Hexagram 47 • Exhaustion/Oppression • K’un

The Image of Lake over Water

There is no water in the lake: the image of Exhaustion.
Thus the superior man stakes his life on following his will.
Wilhelm/Baynes

Perhaps a drought of energy is causing you to feel depressed or confined.
Maybe you pushed too far. This is a situation of fate.
There is no point in fighting it, nor talking about it.
No one will listen to your complaints.

Remain above the situation in your mind.
Stay in touch with those you can depend on until the difficult time passes.

Six in the first place

When you are stumped and can’t see a way out of gloom
don’t allow yourself to become overwhelmed by events.
Even if you created the situation do not identify with the role of victim.

Six in the first place changes to hexagram 58.
Paintings and prescriptions hexagram 58.

Nine in the second place

When feeling trapped by depression pray even if you don’t believe in prayer.
Welcome a kindred soul to share a ceremonial meal with you.
Consult the I Ching. Be patient.

Nine in the second place Changes to hexagram 45.
Paintings and prescriptions hexagram 45.

Six in the third place

When feeling overwhelmed by events you make fruitless efforts to avoid pain.

To struggle against the situation feels like
falling into a patch of thorns when you are seeking roses.
Meditate. Use your imagination to create the scene you want to experience.
Do not depend on those who cannot support you now.

Six in the third place changes to hexagram 28.
Paintings and prescriptions hexagram 28.

Nine in the fourth place

He comes quietly, oppressed in a golden carriage.
Humiliation but the end is reached. Whilhem / Baynes

Help will appear when you are open to receive it.
Trust. Let go. Meditate. You will slowly feel relief.

Perhaps it is time to read
The Secret of the Golden Flower

Nine in the fourth place changes to hexagram 29.
Paintings and prescriptions hexagram 29.

Nine in the fifth place

Feeling wounded, you have lost intuition for what might free you of pain.
When you can’t find help from the people around you remain quiet.
Continue with meditation and prayer.
Relief comes by submitting to what you cannot change.

Nine in the fifth place changes to hexagram 40.
Paintings and prescriptions hexagram 40.

Six in the last place

Your way of thinking is transformed.
The thorns of oppression or depression are released.
It does not help to feel sorry for yourself by dwelling on past misery.
Let go. Move on.

Six in the last place changes to hexagram 6.
Paintings and prescriptions hexagram 6.

Tags: hexagram 47, I Ching, lake, Meditations, water