Shihe, six in the fifth placeHexagram 21, line 5 · Shihe (Biting Through) · changing to 25
The line
In plain wordsChewing dried meat and finding gold. It is not the hardest of matters, you handle it fairly, and everyone accepts it. But you must still stay true and keep a sense of caution, and only then is there no blame.
The Image commentary on this line
貞厲无咎，得當也。
"Persisting is dangerous. No blame": he gets it right.
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 are the one deciding this matter. It is not the hardest, you handle it fairly, and people accept it. But don't relax because of that. Stay true and keep a sense of caution throughout; only then will no trouble come of it.
- Love
- You have handled things between you fairly, and the other person accepts it. All the more reason not to get smug or look down on them. Keep acting properly and carefully, and only then will there be no problem.
- Money
- You have handled the money dispute fairly, and every side accepts it. But don't relax because things went well. Keep the accounts by the rules all along and stay a little extra careful; only then will nothing go wrong.
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; 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 Shihe (Biting Through); when this line changes it becomes Wuwang (Innocence): hexagram 21 changing to 25.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Wuwang (Innocence)
Honestly do what ought to be done. Don't count on luck, and don't make rash moves.