Jiji, nine in the fifth placeHexagram 63, line 5 · Jiji (After Completion) · changing to 36
The line
In plain wordsThe neighbor to the east slaughters an ox for a grand sacrifice, yet it is not as good as the plain, simple offering of the neighbor to the west, who actually receives the blessing. Display counts for less than timing and sincerity; the one at the height of his power is not as well off as the one who is just coming into his own.
The Image commentary on this line
東鄰殺牛，不如西鄰之時也；實受其福，吉大來也。
"The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox": it does not equal the timeliness of the western neighbor, who "truly receives the blessing": good fortune comes in great measure.
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
- Even when things are going well, don't try to win with show. Beating the drums is worth less than one well-timed, down-to-earth piece of work. Put your sincerity where it counts, and the benefit will truly come to you.
- Love
- Lavish gifts and grand occasions are no match for a word of care at the right moment or a small thing done with heart. When your heart is sincere and the timing is right, the blessing is real.
- Money
- Spending big to keep up appearances is worse than spending a little where it really counts. Use money plainly and at the right time, and you truly get the benefit. Don't compete with others over show.
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 Jiji.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the second line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
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 backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Jiji (After Completion); when this line changes it becomes Mingyi (Darkened Light): hexagram 63 changing to 36.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Mingyi (Darkened Light)
The light is pressed under the ground; for now, keep yourself somewhat hidden.