Hexagram 7, Line 5

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line, residing in the fifth and most powerful position of the ruler, speaks to a specific type of conflict and the critical importance of proper delegation. The "game in the fields" is not an invading foreign army but a more localized, disruptive force—like rebels, bandits, or a persistent internal problem that threatens the well-being of the people (the fields). The situation requires action ("it is favorable to capture them"), but the method is key. The ruler (represented by this line) may not be the one to lead the charge directly. Their primary duty is to appoint the right commander. The "eldest son" symbolizes the most experienced, capable, and trustworthy general. He understands the principles of righteous warfare, acts with discipline and moderation, and can be trusted to resolve the issue effectively and with minimal collateral damage. When he is in charge, the action is justified ("no blame"). Conversely, the "younger son" represents an inexperienced, unqualified, or rash leader. Appointing him—perhaps out of favoritism, impatience, or poor judgment—is a catastrophic error. He will lead the army to ruin, resulting only in death and defeat ("transporting corpses"). The final warning, "Perseverance in this would bring misfortune," is stark: to stubbornly stick with an incompetent leader is to guarantee disaster. The line's core message is that true leadership lies not just in taking action, but in having the wisdom to empower the right people for the task.

Guidance for Action

You are facing a persistent problem that is disrupting your peace or productivity. It is not a frontal assault, but an invasive issue that needs to be dealt with decisively. Your most important task right now is not to solve the problem yourself, but to delegate it to the most competent person or resource available. Do not be tempted to hand the responsibility to someone who is convenient, eager but inexperienced, or a personal favorite. Your judgment in choosing who to empower is paramount. Assess skills, track record, and temperament objectively. Entrusting the task to a proven expert ("the eldest son") will lead to a clean resolution. Giving it to the unqualified ("the younger son") will create a bigger mess that you will have to clean up later. Avoid cronyism and nepotism at all costs.

For Love & Relationships

In your relationship, "game in the fields" represents recurring issues, negative patterns, or unresolved conflicts that are damaging the connection. These problems must be addressed directly ("captured"). The key lesson here is *how* you address them. The "eldest son" is your mature, wise, and compassionate self, approaching the problem with a desire for resolution and understanding. The "younger son" is your reactive, ego-driven, or immature self, which might resort to blame, anger, or rash accusations. Engaging from this immature place will only lead to more hurt and damage ("transporting corpses"). If seeking outside help like couples counseling, choose a qualified, experienced therapist ("eldest son"), not just a well-meaning friend who may give poor advice ("younger son").

For Career & Business

A persistent problem is affecting your team or company—perhaps a flawed process, a disruptive employee, or a nagging competitor. As a leader or senior figure, you must act. This line is a direct instruction on delegation. Your success hinges on appointing the right person to lead the project or solve the issue. Choose the "eldest son": the team member with the most relevant experience, proven skills, and a steady hand. Do not give the lead to the "younger son": the enthusiastic but unprepared junior, the sycophant, or someone you favor for personal reasons. Promoting or empowering the wrong person will lead to project failure, wasted resources, and a demoralized team—a corporate-level "transporting of corpses." Your legacy will be defined by the quality of your appointments.

For Financial Matters

The "game in the fields" symbolizes financial "pests" that are eating away at your resources. This could be nagging debts, wasteful spending habits, or a poorly performing investment that is a constant drain. The time has come to take decisive action. The central choice is who or what you will entrust to solve this. The "eldest son" represents sound, proven financial principles: working with a reputable and experienced financial advisor, using a well-researched investment strategy, or adhering to a disciplined budget. The "younger son" represents get-rich-quick schemes, advice from unqualified "gurus," impulsive financial decisions based on emotion, or entrusting your money to an unproven source. Following the latter path is a recipe for financial ruin. Stick to what is tested and true.