Ding, nine in the third placeHexagram 50, line 3 · Ding (The Cauldron) · changing to 64
The line
In plain wordsThe cauldron's ears are out of shape and it cannot be carried; nobody gets to eat the rich pheasant meat inside. You have real ability, but for now it is not being used. Hold on to yourself and wait for the rain that comes when yin and yang are in harmony. Then regret grows less, and in the end there is good fortune.
The Image commentary on this line
鼎耳革，失其義也。
"The cauldron's ears are changed": it has lost what it is for.
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 outcome can be good, but the text carries a warning. Take the warning seriously and the good outcome is yours.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- You have real ability, but right now no one is using it, like a pot of fine food that cannot be carried out, and that is bound to feel frustrating. Don't sulk, and don't jump ship rashly. Hold on to yourself; once you and the people above you fall into step, it ends well.
- Love
- You have a lot to offer, but for now the other person can't see it, or the two of you never seem to think alike, and it hurts. Don't say harsh things or go cold for now. Take care of yourself; once your hearts come together, the regrets will naturally lessen.
- Money
- You have the skills and the goods, but for now they won't turn into money; the way is blocked. Don't rush to sell cheap, and don't go charging around in every direction. Hold steady and make your move once the timing and the people are right; that way there is less to regret.
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 Ding.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the top line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
Third place: the top of the lower trigram, a place of risk. A moment of transition. Be on guard.
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 Ding (The Cauldron); when this line changes it becomes Weiji (Before Completion): hexagram 50 changing to 64.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Weiji (Before Completion)
Not done yet. One last step remains, and this is the step where mistakes come most easily.