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I Ching · 64 Hexagrams
Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 57, the Xun hexagram, Xun as Wind, Xun above Xun below
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Xun: Small success. It is beneficial to have somewhere to go; beneficial to see a great person.
The Tuan Commentary says: Double Xun means repeatedly proclaiming commands. The firm penetrates the center and rightness, and its purpose is carried out. The yielding all follow the firm; therefore there is small success, it is beneficial to have somewhere to go, and beneficial to see a great person.
The Image says: Wind following wind is Xun. Thus the noble person repeatedly proclaims commands and carries out affairs.
Hexagram 57 — original text and overview
Detailed explanation of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Original text of the Xun hexagram
Xun: Small success. It is beneficial to have somewhere to go; beneficial to see a great person.
The Image says: Wind following wind is Xun. Thus the noble person repeatedly proclaims commands and carries out affairs.
Explanation in plain language
The Xun hexagram: Slight success. It is beneficial to travel and beneficial to meet kings, lords, and nobles.
The Image Commentary says: This hexagram is formed by two Xun trigrams doubled. Xun is wind, so it depicts long-lasting winds following one another and blowing without cease. The noble person observes this image and emulates the continually blowing wind: continually clarifying teachings, repeatedly issuing administrative orders, and instilling fundamental principles and great righteousness.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Xun hexagram has Xun above and Xun below, making it the primary hexagram of the Xun palace. Xun means yielding, humility, and obedience. This benefits the noble person and is favorable for meeting a great person.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Yield and accommodate others, act humbly; with the support of the noble, benefits lie in distant places.
One who obtains this hexagram has fluctuating fortune. Adapt to circumstances and act humbly, and unexpected gains may result.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: Fortune is smooth; all matters are suitable.
Financial fortune: Adapt to circumstances; profit can be expected.
Household: One can live in peace; husband and wife support one another.
Health: A stroke is possible; assistance may be needed to walk.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This is a same-trigram hexagram, with Xun below and Xun above. Xun is wind; two winds doubled form a continuous wind that penetrates everywhere. Xun also signifies an attitude and conduct of yielding and humility, making it favorable wherever one goes.
Great Image: This hexagram consists of two layers of Xun wind. Xun means entering; wherever wind reaches, it penetrates every opening, just as official orders are promulgated and enter deeply into the people’s hearts.
Fortune: Setback follows setback, and fortune rises and falls unpredictably. Adapt to circumstances, remain calm and even-tempered, and steadfastly choose what is good.
Career: It is developing. Proceed with courage and determination, overcome every difficulty and danger, and strive upward. All beginnings are difficult; setbacks may occur at first, but with help from talented and capable people, an ideal result will be achieved.
Business: Market competition is fierce and risks are high. Commercial activities must be conducted carefully and prudently, observing business ethics and treating fellow merchants, customers, and even competitors with humility; then profit can certainly be obtained.
Seeking recognition: Treat everything with humility, but do not be inferior, weak, affected, or hypocritical. Then progress can be rapid.
Marriage and love: Do not take a frivolous attitude; be serious and respect one another.
Decision-making: You are intelligent, flexible-minded, and cheerful. By conducting yourself humbly, you will be welcomed from every direction and gain the attention of superiors. Humility must not be excessive; it should be based on strength and central correctness, and must never appear cowardly or hypocritical. Otherwise, your personal growth will suffer.
Philosophical meaning of the 57th hexagram
Xun is wind; the symbol of Xun among the Eight Trigrams is “”. The symbol of Xun arose when ancient people observed in practical production that strong winds often arrived before heavy rain. At the moment when rain seemed about to fall and wind filled the tower, layer upon layer of thick dark clouds rolled across the sky, while gust after gust of wind blew beneath them. Thus “two” was used to represent the successive layers of dark clouds, while “--” represented gust after gust of wind beneath the clouds. Together they formed the symbol “”, symbolizing wind.
