Qian, six in the fifth placeHexagram 15, line 5 · Qian (Humility) · changing to 39
The line
In plain wordsWithout relying on wealth you can carry along the people on either side of you, and everyone is willing to follow. If there are still some who will not submit, using armed force is also favorable; and in doing other things, nothing is unfavorable.
The Image commentary on this line
利用侵伐，征不服也。
"It is favorable to attack and invade": this is to march on those who do not submit.
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 don't use money or rank to press on people, yet everyone is willing to follow you. When someone refuses to fall in line and deliberately makes trouble, step in and deal with it; humility is not weakness.
- Love
- You don't win people over with your circumstances or material things; your character alone makes them want to be close. When someone keeps crossing the line and won't be reasonable, be firm; being gentle does not mean having no limits.
- Money
- Without throwing money around, your good name alone brings people who want to work with you. When someone won't pay or plays dirty, go after what you are owed, and cut ties when you must; being fair-minded does not make you a pushover.
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 Qian.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the second line, which is also yin, 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 inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Qian (Humility); when this line changes it becomes Jian (Obstruction): hexagram 15 changing to 39.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Jian (Obstruction)
The road ahead is very hard. Do not force your way forward yet.