Transformation · lines 4, 5, and 6

Conflict becomes The Army

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The upper trigram turns completely: the fourth, fifth and top lines move, and the Heaven of 6 Conflict becomes Earth, with water held within it. Both judgments count equally. The starting one says the conflict can't be solved by action, and asks for cleverness, acceptance and wise counsel.

The resulting hexagram, 7 The Army, says the favorable answer comes from discipline and organization: face the situation directly and speak clearly, saying what you want without trying to impose it. Read together, the way through is order, not aggression. Get organized, state your position plainly, and leave room for the other side. Watch for mistaking discipline for combat. Clear words and good structure tend to resolve what force and cleverness alone cannot.

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 7 The Army

    Whatever your question, the favorable answer comes from acting with discipline and organization: face the situation head-on and speak clearly, say what you want, without trying to impose it.

    The constancy of a seasoned leader brings good fortune. No fault.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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

Below Water stays
Above Heaven Earth

The way back

7 The Army → 6 Conflict
lines 4, 5, and 6

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