Shihe, six in the third placeHexagram 21, line 3 · Shihe (Biting Through) · changing to 30
The line
In plain wordsBiting into a piece of dried cured meat with bone in it, and getting poisoned too. You go to deal with someone, they won't accept it, and you hit a wall. A bit embarrassing, but this had to be done; no blame.
The Image commentary on this line
遇毒，位不當也。
"Meeting poison": the place is not 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 set out to deal with an old problem or a person, and they won't accept it and embarrass you in return. This had to be done, and hitting a wall is no disgrace. But your position is not strong enough, so don't overreach.
- Love
- You tried to tackle a long-standing conflict, and the other person won't accept it and turns the blame on you, which gets a little ugly. What needs saying still needs saying, but don't force it, and don't expect it to be solved all at once.
- Money
- You go to collect an old debt or settle an old dispute, the other side won't accept it, and you draw resentment. It is a bit embarrassing, but it is the right thing to do. Watch how you go about it, so you don't end up in the wrong yourself.
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 Shihe.
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 Shihe (Biting Through); when this line changes it becomes Li (Clinging Fire): hexagram 21 changing to 30.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Li (Clinging Fire)
Attach yourself to the right people and things, and the light can last.