Transformation · lines 2 and 5
Small Things becomes Good Manners
What this change means
Loyal alliance at the fifth line, a patient turning back at the second: as both move, Heaven below becomes Fire and Wind above becomes Mountain. The fifth line carries the reading. Trust binds you to others, and you prosper together with your neighbor. The second line tempers it: you may feel pushed to advance, but it's better to go back and prepare. The resulting hexagram, 22 Good Manners, sets the tone for that preparation. Kindness and courtesy work now, and what might seem superficial at another time actually brings results. It favors handling everyday matters rather than great undertakings. So tend your relationships with care, keep your word to your allies, and put your energy into the ordinary business in front of you. The big move can wait. Grace in small dealings is what strengthens the bonds you'll rely on later.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 2 of 9 Small Things
Even though circumstances push you to advance, for now it's time to go back and prepare to act at a better moment.
Led back. Good fortune.
- 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 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
The way back
22 Good Manners → 9 Small Thingslines 2 and 5
Other transformations of Small Things
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1 and 2
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1 and 3
- 42Increaselines 2 and 3
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1 and 4
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2 and 4
- 10Treading Carefullylines 3 and 4
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1 and 5
- 41Decreaselines 3 and 5
- 14Wealthlines 4 and 5
- 48Right Actionlines 1 and 6
- 63After the Endlines 2 and 6
- 60Thriftlines 3 and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 4 and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.