Jian, six at the beginningHexagram 39, line 1 · Jian (Obstruction) · changing to 63
The line
In plain wordsGoing forward is danger; pulling back actually earns you praise.
The Image commentary on this line
往蹇來譽，宜待也。
"Going meets obstruction; coming back wins praise": it is fitting to wait.
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. The text gives no verdict, but the picture it paints is a hopeful one. Act the way it describes and there will be something to gain.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- You have run into difficulty right at the start. Don't rush to push ahead or fight for a new position. Pull back and wait a while; staying patient will actually earn you respect.
- Love
- Pushing forward right now will only make things stiffer, so hold off on declaring yourself or pressing for answers. Step back and wait a while; your steadiness and sense of proportion will actually make people think better of you.
- Money
- Right now, putting more in and expanding outward are both hard going, so pull back and wait for the right time. Don't rush ahead and don't force it; that steadiness will actually make people trust you more.
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 Jian.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is also yin, so there is no answer from it.
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
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 Jian (Obstruction); when this line changes it becomes Jiji (After Completion): hexagram 39 changing to 63.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Jiji (After Completion)
The thing is already accomplished. What you most need to guard against now is slackening.