What this change means
Fire now stands over water, as four lines move: the first, second, fifth and top. The reading looks to the still lines of 64 Transition, the third and fourth. The third warns that acting hastily or forcing things leads to failure, and that seeing this and leaning on people who can help puts you back on course. The fourth says the time for action has arrived: define what you want and head straight for it, and your progress can grow and last. These lines look contradictory but aren't. The resulting hexagram describes things coming together for success while some pieces haven't yet fallen into place. Coming out of adapting, you're asked first to stop rushing and accept help, and then, once your aim is clear, to move without hesitating. Watch for the mistakes of immaturity, even after a win.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 64 Transition, which stays still
Acting hastily or trying to force things will lead to failure. Recognizing this and leaning on those who can help you will let you get back on course.
Before crossing, setting out brings misfortune. It is favorable to cross the great river.
- Line 4 of 64 Transition, which stays still
The time for action has come. Define what you want and head straight for it: you'll make growing, lasting progress.
Constancy brings good fortune. Regret vanishes. With the force of thunder the land of Guifang is attacked; in three years comes a reward from the great kingdom.
- 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 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.
- Line 6 of 17 Adapting
You can win followers and support; even the most powerful people back you and recognize you.
Seized and bound, then tied fast still more. The king makes his offering on the western mountain.
- The judgment of 64 Transition
Things are coming together so that success can arrive and you can take on great projects, but some things still haven't fallen into place. So stay alert, so you don't make mistakes born of immaturity, or you'll drift from your goals. This can happen even after you've gotten what you want: you stop, you hesitate, and mistakes happen.
Success. The little fox has nearly crossed and wets its tail. Nothing is favorable.
The trigrams
The way back
64 Transition → 17 Adaptinglines 1, 2, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Adapting
- 48Right Actionlines 1, 2, 3, and 4
- 32What Lastslines 1, 2, 3, and 5
- 7The Armylines 1, 2, 4, and 5
- 15Simplicitylines 1, 3, 4, and 5
- 11Well-Beinglines 2, 3, 4, and 5
- 44Lack of Firmnesslines 1, 2, 3, and 6
- 59Release from Obstacleslines 1, 2, 4, and 6
- 53Gradual Progresslines 1, 3, 4, and 6
- 9Small Thingslines 2, 3, 4, and 6
- 56The Travelerlines 1, 3, 5, and 6
- 14Wealthlines 2, 3, 5, and 6
- 23The Falllines 1, 4, 5, and 6
- 41Decreaselines 2, 4, 5, and 6
- 22Good Mannerslines 3, 4, 5, and 6
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.