The first line of the Xun hexagram is a yin line, with two yang lines above it. Xun comes from the Qian hexagram by changing its first line from yang to yin. Since Qian represents metal and jade, engaging in business can bring enormous profits three times the original investment. Xun is the complementary hexagram of Zhen, and since Zhen’s yang energy is decisive and impetuous, Xun is therefore an impetuous hexagram. From the hexagram image, line images, and line positions of Xun, the following symbolic meanings can also be discerned: outwardly strong but inwardly yielding, orderly, communication, business, profit-making, penetrating everywhere, exploiting loopholes, freshness, speech, good news, recommendation, rushing about, heartlessness, worry and doubt, restlessness, schemes for gaining power, and indecisiveness.
Original text of the Xun hexagram
Xun: Small success. It is beneficial to have somewhere to go; beneficial to see a great person.
The Image says: Wind following wind is Xun. Thus the noble person repeatedly proclaims commands and carries out affairs.
Explanation in plain language
The Xun hexagram: Slight success. It is beneficial to travel and beneficial to meet kings, lords, and nobles.
The Image Commentary says: This hexagram is formed by two Xun trigrams doubled. Xun is wind, so it depicts long-lasting winds following one another and blowing without cease. The noble person observes this image and emulates the continually blowing wind: continually clarifying teachings, repeatedly issuing administrative orders, and instilling fundamental principles and great righteousness.
Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes
The Xun hexagram has Xun above and Xun below, making it the primary hexagram of the Xun palace. Xun means yielding, humility, and obedience. This benefits the noble person and is favorable for meeting a great person.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Yield and accommodate others, act humbly; with the support of the noble, benefits lie in distant places.
One who obtains this hexagram has fluctuating fortune. Adapt to circumstances and act humbly, and unexpected gains may result.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: Fortune is smooth; all matters are suitable.
Financial fortune: Adapt to circumstances; profit can be expected.
Household: One can live in peace; husband and wife support one another.
Health: A stroke is possible; assistance may be needed to walk.
Traditional interpretation of the hexagram
This is a same-trigram hexagram, with Xun below and Xun above. Xun is wind; two winds doubled form a continuous wind that penetrates everywhere. Xun also signifies an attitude and conduct of yielding and humility, making it favorable wherever one goes.
Great Image: This hexagram consists of two layers of Xun wind. Xun means entering; wherever wind reaches, it penetrates every opening, just as official orders are promulgated and enter deeply into the people’s hearts.
Fortune: Setback follows setback, and fortune rises and falls unpredictably. Adapt to circumstances, remain calm and even-tempered, and steadfastly choose what is good.
Career: It is developing. Proceed with courage and determination, overcome every difficulty and danger, and strive upward. All beginnings are difficult; setbacks may occur at first, but with help from talented and capable people, an ideal result will be achieved.
Business: Market competition is fierce and risks are high. Commercial activities must be conducted carefully and prudently, observing business ethics and treating fellow merchants, customers, and even competitors with humility; then profit can certainly be obtained.
Seeking recognition: Treat everything with humility, but do not be inferior, weak, affected, or hypocritical. Then progress can be rapid.
Marriage and love: Do not take a frivolous attitude; be serious and respect one another.
Decision-making: You are intelligent, flexible-minded, and cheerful. By conducting yourself humbly, you will be welcomed from every direction and gain the attention of superiors. Humility must not be excessive; it should be based on strength and central correctness, and must never appear cowardly or hypocritical. Otherwise, your personal growth will suffer.
Philosophical meaning of the 57th hexagram
Xun is wind; the symbol of Xun among the Eight Trigrams is “”. The symbol of Xun arose when ancient people observed in practical production that strong winds often arrived before heavy rain. At the moment when rain seemed about to fall and wind filled the tower, layer upon layer of thick dark clouds rolled across the sky, while gust after gust of wind blew beneath them. Thus “two” was used to represent the successive layers of dark clouds, while “--” represented gust after gust of wind beneath the clouds. Together they formed the symbol “”, symbolizing wind.
