Transformation · lines 2, 3, and 5

Conflict becomes The Traveler

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire on the mountain: the second, third and fifth lines move, and the fixed opposition of 6 Conflict becomes a journey. The two judgments carry equal weight. In the starting hexagram, doing more won't settle the matter; it calls for wit over force, acceptance that it can't be settled yet, and a wise person's advice.

The resulting hexagram, 56 The Traveler, describes a time of small achievements and change, maybe new places or situations that ask you to adapt. Keep a light, flexible attitude, let go of attachments and stay gracious. Read together, this suggests moving on rather than digging in. You don't have to win where you are; you can carry yourself somewhere new. Watch for hauling the old quarrel with you, and for treating new people with the suspicion the conflict taught you.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. The judgment of 6 Conflict

    A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.

    There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.

  2. The judgment of 56 The Traveler

    It's a time of small achievements. Keep a light, flexible attitude. You may be facing a period of change, new places or situations that ask you to adapt while they settle: let go of attachments and be gracious as you make new connections and your situation takes hold.

    Small success. For the traveler, constancy brings good fortune.

  3. Line 2 of 6 Conflict

    Withdrawing in time, even if it looks cowardly, is the best move right now.

    Unable to win the lawsuit. Turning back, slipping away; the people of the town, three hundred households, come to no harm.

  4. Line 3 of 6 Conflict

    What you've gained honestly can't be taken from you. Even if gossip comes up, don't be intimidated; hold firm.

    Feeding on old virtue. Constancy is in danger; in the end, good fortune. If it serves in the king's affairs, no achievement of its own.

  5. Line 5 of 6 Conflict

    If you've acted rightly, whoever has to make the decisions that involve you will decide in your favor.

    Lawsuit. Great good fortune.

The trigrams

Below Water Mountain
Above Heaven Fire

The way back

56 The Traveler → 6 Conflict
lines 2, 3, and 5

Other transformations of Conflict

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins