Hexagram Image: [Upper Trigram: Qián (Heaven), Lower Trigram: Kǎn (Water)]

Upper Trigram: Qián (Heaven) Lower Trigram: Kǎn (Water)

Judgment: Sòng: Conflict. You are sincere and are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water.

Symbolism: Dispute, conflict, litigation, opposition

Meaning of the Hexagram

The Sòng hexagram symbolizes conflict and dispute. The character “Sòng” represents litigation, conflict, and opposition. This hexagram is composed of the lower trigram Kǎn (Water) and the upper trigram Qián (Heaven), symbolizing heaven and water moving in opposite directions, like forces in conflict with each other.

On a philosophical level, the Sòng hexagram explores the wisdom of handling conflict. True wisdom is not avoiding all conflict but knowing how to navigate it properly. The Sòng hexagram reminds us that conflict requires careful handling, moderation, and proper guidance to resolve successfully, and sometimes the wisest approach is to seek compromise rather than total victory.

Analysis of the Judgment

“Sòng: Conflict” establishes the central theme of the hexagram—the presence of dispute or opposition.

“You are sincere and are being obstructed” acknowledges that even with sincere intentions, one may face obstruction and conflict.

“A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune” suggests that moderation and compromise in conflict are often more beneficial than pushing for complete victory.

“Going through to the end brings misfortune” warns against pursuing conflict to its bitter conclusion, suggesting that excessive persistence in dispute leads to harm.

“It furthers one to see the great man” emphasizes the importance of seeking wise counsel or mediation in conflict situations.

“It does not further one to cross the great water” cautions against undertaking major risks or ventures during times of conflict.

Overall, the judgment emphasizes that conflict requires moderation, compromise, wise counsel, and caution, rather than aggressive pursuit of total victory, thus transforming destructive conflict into constructive resolution.

Line Statements

Initial Six: If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes.

• Symbolism: Not perpetuating affair, little gossip, end brings fortune
• Interpretation: If one does not perpetuate the affair, there is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes
• Application: Suggests that in the initial stage of conflict, it is better not to prolong or escalate the dispute, even if this means enduring some minor criticism, as this approach ultimately leads to good fortune

Nine in the Second Place: One cannot engage in conflict; one returns home, gives way. The people of his town, three hundred households, remain free of guilt.

• Symbolism: Cannot engage in conflict, returns home, town remains free of guilt
• Interpretation: One cannot engage in conflict; one returns home, gives way. The people of his town, three hundred households, remain free of guilt
• Application: Emphasizes the wisdom of withdrawing from conflict when one is not in a position to handle it effectively, suggesting that such withdrawal benefits not only oneself but also one’s community

Six in the Third Place: To live on the past virtue brings perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, seek not works.

• Symbolism: Living on past virtue, perseverance with danger, serving king without seeking works
• Interpretation: To live on the past virtue brings perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, seek not works
• Application: Suggests relying on one’s established reputation and integrity during conflict, acknowledging that this approach involves risk but ultimately leads to good fortune, and advising against seeking recognition or advancement during times of dispute

Nine in the Fourth Place: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, changes one’s attitude, and finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune.

• Symbolism: Cannot engage in conflict, turns back, changes attitude, finds peace
• Interpretation: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, changes one’s attitude, and finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune
• Application: Describes the process of recognizing when conflict is futile, accepting the situation, changing one’s perspective, and finding inner peace through perseverance, suggesting that this transformation of attitude brings good fortune

Nine in the Fifth Place: To contend before him brings supreme good fortune.

• Symbolism: Contending before him brings supreme fortune
• Interpretation: To contend before him brings supreme good fortune
• Application: Represents the optimal approach to conflict—bringing the dispute before a fair and impartial authority or mediator, suggesting that proper arbitration leads to the best possible outcome

Top Nine: Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, by the end of the morning it will have been snatched away three times.

• Symbolism: Leather belt bestowed, snatched away three times by morning
• Interpretation: Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, by the end of the morning it will have been snatched away three times
• Application: Warns against the futility of honors or victories gained through excessive conflict, suggesting that such gains are temporary and unstable, easily lost as quickly as they are won

Interpretation Guide Table

Hexagram Transformations

Derived Hexagram: Varies depending on changing lines Mutual Hexagram: Méng hexagram Opposite Hexagram: Shī hexagram Nuclear Hexagram: Dùn hexagram

Najia and Five Elements

The Sòng hexagram has the upper trigram Qián which belongs to metal, and the lower trigram Kǎn which belongs to water. In the Najia system, Qián trigram is assigned to Qián Palace Jiǎ Zǐ, and Kǎn trigram is assigned to Kǎn Palace Rén Zǐ.

In terms of Five Elements relationships, the lower trigram Kǎn is water, and the upper trigram Qián is metal. Metal generates water, symbolizing productive support (metal’s generation of water). However, in this hexagram, the positioning suggests conflict rather than harmony—heaven (metal) and water moving in opposite directions. This contradiction between the productive relationship of the elements and their conflicting movement echoes the theme of conflict described in the Sòng hexagram, suggesting the complex and often contradictory nature of disputes, where underlying connections may exist despite apparent opposition.

