Lü, six in the fifth placeHexagram 56, line 5 · Lü (The Wanderer) · changing to 33
The line
In plain wordsYou shoot at a pheasant and lose an arrow. A small loss, but in the end you win a good name and an appointment.
The Image commentary on this line
終以譽命，上逮也。
"In the end there is praise and an appointment": it reaches up to those above.
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. The text gives no verdict, but the picture it paints is a hopeful one. Act the way it describes and there will be something to gain.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- To win an opportunity, taking a small loss or paying a small price first is worth it. Do the work beautifully; those above you will see it, and what you gain is a good name and their trust.
- Love
- To get closer to the other person or to mend things, give way first and accept a small loss; don't begrudge it. The other person will keep what you gave in mind, and that is good.
- Money
- Putting in a little money up front to get something done is fine, as long as it goes to proper work. A small loss that earns you a good reputation and trust is a trade worth making.
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 Lü.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the second line, which is also yin, so there is no answer from it.
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 inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Lü (The Wanderer); when this line changes it becomes Dun (Retreat): hexagram 56 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.