Xiaoxu, nine at the topHexagram 9, line 6 · Xiaoxu (Small Restraint) · changing to 5
The line
In plain wordsThe rain has fallen and has stopped — the storing up has reached its limit. It was filled bit by bit. But when the weaker side grows so full that it overpowers the stronger, there is danger even in doing right; the moon is almost full, and to go forward now brings misfortune.
The Image commentary on this line
既雨既處，德積載也。君子征凶，有所疑也。
"The rain has come and has settled": virtue has piled up until it fills the cart. "If the noble one sets forth, misfortune": there is something to doubt.
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
- What you have built up for so long has finally paid off, so stop here. Don't ride the momentum and charge on, and don't use this strength to overpower those above you. Even if you are in the right, pressing forward now only brings trouble.
- Love
- A relationship you waited a long time for has finally found its footing; be content, and don't push any further. When one side overpowers the other, it is dangerous even for the side that is in the right; wanting more once it is full only spoils it.
- Money
- The money you saved bit by bit has reached its limit, and it is time to stop. Don't raise the stakes or expand just because you have plenty on hand. Charging ahead now will only lose what you have saved.
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 Xiaoxu.
Line position
A yang line in a yin place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the third line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
Top place: the end of the matter. What reaches its limit turns. Know when to stop.
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 Xiaoxu (Small Restraint); when this line changes it becomes Xu (Waiting): hexagram 9 changing to 5.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Xu (Waiting)
The time has not come yet. Wait.