Transformation · lines 1 and 3
Treading Carefully becomes Lack of Firmness
What this change means
Wind blows under heaven when the third and first lines move, and the careful walk of Treading Carefully meets something that can catch you off guard. The third line leads with its warning: overrating your abilities draws you into tasks you're not prepared for, and the tiger bites. The first line answers with a plain step, an unseen place to work on what's yours, without fault. One line overreaches; the other stays modest. The resulting hexagram, 44 Lack of Firmness, adds what's at stake. Unsuitable people or situations are around you, and you may think you can handle them, maybe out of habit. Without firm limits they'll end up holding power over you. So take the hint from both lines. Don't overestimate your control, whether over a task or over a tempting influence. Step back into simpler ground, and set clear boundaries before you're pulled in.
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 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 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 44 Lack of Firmness
You're surrounded by unsuitable people or situations. You know it, but you think you have the power to control them and don't take them very seriously; it may even be a bad habit. If you don't pay attention and set firm limits, they'll take control over you and you won't be able to pull away.
The woman is strong. Do not take her as a wife.
The trigrams
The way back
44 Lack of Firmness → 10 Treading Carefullylines 1 and 3
Other transformations of Treading Carefully
- 12Declinelines 1 and 2
- 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.