Song, six in the third placeHexagram 6, line 3 · Song (Conflict) · changing to 44
The line
In plain wordsLiving on the share you have always had. There is some risk, but in the end good fortune. If you go out and work for someone, nothing will come of it — keeping contentedly to your own lot is best.
The Image commentary on this line
食舊德，從上吉也。
"Living on old virtue": following the one above brings 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
慎Proceed with care. The outcome can be good, but the text carries a warning. Take the warning seriously and the good outcome is yours.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Don't compete with anyone; keep to the position and duties you already have. There is risk even in this, and you need to stay alert, but in the end it is good. When you work on someone else's behalf, don't expect to achieve much.
- Love
- Don't fight over who is right; live by the bond you already share. You may not feel entirely at ease, but if you hold to it, it ends well. This is no time to rush to impress or to prove anything.
- Money
- Live on the income you have always had. Don't fight for anything extra, and don't rush out to take on more work to earn more. It may be a little tight, and you should guard against surprises, but this is the safe way.
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 Song.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the top line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Third place: the top of the lower trigram, a place of risk. A moment of transition. Be on guard.
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 Song (Conflict); when this line changes it becomes Gou (Encounter): hexagram 6 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.