Xiaoguo, six at the topHexagram 62, line 6 · Xiaoguo (Small Excess) · changing to 56
The line
In plain wordsInstead of fitting the moment you go far past it, like a bird that flies too high and too far and crashes straight into the net. Misfortune. This is what is called disaster from heaven and harm of your own making.
The Image commentary on this line
弗遇過之，已亢也。
"Not meeting it, one passes it by": it has already overreached.
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
- You have already charged too high and too far, with no regard for measure, like a bird flying straight into a net. Don't take one more step forward. Stop now and retreat where you can; charging on is simply asking for disaster.
- Love
- In this relationship you have already crossed far too many lines: pressing too hard, asking too much, saying things that are too final. Going further is flying into the net yourself. Stop right away and step back.
- Money
- Your money affairs have long since gone beyond what you can carry: you have spread yourself too wide and owe too much. Stop holding on. Halt now, scale back, and stop the losses first.
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 yin line in a yin place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the third line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Top place: the end of the matter. What reaches its limit turns. Know when to stop.
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 Xiaoguo (Small Excess); when this line changes it becomes Lü (The Wanderer): hexagram 62 changing to 56.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Lü (The Wanderer)
You are away from home with no firm footing. Small matters are fine; do not seek anything big.