Line 4
Hexagram 35, Line 4 depicts an insecure advancement likened to a burrowing rodent clinging anxiously to unearned gains. It warns that clinging to ambition through covert maneuvers or ungrounded ambition invites severe exposure.
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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com). Page: Hexagram 35 晋 — Line 4. Interpret through classical principles in two layers: 1) Structural Evidence: identify key line dynamics, changing line pivot, or element balance. 2) Actionable Verdict: direct answer to the inquiry in plain language, followed by 2–3 concrete next steps (action-verb first) and mindful cautions. Grounded wisdom for self-reflection. Source page: https://eastalmanac.com/yijing/35/4
In the classical reading, nine at the fourth place is a yang line placed in a yin seat, lacking balance and encroaching upward while pressing down on the lower trigram.
The line text evokes the image of a marmot advancing with multiple minor skills yet failing to master any, warning that persistent greed in an improper station brings peril.
Its transformation into Hexagram 23 (Splitting Apart) highlights how unstable foundations crumble when overextended. Operating aboveboard and checking overreaching desires is the only dependable safeguard.
In professional matters, this line signals occupying an influential role without the solid competence or legitimacy needed to sustain it. Attempting to preserve authority through political maneuvering or hoarding information invites scrutiny from both leadership and peers.
Lacking genuine ability while aggressively pursuing unearned credit underscores that shortcut-driven ambition quickly backfires. Stepping back into authentic competence and transparent accountability will protect you from unnecessary workplace fallout.
In relationships, harboring hidden agendas, withholding emotional truths, or keeping conditional options open erodes mutual security. When self-interest and calculated maneuvers replace genuine vulnerability, trust collapses under the slightest pressure.
Furtive steps cannot survive prolonged exposure. Dropping defensive calculations and speaking with genuine honesty will keep your partnership intact.
Financially, chasing speculative shortcuts or relying on non-transparent channels introduces serious regulatory and reputational hazards. Quick gains that rely on grey areas may appear tempting, but the underlying structure remains brittle and vulnerable to sharp reversals.
Sound stewardship requires resisting opportunistic impulses in favor of verifiable diligence. Protecting your assets through clean, compliant dealings will keep your financial ground secure.
4. The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject with the appearance of advancing, but like a marmot. However firm and correct he may be, the position is one of peril.
‘(He advances like) a marmot. However firm and correct he may be, his position is one of peril:’—his place is not that appropriate for him.
Zhouyi BenyiLine statement
The character 鼫 (shí) is pronounced like 石 (shí). Neither central nor correct, it usurps an exalted position; greedy yet fearful of others, this is indeed a perilous course. Hence, it takes the image of a marmot.
For the diviner in such a circumstance, even if one remains persevering, it is perilous.
Yichuan YizhuanLine statement
Occupying the fourth position as a nine is not its proper place. To occupy what is not one's place means coveting and seizing the station.
Covetously occupying an exalted position is already no ground for peace; moreover, sharing virtues with the top line, it compliantly adheres to what is above, while the three yin lines below are bound by circumstance to press upward. Thus, its heart harbors dread and jealousy.
One who is greedy yet fearful of others is like the marmot; hence it is said: 'Progressing like a marmot.' Coveting what is not rightfully held while harboring dread and jealousy, if one stubbornly persists in this, the peril is obvious.
Speaking of 'perseverance brings peril' opens the way to self-reform.
Yichuan YizhuanSmall Image
The worthy, by their upright virtue, ought to occupy high positions. To occupy an exalted position without being upright is an illegitimate usurpation. Greedy yet terrified of losing it, one dreads others; obstinately holding one's ground, the peril can well be known.
Zhouyi ZhuLine statement
Treading in a position not its own, above it bears Six in the Fifth Place, while below it presses upon the three yin lines—this is treading in an improper place.
Moreover, carrying a burden yet riding in a carriage, there is no work in which it can rest secure, and its will has nothing to rely upon. To advance on such terms makes perseverance perilous. Advancing like a marmot, it has nothing to hold fast to.
Zhouyi ZhengyiLine statement
"Nine in the Fourth Place: Progressing like a marmot; perseverance brings peril." The Sub-commentary states: "Progressing like a marmot"—the marmot is a creature possessing five talents yet failing to master a single craft.
Nine in the Fourth Place treads in a position not its own: above, it bears Six in the Fifth Place; below, it sits atop three yin lines. The one above does not allow its support, and those below do not allow its usurpation.
To advance in this manner leaves no endeavor in which it can rest, and no foundation it can defend; its deeds mirror the marmot's, achieving nothing. Advancing on this basis, even perseverance is perilous; hence it says: "Progressing like a marmot; perseverance brings peril."
Regarding the note from "treading in a position not its own" down to "has nothing to hold fast to": The Sub-commentary explains that for "Progressing like a marmot, it has nothing to hold fast to," Cai Yong's *Encouragement to Learning* states: "The marmot possesses five abilities yet masters not a single craft."
The commentary explains: "It can fly, but cannot clear a roof; it can climb, but cannot reach the treetop; it can swim, but cannot cross a ravine; it can dig, but cannot conceal its body; it can run, but cannot outrun a human."
The *Shennong Bencaojing* states: "The mole cricket is also named the marmot," referring to this creature. Zheng Xuan cites the *Classic of Poetry*: "Large rat, large rat, eat no more of our millet," taking it to mean a giant rodent. Lu Ji regarded it as the sparrow-rat.
Note: Wang Bi interprets it as "having nothing to hold fast to," which indeed corresponds to the five clumsy talents.