The Meaning of Hexagram #38

Hexagram number 38 implies a draw, an impasse or a stalemate. Like water and fire coming together, opposing forces bring activity to a standstill. The opposing forces you encounter may be the actions or opinions of others, or they may be one's own. An internal struggle may have brought you to a point where movement is impossible. This is a time to identify a higher vision for yourself. Look to see who shares your vision and who does not, who is in alignment with your cause and who is not. This is an opportunity to evaluate and decide on directions for future movement. The first step in dealing with opposition is identifying it.

NOTE: Wondering how I Ching hexagram #38, "Fire over Lake", is interpreted for questions about dating, marriage and romantic issues? See iFate's special Hexagram #38 Love I Ching interpretation.

Changing Lines in Hexagram #38

Changes in Line 1

"Lesson of the Runaway Horse"

If one's horse runs off out of control, let it go and trust it will return on its own accord. This means that if you don't feel supported by somebody

Changes in Line 2

"Meeting on a Narrow Street"

This line evokes an image of two people who won't budge. If two people, walking in opposite directions, come face to face and cannot see the way past each other, they should make every attempt to reconcile their differences. Bear this in mind and current problems will soon be solved.

Changes in Line 3

"Accepting the Impasse"

When it seems as though everything in the Universe is conspiring against your own desires, don't be misled by the situation. The outcome will still be favorable. All stuck times eventually give way to change.

Changes in Line 4

"Dissolving Isolation"

When it seems as if you are stuck, and all those around you are in opposition to your journey, always look for the one wise person to meet with. There will still be at least one person in your circle of friends who will share your visin. Seek this person's counsel at this time When it seems as if you are stuck, and all those around you are in opposition to your journey, always look for the one wise person to meet with. There will still be at least one person in your circle of friends who will share your vision. Seek this person's counsel at this time

Changes in Line 5

"Recognizing Sincerity"

Those who do not oppose you my be hard to recognize at first. You must seek deep. Find out who truly sees eye

Changes in Line 6

"Seeing Past a Dirty Face"

Comrades who share your commitment and vision could be hidden from view at this time. Show your own true colors first and your allies will then show theirs. The new people you meet at this time come in peace, no matter how it may seem at first.

The 2 Trigrams Within Hexagram #38

I Ching hexagram #38 is composed of two 3-line trigrams layered above one another. The bottom three lines of hexagram #38 form the trigram for Lake, while the top three lines form the trigram for Fire.

NOTE: Generally speaking, the upper trigram represents external forces or energies, and the lower trigram represents internal forces or energies.

Hexagram #38's Lower Trigram of Lake

The blissful trigram representing the lake symbolizes happiness and clarity of thought and communication. Blissful tranquility is referenced here, along with a sense of calm and devotion. The blissful Lake may also point to a 'third daughter' or the map direction west.

Hexagram #38's Upper Trigram of Fire

The warming trigram representing fire is sometimes known by the more classical names, 'Attachment' or 'Dependence'. The fire trigram is associated with illumination and something that is both adapted and a source of warmth and security. Fire may also point to a 'second daughter' or possibly the compass direction of 'south'.

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List of all possible changes for hexagram #38

A note on iFate's I Ching translation: This is not a direct translation of the original "Book of Changes" from 1000 BC. While multiple translations of the original text are available, they include many archaic references and can be difficult to understand for 21st century readers. iFate uses our own modern rewritings (two different editions) of the "Book of Changes" which makes interpreting I Ching readings far simpler. For iFate's additional contemporary re-writing of the original text, see our "Love I Ching" translation.