Lü, six in the third placeHexagram 10, line 3 · Lü (Treading) · changing to 1
The line
In plain wordsBlind in one eye and still thinking you see clearly, lame in one leg and still thinking you walk steadily, you end up stepping on the tiger's tail and getting bitten. Misfortune. Not enough ability and too much ambition, like a mere soldier who insists on being the great king.
The Image commentary on this line
眇能視，不足以有明也。跛能履，不足以與行也。咥人之凶，位不當也。武人為于大君，志剛也。
"The one-eyed thinks he can see": it is not enough for clear sight. "The lame thinks he can walk": it is not enough to walk alongside others. The misfortune of being bitten: the place is not proper. "A warrior acting as a great ruler": his purpose is firm.
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
- Your ability falls short, yet you believe you see clearly and walk steadily, and you insist on defying those above you or taking on work far beyond you. That is stepping on the tiger's tail. Stop, don't overreach, and first get a true measure of yourself.
- Love
- You think you have the other person figured out and the relationship in hand, but you do not see as clearly as you think. Charge ahead anyway and you will only step on the one spot that must not be touched, and get hurt yourself. Stop, and don't force it.
- Money
- You cannot see clearly or calculate well, yet you are sure of yourself and insist on a deal far beyond your means, like a soldier insisting on being king. Stop, and don't gamble your money on your own judgment.
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 Lü.
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 Lü (Treading); when this line changes it becomes Qian (Heaven): hexagram 10 changing to 1.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Qian (Heaven)
The momentum is just right. It is a good time to go all in, but don't overshoot.