Gou, six at the beginningHexagram 44, line 1 · Gou (Encounter) · changing to 1
The line
In plain wordsTie the cart fast with a metal brake — a bad beginning has just stirred. Stay quiet and true and there is good fortune; let it move forward and you will see misfortune. A lean pig looks weak, yet it keeps fretting and jumping about: do not underestimate it, and guard against it early.
The Image commentary on this line
繫于金柅，柔道牽也。
"Tie it to a metal brake": the way of the yielding is pulled back.
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 names both a good and a bad outcome: one way of acting leads to each. The result depends on which you choose.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- A bad sign has just appeared: a small breach of the rules, or an unreliable partnership. Slam on the brakes right away: hold the line and there is good fortune, let it move forward and there will be trouble; it looks weak, yet it never stops stirring.
- Love
- A thought you shouldn't have has just stirred in you, or your heart has just been moved by someone who isn't right for you; tie yourself down now. Holding firm is good; let it run on and there will be trouble, so don't underestimate it.
- Money
- A bad spending habit, or money from a doubtful source, has only just started to show up; brake it hard while you can. If you hold firm, all is well; it looks like nothing, but let it move forward and it will soon be beyond your control.
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 Gou.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not 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 inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Gou (Encounter); when this line changes it becomes Qian (Heaven): hexagram 44 changing to 1.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Qian (Heaven)
The momentum is just right. It is a good time to go all in, but don't overshoot.