Xu, nine in the second placeHexagram 5, line 2 · Xu (Waiting) · changing to 63
The line
In plain wordsWaiting on the sandy shore. Danger is a little closer, and there will be some gossip, but it doesn't matter. Keep your composure and go on waiting; in the end there is good fortune.
The Image commentary on this line
需于沙，衍在中也。雖小有言，以終吉也。
"Waiting on the sand": there is ease in the center. Though "there is a little talk", it ends in good fortune.
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
吉Favorable. This text describes a good outcome. Act the way it says and the matter can succeed. The promise has a condition: keep to the right course.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Things are drawing close, talk is starting up around you, and some say you are slow. Don't let a few remarks rush you into rash moves. Relax, keep your composure, and wait at your own pace; in the end it turns out well.
- Love
- People around you will talk a little: fretting on your behalf, hurrying you, or passing judgment on your love life. No need to rush to defend yourself, and don't get carried along; keep waiting steadily, and it is good.
- Money
- As the time to decide draws near, you will hear all sorts of opinions, some mocking you as too cautious, some urging you to jump in. No need to argue and no need to follow; stick to your own plan, and the good outcome lies ahead.
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 Xu.
Line position
A yang line in a yin place: it is not in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the fifth line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
Second place: the center of the lower trigram, a place of praise. Stay centered and yielding.
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 Xu (Waiting); when this line changes it becomes Jiji (After Completion): hexagram 5 changing to 63.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Jiji (After Completion)
The thing is already accomplished. What you most need to guard against now is slackening.