Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, and 6

The Army becomes Good Manners

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The first three lines and the top all move, and fire glows beneath the mountain: the rough camp of 7 The Army takes on grace and form. The fourth and fifth places don't move, and that's where the counsel sits. The fourth says a time of great well-being is coming, and you can let yourself enjoy it. The fifth says your sincere attitude, even if it feels small to you, finds a welcome among people higher up.

The resulting hexagram, 22 Good Manners, says kindness, courtesy and good manners bring good results now, and that it's a time for everyday matters rather than grand undertakings. So the military bluntness softens. Be courteous, be sincere, and let your real character speak. Watch for dismissing politeness as superficial. In this moment, a gracious manner and an honest heart open doors that force could not.

What to read, in order

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

  1. Line 4 of 22 Good Manners, which stays still

    A time of great well-being is coming, and you can allow yourself to enjoy it.

    Adorned and white; a white horse as if on wings. Not a raider: one who comes to ask for marriage.

  2. Line 5 of 22 Good Manners, which stays still

    Your genuine inner attitude, small as it may seem to you, is welcomed and accepted in higher circles.

    Adornment on the hill and in the garden. The roll of silk is meager. Distress; in the end, good fortune.

  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 6 of 7 The Army

    You'll get real achievements and results, but choose carefully who you surround yourself with right now.

    The great prince gives his command: founding states, conferring houses. Do not employ the petty person.

  8. The judgment of 22 Good Manners

    It's a time to be kind and courteous and to use good manners with others if you want good results in what you undertake. What might seem superficial at another time leads you to success now. It's a time to handle everyday matters, not great undertakings.

    Success. In small things, it is favorable to have somewhere to go.

The trigrams

Below Water Fire
Above Earth Mountain

The way back

22 Good Manners → 7 The Army
lines 1, 2, 3, and 6

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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