Hexagram 47 · Line 2
Oppression — 二九
Kun Oppression · Er Jiu
The Line
One is oppressed at wine and food. The man with the scarlet knee-bands is just arriving. It is favorable to bring sacrifices. To set out brings misfortune. No blame.
Interpretation
Here it is an inner distress in which one finds oneself. Outwardly all goes well; one has to eat and drink. But one is exhausted by the commonplaces of life, out of which no way out shows itself. Yet from above help comes. A prince, the princes in ancient China wore scarlet knee-bands, is seeking capable helpers. But there are still obstacles to overcome. Therefore it is important to meet these obstacles in the invisible through sacrifice and prayer. To set out unprepared would lead to misfortune, although it is not morally wrong. Here one must overcome an adverse situation through inner patience.