What this change means
The mountain rests on bare earth: the second, fourth and fifth lines move, and 6 Conflict meets a harder season. With three lines in motion, the two judgments stand side by side. The first asks you to recognize that you can't resolve the conflict now, to use cleverness rather than force, to let events take their course, and to seek a wise person's advice.
The resulting hexagram, 23 The Fall, describes a time of obstacles when even true words aren't believed and people who misuse power are rising. Don't push ahead; be generous toward those who depend on you, and hold on while circumstances change. So this isn't the moment to argue your case. Protect yourself and those close to you. Watch for walking into a fight you can't win against people who don't play fair.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- The judgment of 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
- 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.
- Line 4 of 6 Conflict
Accepting the adverse conditions of this moment without fighting them, and staying flexible, will lead you to success in the middle of difficulties.
Unable to win the lawsuit. Turning back, accepting the decree, changing. Calm constancy brings good fortune.
- 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
The way back
23 The Fall → 6 Conflictlines 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Conflict
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 2, and 3
- 42Increaselines 1, 2, and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 3, and 4
- 53Gradual Progresslines 2, 3, and 4
- 21Bitinglines 1, 2, and 5
- 14Wealthlines 1, 3, and 5
- 56The Travelerlines 2, 3, and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1, 4, and 5
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 3, 4, and 5
- 17Adaptinglines 1, 2, and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 3, and 6
- 31Attractionlines 2, 3, and 6
- 60Thriftlines 1, 4, and 6
- 8Unionlines 2, 4, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 3, 4, and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1, 5, and 6
- 16Passionlines 2, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 3, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.