What this change means
Five lines move and only the top one stays: Thunder becomes Wind, the Lake becomes Earth, and a tree begins to grow within the ground. With five lines changing, the reading rests on the one still line of 46 Going Up, the sixth. It asks you to keep in mind what you want to achieve and not let circumstances pull you away from your goals. That's a fitting close to so much movement. You've adapted, listened, sorted your bonds and let things go; now the risk is losing your direction in all that flexibility. The resulting hexagram describes a rise that grows out of dedicated work, and says that seeking the help of an important person can bring great success. So keep climbing, ask for that help without fear, and check your direction often. Flexibility serves you only as long as it bends toward your aim.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 6 of 46 Going Up, which stays still
Keep in mind what you want to achieve and don't let circumstances pull you away from your goals.
Ascent in the dark. A constancy that never rests is favorable.
- The judgment of 17 Adapting
It's a time both to lead and to follow. If you can see the place life is asking you to take right now, and act genuinely from wherever you belong, you'll gain more leadership and more support for what you do.
Great success. Constancy is favorable. No fault.
- Line 1 of 17 Adapting
Being able to yield, listen and accept opinions different from yours will lead you to success.
The post changes. Constancy brings good fortune. Going out the gate to deal with others bears fruit.
- Line 2 of 17 Adapting
Choosing very carefully who you surround yourself with makes your projects succeed.
Cling to the boy, lose the grown man.
- Line 3 of 17 Adapting
People or situations that weren't good for you are moving away. Don't regret it: this clears the way for what is new and right for you to come closer.
Cling to the grown man, lose the boy. Following, what is sought is found. Abiding in constancy is favorable.
- Line 4 of 17 Adapting
Don't tie yourself to situations and people out of comfort or habit. Knowing how to choose who you keep around you, and stepping away from those you can tell aren't right, brings success.
Following brings a catch. Even with constancy, misfortune. There is sincere trust on the way; with clarity, what fault could there be?
- Line 5 of 17 Adapting
If a larger purpose drives you, a dream that inspires you, you'll get what you want.
Trust in what is good. Good fortune.
- The judgment of 46 Going Up
You're in a time of rising, and this rise is the fruit of work you've done with dedication. Seeking the help of an important person will bring great success; don't be afraid of that meeting, because everything is favorable now.
Great success. Seeing the great person is of use. Do not worry. Setting out southward brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
46 Going Up → 17 Adaptinglines 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
Other transformations of Adapting
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.