Hexagram 61, Line 6

The Line Text

Interpretation

This top line marks the culmination and excess of the theme of Inner Truth. The image is of a rooster (翰音, hàn yīn, literally "soaring sound") that crows loudly, its call reaching for the heavens. However, a rooster cannot actually fly to heaven; its crow is just sound, not substance. This line symbolizes a dangerous deviation from the core principle of Hexagram 61. The inner truth has been lost, replaced by empty words, loud pronouncements, and a hollow performance of sincerity. The influence sought is based on rhetoric and ambition rather than genuine, heartfelt connection. It is an attempt to achieve results through words alone, which are disconnected from reality and inner conviction. The warning "Perseverance brings misfortune" is stark and unusual in the I Ching, where perseverance is often praised. Here, it means that continuing on this path of boastful, empty talk will inevitably lead to a loss of credibility, failure, and ill fortune. The effort is unsustainable because it lacks a genuine foundation.

Guidance for Action

This line is a strong warning against over-promising, empty rhetoric, and allowing your ego to substitute words for actions. It is crucial to ground yourself in reality. Stop talking about what you are going to do and focus on tangible, humble, and consistent action. Let your deeds speak for you, not your grand pronouncements. This is a time for introspection and humility. Re-examine your motivations. Are you trying to impress others, or are you acting from a place of genuine inner truth? Pull back from the spotlight, quiet the loud claims, and return to the foundational work. Your credibility is on the line. True influence cannot be sustained by sound alone; it must be backed by substance.

For Love & Relationships

In relationships, this line points to a situation built on grand promises and beautiful words that lack follow-through. One or both partners may talk a great game about love, commitment, and a shared future, but their daily actions do not support these claims. The connection is more of a performance or a fantasy than a grounded reality. This could be a partner who constantly promises change but never delivers, or a relationship that sounds perfect on social media but is hollow behind the scenes. Persisting in this dynamic, believing the empty words, will only lead to disappointment and heartbreak. The guidance is to look for substance over style. True affection is shown in small, consistent, reliable actions, not in poetic but empty declarations.

For Career & Business

In a career context, this line represents the danger of "all talk and no action." It could be a leader who makes inspiring speeches but fails to execute a plan, a colleague who oversells their abilities, or a project built on hype rather than a solid business case. You are cautioned against being this person, and against placing your trust in them. Relying on charisma, buzzwords, or ambitious claims without delivering tangible results will lead to a professional downfall. If this is your situation, it is time to stop promoting and start producing. Focus on concrete achievements, no matter how small. Build your reputation on competence and reliability, not just on your ability to talk a good game.

For Financial Matters

This line is a major red flag regarding financial matters. It warns against investments, schemes, or financial advice based on hype, grand promises, and charismatic pitches. This is the "get-rich-quick" scheme that sounds incredible but has no solid foundation. It is the financial guru whose pronouncements "ascend to heaven" but are not backed by verifiable data or a sustainable strategy. Do not be swayed by loud confidence or promises of spectacular returns. Persisting in such a venture—holding on in the hopes that the promises will materialize—will lead to financial loss. Be extremely skeptical and conservative. Stick to grounded, well-researched, and proven financial strategies. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.