Hexagram 47, Line 6
Oppression (困)
六五
The Line Text
六五，困于葛藟，于臲卼。曰動悔。有悔，征凶。
Oppressed by creeping vines, in a high and precarious place. He says, “To move brings regret.” If one has regrets and then sets forth, it brings misfortune.
The Commentary says: “Oppressed by creeping vines” means the position is not appropriate. “To move brings regret; having this regret” is auspicious.
Interpretation
This line represents the climax of oppression, a state of being completely entangled and in a perilous position. The "creeping vines" symbolize past mistakes, bad habits, binding obligations, or unhealthy relationships that cling and restrict movement. The "high and precarious place" signifies that although one has reached a peak, it is unstable and dangerous. The first realization is that any impulsive action will only lead to regret. However, the line goes further, warning that even acting *from* a place of regret—trying to force a change out of frustration—will lead to misfortune. The commentary introduces a crucial subtlety: the good fortune lies not in acting, but in the process of regret itself. True wisdom comes from recognizing the entanglement, understanding how you contributed to it, and learning the lesson deeply. The auspicious outcome is the inner transformation that results from this difficult self-reflection, which will pave the way for correct action in the future when the time is right.
Guidance for Action
Your current situation is the result of a long series of entanglements. Do not take any major action now. Any attempt to struggle free will only tighten the bonds and worsen your position. Your primary task is to stop and reflect. Identify the "creeping vines" in your life—what past decisions, habits, or commitments are holding you back? Acknowledge your role in this situation without self-pity. The regret you feel is a powerful teacher. Learn from it. The "good fortune" mentioned in the commentary is the wisdom you gain from this process. By understanding the root causes of your oppression, you will be able to act wisely and effectively when the moment for action finally arrives. For now, patience, acceptance, and deep introspection are your only productive moves.
For Love & Relationships
You are in a relationship that has become deeply entangling and feels oppressive. It may be characterized by old patterns, unresolved issues, or a codependency that restricts growth for both partners. The situation feels precarious, and any sudden move—like an ultimatum or an impulsive breakup—is likely to cause more harm and regret. The advice is to stop struggling against the dynamic. Instead, look inward. Reflect on your own actions and patterns that have contributed to this state of entrapment. Feeling regret is the first step toward change. The true path forward is not to lash out, but to learn from this painful experience. This inner wisdom will eventually guide you toward either transforming the relationship or leaving it with clarity and peace, rather than in a state of turmoil.
For Career & Business
You have reached a point in your career where you feel completely stuck, as if entangled in red tape, past project failures, or a toxic work culture. Your position may seem senior, but it is unstable and offers no real freedom of movement. Making a major career move right now—such as resigning in frustration, launching a risky initiative, or confronting superiors—would be a mistake and lead to negative consequences. The wisest course of action is to cease struggling. Use this time to analyze how you got here. What poor judgments or compromises led to this entanglement? Learning from these regrets is where the real value lies. This newfound self-awareness is the "good fortune" that will enable you to make a much better, more strategic move when the circumstances are more favorable.
For Financial Matters
This line points to a severe state of financial entanglement. You are likely constrained by past debts, burdensome financial commitments, or investments that have gone sour. Your financial situation is precarious, and any rash action—like taking on more debt to solve a cash-flow problem or panic-selling assets—will only lead to greater misfortune. Stop all financial maneuvering. The immediate task is to honestly assess the mistakes that led to this predicament. Acknowledge your errors in judgment without despair. The regret you feel is a signal to learn a vital lesson about your relationship with money. The auspicious outcome will not be a sudden windfall, but the long-term financial security that comes from fundamentally changing your habits and strategies based on the hard-won wisdom of this difficult time.
