Yi, six in the fourth placeHexagram 27, line 4 · Yi (Nourishment) · changing to 21
The line
In plain wordsTurning around to ask help from those below you — good fortune, because it is not for yourself but to nourish more people. Be as focused as a tiger eyeing its prey, one after another without a break, and there is no blame.
The Image commentary on this line
顛頤之吉，上施光也。
The good fortune of "nourishment upside down": the one above gives out light.
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
- You are in a higher position, yet willing to set your pride aside and ask capable people below you for help. That is a good thing, because you are doing it to lead everyone well. Once you are sure of the people and the approach, go after them one by one, fully focused, without stopping.
- Love
- Being willing to drop your pride and ask the other person for help is a good thing, as long as what you have in mind is both of you doing well, not just your own comfort. Once you are sure, keep putting your heart into it with steady focus.
- Money
- When you have many people to provide for and your own money falls short, asking for help from those who can give it is no shame, even if they are junior to you, as long as the money goes to taking care of everyone. Once you are sure, keep at it.
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. Its partner is the first line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Fourth place: next to the ruler, a place of caution. Serve those above with care.
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 Shihe (Biting Through): hexagram 27 changing to 21.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Shihe (Biting Through)
Something is stuck in the middle, and you have to bite through it.