44. Temptation to 16. Enthusiasm, Self-deception

Changing lines

1. Line 2

   The second line, dynamic, shows its subject with a wallet of fish. There will be no error. But it will not be good to let the subject of the first line go forward to the guests. The wallet of fish symbolizes line one, which has come into the possession of line two. With his strength he must repress her advance, and he therefore assumes the rulership of the hexagram. All of the other dynamic lines are merely guests. He is the first line of defense, and it is important that he should prevent line one from contaminating them. The commentaries say that the lesson of line two is that he should make the repression of the first line his exclusive work, and not allow it to pass on to any of the other lines.

2. Line 3

   The third line, dynamic, shows one from whose buttocks the skin has been stripped so that he walks with difficulty. The position is perilous, but there will be no great error. Compare this line with line four of the preceding hexagram. Line three is dynamic, but has gone beyond the central place and has no correlate above. He is cut off from the first line by the intervening second line, and therefore cannot do much against her. But since his aim is to repress her, there will be no great error.

3. Line 5

   The fifth line, dynamic, shows its subject as a medlar tree overspreading the gourd beneath it. If he keeps his brilliant qualities concealed, a good issue will descend from heaven. Line five is dynamic and in the ruler's place. His relationship to the first line is like that of a forest tree to a gourd growing beneath it. Force must not be used to repress or destroy the growth of line one. He must restrain himself and keep his excellence concealed. Then heaven will set a seal to his virtue. While mindful of his task of repressing the growth of the first line, he keeps his wise plans concealed until the time for carrying them into execution. Then comes the successful stroke of his policy as if it were directly from heaven.

4. Line 6

   The sixth line, dynamic, shows its subject receiving others on his horns. There will be occasion for regret, but there will be no error. The K'ang-hsi editors say: "The subject of this line is like an officer who has withdrawn from the world. He can accomplish no service for the time, but his person is removed from the workers of disorder. He does nothing to repress their advance, but keeps himself from evil communication with them."

The present judgment

Temptation shows a female who is bold and strong. It will not be good to marry such a female.

The later judgment

Enthusiasm indicates that feudal princes may be set up and the army advantageously mobilized.

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