Line 2
The second yang line occupies the central position of the lower trigram, symbolizing the decisive removal of hidden deceptions through balanced justice. By holding fast to fairness, one eliminates obstruction and secures high regard.
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I Ching / BaZi reading request (from eastalmanac.com). Page: Hexagram 40 解 — Line 2. 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/40/2
Possessing inner strength and central balance, this line captures the hunter taking foxes and obtaining the yellow arrow, an emblem of upright rectitude. The Xiang commentary highlights that holding correct balance ensures good fortune because one follows the middle path.
Acting with transparent integrity roots out covert troubles and earns widespread respect.
You are positioned to serve as an indispensable problem-solver, capable of identifying subtle inefficiencies or bad faith conduct within an organization. Classical principles suggest that unwavering fairness and measured diplomacy earn both executive backing and team loyalty.
Addressing underlying grievances directly and impartially cements your professional authority.
Ambiguities, outside interference, or unspoken suspicions that clouded the partnership can now be cleared through direct and honest communication. Mutual respect returns as both parties commit to total transparency rather than evasive games.
Tackling delicate topics with calm honesty eliminates doubt and fortifies mutual commitment.
Resolving long-pending claims or addressing non-performing resources opens channels for rightful and well-deserved financial returns. The symbolic yellow arrow indicates that financial gains must be pursued strictly through clean, legitimate, and ethical methods.
Maintaining strict transparency and upright practices protects your assets over the long run.
2. The second line, undivided, shows its subject catch, in hunting, three foxes, and obtain the yellow ( = golden) arrows. With firm correctness there will be good fortune.
‘The good fortune springing from the firm correctness of the second NINE, (undivided),’ is due to its subject holding the due mean.
Zhouyi BenyiLine statement
The intent of the imagery in this line is not entirely clear. Some say that in the Gua there are four yin lines; excluding the ruler's seat at Six in the Fifth Place, the remaining three yin lines form the image of the three foxes.
In general, this line provides an auspicious divination for hunting, and also presents the image of removing evil flatterers and attaining the central and upright path. If one can maintain correctness, everything will be auspicious.
Yichuan YizhuanLine statement
Nine in the Second Place, possessing the talent of firm balance, responds above to the ruler Six in the Fifth Place, being employed in the times.
The petty people in the world are always numerous; when a firm and enlightened ruler is above, his brilliance is sufficient to see them, his awe sufficient to frighten them, and his firmness sufficient to cut them off, so petty people dare not indulge their desires.
Yet he still maintains constant vigilance, fearing they might find an opening and harm correctness.
Six in the Fifth Place occupies the exalted throne with yin softness; his brilliance is easily clouded, his authority easily violated, his decisiveness hesitant, and he is easily deceived. Once petty people draw near, his mind is swayed.
How much more so when difficulties have just been resolved and governance is at its inception, when changes occur easily! Since the second line is employed, it must be able to remove petty people; only then can it rectify the ruler's heart and carry out its Dao of firm balance.
Hunting is the work of removing harm. A fox is a beast of cunning and flattery. The three foxes refer to the three yin lines of the Gua, the petty people of the time. 'Capturing' means being able to transform and eliminate them, just as one captures foxes in a hunt.
Capturing them, one attains the central and upright Dao, which is steadfast, correct, and auspicious. Yellow is the color of the center; an arrow is a straight object. The yellow arrow refers to central uprightness.
If the throng of evil is not removed and enters the ruler's heart, the central and upright Dao will have no way to operate, just as when Huan Yanfan failed to remove Wu Sansi.
Yichuan YizhuanSmall Image
The so-called steadfast good fortune comes from attaining the central Dao. Removing evil and wickedness so that the central and upright Dao can be practiced is what makes it correct and auspicious.
Zhouyi ZhuLine statement
A fox is a creature that conceals itself.
Firm, centered, and responding, entrusted by the fifth, dwelling in the midst of danger and knowing the conditions of danger—using this to deliver things, it can capture what lies concealed; hence it is said: 'In the field, he captures three foxes.'
Yellow is the term for central principle. An arrow is straight.
Hunting and capturing three foxes, one attains the path of central principle, not losing the reality of crooked and straight, able to preserve one's correctness; hence it is said: 'In the field, he captures three foxes and obtains a yellow arrow; steadfastness brings good fortune.'
Zhouyi ZhengyiLine statement
Sub-commentary: 'In the field, he captures three foxes': the fox is a creature that conceals itself; three is a complete number, and mentioning three signifies searching out and capturing them completely.
Nine in the Second Place dwells in the center with firmness and responds to the fifth, entrusted by the fifth; dwelling within danger, it understands the conditions of danger.
Using this to resolve danger, no peril remains unsurmounted, and it can capture the concealed, just like capturing foxes in their dens during a hunt; hence 'in the field, he captures three foxes.'
'Obtains a yellow arrow; steadfastness brings good fortune': yellow is the name of the center; an arrow is straight.
Hunting and capturing three foxes, it attains the path of central principle without error, not losing the true nature of crooked and straight, able to preserve its correctness; hence 'obtains a yellow arrow; steadfastness brings good fortune.'
Zhouyi ZhengyiSmall Image
Sub-commentary: 'He attains the central Dao': clarifies that although Nine in the Second Place does not occupy its correct position, the reason it attains 'steadfast good fortune' is that by dwelling in the center, it attains the path of central principle.
Yicuo JinLine statement
Nine in the Second Place, second line, top-highest: Across ten thousand miles of billows, waves grow still; across the whole sky, wind and rain rest at ease. Wealth and fame meet no obstruction; on your journey, you pass beyond the multi-layered passes.