Hexagram 9, Line 3

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line presents a vivid and potent image of breakdown and conflict. The chariot, a symbol of progress and forward movement, is rendered useless. The spokes breaking from the wheels signify a sudden, violent halt to a project or endeavor. This is not a gentle stop but a structural failure. The cause is an internal misalignment of forces. The aggressive Yang energy of this line, positioned at the top of the lower trigram (Heaven), tries to push forward with brute force, ignoring the gentle restraining influence (the Yin line at position 4) that characterizes the entire hexagram. This forceful attempt to override the situation creates severe internal discord, symbolized by the "husband and wife" turning against each other. The external project fails because the internal harmony has been shattered. It's a powerful warning that trying to force progress when the conditions call for subtlety and cooperation will lead to disunity, blame, and a complete standstill.

Guidance for Action

Your current approach is too forceful and is causing things to fall apart. Stop pushing immediately. The resistance you are meeting is not something you can or should overwhelm. Continuing on your present course will only lead to greater conflict and a total breakdown of your plans. Instead of blaming others or external circumstances (the "wife" in the analogy), you must look inward at your own strategy. The problem lies in a lack of harmony and cooperation. Take a step back, cease all forward action, and focus on repairing relationships and realigning your team or your own inner state. Communication has broken down; it must be restored. This is a time for retreat, reflection, and mending fences, not for advancing.

For Love & Relationships

This line is a direct and ominous sign for a relationship. It points to a serious conflict, a power struggle, and a breakdown in communication. One or both partners are trying to force their will upon the other, leading to bitter arguments and resentment. The "chariot" of the relationship cannot move forward because its fundamental structure is damaged by this internal strife. Progress towards shared goals (moving in, marriage, etc.) is impossible right now. The guidance is unequivocal: stop forcing the issue. Whatever the point of contention is, pushing for it will only break the relationship further. You must both retreat from your positions, focus on de-escalation, and attempt to understand the other's perspective. The household cannot be in order, and the relationship cannot function, amidst such discord.

For Career & Business

In a career or business context, this line indicates a major setback. A project has come to a grinding, damaging halt. This is likely due to internal conflict within a team, a dispute with a business partner, or a clash with management. Your aggressive push to move forward has ignored crucial limitations or the need for consensus. The "quarreling couple" can represent warring factions within the company, or a conflict between your ambitions and the company's resources or direction. All progress is stalled. To move forward, you must first resolve the internal disunity. Stop the project, call a meeting, and address the conflicts head-on with a goal of reconciliation, not of winning the argument. Forcing the issue will only lead to resignations, failed partnerships, and a ruined venture.

For Financial Matters

This line is a strong warning of financial loss due to a flawed and aggressive strategy. An investment has likely gone wrong, or a financial plan has completely unraveled. The "broken chariot" signifies that your vehicle for financial growth is now damaged. This situation may be causing significant conflict with a spouse or financial partner, as indicated by the "husband and wife turning against each other." Blame and arguments over money are prominent. The advice is to immediately cease any high-risk or forceful financial maneuvers. Liquidate problematic positions if you can, and halt the plan that is failing. The priority now is to stop the bleeding and restore harmony and agreement with anyone else involved in your finances. Do not try to "force" a recovery by doubling down; this will only lead to greater disaster.