I Ching reading: Jiji (After Completion) changing to Mingyi (Darkened Light)
Jiji: Nine in the fifth place
The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox. It does not equal the western neighbor's simple offering, which truly receives the blessing.
東鄰殺牛，不如西鄰之禴祭，實受其福。
吉Favorable
Reading
Yes, go ahead.The thing is already accomplished. What you most need to guard against now is slackening.
Governing text · Jiji: Nine in the fifth place
In plain wordsThe neighbor to the east slaughters an ox for a grand sacrifice, yet it is not as good as the plain, simple offering of the neighbor to the west, who actually receives the blessing. Display counts for less than timing and sincerity; the one at the height of his power is not as well off as the one who is just coming into his own.
- Now
- You have crossed the river and everything is in place. But this hexagram says: good fortune at the start, disorder at the end.
- The key
- Only one line is changing: Nine in the fifth place. The answer is in that line. The text gives no verdict, but the picture it paints is a hopeful one. Act the way it describes and there will be something to gain.
- Where it is heading
- Things are moving toward Mingyi (Darkened Light): The light is pressed under the ground; for now, keep yourself somewhat hidden.
- What to do
- Hold on to what you have achieved. While nothing has gone wrong yet, think of the problems first and take precautions. Do not reach for anything bigger.
Read more closely
Which text applies
One changing line: read that line of the primary hexagram.
Your six throws, bottom to top: 1: 7 yang · 2: 8 yin · 3: 7 yang · 4: 8 yin · 5: 9 yang (changing) · 6: 8 yin
Line position
In its proper place · central · answered by the second line
Fifth place: the center of the upper trigram, the ruler's seat, a place of achievement. This is where things are decided.
Nuclear hexagram · Weiji (Before Completion)
Not done yet. One last step remains, and this is the step where mistakes come most easily.
The nuclear hexagram is formed from the four inner lines. It shows what is going on inside the situation.
Full texts
One who truly knows the Changes does not need to divine. The text is for reflection; what you do is up to you.