Kun, six at the beginningHexagram 47, line 1 · Kun (Exhaustion) · changing to 58
The line
In plain wordsYou sit on a dead stump that digs into you and gives no peace; you walk into a dark valley and for three years do not see the light of day. Trapped at the very bottom, in the darkest place.
The Image commentary on this line
入于幽谷，幽不明也。
"One enters a dark valley": it is dark, and there is no light.
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
止Hold back. The text gives no verdict, but the picture is a bad one. Carry on as you are and you will lose by it. Stop, step aside, or change your approach.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- You are trapped in the lowest, darkest corner: you can't sit easy, you can't see a way out, and right now there is no light at all. Don't burrow deeper into the dark, and don't make rash moves; stop first, and protect yourself.
- Love
- Your love life has sunk to its lowest point; the more you think, the darker it gets, and you can't see a way out. Don't dig yourself into a corner or make decisions now, and don't go any deeper; stop first, and stop tormenting yourself.
- Money
- With money you are stuck at the very bottom; the more you think, the less clearly you see, and the more you move, the worse the mess. Make no big decisions now and don't put anything more in; stop, and cover only the bare essentials.
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 Kun.
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 Kun (Exhaustion); when this line changes it becomes Dui (Joy): hexagram 47 changing to 58.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Dui (Joy)
When people are amiable and enjoy each other's company, things go smoothly.