The first line of the Xun hexagram is a yin line, with two yang lines above it. Xun comes from the Qian hexagram by changing its first line from yang to yin. Since Qian represents metal and jade, engaging in business can bring enormous profits three times the original investment. Xun is the complementary hexagram of Zhen, and since Zhen’s yang energy is decisive and impetuous, Xun is therefore an impetuous hexagram. From the hexagram image, line images, and line positions of Xun, the following symbolic meanings can also be discerned: outwardly strong but inwardly yielding, orderly, communication, business, profit-making, penetrating everywhere, exploiting loopholes, freshness, speech, good news, recommendation, rushing about, heartlessness, worry and doubt, restlessness, schemes for gaining power, and indecisiveness.
Hexagram 57 — line-by-line explanation
Detailed explanation of the first-nine line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Initial Six line statement
Six at the beginning: Advance and retreat; steadfastness by a warrior is beneficial.
The Image says: “Advance and retreat”—the will is doubtful. “Steadfastness by a warrior is beneficial”—the will is disciplined.
Explanation in plain language
Six at the beginning: Advance and retreat at another’s command; this is a divination favorable to a warrior.
The Image Commentary says: Advancing and retreating at another’s command is because one has no fixed preconception. A warrior should have firm resolve, because only with firm resolve can one be brave and fearless and remain calm in danger.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: One who obtains this line experiences gains and losses; those of poor character often invite slander. An official may face assignments or labor service, with inconsistent advance and retreat, or may hold concurrent authority. There is ease within difficulty.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: Plans do not succeed; consider joining the military.
Financial fortune: Hesitation and indecision; no profit to be gained.
Household: Facing west is favorable; marry into a military family.
Health: Actively strengthen the body.
Initial Six changing hexagram
!["周易第57卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_57_1.png)
When the first line changes, it becomes Hexagram 9 of the Zhouyi: Wind over Heaven, Small Accumulation. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Xun above; Qian is heaven and Xun is wind. It signifies favorable weather and growing grain, hence the name Small Accumulation. Its strength is limited, and one must wait until development reaches a certain stage before achieving great things.
Detailed explanation of the ninth-second line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Second Nine line
Nine in the second place: Xun beneath the bed. Employing historians and spirit-mediums in abundance brings auspiciousness and no blame.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of the many rites comes from attaining the center.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the second place: A sick person is bedridden. Historians and spirit-mediums summon spirits, perform rituals to avert disaster and drive out ghosts, and remain ceaselessly busy. The illness improves and the disaster is dispelled.
The Image Commentary says: The historians and spirit-mediums being constantly busy averting disaster and driving out ghosts improves the illness because the yang line in the second place occupies the center of the lower trigram; the line image is properly positioned, so the disaster naturally retreats.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: One who obtains this line treats people sincerely and gains profit in their plans. An official has an opportunity for promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: The spirits protect you; the course of fortune is smooth.
Financial fortune: Buying and selling are difficult to decide; it is best to consult divination.
Household: Pray devoutly; divination indicates auspiciousness.
Health: Worship and sacrifice to avert blame.
Transformation of the Second Nine line
!["周易第57卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_57_2.png)
When the second line changes, it becomes Hexagram 53 of the Zhouyi: Wind over Mountain, Gradual Progress. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Gen below and Xun above. Gen is mountain and Xun is wood. There is wood on the mountain, growing gradually, while the mountain also rises. This is a process of gradual progress, hence the name Gradual Progress: advancement that proceeds little by little rather than rapidly.
Detailed explanation of the ninth-third line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Third Nine line
Nine in the third place: Repeated yielding; regret.
The Image says: The regret of repeated yielding comes from the exhaustion of one’s purpose.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the third place: Forced obedience; the heart cannot be at ease.
The Image Commentary says: Forced obedience while the heart is not at ease shows that it is done out of helplessness.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Misfortune: One who obtains this line has stagnant fortune and faces the hardship of poverty. An official may worry about demotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: Low position and diminished aspirations; others look down on you.
Financial fortune: If you are excessively submissive, how can you compete for profit?
Household: A poor household; a humble family background.
Health: Excessive weakness and fatigue.
