Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Treading Carefully becomes Simplicity
What this change means
Every line moves, and Treading Carefully turns over completely: the Lake below becomes Mountain, the Heaven above becomes Earth, and a mountain lies hidden within the earth. With all six changing, the resulting hexagram, 15 Simplicity, gives the reading. It says this isn't the moment for boasting or display; keep things plain and be sure you act fairly, and your gifts will show themselves and be recognized. That's a natural end for the careful walk. The awareness and gentleness that let you pass the tiger now become humility, a way of being rather than a tactic. So lower your voice. Let your work speak, share credit, and give evenly. People tend to make room for someone who doesn't need to be seen, and that's the kind of success this change offers.
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 15 Simplicity
This isn't the time to boast or show off. It's time to keep things simple and to make sure you act fairly; your qualities and talents will show on their own and be recognized.
Success. The noble person reaches the end.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 3 of 10 Treading Carefully
By overestimating your abilities, you may take on tasks you're not prepared for.
The one-eyed can see, the lame can walk. Stepping on the tiger's tail, and it bites. Misfortune. A warrior acts for the great prince.
- Line 4 of 10 Treading Carefully
You're getting involved in a risky venture, but your inner strength and firmness will help you succeed.
Stepping on the tiger's tail. Wary, wary; in the end, good fortune.
- Line 5 of 10 Treading Carefully
If you're aware of the danger in going ahead and you act with caution, you'll succeed.
A resolute step. Constancy is in danger.
- Line 6 of 10 Treading Carefully
If you watch for the favorable signs to know when to act, and then act decisively, you'll succeed.
Looking back over the steps taken, examining the signs. If it turns back on itself: great good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
15 Simplicity → 10 Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.