Transformation · line 4
Treading Carefully becomes Inner Integrity
What this change means
Wary, wary: the fourth line steps on the tiger's tail and still ends in good fortune. It's the heart of this change. You're getting into a risky venture, and what carries you through is inner strength and firmness, combined with alert caution at every step. As it moves, the upper Heaven becomes Wind, wind above the lake, and Treading Carefully becomes 61 Inner Integrity. That resulting hexagram names the source of the strength the line relies on. When you're whole inside, it shows outside, and your truth can move others toward great undertakings. So don't fake confidence. Build it from what you actually know and believe, and stay watchful anyway. Fear isn't a reason to stop here; it's a reason to step precisely. Danger handled with integrity tends to turn, slowly, into a passage, and people around you notice who kept steady.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- 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.
- 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 61 Inner Integrity
When you're whole within, it shows on the outside, and you'll be able to do great things and to let your truth move others toward great undertakings.
Piglets and fish: good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great river. Constancy is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
61 Inner Integrity → 10 Treading Carefullyline 4
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.