Shi, six at the beginningHexagram 7, line 1 · Shi (The Army) · changing to 19
The line
In plain wordsAn army must set out with discipline. If there is no method from the very start: misfortune. In everything, be careful at the beginning and keep to the rules.
The Image commentary on this line
師出以律；失律，凶也。
"An army sets out under discipline": if discipline is lost, misfortune.
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. This text describes a bad outcome. Carry on as you are and you will lose by it. Stop, step aside or change your approach. Do not force it.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Starting before the rules and roles are settled means chaos from the outset, and it only gets worse from there. Don't move yet; work out how things will be done and make it clear, then set out.
- Love
- Rushing ahead before the two of you have made your limits and agreements clear makes a messy start that is hard to put right later. Stop, and talk it through before taking the next step.
- Money
- Moving money with no budget and no rules, spending and putting it in at random, only means losing more and more. Stop first; set the rules and straighten out the accounts, and only then touch the money.
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 Shi.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is also yin, so there is no answer from it.
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
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 Shi (The Army); when this line changes it becomes Lin (Approach): hexagram 7 changing to 19.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Lin (Approach)
Momentum is rising and you can push ahead actively, but remember it won't keep rising forever.