Transformation · lines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Treading Carefully becomes Success in Small Matters
What this change means
Thunder on the mountain: of six lines, five change, and only the fourth stays still. In 62 Success in Small Matters, that still line says this isn't a moment to act, yet it is one to hold firm, keeping to your purposes until action's hour comes. Most of Treading Carefully changes here, and the careful walk narrows further into a time for small achievements rather than great things. Recognizing that keeps you in tune with the moment; reaching beyond your present means wastes your effort. So hold your ground. Keep your goals intact, but don't try to advance them with big moves now. Attend to small things well, avoid excess, and wait. Firm patience is the action this reading asks for, and it keeps your purposes ready for their time.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 4 of 62 Success in Small Matters, which stays still
It's not the time to act, but it is the time to stand firm, without straying from your purposes, until the time to act arrives.
No fault. Without going beyond, it meets it. Going is dangerous: be on guard. Do not act with lasting constancy.
- 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 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 judgment of 62 Success in Small Matters
This isn't a time for great things; it's a time for small achievements. Recognizing that will help you live in step with the moment. Trying to go beyond your present means and resources will lead you astray and waste your efforts.
Success. Constancy is favorable. Small things can be done, not great ones. The flying bird leaves its call behind: it is not fitting to rise, it is fitting to descend. Great good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
62 Success in Small Matters → 10 Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Treading Carefully
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.