Xiaoguo, nine in the third placeHexagram 62, line 3 · Xiaoguo (Small Excess) · changing to 16
The line
In plain wordsIf you will not take a little extra precaution, someone may strike you from behind. Misfortune. Relying on your own strength and scorning caution is exactly where you lose. Better to over-guard.
The Image commentary on this line
從或戕之，凶如何也。
"One may be followed and harmed": how great the misfortune is!
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
- Don't let your competence make you drop your guard. Keep the records you should keep, double-check what needs confirming, and be a little more wary of anyone who might trip you up from behind. Better to guard too much than to be hurt where you can't see.
- Love
- Don't think that because you are steady and see things clearly you can go unguarded. Pay a little more attention to who the other person really is and to the hidden problems in the relationship; at a time like this, better to be overcautious.
- Money
- Don't assume your shrewdness means you need no defenses. Read contracts clause by clause, check again before any transfer, and touch no benefit of unknown origin. Big money losses usually come from carelessness.
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 Xiaoguo.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the top line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
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 Xiaoguo (Small Excess); when this line changes it becomes Yu (Enthusiasm): hexagram 62 changing to 16.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Yu (Enthusiasm)
People are willing and the mood is good. It suits getting everyone moving on something, but don't get lost in feeling pleased.