Kan, nine in the second placeHexagram 29, line 2 · Kan (The Abyss) · changing to 8
The line
In plain wordsYou are in the midst of danger and can't get out for now. But you have a backbone and can hold to the middle way, so you can seek a small gain — don't hope for a big one.
The Image commentary on this line
求小得，未出中也。
"Seek small gains": he has not yet come out of the middle.
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. The text gives no verdict, but the picture holds an obstacle and a warning. Slow down and watch the point it warns about.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- You are still in a hard place and cannot get free for now. Don't think of turning everything around in one go. Get a few small things done first and find your footing bit by bit; the big things are not within reach yet.
- Love
- Your love life is still in a hard place and cannot be untangled for now. Don't expect it all to be fixed at once. Aim for a little progress first: one good conversation or one peaceful meal is enough. Wanting more only wears you out.
- Money
- Money is still tight, and you cannot get out of the squeeze for now. Don't set your sights on big money. Earn what you can and save what you can, a little at a time; trying to turn it all around in one breath is even more dangerous.
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 Kan.
Line position
A yang line in a yin place: it is not in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the fifth line, which is also yang, 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 backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Kan (The Abyss); when this line changes it becomes Bi (Alliance): hexagram 29 changing to 8.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Bi (Alliance)
It is time to find people to work with and draw close to your companions, and to do it early.