Transformation of the Third Nine line
!["周易第57卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_57_3.png)
When the third line changes, it becomes Hexagram 59 of the Zhouyi: Wind over Water, Dispersion. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Xun above. Wind moves over water, driving waves and causing water to spread in all directions. Dispersion means water flowing apart. It symbolizes the dispersal of organizations and the people’s hearts, which must be overcome through active means and methods, correcting abuses, rescuing what has dispersed, and turning danger into safety.
Detailed explanation of the sixth-fourth line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Six in the fourth place line statement
Six in the fourth place: Regret disappears; the hunt yields three kinds of game.
The Image says: The hunt yields three kinds of game—there is achievement.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fourth place: There is no regret; the hunt yields various game.
The Image Commentary says: The hunt yields various game, showing that the hunt was highly successful.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: One who obtains this line is enjoying good fortune, with many blessings and benefits. A scholar will achieve excellent results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: You enter the proper course of fortune and achieve merit when you step forward.
Fortune in wealth: Leather and feathers can both bring prosperity.
Household: Beautiful decoration; a splendid wedding.
Health: Recovery is possible.
Six in the fourth place changing hexagram
!["周易第57卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_57_4.png)
When the fourth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 44 of the Zhouyi: Heaven over Wind, Coming to Meet. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Qian above. Qian is heaven and Xun is wind. Wind beneath heaven blows across the earth; yin and yang unite, and all things flourish. The Gou hexagram is opposite to the Kuai hexagram and forms its inverted counterpart. Gou means union or encounter: yin and yang meet. But with five yang lines and one yin, they cannot remain together for long.
Detailed explanation of the ninth-fifth line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Fifth Nine line
Nine in the fifth place: Steadfastness is auspicious; regret disappears; nothing is unfavorable. There is no good beginning, but there is a good ending. Three days before Geng and three days after Geng; auspicious.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of the ninth-fifth line comes from occupying the central and correct position.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the fifth place: Divination gives an auspicious sign for steadfastness; there is no regret and nothing is unfavorable. Although the beginning is not good, the ending is good. If the date is set on a Ding day or a Gui day, the matter will certainly succeed.
The Image Commentary says: The ninth-fifth line statement speaks of auspiciousness because the yang line occupies the center of the upper trigram, resembling human affairs conforming to the right path and therefore naturally bringing good fortune.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: One who obtains this line will accomplish their plans and encounter no disadvantage wherever they go. An official first faces obstruction and then finds things going smoothly.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: A central and correct position; nothing is unfavorable.
Financial fortune: There is a little regret at first, followed by great profit.
Household: Seated facing south with the back to the north; a well-matched pairing.
Health: Recovery in three days.
Transformation of the Fifth Nine line
!["周易第57卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_57_5.png)
When the fifth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 18 of the Zhouyi: Mountain over Wind, Decay. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Gen above, and it forms the inverted counterpart of Following. Gu originally means an affair and extends to many affairs and disorder. When a vessel left unused for a long time breeds insects, it is called Gu; this is an image of the world becoming complacent and corrupt after long peace. Innovation and creation, governance and rectification are therefore necessary to save the crisis and revive the enterprise.
Detailed explanation of the top-ninth line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Top Nine line
Top nine: Xun beneath the bed; he loses his resources and ax. Divination brings misfortune.
The Image says: Xun beneath the bed means one at the top has reached the end of the road. Losing resources and an ax—is this not truly dangerous?
Explanation in plain language
Top nine: A person hides beneath the bed, while his money and goods are completely looted. Divination gives a bad sign.
The Image Commentary says: Hiding beneath the bed is precisely the image of the yang line at the top reaching a dead end. When wealth is looted, is that not a dangerous matter?
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Misfortune: One who obtains this line suffers many losses or may develop an illness. An official is out of step with the times and must be cautious.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: The higher one rises, the more dangerous it becomes; there is loss without gain.
Financial fortune: Following old routines leads to loss; the depletion is considerable.
Household: There may be a death; fear of one’s wife.
