Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

The Army becomes Abundance

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Four lines move, from the first through the fourth, and fire rises under thunder: the hidden camp of 7 The Army turns into a time of fullness. What matters most here are the two lines of the new figure that don't move. The fifth says that being willing to listen to advice and act on it lets difficult situations give way naturally. The sixth warns that pride may get in the way and delay your success.

The resulting hexagram, 55 Abundance, describes growth toward satisfaction and plenty, a season that lasts a while and then wanes. It asks you to enjoy it and to stay calm when it ends. Put together, this reading prizes openness over self-importance. Keep asking for counsel even when things go well. Watch for the pride that tends to come with success, since it's the thing most likely to slow you down now.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 5 of 55 Abundance, which stays still

    You're willing to listen to advice and act on it; this will make difficult situations give way naturally.

    Brilliance comes; there is blessing and renown. Good fortune.

  2. Line 6 of 55 Abundance, which stays still

    Your pride may get in the way of what you want and delay your success.

    Full is the house, the home screened over. Peering through the door: silence, no one there. For three years no one is seen. Misfortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Line 2 of 7 The Army

    Keep up your activity and discipline to reach what you want, and you'll get it.

    In the midst of the army: good fortune. No fault. Three times the king bestows his charge.

  6. Line 3 of 7 The Army

    If you don't keep up the conditions needed for success and you slacken in your task, there will be misfortune.

    Perhaps the army hauls corpses on its carts. Misfortune.

  7. Line 4 of 7 The Army

    If you feel you don't have enough in place to succeed, it's better to pull back and wait for a better moment to act again.

    The army withdraws and makes camp. No fault.

  8. The judgment of 55 Abundance

    You're growing toward a period of satisfaction and abundance. It will last for a while, and when it ends, stay calm, without sadness or worry. Enjoy it while it lasts, and when it wanes, keep your spirits up and enjoy what you've achieved.

    Success. The king reaches it. Do not grieve: the noonday sun is fitting.

The trigrams

Below Water Fire
Above Earth Thunder

The way back

55 Abundance → 7 The Army
lines 1, 2, 3, and 4

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.

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