Transformation · lines 2, 3, 4, and 6

Treading Carefully becomes After the End

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Water stands above fire: four lines move, and the first and fifth lines of 63 After the End stay still to guide the reading. The first says that if you try to move too fast, you won't get results, while pausing until conditions improve leads to achievement. The fifth says that actions coming from the heart, genuine ones, can bring great results even when small. From Treading Carefully, this movement leads to a passing success: things look favorable, and a slower period follows, which you can soften by preparing ahead. So don't rush the good moment. Pause when conditions aren't right, and when you act, keep it sincere and modest in scale. Small, heartfelt steps carry further now than big ones, and they leave you ready for what comes after.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 1 of 63 After the End, which stays still

    If you try to move ahead too fast, you won't get results. But if you can stop and wait for better conditions, there will be achievements.

    Drags back on its wheels; wets its tail. No fault.

  2. Line 5 of 63 After the End, which stays still

    If your actions come from the heart and are genuine, a small action can bring great results.

    The eastern neighbor slaughters an ox; it is not worth the simple offering of the western neighbor, who truly receives the blessing.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 63 After the End

    You're in a situation where you'll have a passing success: everything seems to be in your favor, and at the end comes a period of stagnation. If you prepare for it ahead of time, you'll be able to soften its effects.

    Success in small things. Constancy is favorable. At first, good fortune; in the end, disorder.

The trigrams

Below Lake Fire
Above Heaven Water

The way back

63 After the End → 10 Treading Carefully
lines 2, 3, 4, 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.

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