Guai :: Lurch

The cries of captives are heard at court: warning :: Unfavorable to fight: favorable to take flight

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䷪

6 :: first

Wounded in the foot. Unable to advance. Misfortune.

You are too weak and/or ill prepared to take even the first step toward freedom. Be circumspect and wary. Stay put.

9 :: second

Sentries cry out in the night. Do not worry.

You are warned in sufficient time to avoid loss or capture. There is no need to be anxious anymore. Relax.

6 :: third

Wounded in the face. Misfortune. Caught in the rain-indignant. No disaster.

You experience loss and insult, but it is only a minor humiliation. Pressing forward, when you should wait, has proved to be a mistake. The losses are minor.

9 :: fourth

Flayed haunches. Staggering.
Presenting a sheep¹ will work, but you distrust the outcome.

You miscalculate badly and lose. If you were to surrender to your opponent ceremoniously you would be shown mercy, even given rank in the new order. However, your decision to not surrender has instead compounded your losses. Your freedom and prosperity is lost due to your belligerence.

9 :: fifth

A mountain goat bolts. No misfortune.

An all-out effort sets you free. With the awkward, lurching movement of a captive goat about to be sacrificed, you take flight. The survival instinct has given you awesome, natural strength.

6 :: top

No cry or warning. In the end, disaster.

You do not sense the approaching disaster. The lack of communication in the situation is a very serious matter. Without warning, suddenly all is lost.

Image

Guai² designates a division or fork in a river. It is the moment when things naturally take a turn for the worse. Early warnings inspire flight. A goat about to be sacrificed escapes. It is a last ditch effort. Though the sacrifice does not proceed, there is still an omen. The goat lurches with all its strength to avoid the sacrificial knife blade.³

Auspices

Knowing when to abandon plans is an important aspect of success. Success will include a timely cutting of losses and decisive departure.

Good for being resolute, biding your time, making decisions, and personal discipline.

Bad for relaxation, travel, family matters and completion.

Comment

Guai tells us when impulsiveness, abruptness and breaking with standard protocol are okay. Success, in the case of Guai, is a timely, but abrupt, escape. Sometimes it is best to immediately quit a situation and/or abandon a relationship because of its excessive restrictions. Guai carries the ambiguous message that misconduct is sometimes appropriate.

Other Correspondences

Business: Discounting merchandise, clearance sales, and quitting your job.

Disharmonies: Traumatic injuries, rebellious qi attacks the heart, and tumors.

Prognosis: Fair. The patient needs strong treatments (surgery) but has a strong constitution, so is likely to recover well. Scarring may occur.