What this change means
A tree is born within the earth when the first, fifth and top lines move, and the small gathering of Small Things begins to rise. Three changing lines put the two judgments in balance. Small Things speaks of a promised success that hasn't come, obstacles still to clear, and a need for small actions while you wait. The resulting hexagram, 46 Going Up, describes a rise that's the fruit of dedicated work, and adds that seeking the help of an important person can bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting. Together they trace a clear arc: the patient small steps were the roots, and now growth starts upward. Keep piling up small efforts, since that's how height is built here. And when the chance comes to approach someone with real influence, take it with confidence rather than hanging back.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- The judgment of 9 Small Things
You're facing a situation that promises success, but it isn't time yet. There are still obstacles on the way that you need to resolve. For now you can take small actions and wait for the right moment to act on a large scale.
Success. Dense clouds and no rain, from my western outskirts.
- The judgment of 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 9 Small Things
What's called for now is to fall back to situations where you have more control. This isn't a loss: it's a smart move.
Returning by its own way. What fault could there be? Good fortune.
- Line 5 of 9 Small Things
Allying with others and being loyal in that alliance will bring success.
There is sincere trust, bound together as by a cord. Growing rich alongside the neighbor.
- Line 6 of 9 Small Things
You get what you want thanks to step-by-step work. Still, don't rest on your laurels: you have to stay constant and keep working little by little.
The rain has come, the rest has come. Virtue has piled up like a load. The wife's constancy is in danger. The moon is nearly full. For the noble person, setting out brings misfortune.
The trigrams
The way back
46 Going Up → 9 Small Thingslines 1, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Small Things
- 20Observinglines 1, 2, and 3
- 33Leaving Behindlines 1, 2, and 4
- 6Conflictlines 1, 3, and 4
- 25Innocencelines 2, 3, and 4
- 52Abidinglines 1, 2, and 5
- 4Immaturitylines 1, 3, and 5
- 27Nourishmentlines 2, 3, and 5
- 50The Vessel of Nourishmentlines 1, 4, and 5
- 30The Flamelines 2, 4, and 5
- 38Oppositeslines 3, 4, and 5
- 39Held Backlines 1, 2, and 6
- 29Waterlines 1, 3, and 6
- 3Initial Obstacleslines 2, 3, and 6
- 28Excesseslines 1, 4, and 6
- 49Renewallines 2, 4, and 6
- 58Inner Peacelines 3, 4, and 6
- 36Darknesslines 2, 5, and 6
- 19Fleeting Successlines 3, 5, and 6
- 34Great Manifestationlines 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.