Transformation · lines 1, 3, 4, and 5

Adapting becomes Simplicity

Starting hexagram
Resulting hexagram

What this change means

A mountain inside the earth appears as the first, third, fourth and fifth lines change. When four lines move, the reading turns to the still lines of 15 Simplicity, the second and the sixth. The second says that doing things from the heart, and with simplicity, brings recognition. The sixth adds that if wrong situations come up, your stance must be firm, taking the actions needed to correct them. That pairing suits the road from adapting. You've learned to yield and listen and to release what wasn't good for you; now that openness has to rest on something steady. The resulting hexagram says this isn't the time to boast or show off. Keep things plain, act fairly, and your qualities will be seen. But simplicity isn't the same as letting things slide. Where something is clearly wrong, correct it without fuss.

What to read, in order

Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.

  1. Line 2 of 15 Simplicity, which stays still

    If you do things from the heart and with simplicity, you'll be recognized.

    Humility that makes itself heard. Constancy brings good fortune.

  2. Line 6 of 15 Simplicity, which stays still

    If situations come up that aren't right, your stance must be firm: take the actions needed to correct them.

    Humility that makes itself heard. It is favorable to set the army in motion against the town and the country.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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?

  7. 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.

  8. The judgment of 15 Simplicity

    This isn't the time to boast or show off. It's time to keep things simple and to make sure you act fairly; your qualities and talents will show on their own and be recognized.

    Success. The noble person reaches the end.

The trigrams

Above Lake Earth

The way back

15 Simplicity → 17 Adapting
lines 1, 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.

Toss the coins