Transformation · lines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Treading Carefully becomes The Fall
What this change means
The mountain rests on the earth: with four lines moving, the still third and top lines of 23 The Fall speak for this reading. The third says turning to spiritual resources and inner help will keep adversity away. The top line says that little by little the adverse situations give way, and adversity gradually becomes opportunity. From Treading Carefully this movement leads into a harder season, a time of obstacles when even being right doesn't make people listen, and when those who misuse power may rise. Don't try to push through. Protect yourself, be generous with those who depend on you, and draw on your inner life for strength. The still lines offer a real hope, but a slow one. Hold on, keep your practice, and let the turning come at its own pace, without forcing it.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 23 The Fall, which stays still
Turning to spiritual resources and inner help will keep adversity away.
Stripping. No fault.
- Line 6 of 23 The Fall, which stays still
Little by little the adverse situations will give way, and gradually adversity will turn into opportunity.
A great fruit left uneaten. The noble person gains a carriage; the petty person's hut is stripped.
- 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 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.
- The judgment of 23 The Fall
It's a time of obstacles and difficulties when, even if you're right, your words aren't believed. Lesser people who misuse power are on the rise, and you could become their victim. Recognizing this time without trying to push ahead, and being generous and giving toward those beneath you, will help you hold on while circumstances change.
It is not favorable to have somewhere to go.
The trigrams
The way back
23 The Fall → 10 Treading Carefullylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Treading Carefully
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 18Loss, Then Gainlines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 22Good Mannerslines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 31Attractionlines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 8Unionlines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 63After the Endlines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 16Passionlines 1, 2, 5, and 6
- 32What Lastslines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 55Abundancelines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 7The Armylines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 24Coming Backlines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 11Well-Beinglines 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.