Hexagram 47 of 64
Oppression 泽水困
☱☵ Lake over Water
Exhaustion; holding to one's will.
Hexagram 47 is about being pressed or stuck. Its image is a lake that has lost its water, leaving the lake bed dry. It describes a time when resources or options feel low and your words are not easily believed. It asks you to stay true to your values and keep your word, rather than forcing a way out.
Judgment
亨，贞，大人吉，无咎。有言不信。
Success through perseverance. The great person is fortunate, and there is no blame. Words are not believed.
Image
泽无水，困；君子以致命遂志。
The lake has no water: oppression. The noble person gives everything to fulfill their purpose.
The six lines
Read from the bottom line (the beginning) to the top line (the outcome). Each line gives the classical text, our English translation, and a plain-language reading.
初六：臀困于株木，入于幽谷，三岁不觌。
Seated on a tree stump, sinking into a dark valley, unseen for three years.
You may feel stalled and unseen for a long time. Pulling back to regroup is wiser than pushing blindly into the dark.
九二：困于酒食，朱绂方来，利用亨祀，征凶，无咎。
Hemmed in by feasting and wine, yet the red ceremonial sash is on its way. Make offerings. Pressing forward brings misfortune, though there is no blame in holding back.
Comforts or social obligations may be holding you back for now. Wait for the right moment instead of rushing, and do not force recognition.
六三：困于石，据于蒺蔾，入于其宫，不见其妻，凶。
Pressed by stone, leaning on thorns, returning home to find no one there. Misfortune.
You may be pushing against an obstacle while leaning on something that hurts you. Stop leaning on what cuts you, and rest rather than force it.
九四：来荼荼，困于金轝，吝，有终。
Arriving slowly and hesitantly, held back by a metal carriage. Some regret, yet the matter can reach its end.
Progress is slow, and some obligations weigh on you. Accept the delay, keep going steadily, and the matter can still be completed.
九五：劓刖，困于赤绂，乃徐有说，利用祭祀。
Nose cut off and feet maimed, bound by the red sash. Slowly, relief comes. It is favorable to make offerings.
Old rules or other people's expectations may feel restrictive. Relief comes gradually, so keep your integrity and be patient.
上六：困于葛藟，于臲卼，曰动悔。有悔，征吉。
Tangled in creeping vines and perched on unsteady ground. Saying that action brings regret. If you feel regret, moving forward is fortunate.
You may feel tangled in your own worries and on unsteady footing. Acknowledge mistakes and change direction. Reflection makes the next move better.
In practice
Love and relationships
A relationship that feels pressed or tangled may need quiet reflection before a conversation. Avoid speaking in anger; a calm, honest talk is more useful than trying to win.
Work and decisions
A job or project that feels stuck may need a reset of priorities rather than more pushing. Note what is blocking progress and who can help you with it.
Money
When money feels tight, avoid taking on new debt to cover a short-term squeeze. Review your obligations, cut what you can, and seek clear advice before major decisions.
How to use this reading
Use this reading when you feel boxed in and want to know whether to push, wait, or change course. Ask: what is holding me back, and what can I control?
New to the method? Start with the six-line basics.
For cultural reflection only. This is not a prediction guarantee or professional advice.