Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Union becomes A Subordinate Role
What this change means
A lake below and thunder above appear when four lines move, the first, second, fourth and fifth, and the alliance places you in a supporting role. Two lines that stay unmoved hold the counsel. The third says that, under present circumstances, a subordinate place is better than being alone. The top warns that holding that place with resentment or unease costs you the rewards you'd find by giving it your whole heart.
The resulting hexagram, 54 A Subordinate Role, says any personal initiative tends to fail now; recognizing the moment and acting in keeping with it is what you can do until things change. So accept second place inside a good alliance, and do it fully. Watch for quiet bitterness about not leading. Wholehearted support, given freely, tends to earn a better position when the time turns.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still
Given the present circumstances, it's better to stay in a subordinate position than to be alone.
The young woman marries as a servant; she comes back and marries as a second wife.
- Line 6 of 54 A Subordinate Role, which stays still
Holding a subordinate position with resentment or unease only makes you lose the rewards you'd find if you did it wholeheartedly.
The woman holds the basket, and there is nothing in it; the man cuts the sheep, and there is no blood. Nothing is favorable.
- The judgment of 8 Union
Right now success lies in joining with people who are aligned with your project and who are a support for you. But it's important that you, too, have the qualities needed to carry it out; that's why you can toss the coins once more to find out whether you have those qualities.
Good fortune. Consult the oracle again: great and lasting constancy. No fault. The restless come from every side. The one who comes late: misfortune.
- Line 1 of 8 Union
The right help will come.
There is sincere trust: join with them. No fault. Sincere trust fills the earthen jar; in the end something more arrives. Good fortune.
- Line 2 of 8 Union
When you speak sincerely about what you need from others, you'll receive the right help.
Joining from within. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 4 of 8 Union
Staying loyal to the people you ally with, and showing that alliance openly, helps you right now.
Joining outwardly. Constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 5 of 8 Union
Those who can help you will come naturally. Don't keep seeking help from someone who is reluctant to give it.
Open union. The king hunts, driving from three sides, and lets the game in front escape. The townspeople are not alarmed. Good fortune.
- 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 → 8 Unionlines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Union
- 43Overflowinglines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 11Well-Beinglines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 55Abundancelines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 32What Lastslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 9Small Thingslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 10Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 21Bitinglines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 64Transitionlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.