The Receptive — 上六

The Line

Interpretation

In the topmost place the shadowy should yield to the light. If it tries to hold its ground in a position that does not belong to it, and to rule rather than to serve, it draws upon itself the wrath of the strong. A struggle ensues in which it is overthrown, and in which both parties suffer harm. The dragon, symbol of heaven, comes forth and does battle with the false dragon, the image to which the earthly has here exalted itself. Dark blue is the color of heaven; yellow is the color of the earth. When therefore black and yellow blood flows, it is a sign that through this unnatural battle both primal forces suffer harm.