Transformation · lines 3, 4, 5, and 6

Treading Carefully becomes Well-Being

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Heaven below, earth above: four lines move, and the first and second lines of 11 Well-Being stay still to guide you. The first speaks of a season of flourishing, surrounded by like-minded people. The second says a decisive step beyond your comfort zone is favored, along with seeing clearly who surrounds you; there's no need to push anyone away, only to know each person's nature. From Treading Carefully, this movement leads to harmony and understanding, as people and situations that weren't good for you move off and blessings and support arrive. So the hard passage gives way to ease. Enjoy it, and use it. Take a bold step you've been putting off. See people clearly, without rejecting them, and let a good season grow into good work.

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 11 Well-Being, which stays still

    A season of flourishing: you surround yourself with like-minded people.

    The grass is pulled up, and its tangled roots come too, each with its clump. Setting out brings good fortune.

  2. Line 2 of 11 Well-Being, which stays still

    It's favorable to take decisive action that gets you out of your comfort zone and to recognize the people around you. There's no need to push anyone away; it's enough to know each person's nature.

    Embracing the untilled. Wading across the river; not forgetting the distant; leaving friends behind. So it is honored on the middle way.

  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 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  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 11 Well-Being

    A period of well-being, harmony and understanding is coming, and you can enjoy it. People and situations that weren't good for you are moving away, and in their place come people and situations that bring blessings and support. Heaven grants its gifts.

    The small goes, the great comes. Good fortune. Success.

The trigrams

Below Lake Heaven
Above Heaven Earth

The way back

11 Well-Being → 10 Treading Carefully
lines 3, 4, 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.

Toss the coins