Bi, nine in the fifth placeHexagram 8, line 5 · Bi (Alliance) · changing to 2
The line
In plain wordsDraw close to people openly and honorably. Like a king on a hunt who closes in on only three sides and leaves one open for the game to leave: those who come are not turned away, those who go are not chased, and the people around you have no need to live on edge. Good fortune.
The Image commentary on this line
顯比之吉，位正中也。舍逆取順，失前禽也。邑人不誡，上使中也。
The good fortune of "closeness shown in the open": the place is correct and in the center. To let go those that turn against him and take those that come along: this is how he "lets those in front escape". "The townspeople need no warning": the one above makes them hold the center.
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
- You are in a position to bring people together, so simply treat them openly and fairly. Welcome those who want to follow you, don't hold back those who want to leave, and put no pressure on anyone. That is how the people around you feel at ease.
- Love
- Be good to people openly, without trying to win them over or forcing anything. Treasure those who want to come close, and don't pester those who don't. If you have a partner, leave the other person room as well.
- Money
- In business and partnerships, be open and aboveboard, and let people come and go freely. Welcome those who want to work with you, part on good terms with those who want out, set no traps and push no one; that way the money you make lets you rest easy.
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 Bi.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the second line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Fifth place: the center of the upper trigram, the ruler's seat, a place of achievement. This is where things are decided.
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 Bi (Alliance); when this line changes it becomes Kun (Earth): hexagram 8 changing to 2.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Kun (Earth)
It is not your turn to lead the charge right now. Follow the right person and do your supporting part well, and the result will be good.