Hexagram 10, Lǚ (Treading): Line 5
履卦九五 · 天泽履 · 中文版
九五:夬履,贞厉。
The line (Legge)
The fifth NINE, undivided, shows the resolute tread of its subject. Though he be firm and correct, there will be peril.
Small Image commentary
'He treads resolutely; and though he be firm and correct, there is peril:' - this is due to his being in the position that is correct and appropriate to him.
象曰:夬履贞厉,位正当也。
In plain words
Treading resolutely; holding on is perilous. The fifth line is strong, central and correct in the place of honour and dares to decide; but being too decisive and holding on stubbornly is dangerous. The Small Image says this is because its position is right: with such power comes more need for caution.
Applying it to your situation
If you hold the power to decide and act decisively, this line suggests keeping some caution alongside your decisiveness. Which recent decision is worth checking again?
Position
A solid (yang) line in the fifth place, which is a yang (odd) place, so it is in its proper place. It holds the centre of the upper trigram. Its partner is line 2; both are yang, so they do not respond.
If this line moves
With this line moving alone, Lǚ changes into Hexagram 38 Kuí (Opposition). The Jiaoshi Yilin verse for this change (Chinese): 焦氏易林·履之睽.
The hexagram
Hexagram 10 Lǚ (Treading). The Judgment: (Lu suggests the idea of) one treading on the tail of a tiger, which does not bite him. There will be progress and success.
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English text: James Legge, The Yi King (Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882), public domain, as transcribed by the Chinese Text Project. Chinese: the received text. Offered for study and reflection, not as prediction. Plain-English readings and position notes by this site.