Transformation · lines 1 and 2
Treading Carefully becomes Decline
What this change means
Both lower lines move, the second leading and the first beneath it, and the Lake drains into Earth: heaven above, earth below, and no meeting between them. The second line asks you to stay on your own with your projects for now, walking the open road with steady constancy. The first adds a plain step, taken where no one is watching, so you can concentrate. Together they describe a quiet withdrawal into your own work. The resulting hexagram, 12 Decline, shows why that's wise. Adverse people and situations surround you, and whatever they offer, it's better not to get involved. Conditions aren't good for decisions or bold moves, so keep a low profile and wait for them to change. What began as careful treading becomes something closer to sheltering. Keep your head down, your work steady and your circle small, and don't accept tempting offers from the wrong people.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 10 Treading Carefully
Staying on your own with your projects, for now, will lead you to success.
Treading a level, open road. For one who lives apart, constancy brings good fortune.
- Line 1 of 10 Treading Carefully
You're in a position out of view that will let you focus on your projects.
A plain step. Going: no fault.
- The judgment of 10 Treading Carefully
You're facing a difficult situation. If you know how to conduct yourself properly, moving with awareness and gentleness, even people who could be rivals and stand in your way will give ground, and may even become your allies.
Stepping on the tiger's tail; it does not bite. Success.
- The judgment of 12 Decline
You're surrounded by adverse people and situations. Avoid getting involved with those people, no matter what they offer you. Circumstances aren't good for acting or making decisions; it's time to withdraw to a safe place and wait for conditions to change. It's time to keep a low profile.
Stagnation: these are not worthy people. The constancy of the noble person is not favorable. The great goes, the small comes.
The trigrams
The way back
12 Decline → 10 Treading Carefullylines 1 and 2
Other transformations of Treading Carefully
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1 and 3
- 13Gathering with Equalslines 2 and 3
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1 and 4
- 42Increaselines 2 and 4
- 9Small Thingslines 3 and 4
- 64Transitionlines 1 and 5
- 21Bitinglines 2 and 5
- 14Wealthlines 3 and 5
- 41Decreaselines 4 and 5
- 47Overwhelmedlines 1 and 6
- 17Adaptinglines 2 and 6
- 43Overflowinglines 3 and 6
- 60Thriftlines 4 and 6
- 54A Subordinate Rolelines 5 and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.