Gou, nine in the second placeHexagram 44, line 2 · Gou (Encounter) · changing to 33
The line
In plain wordsThere is a fish in the kitchen. No blame. But it should not be served to guests. This bad beginning met you first, so it is yours to keep in check; do not let it spread to everyone else.
The Image commentary on this line
包有魚，義不及賓也。
"There is a fish in the kitchen": by what is right it does not reach the guests.
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
- You came across this problem first, so deal with it in your own hands; don't pass it on, and don't let it spread to your team or your clients. Keeping it contained with you is no mistake; let it out, and it harms everyone.
- Love
- You were the first to notice a trouble that has just surfaced in your love life, so it is yours to keep in check; don't go telling everyone or pulling others in to judge. Kept in your own hands it is fine; let it spread and it becomes hard to contain.
- Money
- If money from a questionable source, or a project with problems, lands in your hands, stop it with you. Don't pass it on and don't bring friends in; handle it yourself and all is well, but let it spread and it hurts people.
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 yang line in a yin place: it is not in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the fifth line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
Second place: the center of the lower trigram, a place of praise. Stay centered and yielding.
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 Gou (Encounter); when this line changes it becomes Dun (Retreat): hexagram 44 changing to 33.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Dun (Retreat)
It is time to withdraw. Withdraw in time and you will be fine.