Xiaoguo, nine in the fourth placeHexagram 62, line 4 · Xiaoguo (Small Excess) · changing to 15
The line
In plain wordsNo blame: you do not force your strength, and that is exactly what suits the time. To go further would be dangerous; you must be on your guard. And do not cling rigidly to one way without changing. Act as the situation requires.
The Image commentary on this line
弗過遇之，位不當也。往厲必戒，終不可長也。
"Without going too far, one meets it": it is not in its proper place. "Going on is dangerous; one must be on guard": in the end it cannot last.
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
慎Proceed with care. There is some risk, or some regret left over, but nothing serious. Notice it early, correct it early, and things turn for the better.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Right now you are not overplaying your strength, and your sense of measure is just right. Charging further ahead would be dangerous, so stay on guard at every moment. And don't cling to one way of doing things; adjust as the situation changes.
- Love
- Getting along at this unhurried pace is just right. Pressing one step further brings risk, so be careful. And don't fix on one way of being together; adapt to how the other person is doing.
- Money
- Holding back and not pushing ahead right now is correct. Raising the stakes further would be dangerous, and you must be on guard. Don't treat your original plan as fixed, either; when things change, change with them.
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 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 Xiaoguo (Small Excess); when this line changes it becomes Qian (Humility): hexagram 62 changing to 15.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Qian (Humility)
Lower yourself, and things actually go more smoothly.