Health: It may perhaps come to an end.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
!["周易第57卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图]("https://mypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/inching/64_57_6.png)
When the top line changes, it becomes Hexagram 48 of the Zhouyi: Water over Wind, the Well. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Kan above. Kan is water; Xun is wood. Trees flourish when they receive water. People depend on wells for life, and wells are dug by people. They nourish one another: the well nourishes people with water, inexhaustibly over time. People should take this virtue as an example and diligently encourage themselves.
Initial Six line statement
Six at the beginning: Advance and retreat; steadfastness by a warrior is beneficial.
The Image says: “Advance and retreat”—the will is doubtful. “Steadfastness by a warrior is beneficial”—the will is disciplined.
Explanation in plain language
Six at the beginning: Advance and retreat at another’s command; this is a divination favorable to a warrior.
The Image Commentary says: Advancing and retreating at another’s command is because one has no fixed preconception. A warrior should have firm resolve, because only with firm resolve can one be brave and fearless and remain calm in danger.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Neutral: One who obtains this line experiences gains and losses; those of poor character often invite slander. An official may face assignments or labor service, with inconsistent advance and retreat, or may hold concurrent authority. There is ease within difficulty.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: Plans do not succeed; consider joining the military.
Financial fortune: Hesitation and indecision; no profit to be gained.
Household: Facing west is favorable; marry into a military family.
Health: Actively strengthen the body.
Initial Six changing hexagram
When the first line changes, it becomes Hexagram 9 of the Zhouyi: Wind over Heaven, Small Accumulation. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Qian below and Xun above; Qian is heaven and Xun is wind. It signifies favorable weather and growing grain, hence the name Small Accumulation. Its strength is limited, and one must wait until development reaches a certain stage before achieving great things.
Detailed explanation of the ninth-second line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Second Nine line
Nine in the second place: Xun beneath the bed. Employing historians and spirit-mediums in abundance brings auspiciousness and no blame.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of the many rites comes from attaining the center.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the second place: A sick person is bedridden. Historians and spirit-mediums summon spirits, perform rituals to avert disaster and drive out ghosts, and remain ceaselessly busy. The illness improves and the disaster is dispelled.
The Image Commentary says: The historians and spirit-mediums being constantly busy averting disaster and driving out ghosts improves the illness because the yang line in the second place occupies the center of the lower trigram; the line image is properly positioned, so the disaster naturally retreats.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: One who obtains this line treats people sincerely and gains profit in their plans. An official has an opportunity for promotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: The spirits protect you; the course of fortune is smooth.
Financial fortune: Buying and selling are difficult to decide; it is best to consult divination.
Household: Pray devoutly; divination indicates auspiciousness.
Health: Worship and sacrifice to avert blame.
Transformation of the Second Nine line
When the second line changes, it becomes Hexagram 53 of the Zhouyi: Wind over Mountain, Gradual Progress. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Gen below and Xun above. Gen is mountain and Xun is wood. There is wood on the mountain, growing gradually, while the mountain also rises. This is a process of gradual progress, hence the name Gradual Progress: advancement that proceeds little by little rather than rapidly.
Detailed explanation of the ninth-third line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Third Nine line
Nine in the third place: Repeated yielding; regret.
The Image says: The regret of repeated yielding comes from the exhaustion of one’s purpose.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the third place: Forced obedience; the heart cannot be at ease.
The Image Commentary says: Forced obedience while the heart is not at ease shows that it is done out of helplessness.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Misfortune: One who obtains this line has stagnant fortune and faces the hardship of poverty. An official may worry about demotion.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: Low position and diminished aspirations; others look down on you.
Financial fortune: If you are excessively submissive, how can you compete for profit?
Household: A poor household; a humble family background.
Health: Excessive weakness and fatigue.
Transformation of the Third Nine line
When the third line changes, it becomes Hexagram 59 of the Zhouyi: Wind over Water, Dispersion. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Xun above. Wind moves over water, driving waves and causing water to spread in all directions. Dispersion means water flowing apart. It symbolizes the dispersal of organizations and the people’s hearts, which must be overcome through active means and methods, correcting abuses, rescuing what has dispersed, and turning danger into safety.
