Zhun, six at the topHexagram 3, line 6 · Zhun (Difficult Beginnings) · changing to 42
The line
In plain wordsOn horseback with no way forward and no way back, weeping until the tears run with blood. The difficulty has reached its limit, no one is there to help, and only worry and fear remain — this road is a dead end.
The Image commentary on this line
泣血漣如，何可長也。
"Tears of blood stream down": how could this last long?
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
止Hold back. The text gives no verdict, but the picture is a bad one. Carry on as you are and you will lose by it. Stop, step aside, or change your approach.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- This road has come to its end, and no one is there to help. Holding on any longer only makes it harder. Stop, accept that it does not go through, and look for another direction.
- Love
- The relationship has become so hard that only pain and worry are left. Dragging it out only wears you both down. If it is time to let go, let go, and take care of yourself first.
- Money
- You are already stuck in it, and the more you struggle, the more you lose. Don't pour in more money and don't borrow to hold on. Stop the losses first.
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 Zhun.
Line position
A yin line in a yin place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the third line, which is also yin, 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 inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Zhun (Difficult Beginnings); when this line changes it becomes Yi (Increase): hexagram 3 changing to 42.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Yi (Increase)
There is help and there is gain; a good time to go ahead boldly.