Jian, six at the topHexagram 39, line 6 · Jian (Obstruction) · changing to 53
The line
In plain wordsYou are already at the end; going further will only be harder. Come back and follow the person of virtue and standing, get through the difficulty together, and there will be great achievement. Good fortune.
The Image commentary on this line
往蹇來碩，志在內也。利見大人，以從貴也。
"Going meets obstruction; coming back brings greatness": the purpose lies within. "It is favorable to see the great person": by this one follows the one who is noble.
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 have come to the end of the road, and going further will only be harder. Turn back and follow a leader of integrity and ability to get through the difficulty together; that way you can actually achieve something great.
- Love
- Stop walking alone into a dead end. Turn back and listen to the advice of an elder or a friend who has insight and standing, and follow the right direction. That is good.
- Money
- Charging further ahead has reached its limit. Turn back and work alongside someone with vision and a good name, and get through the difficulty steadily. Following the right person gets you more than forcing your way alone.
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 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 Jian (Obstruction); when this line changes it becomes Jian (Gradual Progress): hexagram 39 changing to 53.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Jian (Gradual Progress)
Go in order, one step at a time, and the outcome will be good.