Bi, nine in the third placeHexagram 22, line 3 · Bi (Adornment) · changing to 27
The line
In plain wordsAdorned until it gleams and glistens. Life is comfortable right now, but don't sink into ease; only staying true for the long run brings good fortune.
The Image commentary on this line
永貞之吉，終莫之陵也。
The good fortune of "staying true for the long run": in the end no one slights him.
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
- Right now you are in the limelight and everything comes easily; whatever you do, people praise it. Enjoy it, but don't sink into comfort. Keep to the right path and the rules all along, and no one will be able to get the better of you.
- Love
- Love is sweet, or life is simply comfortable right now. Enjoy it, but don't sink into ease and stop making an effort. Stay sincere with people over the long run, and that is what keeps the good times steady.
- Money
- When money is plentiful and life is comfortable, it is easiest to spend freely and drop your guard. Don't sink into enjoyment. Hold to restraint and honest ways over the long run, and that is how you keep what you have.
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 Bi.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the top line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
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 backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Bi (Adornment); when this line changes it becomes Yi (Nourishment): hexagram 22 changing to 27.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Yi (Nourishment)
The key question: what are you using to nourish yourself, and to nourish others?