What this change means
Every line but the second moves, and Heaven pulls away from Water: Well-Being becomes 6 Conflict. Only the second keeps its place, and its advice is blunt: pulling back early, even if it seems cowardly, is the wisest move for now. The resulting hexagram describes a conflict that action can't solve; cleverness works better than force. Accepting that you can't settle it for now, letting events run their course and asking someone wise for advice will help you get out of it. The image is of heaven and water going opposite ways, and it urges thinking every undertaking through from the beginning. So the good time has turned contentious in this area. Don't stake your pride on winning. Step back before positions harden. Seek counsel, and next time, look at how things start, since that's where conflict is cheapest to avoid.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 2 of 6 Conflict, which stays still
Withdrawing in time, even if it looks cowardly, is the best move right now.
Unable to win the lawsuit. Turning back, slipping away; the people of the town, three hundred households, come to no harm.
- 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.
- Line 1 of 11 Well-Being
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.
- Line 3 of 11 Well-Being
There will be ups and downs. Don't despair: enjoy the calm moments and act with caution in the face of danger.
No plain without a slope, no going without return. Constancy in hardship: no fault. Do not grieve over its truth; in eating there is blessing.
- Line 4 of 11 Well-Being
Inner wealth lets you genuinely support people going through times of need. This will increase your well-being.
Fluttering. Not rich, with its neighbors. Not on guard, with sincere trust.
- Line 5 of 11 Well-Being
Joining with those who are at a disadvantage compared with you, and supporting them, brings you blessings.
Emperor Yi gives his younger sister in marriage. Blessing. Great good fortune.
- Line 6 of 11 Well-Being
The situation may take a turn for the worse. Pay attention and watch for the first signs of decline. If you insist on pressing ahead, there will be loss.
The city wall falls back into the moat. Do not use the army. From the town, orders are proclaimed. Constancy brings distress.
- The judgment of 6 Conflict
A conflict is arising that can't be solved by action; cleverness works better than force. Recognizing that you can't resolve anything right now, letting events take their course, and seeking the advice of someone wise in this area will help you get out of the conflict.
There is sincere trust, but it is blocked. Caution: stopping halfway brings good fortune; going all the way to the end, misfortune. It is favorable to see the great person. It is not favorable to cross the great river.
The trigrams
The way back
6 Conflict → 11 Well-Beinglines 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Well-Being
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.