Transformation · lines 1 and 5
Treading Carefully becomes Transition
What this change means
Fire stands above water as the fifth and first lines move. The fifth leads with its resolute step: you see the danger in going ahead, and caution is what lets you succeed, since determination alone can endanger you. The first line keeps you grounded with a modest step, away from notice, absorbed in your own tasks. Together they ask for clear-eyed resolve exercised quietly. The resulting hexagram, 64 Transition, describes things coming together for success and great projects, though some pieces haven't fallen into place yet. Stay alert so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, which can happen even after you get what you want: you stop, hesitate, and slip. So don't treat the near-finish as the finish. Keep your caution, keep your focus low and steady, and finish the work before you relax. The crossing is close, but it isn't done.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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 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 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
64 Transition → 10 Treading Carefullylines 1 and 5
Other transformations of Treading Carefully
- 12Declinelines 1 and 2
- 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
- 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.