Daguo, six at the topHexagram 28, line 6 · Daguo (Great Excess) · changing to 44
The line
In plain wordsWading across the river, the water closes over your head. Misfortune. But this is going to the rescue knowing full well your strength is not enough — morally there is nothing to reproach.
The Image commentary on this line
過涉之凶，不可咎也。
The misfortune of wading across too far: it cannot be blamed.
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
- You want to turn the tide, and your intentions are sound; no one can blame you. But the water is already over your head, and with the strength you have now you cannot save it. Don't wade in any deeper; protect yourself first.
- Love
- You want to give everything to pull the other person, and this relationship, back to shore, and there is nothing to reproach in that. But your strength is not enough; go any deeper and you will only go under too. Stop, and get to shore first.
- Money
- You have been pouring money in bit by bit to save the situation. Your intentions were good, and there is no shame in it. But you are already in over your head, and more will only drag you down too. Stop here, and don't borrow to fill the gap.
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 Daguo.
Line position
A yin line in a yin place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the third line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Top place: the end of the matter. What reaches its limit turns. Know when to stop.
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 Daguo (Great Excess); when this line changes it becomes Gou (Encounter): hexagram 28 changing to 44.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Gou (Encounter)
A person or a matter you run into unexpectedly; do not get deeply involved lightly.