Lü, nine in the fifth placeHexagram 10, line 5 · Lü (Treading) · changing to 38
The line
In plain wordsWhatever it is, you decide and do it at once, without a moment's hesitation. Even if you are right, this is dangerous.
The Image commentary on this line
夬履貞厲，位正當也。
"Treading with sheer decisiveness. Persisting is dangerous": the place is correct and proper.
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. There is some risk, or some regret left over, but nothing serious. Notice it early, correct it early, and things turn for the better.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- You hold the position, your word is final, and everyone below goes along with you, so you act the moment you decide. Even if you are right, this is dangerous: pause before you make the call, and listen to other voices.
- Love
- Once your mind is made up, you want it done at once, leaving the other person no room to talk it over. Even if you have it right, deciding alone like this hurts the relationship. On big things, ask the other person first, and decide half a beat later.
- Money
- When you think you see it clearly, you move at once, even with large sums, without a second thought. Even if your judgment is right, this is dangerous. The surer you feel, the more you should check once more, and leave yourself some room.
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 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 also yang, so there is no answer from it.
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 Lü (Treading); when this line changes it becomes Kui (Opposition): hexagram 10 changing to 38.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Kui (Opposition)
You are out of step with each other. Big things will not work; small ones still can.