Xu, six in the fourth placeHexagram 5, line 4 · Xu (Waiting) · changing to 43
The line
In plain wordsWaiting in a pool of blood. You are already in a dangerous place where people get hurt; but if you keep your place and go no further, you will get out of the pit in the end.
The Image commentary on this line
需于血，順以聽也。
"Waiting in blood": he complies and listens.
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. The text gives no verdict, but the picture holds an obstacle and a warning. Slow down and watch the point it warns about.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- You are already in a place where you are getting hurt, and struggling forward will only hurt you worse. Stop fighting; settle down, take advice, and go with the way things are moving to back out step by step.
- Love
- This relationship is already causing hurt, and more arguing and pushing will only make it more painful. Stop first; listen to the other person, and listen to yourself too. Only by pushing no further can you get out of this bind.
- Money
- You are already losing, already bleeding. Don't rush to win it back; the more you struggle, the deeper you sink. Stop adding more, listen to people who know the business, and climb out of the pit one step at a time.
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 yin line in a yin place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the first line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Fourth place: next to the ruler, a place of caution. Serve those above with care.
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 Xu (Waiting); when this line changes it becomes Guai (Resolution): hexagram 5 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.