Jian, nine in the fifth placeHexagram 53, line 5 · Jian (Gradual Progress) · changing to 52
The line
In plain wordsThe wild goose has flown to the high hill. For three years the wife cannot conceive: two who belong together are kept apart by those in between. But in the end nobody can take away what is right. Good fortune.
The Image commentary on this line
終莫之勝，吉；得所願也。
"In the end nothing can overcome her. Good fortune": she gets what she wished 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
吉Favorable. This text describes a good outcome. Act the way it says and the matter can succeed. The promise has a condition: keep to the right course.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Your position is high and your aim is right, but someone in between is standing in the way, and things keep failing to come together. Don't be impatient, and don't leave the proper path. Keep at it; no one can block what is right.
- Love
- Two people who truly belong together are kept apart by people or things in between, and can't seem to come together. Don't let it wear you down, and don't use crooked means. Hold on to your sincerity; if you hold on, no one can pull you apart.
- Money
- A return you are owed is held up by people in between and never seems to reach you. Don't rush to look for shortcuts or crooked ways. Keep to the proper path and keep at it; whatever stands in between cannot hold out in the end.
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 Jian.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the second line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Fifth place: the center of the upper trigram, the ruler's seat, a place of achievement. This is where things are decided.
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 Jian (Gradual Progress); when this line changes it becomes Gen (Stillness): hexagram 53 changing to 52.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Gen (Stillness)
Stop when it is time to stop, and mind what is properly your own business.