Qian, nine at the beginningHexagram 1, line 1 · Qian (Heaven) · changing to 44
The line
In plain wordsThe dragon is still hidden at the bottom of the water. The time has not come. Don't make your move yet; build up your skills first.
The Image commentary on this line
潛龍勿用，陽在下也。
"Hidden dragon. Do not act": the yang is still below.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
慎Proceed with care. There is some risk, or some regret left over, but nothing serious. Notice it early, correct it early, and things turn for the better.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- The time has not come yet. Don't rush to put yourself forward or grab at opportunities. Sharpen your skills and lay a solid foundation; staying patient now is how you get ready to act later.
- Love
- Even if you have someone in mind, don't rush to declare your feelings or push the relationship along. Get your own life in order first and be clear about what you feel. The time is not right, and words spoken too early are hard to take back.
- Money
- This is not the time to make a move. Don't rush to put money in or start something new. Save first and learn first; build up your skills and your funds, and act when the time comes.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Qian.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Qian (Heaven); when this line changes it becomes Gou (Encounter): hexagram 1 changing to 44.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Gou (Encounter)
A person or a matter you run into unexpectedly; do not get deeply involved lightly.