Guai, nine at the beginningHexagram 43, line 1 · Guai (Resolution) · changing to 28
The line
In plain wordsStrength put into the toes that step forward. You are at the bottom, showing off your strength and rushing ahead; you go, you cannot win, and it turns into blame.
The Image commentary on this line
不勝而往，咎也。
To go "without being able to win": this is blame.
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. There is some risk, or some regret left over, but nothing serious. Notice it early, correct it early, and things turn for the better.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Your position is still low and your strength not yet enough, yet you are rushing to the front to take the problem on head-on; you cannot win, and the fault will land on you instead. Don't charge in yet; move once you are ready.
- Love
- If something bothers you, don't let an impulse push you into a showdown or an ultimatum. Right now you have neither the footing nor the timing; words said now won't win, can't be taken back, and will make you the one in the wrong.
- Money
- If you want to recover what you are owed or cut away a mess in one stroke, first weigh your own strength. Charge in without enough strength or preparation and you won't get it back; you will lose more besides.
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 Guai.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is also yang, 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 backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Guai (Resolution); when this line changes it becomes Daguo (Great Excess): hexagram 43 changing to 28.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Daguo (Great Excess)
The load is too heavy and the beam is already bent. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.