Xun, nine in the second placeHexagram 57, line 2 · Xun (The Gentle Wind) · changing to 53
The line
In plain wordsSo humble that you crouch under the bed, and like the invocators and shamans you say what is sincerely in your heart again and again, never tiring of it. Good fortune, no blame.
The Image commentary on this line
紛若之吉，得中也。
The good fortune of "in great number": it holds the center.
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
- Lower yourself, and explain your ideas patiently, again and again, to those above you and around you until they understand. Don't worry about repeating yourself; as long as it comes from the heart and is not flattery, things will go through.
- Love
- Be willing to set your pride aside and tell the other person, earnestly and sincerely, what is in your heart. If once is not enough to make it clear, say it again. Putting yourself a little lower doesn't matter; what matters is that you mean it.
- Money
- When money is being discussed, keep a humble stance, and lay out your terms and your difficulties fully and clearly; if once is not enough, go over them again. When your sincerity comes through, you can reach agreement on money, and nothing is left for anyone to fault.
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 Xun.
Line position
A yang line in a yin place: it is not in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the fifth line, which is also yang, so there is no answer from it.
Second place: the center of the lower trigram, a place of praise. Stay centered and yielding.
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 Xun (The Gentle Wind); when this line changes it becomes Jian (Gradual Progress): hexagram 57 changing to 53.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Jian (Gradual Progress)
Go in order, one step at a time, and the outcome will be good.