Detailed explanation of the sixth-fourth line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Six in the fourth place line statement
Six in the fourth place: Regret disappears; the hunt yields three kinds of game.
The Image says: The hunt yields three kinds of game—there is achievement.
Explanation in plain language
Six in the fourth place: There is no regret; the hunt yields various game.
The Image Commentary says: The hunt yields various game, showing that the hunt was highly successful.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: One who obtains this line is enjoying good fortune, with many blessings and benefits. A scholar will achieve excellent results.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: You enter the proper course of fortune and achieve merit when you step forward.
Fortune in wealth: Leather and feathers can both bring prosperity.
Household: Beautiful decoration; a splendid wedding.
Health: Recovery is possible.
Six in the fourth place changing hexagram
When the fourth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 44 of the Zhouyi: Heaven over Wind, Coming to Meet. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Qian above. Qian is heaven and Xun is wind. Wind beneath heaven blows across the earth; yin and yang unite, and all things flourish. The Gou hexagram is opposite to the Kuai hexagram and forms its inverted counterpart. Gou means union or encounter: yin and yang meet. But with five yang lines and one yin, they cannot remain together for long.
Detailed explanation of the ninth-fifth line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Fifth Nine line
Nine in the fifth place: Steadfastness is auspicious; regret disappears; nothing is unfavorable. There is no good beginning, but there is a good ending. Three days before Geng and three days after Geng; auspicious.
The Image says: The auspiciousness of the ninth-fifth line comes from occupying the central and correct position.
Explanation in plain language
Nine in the fifth place: Divination gives an auspicious sign for steadfastness; there is no regret and nothing is unfavorable. Although the beginning is not good, the ending is good. If the date is set on a Ding day or a Gui day, the matter will certainly succeed.
The Image Commentary says: The ninth-fifth line statement speaks of auspiciousness because the yang line occupies the center of the upper trigram, resembling human affairs conforming to the right path and therefore naturally bringing good fortune.
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Auspicious: One who obtains this line will accomplish their plans and encounter no disadvantage wherever they go. An official first faces obstruction and then finds things going smoothly.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: A central and correct position; nothing is unfavorable.
Financial fortune: There is a little regret at first, followed by great profit.
Household: Seated facing south with the back to the north; a well-matched pairing.
Health: Recovery in three days.
Transformation of the Fifth Nine line
When the fifth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 18 of the Zhouyi: Mountain over Wind, Decay. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Gen above, and it forms the inverted counterpart of Following. Gu originally means an affair and extends to many affairs and disorder. When a vessel left unused for a long time breeds insects, it is called Gu; this is an image of the world becoming complacent and corrupt after long peace. Innovation and creation, governance and rectification are therefore necessary to save the crisis and revive the enterprise.
Detailed explanation of the top-ninth line of Hexagram 57 of the Zhouyi
Statement of the Top Nine line
Top nine: Xun beneath the bed; he loses his resources and ax. Divination brings misfortune.
The Image says: Xun beneath the bed means one at the top has reached the end of the road. Losing resources and an ax—is this not truly dangerous?
Explanation in plain language
Top nine: A person hides beneath the bed, while his money and goods are completely looted. Divination gives a bad sign.
The Image Commentary says: Hiding beneath the bed is precisely the image of the yang line at the top reaching a dead end. When wealth is looted, is that not a dangerous matter?
Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes
Misfortune: One who obtains this line suffers many losses or may develop an illness. An official is out of step with the times and must be cautious.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning
Current fortune: The higher one rises, the more dangerous it becomes; there is loss without gain.
Financial fortune: Following old routines leads to loss; the depletion is considerable.
Household: There may be a death; fear of one’s wife.
Health: It may perhaps come to an end.
Transformation of the Top Nine line
When the top line changes, it becomes Hexagram 48 of the Zhouyi: Water over Wind, the Well. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Kan above. Kan is water; Xun is wood. Trees flourish when they receive water. People depend on wells for life, and wells are dug by people. They nourish one another: the well nourishes people with water, inexhaustibly over time. People should take this virtue as an example and diligently encourage themselves.