Transformation · lines 3, 5, and 6

Treading Carefully becomes Great Manifestation

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Thunder rolls above heaven when the third, fifth and top lines move, and the careful walk gains a surge of strength. Three changing lines put the two judgments in balance. In the starting one, a difficult passage opens because you move with care, aware of others and never forcing, and even rivals step aside. The resulting hexagram, 34 Great Manifestation, says you have the capacity for large projects and remarkable results, provided you stay active, persevere, and keep thought and action in harmony with what's right. Together they warn that strength makes care more necessary, not less. Power can tempt you to step on the tiger's tail without looking. Don't. Use your capacity fully, but keep the courtesy and awareness that made the strength trustworthy. Lasting achievement comes from force that stays principled.

What to read, in order

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

  1. 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.

  2. The judgment of 34 Great Manifestation

    You have what it takes to carry out big projects and achieve extraordinary things. Still, you need to stay active and keep persevering. Thinking and acting in harmony will keep you holding to what is right and will make your achievements last.

    Constancy is favorable.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

The trigrams

Below Lake Heaven
Above Heaven Thunder

The way back

34 Great Manifestation → 10 Treading Carefully
lines 3, 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