38
Hexagram 38, Kui: “Discord,” “Opposition.” People are together, but looking in different directions.
The image of the hexagram
Below is the Dui trigram (lake), above is Li (fire). Fire over a lake: the flame rises, the water sinks — the elements side by side, yet apart.
General meaning
The answer: there will be no agreement for now, but it is not a disaster. Kui describes divergence — in views, in goals, in ways of living. The classic text says that small matters are still possible: you can agree on specifics, but a united front will not happen. The difference here cannot be removed, and it is wiser to acknowledge it than to paper over it.
In love and at work
In relationships: different values, mutual misunderstanding, the same arguments going around in circles. At work: a conflict of interest, partners with different goals. For a major joint venture, the answer is no.
What to do
Agree on small things and don’t demand unity on big ones. It is better to say out loud where you don’t see eye to eye.