Ding, nine in the fourth placeHexagram 50, line 4 · Ding (The Cauldron) · changing to 18
The line
In plain wordsThe cauldron's leg snaps, the duke's fine food is spilled, and you end up in a sorry mess yourself (another reading: you suffer a heavy punishment). Misfortune. Small strength, a heavy load, and on top of that the wrong people were relied on.
The Image commentary on this line
覆公餗，信如何也。
"The duke's meal is spilled": what trust can there be now?
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. This text describes a bad outcome. Carry on as you are and you will lose by it. Stop, step aside or change your approach. Do not force it.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- The load is too heavy, your strength is not enough, and you have relied on the wrong people. Keep forcing it and the whole thing will be smashed in your own hands. Stop now: hand over what you can't carry, say so plainly, and don't take on anything new.
- Love
- You have made promises you cannot keep, or trusted your heart to someone who cannot be relied on. Holding on any longer will only make the fall harder. Stop making promises. Put down what you cannot carry, before the whole thing tips over.
- Money
- You have spread yourself wider than your funds allow and trusted it to unreliable people; keep holding on and the whole pot tips over. Stop now: don't put in any more money, don't guarantee anyone's debts, and get back whatever you can first.
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 yin place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the first line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Fourth place: next to the ruler, a place of caution. Serve those above with care.
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 Gu (Repairing Decay): hexagram 50 changing to 18.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Gu (Repairing Decay)
Old problems that have piled up have reached the point where they must be dealt with.