Modern Application Examples

1. Workplace Conflict: A manager dealing with a dispute between team members receives the Sòng hexagram. This reminds them that conflict is a natural part of workplace dynamics (“Sòng: Conflict”), but even sincere intentions can face obstacles (“You are sincere and are being obstructed”). “A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune” suggests that facilitating a compromise rather than pushing for one side’s complete victory will be most beneficial. “Going through to the end brings misfortune” warns against allowing the conflict to escalate to formal complaints or disciplinary actions if avoidable. “It furthers one to see the great man” emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from HR professionals or senior leadership. “It does not further one to cross the great water” cautions against making major team changes or decisions during this conflict. “Initial Six: If one does not perpetuate the affair…” suggests that in the early stage of the conflict, it’s better not to prolong or escalate the dispute, even if this means some workplace gossip. “Nine in the Second Place: One cannot engage in conflict…” emphasizes the wisdom of encouraging withdrawal from conflict when someone is not in a position to handle it effectively, suggesting that such withdrawal benefits the entire team. “Six in the Third Place: To live on the past virtue…” suggests relying on established team norms and values during conflict, acknowledging risks but ultimately leading to resolution. “Nine in the Fourth Place: One cannot engage in conflict…” describes the process of helping team members recognize when conflict is futile, accept the situation, change perspective, and find constructive ways forward. “Nine in the Fifth Place: To contend before him brings supreme good fortune” represents the optimal approach—bringing the dispute before a fair mediator or following proper conflict resolution procedures. “Top Nine: Even if by chance a leather belt…” warns against the futility of temporary victories in workplace conflicts, suggesting that advantages gained through excessive conflict are unstable. Overall, the Sòng hexagram advises them to approach workplace conflict with moderation, facilitate compromise, seek proper guidance, encourage appropriate withdrawal, rely on established values, help shift perspectives, use proper mediation, and avoid pursuing temporary advantages, thus transforming destructive conflict into constructive resolution.

2. Legal Dispute: A person involved in a legal dispute receives the Sòng hexagram. “Sòng: Conflict” directly relates to their situation of litigation. “You are sincere and are being obstructed” acknowledges that even with legitimate claims, they face legal obstacles. “A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune” suggests that settling the case rather than pursuing it to trial may be most beneficial. “Going through to the end brings misfortune” warns against the emotional, financial, and time costs of full litigation. “It furthers one to see the great man” emphasizes the importance of consulting a skilled attorney or mediator. “It does not further one to cross the great water” cautions against taking major financial risks during this legal dispute. “Initial Six: If one does not perpetuate the affair…” suggests that in the early stage of the legal process, it’s better not to escalate demands or accusations, even if this means enduring some criticism. “Nine in the Second Place: One cannot engage in conflict…” emphasizes the wisdom of considering withdrawal from litigation when one is not in a strong legal position, suggesting that such withdrawal benefits not only oneself but also others involved. “Six in the Third Place: To live on the past virtue…” suggests relying on one’s established reputation and integrity during the legal process, acknowledging risks but ultimately leading to a favorable outcome. “Nine in the Fourth Place: One cannot engage in conflict…” describes the process of recognizing when litigation is futile, accepting the situation, changing one’s perspective, and finding constructive alternatives. “Nine in the Fifth Place: To contend before him brings supreme good fortune” represents the optimal approach—bringing the dispute before a fair judge or arbitrator through proper legal channels. “Top Nine: Even if by chance a leather belt…” warns against the futility of legal victories that may be overturned on appeal or prove costly to enforce. Overall, the Sòng hexagram perfectly describes effective legal dispute management: considering settlement, consulting experts, avoiding escalation, knowing when to withdraw, maintaining integrity, shifting perspective when necessary, using proper legal channels, and being realistic about the stability of outcomes. It advises them to approach their legal dispute with these principles, thus achieving the most favorable and sustainable resolution.

3. Relationship Conflict: A couple experiencing relationship conflict receives the Sòng hexagram. “Sòng: Conflict” acknowledges the reality of their disagreements. “You are sincere and are being obstructed” validates that even with good intentions, they face obstacles in understanding each other. “A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune” suggests that compromise rather than insisting on being completely right will improve their relationship. “Going through to the end brings misfortune” warns against pursuing arguments to their bitter conclusion, which could damage the relationship irreparably. “It furthers one to see the great man” emphasizes the potential benefit of relationship counseling or seeking advice from a respected mentor. “It does not further one to cross the great water” cautions against making major relationship decisions (like moving in together or getting married) during periods of significant conflict. “Initial Six: If one does not perpetuate the affair…” suggests that in the early stage of an argument, it’s better not to prolong the dispute, even if this means temporarily setting aside certain issues. “Nine in the Second Place: One cannot engage in conflict…” emphasizes the wisdom of sometimes stepping back from arguments when emotions are too high, suggesting that such cooling-off periods benefit both partners. “Six in the Third Place: To live on the past virtue…” suggests drawing on the foundation of love and respect they’ve built during conflicts, acknowledging that this involves vulnerability but ultimately strengthens the relationship. “Nine in the Fourth Place: One cannot engage in conflict…” describes the process of recognizing when an argument is unproductive, accepting the situation, changing one’s perspective, and finding constructive ways to reconnect. “Nine in the Fifth Place: To contend before him brings supreme good fortune” represents the value of discussing conflicts openly in appropriate settings, such as during couples therapy. “Top Nine: Even if by chance a leather belt…” warns against the hollow victory of “winning” an argument while damaging the relationship, suggesting that such victories are ultimately self-defeating. Overall, the Sòng hexagram advises them to approach relationship conflict with compromise, appropriate guidance, restraint in escalation, strategic withdrawal when needed, foundation of respect, perspective shifts, proper communication forums, and focus on relationship health rather than winning arguments, thus transforming conflict into deeper understanding and connection.