Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 6

Small Things becomes Inner Peace

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Two lakes join when the third, fourth and top lines move, and the clouds of Small Things settle into still water. With three lines changing, the two judgments hold equal weight. The first speaks of a success held back, obstacles that remain, and a time for small steps. The second, 58 Inner Peace, describes calm and inner peace that let you achieve great things, especially when you spend time with people whose energy is like yours and who recharge you. It also warns that losing sight of your goals can slide you into inertia. Together they suggest that the delay can be lived without strain. Find the people who lift you, and enjoy their company. Rest. But keep your aims in view, and keep doing the small things that move them forward, so peace doesn't quietly turn into drifting.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 58 Inner Peace

    You're in a time of calm and inner peace that lets you achieve great things. Spending time with people whose energy is like yours will nourish and recharge you to reach your aims. Still, don't lose sight of your goals, or you'll slide into inertia.

    Success. Constancy is favorable.

  3. Line 3 of 9 Small Things

    Trying to advance at any cost only brings bigger obstacles from outside.

    The spokes come loose from the cart. Husband and wife glare at each other.

  4. Line 4 of 9 Small Things

    If you act fairly, you may meet difficulties at first, but little by little the obstacles will fade until you reach your goal.

    There is sincere trust. The blood goes, the fear leaves. No fault.

  5. 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

Below Heaven Lake
Above Wind Lake

The way back

58 Inner Peace → 9 Small Things
lines 3, 4, and 6

Other transformations of Small Things

Make your own cast

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

Toss the coins