Transformation · lines 3, 4, and 6

Well-Being becomes Opposites

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

Fire above, the Lake below, each moving its own way: the third, fourth and top lines change, and Well-Being becomes 38 Opposites. The two judgments are set side by side. Well-Being describes harmony; 38 Opposites describes a situation where the people around you are different from you, yet you have to share with them, so what you can achieve for now is small. Don't give in, though. Each side should stay true to its own nature and bring that to something shared. Taken together, they say that peace doesn't require sameness. The good of this time can include real differences, and trying to erase them would cost more than it gains. Join with others while staying distinct, as the image puts it. Aim for small, concrete agreements, respect what you can't change in others, and keep yourself whole while you work alongside them.

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 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.

  2. The judgment of 38 Opposites

    You're in a situation of opposition: the people around you are different from you, yet you need to share with them. This means that what you can achieve for now is small. Even so, don't give in. It matters that both you and they keep your own nature and contribute from there to a shared project.

    In small matters, good fortune.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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 trigrams

Below Heaven Lake
Above Earth Fire

The way back

38 Opposites → 11 Well-Being
lines 3, 4, 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.

Toss the coins