Yi, six in the second placeHexagram 27, line 2 · Yi (Nourishment) · changing to 41
The line
In plain wordsTurning around to seek support from those below you goes against the normal order; seeking support from those on high, you go and meet misfortune. Neither is a place where you should be holding out your hand.
The Image commentary on this line
六二征凶，行失類也。
The six in the second place, "setting forth brings misfortune": in going he loses his own kind.
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
止Hold back. This text describes a bad outcome. Carry on as you are and you will lose by it. Stop, step aside or change your approach. Do not force it.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Don't count on the people under you to carry your load or prop up your standing; that turns things upside down. And don't go fawning on higher-ups who have nothing to do with you; you will only be rebuffed. Stop on both fronts, and rely on your own abilities.
- Love
- You are looking for someone to lean on, but you are reaching in the wrong directions: bowing to ask of someone you should not depend on, or reaching up to someone beyond your reach. Neither ends well. Stop, and learn to stand on your own first.
- Money
- Don't ask for money where you shouldn't: turning to those younger or junior to you goes against the natural order, and going to beg from the rich and powerful ends badly too. Go to neither; earn it 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 Yi.
Line position
A yin line in a yin place: it is in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the fifth line, which is also yin, so there is no answer from it.
Second place: the center of the lower trigram, a place of praise. Stay centered and yielding.
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 Yi (Nourishment); when this line changes it becomes Sun (Decrease): hexagram 27 changing to 41.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Sun (Decrease)
Giving something up, cutting back a little, is worth it now.