What this change means
The first line moves, and the water hidden under the earth turns into a lake: the troops of 7 The Army are no longer underground but gathering at the surface, ready to march. This line is about the very first step. Before you move in the direction you want, make sure the cause is just and the order is clear. The old image is plain: an army sets out under discipline, and without good order it meets misfortune.
The resulting hexagram, 19 Fleeting Success, describes a stretch of luck and well-being that won't last forever. That makes the starting point matter even more. If you begin with a sound reason and a clear plan, you can make the most of the good season and read the signs before conditions turn. Watch for rushing out because the moment looks bright. Check your reasons first, then go.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 1 of 7 The Army
There has to be a just cause for you to move in the direction you want.
The army sets out under discipline. Without good order: misfortune.
- 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.
- The judgment of 19 Fleeting Success
A period of luck, fortune and well-being is coming. Make the most of it, because it will last only eight months; after that, conditions will change. If you can pay attention, read the signs and take care and precautions before the decline arrives, you won't avoid it, but you will lessen its effects while circumstances change.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. When the eighth month comes, misfortune.
The trigrams
The way back
19 Fleeting Success → 7 The Armyline 1
Other transformations of The Army
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.