What this change means
Steady as stone: that's the image of the second line, the one moving here as the lower Earth becomes Water. It describes someone who doesn't need the whole day to see what's happening, because they stay alert and read the signs. That attentiveness tells you when to advance and when to pull back, and constancy brings good fortune. The resulting hexagram, 40 Clearing Obstacles, says the blocks have fallen one by one and that balance now matters. Act quickly and decisively where you can, without overrating yourself, and rest or step back if you need to. The two fit closely. Enthusiasm alone won't tell you when to move; clear sight will. Keep your footing firm, watch the signs, and act as soon as the moment is clear rather than waiting for it to pass. Pardon small wrongs along the way.
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 16 Passion
Staying alert and reading the signs around you will let you know when to advance and when to withdraw.
Steady as stone. Not waiting for the day to end. Constancy brings good fortune.
- The judgment of 16 Passion
A time of passionate drive toward action. You can pass this passion on to others to gain their help, which lets you take on big projects with resolve and optimism. For these ventures to succeed and last, you can't look after only your own interests; you also need to keep in mind the needs of the people working with you.
It is favorable to install lords and set the army in motion.
- The judgment of 40 Clearing Obstacles
The obstacles have been overcome one by one. You're in a time when balance matters: act quickly and decisively as far as you can, without overrating your abilities. If you feel you need a rest, or even to step back before going on, do it.
The southwest is favorable. With nowhere to go, coming back brings good fortune. With somewhere to go, going early brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
40 Clearing Obstacles → 16 Passionline 2
Other transformations of Passion
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.