Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Passivity becomes Treading Carefully
What this change means
Heaven above, the lake below: five lines move, and only the third keeps its place. Everything else in motion, that single unmoved line of the resulting hexagram, 10 Treading Carefully, sets the tone. It warns that overrating yourself can lead you into tasks you aren't ready for. So the Earth has turned toward strength, and the danger is believing you can do more than you can yet. You're in a delicate situation. Move with awareness and gentleness. Before agreeing to something, ask honestly whether you're ready for it. If you're not, say so, or get help. Conduct yourself with care and even possible rivals tend to give ground. Knowing your limits isn't timidity; it's what lets you cross uncertain ground safely.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 10 Treading Carefully, which stays still
By overestimating your abilities, you may take on tasks you're not prepared for.
The one-eyed can see, the lame can walk. Stepping on the tiger's tail, and it bites. Misfortune. A warrior acts for the great prince.
- The judgment of 2 Passivity
This is not the time to take the initiative to achieve things. It's better to let others guide you and to keep at your projects with patience.
Great success. The constancy of a mare is favorable. The noble person has somewhere to go: going ahead, they lose the way; following behind, they find someone to guide them. It is favorable to find friends in the southwest and to lose them in the northeast. Calm constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 2 Passivity
Things can decline without anyone noticing. It's time to take precautions so the decline doesn't become total.
Frost underfoot. Firm ice is on its way.
- Line 2 of 2 Passivity
Quietly, without a lot of fuss, you can succeed.
Straight, square, great. Without learning it, nothing that is not favorable.
- Line 4 of 2 Passivity
Staying away from the noise, out of sight, is the best way to get what you want.
A bag tied at the neck. No fault, no praise.
- Line 5 of 2 Passivity
Right now success depends on acting with reserve. Your light shines from within.
A yellow skirt. Great good fortune.
- Line 6 of 2 Passivity
It's not the time to lead; it's the time to follow. Trying to take a leading position now will bring retaliation on you that affects everyone.
Dragons fight in the open country. Their blood is dark and yellow.
- The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
The trigrams
The way back
10 Treading Carefully → 2 Passivitylines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Passivity
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.