Hexagram 6, Line 4

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line marks a critical and fortunate turning point within the Hexagram of Conflict. The individual, represented by this strong (Yang) line, has been engaged in a dispute but now comes to a powerful realization: the fight cannot be won. The position of this line is that of a minister, just below the ruler (line 5). While strong in itself (being part of the upper trigram Heaven), it lacks the ultimate authority to prevail. The wisdom of this line lies in its response to this realization. Instead of stubbornly pushing forward and inviting disaster, the individual makes a conscious choice to retreat. "Returning and resting in the decree" signifies accepting a higher order or the fundamental reality of the situation. It is an act of letting go of the ego's need to win. This is followed by an essential inner transformation: "changes one's attitude, and finds peace in perseverance" (渝安貞). It is not enough to simply withdraw physically; one must also change their inner state from combative to accepting. By finding stability and contentment in a correct, non-confrontational path, one avoids further loss and calamity. This strategic and wise withdrawal is not a failure but a victory of a different kind, leading to "good fortune" and preserving one's integrity.

Guidance for Action

You are currently in a conflict or facing a contentious situation where you must honestly assess your chances of success. The oracle's advice is clear: you cannot win this fight by pressing forward. Continuing the struggle will only lead to exhaustion, loss, and potential humiliation. This is not a time for stubbornness or pride. The wisest course of action is a strategic retreat. Acknowledge the reality of the situation and let go of your attachment to being right or winning. Turn back from the path of conflict. The most important work is internal: you must genuinely change your mindset from one of aggression to one of acceptance and peace. Find a new, more sustainable way to proceed that aligns with your core principles. This is not a defeat; it is a sign of great wisdom and self-preservation that will ultimately bring you peace and good fortune.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line indicates a power struggle, a recurring argument, or a fundamental incompatibility that you have been fighting against. You have now reached a point where you realize you cannot force your partner to change, nor can you "win" the argument to your satisfaction. Pushing the issue further will only damage the connection and your own well-being. The guidance is to stop fighting. Let go of the need to control the outcome. "Return to the decree" means accepting your partner for who they are and the relationship for what it is. The next step, "changing your attitude," is crucial. You must find inner peace with this reality. This could mean finding a new, more peaceful way to coexist, or it could mean recognizing that the conflict is inherent and that peace can only be found by ending the relationship. In either case, abandoning the fight brings good fortune.

For Career & Business

You are involved in a dispute at work—perhaps with a superior, a rival colleague, or against a company policy you disagree with. While you may feel you are in the right, this line indicates you lack the power, authority, or resources to win this particular battle. Continuing to fight will likely damage your professional standing and could lead to negative consequences. The wise move is to disengage. Drop the argument, pivot away from the contentious project, or cease your opposition. Accept the current corporate reality ("return to the decree"). Focus your energy on areas where you *can* be effective and find a way to work peacefully within the existing structure. This strategic withdrawal will be seen as maturity, not weakness, and will preserve your political capital for future, more winnable endeavors.

For Financial Matters

This line points to a financial dispute, a bad investment, or a legal battle over money that is unwinnable. You may have been throwing good money after bad, hoping to recoup a loss, or spending heavily on legal fees for a case you cannot win. The message is to stop. You must realistically assess the situation and recognize that continuing this fight will only lead to greater financial loss. It is time to cut your losses. Settle the lawsuit, divest from the failing asset, or stop arguing with the creditor. Accept the financial reality as it is. By changing your approach from a combative one to one of preservation and stability ("finds peace in perseverance"), you halt the drain on your resources. This allows you to stabilize your finances and begin to rebuild on a more solid and peaceful foundation.