Daxu, nine at the beginningHexagram 26, line 1 · Daxu (Great Restraint) · changing to 18
The line
In plain wordsThere is danger ahead. Stopping is favorable.
The Image commentary on this line
有厲利已，不犯災也。
"There is danger. It is favorable to stop": one does not run into disaster.
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
- Charging ahead is dangerous. Conditions don't allow you to move yet, and forcing your way through will only run into a wall. Stop for now and save your strength; stay out of danger, and nothing will go wrong.
- Love
- You want to take a step forward, but pushing ahead now is risky. Stop for the moment, and don't rush to declare your feelings or press the other person to settle things. Stay clear of this risk and all will be well.
- Money
- You want to make a move, but there is risk ahead. Leave your money where it is for now: don't start anything new, and don't borrow. Stopping is not a loss; it is keeping yourself out of trouble.
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 Daxu.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
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 Daxu (Great Restraint); when this line changes it becomes Gu (Repairing Decay): hexagram 26 changing to 18.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Gu (Repairing Decay)
Old problems that have piled up have reached the point where they must be dealt with.