Qian, nine at the topHexagram 1, line 6 · Qian (Heaven) · changing to 43
The line
In plain wordsThe dragon has flown too high and cannot come down; there will be regret. You have reached the top and still only know how to go up. Any move now causes trouble — it is time to pull back.
The Image commentary on this line
亢龍有悔，盈不可久也。
"A dragon that has flown too high. There will be regret": what is full cannot last.
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
- You have already reached the top, and pushing ever higher will only cause trouble. Know when to pull back: hand some things off, stop needing to win everywhere, and leave some room for others and for yourself.
- Love
- If you are too forceful and everything has to go your way, the other person will feel pushed to retreat. Let go of needing to win and take half a step back; that is how the relationship stays.
- Money
- Good times are when greed comes most easily. Don't raise the stakes or keep expanding; secure what you already have. Push higher still and you are likely to regret it.
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 yin place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the third line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
Top place: the end of the matter. What reaches its limit turns. Know when to stop.
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 Guai (Resolution): hexagram 1 changing to 43.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Guai (Resolution)
There is something that should be cleared away, and the time has come to decide.