Hexagram 56, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line represents the tragic culmination of the wanderer's journey when it goes wrong. The individual, having reached a high or prominent position (the top line), has forgotten the fundamental principles of being a wanderer: humility, caution, and adaptability. The image of the bird whose nest is burned signifies the complete destruction of one's home, security, and place of rest. This destruction is self-inflicted. The wanderer's initial laughter reveals a shocking arrogance and lack of awareness. They may be laughing at others' misfortune or simply be giddy with a false sense of security, believing they are above the rules. This hubris is swiftly followed by a dramatic reversal of fortune, leading to loud wailing and despair. The loss of the "ox" is symbolic of losing one's gentleness, substance, and connection to what is reliable and good, all "through carelessness" (易, yì) or arrogance. The final judgment is "Misfortune" (凶, xiōng), and the commentary adds the final, desolate note: because of this behavior, no one will listen to their cries for help. They have alienated everyone and are left utterly alone in their ruin.

Guidance for Action

This line is a severe warning against arrogance, complacency, and cruelty, especially when you are in a position of perceived success or at the end of a long struggle. Do not forget the humility and caution that brought you this far. Your current position is more precarious than you think. To laugh at the expense of others or to become careless with your responsibilities is to set fire to your own security. Pay meticulous attention to details and maintain your integrity. The "ox" represents your gentle, steadfast nature and your core resources; do not lose them through recklessness. If you find yourself acting with hubris, stop immediately. Reconnect with humility and treat others with respect. Burning your bridges will leave you with no one to turn to when you inevitably face hardship.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line points to a disastrous end caused by one partner's arrogance or neglect. You or your partner may have become complacent, taking the relationship and the other person for granted. There may have been a moment of cruel laughter, dismissiveness, or a feeling of superiority that deeply wounded the connection. This behavior has "burned the nest" – the shared home and emotional security of the relationship is being destroyed. What began with arrogant confidence will end in deep regret and sorrow. The "loss of the ox" signifies losing the gentle, patient, and loving foundation of the partnership through carelessness. At this stage, reconciliation is nearly impossible because trust has been so thoroughly broken that the wronged party "no longer listens."

For Career & Business

This line warns of a dramatic fall from grace in your professional life. You may have achieved a high position or significant success, but it has made you arrogant and dismissive of colleagues, rules, or the details of your work. You might mock those below you or take reckless risks, believing you are untouchable. This behavior leads directly to a catastrophic failure—a project collapses, you are fired, or your reputation is ruined ("the nest is burned"). Your initial confidence and success ("laughter") will turn into desperate regret ("wailing"). The "loss of the ox" points to losing key assets, support from your team, or your own professional integrity through this carelessness. Your pleas for a second chance will likely be ignored.

For Financial Matters

This is a stark warning against financial hubris. After a period of success or a significant gain, you may feel invincible. You laugh at risks and dismiss cautious advice. This leads you to make a large, reckless investment or to be careless with your assets ("losing the ox"). The result is a total or near-total loss; your financial security ("the nest") is burned to the ground. The initial elation of your previous success is replaced by the profound misery of your current loss. This situation is self-inflicted, born of arrogance and a lack of due diligence. It will be difficult to find help or sympathy, as others will see the disaster as a direct result of your own foolishness.