Guan, six in the third placeHexagram 20, line 3 · Guan (Contemplation) · changing to 53

The line

The Image commentary on this line

觀我生，進退；未失道也。

"Contemplating my own life, to advance or withdraw": the way has not been lost.

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

平Neutral. The text gives no verdict, only an image. Ask what in your situation the image resembles. The answer is there.

How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →

Asking about work, love or money

Work

First look back at how you have done lately: what went smoothly and what didn't. Once that is clear, decide whether to step forward or step back, and you will not take a wrong turn.

Love

Don't rush to look at the other person; first look back at what you are like in love and what you have been giving. Once you see your own feelings clearly, decide whether to move forward or step back for now.

Money

Whether to press on or pull back, first go over your past income, spending and decisions. Keep going with what has worked, stop what hasn't, and move only once you see clearly.

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 Guan.

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.

Proper place, center and correspondence explained →

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 Guan (Contemplation); when this line changes it becomes Jian (Gradual Progress): hexagram 20 changing to 53.

Which text to read with several changing lines →