Sui, nine in the fourth placeHexagram 17, line 4 · Sui (Following) · changing to 3
The line
In plain wordsMany people follow you and the gains are great; but your momentum overshadows the one above you, so even doing things right brings misfortune. Only by being sincere at heart, keeping to the right path and doing everything in the open can you be without blame.
The Image commentary on this line
隨有獲，其義凶也。有孚在道，明功也。
"Following brings gains": its meaning is misfortune. "With sincerity, on the right path": this is the achievement of clarity.
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. The text speaks of misfortune and also says it can be avoided. The danger lies in rushing and forcing. Stay steady, correct mistakes, and the bad outcome can be escaped.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Many people follow you and your results are big, but your standing now overshadows the people above you, and that is dangerous. Keep the credit out in the open, work transparently, and truly put the whole first; only then will nothing go wrong.
- Love
- Plenty of people gather around you, and you are gaining more and more of the upper hand in the relationship; that is exactly the hidden danger. Don't lord it over the other person. Be open about everything, keep it all in plain view, and treat them sincerely; that is how nothing goes wrong.
- Money
- Money is coming in and many people are working with you, but standing out this much easily draws envy and suspicion. Keep the accounts open, divide the gains clearly, and hold to honesty and the right path; only then will you come through safely.
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 Sui.
Line position
A yang line in a yin place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the first line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
Fourth place: next to the ruler, a place of caution. Serve those above with care.
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 Sui (Following); when this line changes it becomes Zhun (Difficult Beginnings): hexagram 17 changing to 3.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Zhun (Difficult Beginnings)
Every beginning is hard, and right now you are in the hardest part of the beginning.