What this change means
When the second and top lines move, the only strong line slips away and a mountain rests on bare earth. The top line leads: results are within reach, but choose carefully whom you keep close, and don't hand power to petty people. The second line reminds you that steady activity and discipline are what got you this far, and that trust is earned by constancy.
The resulting hexagram, 23 The Fall, describes a time of obstacles when, even if you're right, your words may not be believed, and lesser people misusing power are on the rise. It advises not pushing ahead and being generous toward those beneath you. So this reading is a strong caution about company. Be selective, keep doing your work well, and don't fight what you can't change yet. Watch for trusting the wrong people at the very moment they gain ground.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
23 The Fall → 7 The Armylines 2 and 6
Other transformations of The Army
- 24Coming Backlines 1 and 2
- 11Well-Beinglines 1 and 3
- 15Simplicitylines 2 and 3
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 1 and 4
- 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
- 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.