What this change means
Water over wood, like a well: the third, fourth and top lines move, and 6 Conflict becomes a question of using what you already have. Both judgments carry the reading together. The starting one says this conflict can't be solved by action; use cleverness over force, accept the limits of the moment and seek wise counsel.
The resulting hexagram, 48 Right Action, says opportunities are on your side, but they're wasted if you keep postponing decisions. It's not about chasing new things; it's about using what you have. Taken together, step out of the dispute and turn to the resources within reach. Make the decisions you've been putting off, outside the conflict. Watch for the quarrel becoming an excuse to delay everything else. The well is there; draw from it.
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 48 Right Action
You're at a moment when opportunities are on your side. But if you don't know how to use them because you keep putting off decisions and actions, being in the right place at the right time won't do you any good. It's not about looking for new things but about making use of what you have, or there will be loss.
The town is changed, the well is not. Nothing lost, nothing gained. They come and go, and draw from the well. Nearly there, the rope does not yet reach the well; if the jar breaks, misfortune.
- 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.
- 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 6 of 6 Conflict
Insisting on being right at this moment will only make you lose.
Perhaps a belt of honor is bestowed; before the morning is out, it is stripped away three times.
The trigrams
The way back
48 Right Action → 6 Conflictlines 3, 4, and 6
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
- 23The Falllines 2, 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
- 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.