Yi, nine at the beginningHexagram 42, line 1 · Yi (Increase) · changing to 20
The line
In plain wordsA good time to use this help to do something big. But having received favor from above, you must do it supremely well before you are free of blame.
The Image commentary on this line
元吉无咎，下不厚事也。
"Supreme good fortune, no blame": those below are not meant to carry weighty works.
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
- Those above have given you a chance and their backing, and this is the time to take on something big. But you are still new, and only success will let you stand firm, so if you do it, do it as well as it can be done, with no carelessness.
- Love
- Someone cares about you and has given you a chance, so this is a good time to take a big, bold step forward. But you are the one who received the kindness, so whatever you do, do it with care and thought, and don't let them down.
- Money
- With backing in money or resources, you can take things to a larger scale. But you are using a chance someone else gave you, so you must deliver real results and keep the accounts clear; only then are you free of blame.
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 yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
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 backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Yi (Increase); when this line changes it becomes Guan (Contemplation): hexagram 42 changing to 20.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Guan (Contemplation)
Don't move yet. Take a good look.