Hexagram 9 · Line 3
Small Taming — 三六
Xiao Chu · San Liu
The Line
The spokes break from the wagon. Man and wife roll their eyes.
Interpretation
Here the attempt is made to press forward by force, in the awareness that the restraining power is only slight. But since, corresponding to the circumstances, the weak in fact possesses the power, this attempt at surprise must fail. External circumstances prevent progress, as a wagon cannot move forward when its spokes break off. One does not yet submit to this hint of fate. Hence there come vexing disputes, as between two spouses. This is of course no favorable state; for even if, owing to the situation, the weaker party succeeds in holding fast, too many difficulties are bound up with it for it to be a pleasing outcome. As a result, the strong one too cannot use their strength for the right influence on their surroundings. They have experienced a rebuff where they had hoped for an easy victory; thereby they have compromised themself somewhat.