Transformation · lines 1, 3, 5, and 6

Union becomes Good Manners

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

The first, third, fifth and top lines move, and fire glows beneath a mountain, lending grace to the gathering. Two lines stay unmoved, the second and the fourth, and they hold the advice. The second asks you to pay attention to what's essential; combined with good manners, it brings achievement. The fourth says a time of great well-being is coming, and you can let yourself enjoy it.

The resulting hexagram, 22 Good Manners, says kindness, courtesy and good manners bring good results now, and that this is a time for everyday matters rather than big undertakings. So the alliance is kept by small graces. Be courteous with your allies, keep your attention on what really counts, and enjoy the good period. Watch for letting style replace substance. Essential things, handled with grace, are what make this a pleasant and fruitful time.

What to read, in order

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

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

    Pay attention to what is essential; combining it with good manners will bring you achievement.

    Adorning the beard.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Line 3 of 8 Union

    You tend to choose badly the people you join with. Avoid shallow alliances that won't bear good fruit.

    Joining with those who are not the right ones.

  6. 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.

  7. Line 6 of 8 Union

    If you're slow to seek alliances, by the time you realize you need help it will be too late.

    Joining with no head. Misfortune.

  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 Earth Fire
Above Water Mountain

The way back

22 Good Manners → 8 Union
lines 1, 3, 5, and 6

Other transformations of Union

Make your own cast

The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.

Toss the coins