Hold Back

Great Invigorating Strength in the feet. Trap! Chastising closes the Way. There is a connection to the spirits that will carry you through. Hold back for now. Do not try to tell other people what to do or set out on an expedition. By retiring you can bring wealth and fertility to everything around you. The energy is there but if you act prematurely you will be lost in the abyss. Be resolute and part from the past. You are connected to a creative force.

初九, 壯于趾, 征凶, 有孚.

Power in the toes. Continuing brings misfortune. ##### Comments This is certainly true. The toes are in the lowest place and are ready to advance. So likewise great power in lowly station is inclined to effect advance by force. This, if carried further, would certainly lead to misfortune, and therefore by way of advice a warning is added.