37. The Family (The Clan)
Judgment of Hexagram 37 – The Family – Chai Jen
This oracle emphasizes the fact that the basis of any family relationship lies in the relationship between the husband and wife. This relationship is further strengthened by their mutual loyalty and trust in each other.
The family thus forms the basis of society as a whole, and the behavior you display here reflects your social behavior in general.
Image of Hexagram 37 – The Family – Chai Jen
When the wind stirs up the fire and sends its flames leaping upward, it means that the heat has generated fresh energy. This also reflects that the power within is influencing that which is outside. Similarly, your behavior within your own family is the basis of your outer social self.
38. Opposition
Judgment of Hexagram 38 – Opposition – K’uei
This reveals that if there is general opposition to your plans, you cannot undertake any project with surety. At such a time, you cannot just barge ahead, for that would increase resentment against you. Instead, try and persuade others on small issues, which will reduce the chances of disagreements. And ultimately, this opposition will help you categorize between the superior and the inferior people.
Image of Hexagram 38 – Opposition – K’uei
A fire above a lake is the image here, which signifies that the two will never mix, and will retain their individuality even when they are in close contact with each other. Therefore, you as a superior human being should always retain your self and character, and never be led away by inferior elements.
39. Obstruction
Judgment of Hexagram 39 – Obstruction – Chien
Sometimes you may face situations that are so adverse that it becomes very difficult to surmount them and move ahead directly. In these conditions, it is wise for you to retreat and wait for the good times to come back again. You must also team up with like-minded people, and establish proper leadership to guide you under the circumstances.
Image of Hexagram 39 – Obstruction – Chien
Water pouring over the mountain represents the image of obstruction here. At this point, when you are faced with a number of obstacles, you should seek the answers for your failure within yourself, and this introspection will lead you to develop into a superior human being, who can surmount any obstacles in the path to success.
40. Deliverance
Judgment of Hexagram 40 – Deliverance – Hsieh
After darkness, there is always light. Similarly, after your darkest hour, the time of deliverance will come and you will be able to see light at the end of the tunnel. Tensions and complicated situations begin to ease out. There is also the strong possibility that you will finally have good fortune once again. At this time, you should concentrate on all small and unattended matters, so that there is no residue left of the past.
Image of Hexagram 40 – Deliverance – Hsieh
The image of the all-clearing thunderstorm signifies that the dark, murky past is over and good weather will prevail again. Thus you are nourished with fresh energy and look forward to life in a rejuvenated manner. At this time, you should forget and forgive others’ misdeeds and rediscover the joys of life.
41. Decrease
Judgment of Hexagram 41 – Decrease – Sun
You should always realize that if anything decreases in your life, it is not essentially a bad sign, since increase and decrease occur with the natural flow of life. At times of poverty and bad luck, you should replenish yourself purely through the power of your inner self. Your strong belief and inner faith should help you stand the test of time.
Image of Hexagram 41 – Decrease – Sun
When the water of the lake at the foot of the mountain evaporates, the imagery of decrease is displayed. But at the same time, the mountain is enriched with the moisture from the evaporating lake’s waters. Similarly, you should try to gather any good elements and friends during your times of crisis, and only this will help you tide over it.
42. Increase
Judgment of Hexagram 42 – Increase – I
Sometimes the superior people sacrifice a lot in life so that the inferior people benefit. This is a time of giving and sharing, and there is a sense of loyalty among the inferior people. This is usually a temporary phase, so you should attempt to make the best use of it while it lasts.
Image of Hexagram 42 – Increase – I
One can benefit from seeing thunder and wind together when these two forces increase each other’s powers. Similarly, you should imitate the good that you see in others, and also attempt to rid yourself of all evil at the same time. Only this will make you into a truly evolved human being.
See Also:
- 64 I Ching Hexagrams
- Hexagram 1
- Hexagram 2
- IChing Hexagram 3
- Hexagram 4
- Hexagram 5
- I Ching Hexagram 6
- Hexagram 7
- Hexagram 8
- I-Ching Hexagram 9
- Hexagram 10
- Hexagram 11
- Yijing Hexagram 12
- Hexagram 13
- Hexagram 14
- Yi Jing Hexagram 15
- Hexagram 16
- Hexagram 17
- I Ching Hexagram 18
- Hexagram 19
- Hexagram 20
- Hexagram 21
- IChing Hexagram 22
- Hexagram 23
- Hexagram 24
- I-Ching Hexagram 25
- Hexagram 26
- Hexagram 27
- Yijing Hexagram 28
- Hexagram 29
- Hexagram 30
- Yi Jing Hexagram 31
- Hexagram 32
- Hexagram 33
- I Ching Hexagram 34
- Hexagram 35
- Hexagram 36
- IChing Hexagram 37
- Hexagram 38
- Hexagram 39
- I-Ching Hexagram 40
- Hexagram 41
- Hexagram 42
- Yi Jing Hexagram 43
- Hexagram 44
- Hexagram 45
- Yijing Hexagram 46
- Chinese Hexagram 47
- Hexagram 48
- Hexagram 49
- Yi-Jing Hexagram 50
- Hexagram 51
- Hexagram 52
- I Ching Hexagram 53
- Hexagram 54
- Hexagram 55
- IChing Hexagram 56
- Hexagram 57
- Hexagram 58
- I-Ching Hexagram 59
- Hexagram 60
- Hexagram 61
- Yi Jing Hexagram 62
- Hexagram 63
- Hexagram 64
- I Ching and the 64 Hexagrams – Judgment and Image
- I Ching – Book Of Fortune