Yi, six in the fifth placeHexagram 27, line 5 · Yi (Nourishment) · changing to 42
The line
In plain wordsAgainst the normal order: you are in a high position but cannot nourish others, and must rely instead on the worthy person above you. Settle down and stay true, and there is good fortune; but you cannot take on a major challenge.
The Image commentary on this line
居貞之吉，順以從上也。
The good fortune of "staying put and staying true": he complies and follows the one above.
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 hold this position, but your strength falls short, and you need someone more capable to hold things up. Settle down, follow their lead and do your part well; don't take on any big risks now.
- Love
- For now you need to lean on the other person more, and there is no shame in that. Accept it calmly, go along with their arrangements and do your own part; but don't make big decisions or take big risks now.
- Money
- Right now you need others' help with money, and you cannot carry anything big on your own. Settle down and hold steady, listen to people who know the business, and don't borrow to do something big; that is the good way.
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 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 Yi (Nourishment); when this line changes it becomes Yi (Increase): hexagram 27 changing to 42.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Yi (Increase)
There is help and there is gain; a good time to go ahead boldly.