The Guai (Decision) Hexagram

Guai. Publicly proclaimed in the royal court, a trustworthy cry warns of danger. A message from the city says: "It is not advantageous to engage in war," but it is beneficial to proceed with caution.

Commentary: The image shows water rising above heaven—this is the Guai hexagram. The superior person, observing this, distributes blessings to the people below and avoids taking credit for virtue.

Explanation in Modern Chinese:

Guai Hexagram: In the royal court, people are dancing and celebrating. Someone cries out, "An enemy is coming!" A command comes from the city: "It is not favorable to attack, but to be prepared." If one consults the oracle and encounters this line, traveling outside will be auspicious.

The Commentary says: The upper trigram is Dui (Joy), representing a marsh; the lower trigram is Qian (Heaven), representing sky. This indicates that water rises and irrigates the earth, which is the image of the Guai hexagram. The superior person observes this and thus bestows kindness upon the people below, never taking credit for virtue, and considers this a matter of caution.

Shao Yong's Explanation of River and Luo Numerology:

Eliminate and decide decisively; initially auspicious, finally ominous. Be cautious and self-restrained.

Bad: Those who receive this hexagram will find their luck fading, and difficulties approaching. It is advisable to remain vigilant and speak and act cautiously.

Fu Peirong's Hexagram Interpretation Manual:

Timely Fortune: When fortune is at its peak, spending wealth is auspicious.

Wealth: Benefiting oneself and others, wealth disperses but people gather.

Home: Need to guard against flood; marriage may not succeed.

Health: Regulate your breath.
 

Chang Mingren's Hexagram Interpretation (Taiwan):

Guai: Represents decision or absence, a condition hexagram where fortune is uncertain. Any hesitation must be resolved without further delay. As for how to decide, it depends on the changed hexagram. Otherwise, further delay will lead to misfortune!

• Interpretation: The image is unique, like a dragon rising to great fortune.
• Characteristics: Sharp-minded, with ideals and ambitions, decisive, pragmatic, realistic, not opportunistic or risky, has a sense of loneliness, suitable for specialized work.
• Fortune: Although currently experiencing good fortune, eventually face difficulties and dangers. Do not act rashly, always be alert, pay attention to unexpected disasters. Your residence may change, and there may be losses in documents or contracts, leading to errors. Do not be arrogant or overconfident; those who are not humble will surely suffer.
• Family Fortune: Though beautiful, it is near dusk. Later, it may fall into turmoil and suffering. Therefore, this hexagram symbolizes the principle that excessive prosperity leads to decline.
• Disease: The illness is serious and requires prompt treatment. Watch out for head, respiratory system, and tumor diseases.
• Pregnancy: No disaster. The mother should be careful with food and avoid anger, otherwise there may be complications during childbirth.
• Children: There is an initial blessing followed by misfortune.
• Cash Flow: Do not rush, but act with sincerity and a positive attitude, which can lead to success. Otherwise, there may be unfavorable outcomes.
• Business: Must conduct transactions with integrity. There is a risk of failure and financial loss.
• Waiting for Someone: There is no need to wait, as they will not come.
• Searching for a Person: It is advisable to search quickly, as delays are不利.
• Lost Item: Believe that the lost item is already damaged and cannot be recovered.
• Traveling Out: Not advisable to travel too frequently; the best approach is to rest and wait. Traveling is auspicious.
• Examination: Not ideal.
• Lawsuit: Avoid arguments, as you are weak and outnumbered. Seek legal solutions instead.
• Seeking Employment: Difficulties may arise, or you may not get a good position.
• Changing Profession: Those considering a career change should think carefully.
• Starting a Business: Not favorable for new businesses; if already prepared, there will be many challenges.

[Topmost Hexagram] Marsh over Heaven (Guai Hexagram) — Decisive Yet Harmonious

Chapter 43 of the 64 Hexagrams of the I Ching

Commentary: A spider escapes from its web, just like a soldier in battle with his wings stuck in the web. Fortunately, a strong wind breaks the web, freeing him from danger and granting him freedom.

This hexagram consists of two opposing trigrams: the lower one is Qian (Heaven), representing strength; the upper one is Dui (Marsh), representing joy. The marsh emits moisture, which rises and becomes rain, nourishing the earth and all things. Five yang lines exist, with only one yin line remaining. Removing the yin is not difficult; it can be done through decision-making, hence the name "Guai" (decision).

Career: At a time of prosperity, there is also a general underlying danger. It is essential to show benevolence to others, avoid arrogance, and actively cooperate with others. Avoid taking risks. Always remain vigilant against the sabotage of small people. However, do not act recklessly; use a moderate approach to deal with small people, avoiding excess.

Commerce: The market is heading towards decline. It is not advisable to engage in large-scale activities; stay alert and be ready to change direction. When exploring new areas, strengthen cooperation with others. However, ensure that you are fully aware of any malicious individuals who might take advantage of the situation to cause disruption and damage.

Academic Pursuits: Seek knowledge humbly and enhance your own capabilities. But act within your limits, and do not be overly confident. Also, avoid aligning with small people, as this may lead to false fame and ruin your career.

Travel: Not advisable to travel too frequently; the best strategy is to rest and wait. Traveling is auspicious.

Marriage: Guard against being deceived by matchmakers, and be cautious about the intentions of the other party.

Decision-Making: A contradictory personality often appears strong on the surface but is weak inside. At critical moments, it may harm your career. Listen to others' advice humbly, avoid recklessness, think deeply, and treat people and situations with a gentle attitude.