Transformation · lines 1 and 4
The Army becomes A Subordinate Role
What this change means
A lake appears below and thunder above as the first and fourth lines move, and the army's march turns into a question of rank and place. The fourth line leads: when you lack what you need to succeed, withdraw and wait for a better moment. The first line underlines the same caution from the start, saying any move needs a just cause and a sound order behind it.
The resulting hexagram, 54 A Subordinate Role, describes a situation where you have to take second place, and where personal initiative tends to fail. Recognizing that and acting in keeping with it is what you can do until your position improves. So the reading leans toward patience and restraint. Watch for the urge to prove yourself with a bold move. Keep your reasons honest, accept the role you have for now, and let the timing change before you act.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 54 A Subordinate Role
You're in a situation where you have to take second place to others; any personal initiative will lead to failure. Recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is all you can do until things change and you're in a better position.
Setting out brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
54 A Subordinate Role → 7 The Armylines 1 and 4
Other transformations of The Army
- 24Coming Backlines 1 and 2
- 11Well-Beinglines 1 and 3
- 15Simplicitylines 2 and 3
- 16Passionlines 2 and 4
- 32What Lastslines 3 and 4
- 60Thriftlines 1 and 5
- 8Unionlines 2 and 5
- 48Right Actionlines 3 and 5
- 47Overwhelmedlines 4 and 5
- 41Decreaselines 1 and 6
- 23The Falllines 2 and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 3 and 6
- 64Transitionlines 4 and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.