YiloreYilore
Get the App

Hexagram 32 Duration — Nine in the Second Line Explained

Nine in the Second: Remorse disappears. The second line of Duration symbolizes steady progress as past regrets dissolve — like a clear spring flowing gently around stones.

Yao Position Overview

Yao Text

Nine in the Second: Remorse disappears.

Tuan Commentary

The Tuan Commentary says: Duration means 'lasting.' The firm above and the yielding below; thunder and wind work together; the yielding and the active both respond — this is Duration. Duration brings success, no blame, and perseverance furthers because it endures in its proper way. The way of heaven and earth endures without ceasing. 'It furthers one to have somewhere to go' — when one end is reached, a new beginning follows.

Hexagram 32 Duration — Nine in the Second Line Diagram

The Nine in the Second is the second line of Duration, a yang line in a yin position (out of place) but holding the center. The line text has only two words — 'Remorse disappears' — regret is gone. This is the simplest and warmest judgment in Duration.

Although Nine in the Second is out of place (yang in yin), it holds the center — and the way of the mean is the core of endurance. Being out of place means circumstances are not entirely ideal — perhaps what you're doing isn't your strongest suit, or your position feels awkward. But 'holding the center' compensates for everything — as long as you walk the middle of the right path, maintaining balance and flexibility, earlier regrets and remorse will disappear.

As the card depicts — a silent stream does not crash against the rocks but gently flows around them. Over the years, even the sharpest stones are polished smooth and round. You are firmly walking your own path; though there were bumps at the start, they're now behind you as you enter a stable phase. Stay steady, adjust when needed, adapt to circumstance, and earlier anxiety and confusion will gradually dissolve.

Yilore Reading

The Clear Spring Flows Around Stones

Hexagram 32 Duration Nine in the Second Line — Front
Hexagram 32 Duration Nine in the Second Line — Back

Yilore interprets the Nine in the Second of Duration as 'overcoming through softness.' The clear spring flowing around stones — water doesn't compete with stone. It doesn't crash head-on against the rock — that would only splash back in pieces. It chooses to flow around — seeming to yield, but actually gathering strength.

This is the 'endurance' of Nine in the Second — not the rigid persistence of steel, but the fluid steadfastness of flowing water. The direction never changes (always flowing downward), but the path adjusts constantly (going around stones when they appear). Over the years, the once-sharp stones are polished smooth and round by the water. The water didn't change — the stones did.

'Remorse disappears' — the weight of these two words lies in their premise: you once 'had remorse.' Perhaps you took a wrong turn at first (like the First Six's seeking depth too soon), or made imperfect choices (Nine in the Second out of place), or experienced bumps that shouldn't have happened. But now — the regret has dissolved. Not because those mistakes were erased, but because after the mistakes you found the right rhythm.

Nine in the Second tells us a truth about endurance: the path of constancy doesn't start perfect and stay that way — it's about stumbling along until you find your rhythm, and then never straying again. What ultimately allows 'remorse to disappear' is not never making mistakes — but finding your way back to the right path after you do.

Divination Insights

The Nine in the Second's core theme is 'past the rough patch, stepping onto solid ground.' You may have experienced a difficult initial period — with hesitation and regret. But now the hardest part is over. Maintain your current rhythm and direction — flexible yet not rigid, firm yet not obstinate — and earlier regrets will naturally dissolve.

Career

The Nine in the Second is a reassuring signal for career — past difficulties and confusion at work are dissolving. Perhaps you endured a painful adjustment period, or your initial approach wasn't ideal — but you've found your groove. 'Remorse disappears' — stop dwelling on past mistakes. Like a clear spring, flow around obstacles and continue on your path. Your direction is right; only the route needs constant fine-tuning. Adapt flexibly, adjust to circumstances — this is the true way of endurance in the workplace.

Relationships

In love, Nine in the Second brings warm news — the friction and rough edges between you are becoming a thing of the past. Perhaps there were misunderstandings when you first met, or the adjustment period had its unpleasant moments — but that 'regret' is now vanishing. Like a spring flowing around stones, you've learned not to confront head-on but to relate with warmth and patience. The sharp edges that once pricked each other are being smoothed. This is the most precious phase in a relationship — the transition from sharpness to gentleness.

Wealth

Financially, Nine in the Second indicates your finances are recovering stability from early fluctuations. Perhaps there were investment losses before, or your financial plan went through several adjustments — but now you've found the right rhythm. 'Remorse disappears' — don't brood over past losses. Consider those experiences 'tuition' — they smoothed away your impulsiveness and recklessness in investing, making you more mature and steady.

Health

For health, Nine in the Second suggests your body is recovering from some previous discomfort. Perhaps soreness from overexertion is fading, or a period of lifestyle adjustment is finally showing results. Like a spring flowing around stones — don't fight your body. Work with its rhythm, nurture it gently — the body has its own healing wisdom. All you need to do is give it time and space.

Yilore app icon

Get the Yilore app

Full charts, daily hexagrams, and deeper AI readings on your phone.

App Store

FAQ

Why does the Nine in the Second line have only two words: 'Remorse disappears'?

'Remorse disappears' may seem simple, but in the language system of the I Ching, these two characters carry rich information. First, the premise of 'remorse disappears' is that there was once 'remorse' — meaning you did experience some regrettable things before. Second, 'disappears' means these regrets are now fading. The brevity of Nine in the Second perfectly embodies the spirit of Duration's 'simplicity and constancy' — the most enduring things are often the simplest. A clear spring needs no flowery words to describe it — it simply flows quietly, day after day around the stones. Likewise, the state of Nine in the Second needs no complex explanation — regret has vanished, you're on the right track, just keep going.

Why can Nine in the Second achieve 'remorse disappears' despite being out of place?

Nine in the Second, a yang line in a yin position, is indeed 'out of place' — meaning your circumstances are not ideal. Perhaps what you're doing doesn't perfectly match your abilities, or your position is somewhat awkward. But Nine in the Second has a more important advantage — 'holding the center.' In the I Ching, 'holding the center' is often more valuable than 'being in place' — because the center represents balanced equilibrium. A person who is out of place but holds the center is like someone wearing slightly ill-fitting clothes but walking with perfect poise. External conditions aren't perfect — but inner balance and sense of direction compensate for everything.

What should I do if I receive the Nine in the Second changing line of Duration?

The core advice is 'maintain your rhythm, proceed with flexibility.' First, let go of the past — 'remorse disappears' is a signal to look forward, not backward. Past mistakes have become experience; there's no need to keep ruminating. Second, be flexible like water — when meeting obstacles, don't force through; flow around them. Your direction stays constant (forward), but your path can be adjusted at any time. Third, embrace the state of 'holding the center' — you don't need to chase a perfect position or ideal conditions. As long as your core direction is right and your inner state is balanced, imperfect circumstances will actually forge a more adaptable you. Fourth, trust time — a spring polishing stones is not the work of a day.