of severe financial hardship. You may feel trapped by debt, unemployment, or a failing business. Resources are exhausted. This is a time for extreme austerity and conserving every penny. Do not take on new financial risks. The path through this is to endure the lean times with dignity and to maintain your self-respect, even in poverty. Your character is your only true asset right now.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
Oppression is one of the most powerful hexagrams for personal growth. It teaches you what you are truly made of. When all external supports, comforts, and freedoms are stripped away, what remains? The only thing you can control is your own inner response. Growth comes from learning to endure hardship without complaint, to remain true to your own will when no one else believes in you, and to find a source of strength within yourself that is independent of external circumstances.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
This is a time for inaction and endurance. The situation is one of confinement and adversity. Direct struggle is futile. Trying to talk your way out is useless. The correct strategy is to conserve your energy, remain inwardly cheerful and strong, and hold fast to your core principles. This is a test of character. By enduring it with quiet dignity, you will eventually overcome the oppression.
