Congratulations! There is strength and vigor in this situation, like that of a ram that knocks down a fence to free himself from captivity. This points to a time when a strong force comes into its own and asserts its power.
When a leader comes into a position of power, his or her personal strength has usually already peaked. Though great stamina was required in climbing to the top of the mountain, once at the summit, the support of others is needed to maintain position. Therefore, a shift in attitude becomes necessary to persevere in what is right and just. Let your strength be tempered by wisdom. To maintain power, the strong leader learns to share it with others, for only then will his or her position be secure. A strong leader will not only be the possessor of power but a source of it.
If you find yourself in an influential position, it is important to act responsibly and react with care. Power must not be allowed to degenerate into raw force that rides roughshod over everything in its path. A strong sense of responsibility for the collective good is the key to the successful exercise of power. By following what we intuitively know to be for the greater good, we avoid reckless abuses, which in the end, only undermine the source of our strength. Arrogance contains the seeds of its own undoing.
Changing Line Interpretations
Line 1 (bottom line)
Possessing great vigor does not assure success all by itself. If you start your movement from a lowly or weak position, attempting to advance prematurely or too quickly through forceful efforts will bring misfortune. Even for those of great strength and ability, progress must be achieved step by step.
Line 2
The gates of good fortune are swinging open; the time has come to plunge ahead. In times of great opportunity, beware of premature celebrating. Keep your balance.
Line 3
A ram crashing through a hedge gets his horns tangled up. He may be the strongest animal in the flock, but a proud, haughty ram brings misfortune upon himself. Avoid empty displays of power or force.
A wise leader measures success in terms of finely tuned performance, not raw power. Power is the fuel, but careful precision is the regulator.
Line 4
The determination of a strong force brings success. Like the axle of a large wagon, a powerful person’s strength is often hidden, and this is as it should be—the lesser the show, the greater the power. By quietly bringing inner strength to the outer world, resistance dissolves, and great achievements become possible.
Line 5
When the strong find themselves in a loose and easy situation, a loss of alertness and a weakening of influence can set in. If external resistance is absent at work or in your situation, relax and enjoy things for the time being, but avoid becoming complacent. Learn to create challenges for yourself, if only in recreational activities.
Line 6 (top line)
Use of excessive force generates strong opposition, leading to deadlocks that make it impossible to advance or retreat. If you have pushed things too far, your only option may be to recognize the obstacles created by an overly aggressive attitude and then make proper adjustments.
